I shelved my subwoofer after hearing what this stylish soundbar could do – just be prepared for the price

Bluesound Pulse Cinema Soundbar Review: Rich, Dynamic Sound Without a Subwoofer

The Bluesound Pulse Cinema soundbar is turning heads in the home theater world, offering a premium audio experience that challenges even top-tier competitors. Priced at just under $1,500, this 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar delivers room-filling, dynamic sound that rivals systems with dedicated subwoofers. Here’s why it’s generating buzz among audiophiles and casual viewers alike.

ZDNET’s Key Takeaways

• The Bluesound Pulse Cinema is available from Amazon for just under $1,500.
• Delivers rich, dynamic, and room-filling sound without missing a word of dialogue.
• Requires an app for control, which has a steep learning curve and limited customization options.

Design and Build
The Pulse Cinema boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a long, pill-shaped form factor. Its clean, elegant aesthetic is free from distracting LED displays or lights, making it a versatile addition to any home theater setup. The soundbar can be placed flat on a table or mounted on a wall, offering flexibility in placement.

Sound Performance
Despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer, the Pulse Cinema delivers impressive bass and depth, thanks to its 16 drivers, including upfiring and center channels. The built-in Surround Upmixer feature transforms channel-based audio into a virtualized surround sound experience, creating a wide 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos soundstage. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, the sound is rich, dynamic, and lifelike.

App and Connectivity
The Bluesound app, while functional, leaves much to be desired. Its user interface is subpar, and the controls are inadequate for fine-tuning sound. The lack of an EQ and limited integration with streaming services like Spotify are notable drawbacks. However, the soundbar’s HDMI eARC connectivity ensures seamless setup and superior audio quality compared to Bluetooth.

Why It Stands Out
The Pulse Cinema excels in delivering a subwoofer-like experience without the need for additional hardware. This makes it ideal for users with limited space or those who prefer a clutter-free setup. Its ability to produce booming, clear, and dynamic sound from a single bar is a significant advantage over competitors.

Final Verdict
While the Bluesound Pulse Cinema is a premium investment, its performance and flexibility make it a strong contender in the high-end soundbar market. If you’re looking for a space-saving solution that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, this soundbar is hard to beat.

Specs at a Glance

• 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar with 16 drivers
• Built-in amplification and Dolby Atmos decoding
• Smart DSP with automatic orientation sensing
• HDMI eARC, optical, and analog inputs
• Subwoofer output for wired or wireless bass extension
• Multi-room streaming with BluOS
• Wall-mount bracket included
• Movie, Music, and Late Night listening modes
• High-res audio and MQA playback support

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