Finally, I found a room-filling soundbar that makes a subwoofer unnecessary for me

Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most well-liked supply on Google.

In terms of watching TV or taking part in video games, I favor my sound to fill a room with wealthy, dynamic, and correct sound. To this point, my favourite soundbar has been the JBL Bar 1000, and no different has come even near topping that system.

My bar has been set very excessive.

Once I acquired the Bluesound Pulse Cinema, I used to be sure it might fall wanting the JBL’s sound. In any case, this soundbar did not embody a subwoofer (though it does have a single RCA output for one), so how might it presumably examine to the bass produced by the Bar 1000?

Seems, the Pulse Cinema delivers some surprises. Let me clarify.

My expertise

I related the Pulse Cinema to my TV through HDMI eARC, which was considerably nicer than connecting through Bluetooth (with much less delay and extra codec assist). HDMI additionally meant connectivity was simpler and instantaneous. I’d at all times favor a wired connection for my soundbars over Bluetooth.

In different phrases, connecting the Pluse Cinema soundbar was easy.

Then got here the app.

I do not find out about you, however I’m so over the whole lot requiring an app. I get it: It is in all probability cheaper for producers to depend on shoppers for putting in apps and utilizing their telephones as remotes (as a substitute of getting to construct and ship a bodily distant with the system).

Typically, these apps aren’t dangerous. Within the case of the Bluesound Pulse Cinema, the app is dangerous. The UI is subpar, the controls are insufficient, and the general expertise is complicated. On prime of that, the flexibility to change the sound is, properly, not there. 

There is not any EQ, which might be extremely helpful for this speaker. Moreover, you need to be capable of join the soundbar to providers like Spotify. Strive as I’d, the connection couldn’t be made (even with my telephone related to my Spotify account).

The app additionally has a little bit of a studying curve, which actually should not be the case.

However how does it sound? In any case, that is the one most necessary side of a soundbar. 

Fortuitously, the sound produced by the Bluesound Pulse Cinema makes up for the problems with the app. Sure, it might tremendously profit from having a subwoofer related, however even with out a sub, the sound is wealthy and dynamic. 

There’s additionally one thing Bluesound calls Encompass Upmixer, which turns channel-based audio right into a virtualized encompass sound. 

My JBL Bar 1000 contains two satellite tv for pc audio system, which do a terrific job of filling a room with lovely sound from each nook. That being stated, the Pulse Cinema does a exceptional job of simulating encompass. This function is enabled by default, and you’ll look forward to finding satellite tv for pc audio system conveniently positioned across the room.

It is actually spectacular.

Additionally, even with out a sub, you get a shocking quantity of rumble and thump from the speaker. The typical ear is not going to miss the subwoofer. I’d speculate that the typical ear may assume a sub related to the Pulse Cinema could be overkill.

The rationale why this soundbar is ready to ship such wonderful sound is because of its 16 drivers, together with devoted upfiring and middle channels. The speaker association creates a surprisingly huge 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos soundstage, and you may by no means miss a phrase of dialogue, a notice of music, or a single element.

Even listening to the newest episode of Fallout, with all of the ambient sound, I had no challenge listening to dialogue. To my shock, the dialogue did not sound in any respect tinny (which is a pet peeve of mine). Voices sounded dimensional and lifelike. 

The look

Though I am keen on the look of the JBL Bar 1000, the Pulse Cinema is a good looking piece of tech. It is a lengthy pill-shaped speaker with a design scheme that is not interrupted by LED shows, lights, or the rest. It is clear and stylish. And with the flexibility to make use of it both positioned flat on a desk (or TV stand) or mounted to a wall, this soundbar ought to slot in with practically any aesthetic.

However once more, I’m going again to the sound, and the Bluesound Pulse Cinema delivers. I spent just a few hours listening to the Pulse Cinema and after I lastly went again to the JBL, I did not discover myself pondering, “Whew, I am glad I am again to this.”

In truth, after going again to the JBL, I used to be stunned that the sound appeared a bit much less dimensional than the Pulse Cinema — and that is saying rather a lot.

ZDNET shopping for recommendation

The Bluesound Pulse Cinema is not low cost. At simply round $1,500, you could possibly actually purchase cheaper soundbars. Provided that the JBL Bar 1000 can now be had for nearly half the worth of the Pulse Cinema, it is a exhausting promote.

Nevertheless, with the Pulse Cinema, you get extra for much less, in addition to the next stage of flexibility. Having a soundbar that offers you the sensation of a subwoofer, with out truly needing one (and taking on area), is a big benefit. 

I like a very good subwoofer, however I have been in conditions the place having one simply is not sensible. In these circumstances, I’ve at all times felt a scarcity of low-end diminished the expertise. You do not have to fret about that with the Pulse Cinema, and that alone might make it definitely worth the value.

I might have a tricky time selecting between the Pulse Cinema and the JBL Bar 1000. The Pulse Cinema delivers wonderful depth, easy mids, and sensible highs — all from a single bar. So, in case you’re pressed for area however nonetheless need booming, clear, dynamic sound, the Pulse Cinema is difficult to beat.

The specs

• 3.2.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar with 16 drivers
• Constructed-in amplification and Dolby Atmos decoding
• Sensible DSP with computerized orientation sensing
• HDMI eARC, optical, analog inputs simplified for TV setup
• Subwoofer output for wired or wi-fi bass extension
• Tailor-made encompass sound with Pulse M, Pulse F,lex and SUB+
• Seamless multi-room streaming with BluOS
• Wall-mount bracket included
• Film, Music, and Late Night time listening modes
• Excessive-res audio and MQA playback assist