Audiophiles Rejoice! Bluesound Pulse Vs. Sonos Arc: The Ultimate Battle Of Sound
What To Know
- If you prioritize a compact and minimalist design, high-resolution audio playback, and a wide range of streaming services, the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is an excellent choice.
- If you desire a more immersive and cinematic Dolby Atmos experience, a wider soundstage, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Arc is the way to go.
- The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar excels in its compact design and high-resolution audio playback, while the Sonos Arc offers a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem.
In the realm of premium home audio, Bluesound and Sonos stand as two titans, each offering exceptional soundbars that promise an immersive and cinematic experience. In this comprehensive analysis, we pit the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar against the Sonos Arc, examining their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar exudes a minimalist and modern aesthetic, with a sleek and compact design that complements any home décor. Its low-profile form factor allows for discreet placement beneath your TV, while the included wall mount offers a seamless and space-saving installation.
On the other hand, the Sonos Arc boasts a more substantial and premium build. Its curved design and premium materials give it an air of sophistication and elegance. The soundbar is designed to be the centerpiece of your home theater system, with a wider footprint and a more imposing presence.
Sound Quality
Both the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc deliver exceptional sound quality, but they approach it in slightly different ways.
The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar features a 5.1.2 channel configuration, with five forward-facing drivers, two upward-firing drivers, and two side-firing drivers. This arrangement creates a wide and immersive soundstage, with crystal-clear dialogue, deep and impactful bass, and precise spatial imaging.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, utilizes a 5.1.2 channel system with Dolby Atmos support. This means it can decode and reproduce Dolby Atmos content, which creates a more enveloping and realistic three-dimensional sound experience. The Arc’s wider soundstage and enhanced height channels offer a more immersive and cinematic experience.
Features and Functionality
The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar offers a wide range of features to enhance your listening experience. It supports high-resolution audio playback, including MQA, and features a built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant for convenient control. Additionally, it has a dedicated HDMI eARC port for lossless audio transmission and an optical input for legacy devices.
The Sonos Arc is equally well-equipped, with support for Dolby Atmos, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. It also features a built-in microphone for voice control and automatic room calibration for optimal sound performance. However, it lacks a dedicated HDMI eARC port, which may limit its compatibility with certain TVs.
Connectivity and Streaming
Both the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc offer extensive connectivity options. They both support Wi-Fi and Ethernet for wireless streaming, as well as Bluetooth for direct pairing with mobile devices.
The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar has a slight edge in terms of streaming capabilities. It supports a wider range of music streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD, while the Sonos Arc is limited to Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.
Control and Usability
The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc offer user-friendly control options. The Pulse Soundbar comes with a dedicated remote control, as well as a smartphone app for iOS and Android. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, can be controlled via the Sonos app, which offers a comprehensive and intuitive interface.
Both soundbars also support voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and access streaming services hands-free.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize a compact and minimalist design, high-resolution audio playback, and a wide range of streaming services, the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is an excellent choice.
If you desire a more immersive and cinematic Dolby Atmos experience, a wider soundstage, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Arc is the way to go.
Verdict: A Close Call
Both the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc are exceptional soundbars that deliver premium sound quality and an array of features. The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar excels in its compact design and high-resolution audio playback, while the Sonos Arc offers a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your individual priorities and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: The Sonos Arc has a wider soundstage, thanks to its larger size and wider speaker array.
Q: Does the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar support Dolby Atmos?
A: No, the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos.
Q: Which soundbar has better voice control integration?
A: Both soundbars offer voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but the Sonos Arc has a built-in microphone for hands-free control.
Q: Is the Sonos Arc compatible with all TVs?
A: The Sonos Arc is compatible with TVs that support HDMI ARC or eARC.
Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?
A: The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is generally more affordable than the Sonos Arc.