? Are you trying to decide if the Bluesound Pulse SOUNDBAR+ Wireless Multi-Room Smart Soundbar with Bluetooth – Black (Pulse+BLK) is the right upgrade for your home audio setup?
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Product snapshot
You’ll find the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ positioned as a high-fidelity smart soundbar that aims to bring both premium music streaming and immersive home theater sound into one package. It combines aptX HD Bluetooth for high-quality wireless music, Dolby Atmos 3D audio for movies and games, and the option to add Bluesound PULSE SUB+ and PULSE FLEX 2i speakers for a full low-latency surround setup.
Key specifications
Below you’ll get a concise breakdown of the most important specs so you can quickly scan what matters for your setup. These figures will help you compare the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ to other soundbars and systems.
| Spec category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | Bluesound Pulse SOUNDBAR+ Wireless Multi-Room Smart Soundbar with Bluetooth – Black (Pulse+BLK) |
| Wireless audio | aptX HD Bluetooth (high-resolution Bluetooth streaming) |
| Surround audio | Dolby Atmos 3D audio (supported) |
| Multi-room | BLUOS software update available (Fall 2021) for expanded multi-room features |
| Expandability | Supports pairing with PULSE SUB+ and PULSE FLEX 2i for low-latency surround |
| HDMI | HDMI eARC input for high-bandwidth audio and simplified control |
| Power | Corded electric, 120.0 watts |
| Included components | AC Power Cord |
| Use cases | Music streaming, home theater, gaming, multi-room audio |
Bluesound Pulse SOUNDBAR+ Wireless Multi-Room Smart Soundbar with Bluetooth - Black (Pulse+BLK)
Design and build
The Pulse SOUNDBAR+ has a modern, understated look that blends into most living rooms without drawing attention away from your TV. You’ll notice quality materials and a finish that matches other premium audio equipment, which helps it feel like a serious audio product rather than a generic accessory.
Physical dimensions and aesthetics
The soundbar’s length and proportions are designed to sit beneath most televisions without blocking the lower portion of the screen or IR sensors. You’ll appreciate the black finish that keeps the unit visually low-profile and compatible with many décor styles.
Included components and power
When you unbox the Pulse SOUNDBAR+, you’ll find the AC power cord included so you can get started right away, along with the soundbar itself and the necessary documentation. The unit draws power via a corded electric supply and is specified at 120 watts, which gives it enough headroom for dynamic playback in typical living spaces.
Setup and installation
Setting up the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ is designed to be straightforward whether you’re connecting by HDMI eARC or streaming via Bluetooth. You’ll be guided through pairing and network steps if you opt for the BLUOS features, and there are basic on-device and remote controls to make day-to-day use simple.
Unboxing and physical setup
When you remove the soundbar from its packaging, take a moment to locate the power cord and any mounting hardware if you plan to wall-mount. You’ll find the unit feels solid and the connections are easy to access on the back, making it simple to place on a media console or affix to the wall.
HDMI eARC and TV integration
Using the HDMI eARC input lets you pass high-bitrate audio from your TV to the soundbar and often preserves advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. You’ll also benefit from simplified control because televisions and soundbars can communicate volume commands and source switching over eARC, reducing the number of remotes you need.
Wireless and Bluetooth pairing
Pairing via aptX HD Bluetooth is quick and convenient for ad-hoc listening from phones or laptops without touching your home network. You’ll appreciate the higher-quality Bluetooth codec support for compatible devices, which preserves more detail than standard SBC Bluetooth in everyday streams.
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Sound performance
The core appeal of the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ is its attempt to balance music fidelity with home theater immersion, so you’ll want to look at how it handles Atmos, dialogue, bass, and overall tonal balance. The result is a soundbar that aims to be versatile: musical enough for full-album listening, and dynamic enough for movies and games.
Dolby Atmos and 3D imaging
Dolby Atmos support gives the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ the tools to render overhead and object-based audio cues when the source provides them. You’ll notice lift and a more three-dimensional soundstage in Atmos-enabled content, with sounds placed more precisely in space than a conventional stereo bar.
Dialogue clarity and center performance
The soundbar puts emphasis on clear, intelligible dialogue to prevent movie lines from being masked by effects or music. You’ll find speech remains forward and articulate at moderate listening levels, which is especially helpful for TV shows and news programming.
Bass and low-frequency handling
The integrated drivers provide respectable low-frequency extension for a soundbar, delivering punch and rhythm that’s satisfying for most music and movie effects. You’ll get a tighter, more controlled bass response still bested by a dedicated subwoofer, which is why Bluesound recommends combining the system with a PULSE SUB+ for deeper, room-filling bass.
Highs, detail, and tonal balance
Treble response on the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ tends to be detailed without being overly bright, which helps preserve the natural character of vocals and acoustic instruments. You’ll appreciate how the highs remain textured yet polite, avoiding piercing sibilance while keeping transient detail clear.
Soundstage and imaging
One of the strong suits is the sense of soundstage: the bar creates an expansive image that extends beyond the physical width of the cabinet. You’ll perceive instruments and effects placed cleanly across the front and, with Atmos material, lifted into a vertical dimension that enhances immersion.
Multi-room and networking
The BLUOS software update planned for Fall 2021 adds essential multi-room streaming and ecosystem features to the Pulse SOUNDBAR+. You’ll get the capability to integrate this soundbar into a broader Bluesound system if you choose to expand across rooms.
BLUOS update and capabilities
With the BLUOS update, the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ gains multi-room audio features that let you synchronize playback with other BLUOS-enabled devices throughout your home. You’ll be able to stream from network sources, share audio between rooms, and use BluOS’s control app for group playback and advanced routing.
Combining with PULSE SUB+ and PULSE FLEX 2i
If you want a fuller home theater experience, pairing the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ with a PULSE SUB+ and a pair of PULSE FLEX 2i speakers creates a low-latency surround setup. You’ll benefit from a deeper bass foundation and discrete rear imaging when you expand with those components, and the system’s timing is tuned to keep lip-sync and effects aligned.
Streaming and Bluetooth
Bluesound focuses on high-quality streaming options, and the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ continues that tradition by supporting aptX HD Bluetooth for high-resolution wireless playback. You’ll also have flexibility to stream directly from apps or use the BLUOS ecosystem for networked services once the update is applied.
aptX HD Bluetooth quality
aptX HD Bluetooth offers a higher bandwidth codec than standard Bluetooth SBC and AAC, which helps preserve more musical detail when streaming from compatible smartphones or laptops. You’ll notice improved clarity and dynamic contrast when using aptX HD-capable devices, particularly with high-quality source material.
Streaming from apps and services
Once networked via BLUOS, you’ll have access to many popular music services, internet radio, and local library playback depending on app support and licensing. You’ll be able to control playback from a phone or tablet and create multi-room groupings for synchronized listening throughout your home.
Use cases
The Pulse SOUNDBAR+ is intended to be versatile so you can deploy it in several roles depending on your priorities. Whether you’re focused on cinematic immersion, casual music listening, or gaming, this soundbar is designed to be a flexible centerpiece.
Home theater and movies
For movies, the combination of Dolby Atmos and strong center-channel performance gives you a cinematic experience without a full surround speaker array. You’ll find that action scenes feel more alive and dialogues stay intelligible even during dense sound design moments.
Music listening
The soundbar’s balanced tuning and high-quality Bluetooth support make it a great option for dedicated music listening sessions too. You’ll appreciate its ability to reveal detail in vocals and instruments while maintaining coherent rhythms and musicality.
Gaming
Gamers will value the low-latency surround potential when paired with PULSE FLEX 2i satellites and the PULSE SUB+, as well as the immediacy of HDMI eARC connections for consoles. You’ll benefit from precise directional cues and strong dynamics that elevate competitive titles and narrative-driven games alike.
Controls and user experience
Daily use of the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ is straightforward thanks to physical buttons, a remote or TV control through eARC, and the companion app for deeper settings. You’ll quickly find the basic controls meet everyday needs while the app allows you to tweak network and multi-room behavior.
Remote, buttons, and on-device controls
The included remote or on-device buttons provide simple access to volume, playback, and inputs so you won’t need to rely solely on your phone. You’ll find the control layout intuitive and the responsiveness consistent during normal operation.
App experience and updates
When BLUOS is enabled, the app-driven experience gives you advanced routing, EQ, firmware updates, and multi-room grouping. You’ll appreciate regular updates from Bluesound that add features or improve stability, keeping your soundbar current over time.
Performance in real rooms
How the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ sounds depends heavily on where you place it and the size and acoustic characteristics of your room. You’ll get best results when matching placement and configuration to the scale of your living space and listening habits.
Small living room
In a small living room, the soundbar will feel powerful and detailed without overwhelming the space, delivering intimate imaging and full bass that’s often sufficient for most movies. You’ll likely find the integrated bass is adequate for casual watching, but a PULSE SUB+ will add authoritative low-end if you love big cinematic explosions.
Large open-plan room
In a large or open-plan room, the soundbar will provide a good center stage but may benefit from additional speakers to fill the space more evenly. You’ll notice gaps in rear imaging or low-frequency impact if you rely solely on the bar for a big area, so pairing with sub and satellite speakers is recommended for best impact.
Comparisons
Comparing the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ to peers helps you understand whether its feature set and sound character match your needs and budget. You’ll want to weigh multi-room capabilities, high-resolution Bluetooth, Dolby Atmos support, and upgradeability when comparing.
Against soundbars in the same class
Versus other premium soundbars, the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ stands out for its emphasis on music fidelity via aptX HD and BLUOS multi-room support. You’ll find competitive soundbars may focus more narrowly on cinematic effects or built-in voice assistants, but Bluesound leans into a hybrid approach that serves both music lovers and home theater users.
Against separates (AV receiver + speakers)
Compared with a traditional AV receiver and separate speakers, the soundbar offers simpler setup and a smaller footprint while still delivering immersive Atmos and strong music playback. You’ll trade some ultimate system flexibility and upgrade paths that separates provide, but gain convenience and a cleaner look that many find attractive for living rooms.
Setup tips and calibration
A few simple setup choices will significantly improve your listening experience, especially when integrating the pulse bar into an existing home theater or multi-room network. You’ll get better results by paying attention to placement, wiring, and firmware updates.
Placement and wall-mounting
Place the soundbar centered beneath your TV on a stable surface or use supplied wall-mounts if you prefer to hang it at ear height. You’ll maximize dialogue intelligibility and imaging when the bar is unobstructed and roughly aligned with your primary listening position.
EQ, room correction, and firmware
Use any built-in EQ or app-based room correction features to tailor the sound to your room’s acoustics, and check for firmware updates regularly. You’ll discover firmware updates can add features and improve compatibility, while EQ adjustments help smooth out room peaks and dips for a more balanced sound.
Common issues and troubleshooting
Most users will experience smooth operation, but occasional hiccups like Bluetooth dropouts or lip-sync problems can occur depending on the source and network. You’ll find simple troubleshooting steps typically resolve these, and knowing what to try first will save time and frustration.
Bluetooth dropouts
If your Bluetooth connection drops, check for interference from other devices and keep the source within a reasonable distance with clear line-of-sight. You’ll also want to verify the source device supports aptX HD and ensure both devices have current firmware to minimize codec or handshake issues.
Lip sync / audio delay with eARC
If you notice lip sync issues when using HDMI eARC, try toggling your TV’s audio delay or adjusting the soundbar’s sync setting if available. You’ll sometimes need to ensure both TV and soundbar firmware are current, as manufacturers release updates that can fix timing and compatibility problems.
Pros and cons
A balanced list of strengths and limitations helps you decide whether the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ aligns with your priorities. You’ll get a clear view of what this product does exceptionally well and where it might fall short compared to alternatives.
Pros:
- High-resolution aptX HD Bluetooth for excellent wireless music quality. You’ll enjoy detailed playback from compatible devices.
- Dolby Atmos support for immersive 3D audio in movies and games. You’ll get better overhead imaging than standard stereo bars.
- Expandable multi-room ecosystem with BLUOS update and optional PULSE SUB+ and PULSE FLEX 2i satellites. You’ll be able to scale the system as needs grow.
- HDMI eARC for simplified TV integration and higher bandwidth audio passthrough. You’ll appreciate fewer cables and better control.
Cons:
- Integrated bass, while capable, can’t fully replace a dedicated subwoofer for deep cinematic impact. You’ll likely want the PULSE SUB+ if you crave room-shaking lows.
- Some advanced features depend on BLUOS update availability and app support. You’ll need to apply updates and rely on app ecosystems for full functionality.
- No built-in voice assistant noted in the base spec, which some competitors include. You’ll miss direct voice control unless integrating with an external assistant-enabled device.
Who should buy this
You should consider the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ if you value both high-quality music playback and immersive movie sound within a single, elegant package. You’ll especially benefit if you plan to expand into a Bluesound multi-room ecosystem or want the option to add a dedicated subwoofer and rear satellites later.
Final thoughts and recommendation
If your priority is a versatile soundbar that treats music as seriously as movies, the Bluesound Pulse SOUNDBAR+ is a strong contender that blends aptX HD Bluetooth, Dolby Atmos, and upgradeable multi-room capabilities. You’ll get a refined audio experience out of the box, and the option to expand with Bluesound components makes it a future-proof choice for a home audio enthusiast.
Frequently asked questions
You’ll often have a few practical questions before buying; below are answers to common concerns that people raise about the Pulse SOUNDBAR+.
Q: Can the unit be used solely as a Bluetooth speaker?
A: Yes, you can use the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ as a Bluetooth speaker with aptX HD support for compatible devices, making it convenient for casual listening.
Q: Is the BLUOS update mandatory to use the soundbar?
A: No, the soundbar functions as a basic audio device without BLUOS, but the BLUOS update unlocks expanded multi-room streaming and network features that enhance its capabilities.
Q: Do you need the PULSE SUB+ to get good bass?
A: Not necessarily; the integrated bass is solid for many users, but if you want deep, impactful low frequencies typical of theatrical sound, the PULSE SUB+ will deliver a significant upgrade.
Q: Does it support voice assistants natively?
A: Voice assistant support is not specified in the base product details, so if built-in voice control is essential to you, confirm the current firmware and app integrations or plan to pair it with a voice-enabled device.
Q: Will it work with non-Bluesound gear?
A: Yes, it’s designed to integrate with standard home theater setups via HDMI eARC and Bluetooth, so you can use it alongside other brands and devices without issue.
Additional tips for getting the most out of the Pulse SOUNDBAR+
A few small adjustments after setup can greatly enhance your day-to-day listening experience. You’ll benefit from spending a little time positioning the soundbar, checking firmware, and testing sources to find your preferred sound.
- Check for firmware updates right away to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes. You’ll typically find improvements and added compatibility over time.
- If you plan to prioritize music, try streaming high-bitrate tracks and check the aptX HD handshake with your phone to ensure you’re getting the best Bluetooth quality. You’ll notice a notable difference with higher-quality files.
- For movie nights, consider adding the PULSE SUB+ for deeper impact and a pair of PULSE FLEX 2i speakers for rear imaging if you want a full surround experience. You’ll transform seating-area experiences into something more cinematic with those additions.
If you’d like, I can create a concise buying checklist or compare the Pulse SOUNDBAR+ to specific competitor models you’re considering. You’ll get tailored guidance to match your room, budget, and feature priorities.
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