Audio Video News

Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Pulse Sub: $799 (originally $999)

It’s hard to go wrong with a soundbar system designed by the sister company of audio stalwarts NAD and PSB. Bluesound takes a music first approach with the Pulse soundbar, which supports high-resolution audio up to 192 kHz/24 bits as well as files encoded in the new MQA format—all of which translates into dynamic sound, lifelike stereo imaging, and remarkable bass extension. Add to that multiroom streaming abilities and you have a well-rounded compact audio system that even a diehard audio veteran like Dan Kumin can recommend without reservation.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent musical sound quality
Notable bass extension, with or without sub
Many streaming capabilities, including hi-res audio
Multiroom system architecture
Visually outstanding
Minus
Some level and dynamics limitations
Occasional cumbersome or inconsistent operation

Full Review Here

 

Polk MagniFi Mini Soundbar: $300

Perfect for secondary TVs in smaller rooms, Polk’s MagniFi Mini may be only 14 inches wide but it will put any TV speaker to shame, playing louder and cleaner than you have the right to expect with solid bass delivered by its companion subwoofer. “Throughout my listening, I had to keep reminding myself that the MagniFi Mini costs just $300,” concluded reviewer Michael Trei. “A small price to pay for such an important part of the TV-watching experience. As a bonus, you also get a good sounding, network-capable wireless music system.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Big sound from a tiny speaker
Carefully voiced with neutral tonal balance
Minus
No HDMI video passthrough
Sub’s performance limited by its small size

Full Review Here

 

Sonos Playbase Wireless Soundbase: $699

For the folks who don’t mount their TV on a wall—which is most of us—the Sonos Playbase is an elegant way of creating an excellent-sounding home theater system that’s nearly invisible, super-easy to set up, and blessedly simple to use. Unlike a soundbar that sits in front of the TV, the acoustically inert Playbase supports the TV while delivering solid bass and an impressively big soundstage from 10 drivers strategically positioned in a sleek enclosure that’s only 2.3 inches tall. What’s more, it can be easily integrated into a Sonos multiroom music system.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Only 2.28 inches tall
Utilizes Sonos Trueplay acoustic tuning technology
Can be part of a Sonos multiroom audio system

Minus
No volume level indicator
Optical digital and network audio inputs only

Full Review Here