Bluesound pulse vs sonos arc: the ultimate guide to finding the perfect soundbar

In the realm of home audio, Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc stand as two formidable contenders, each promising an immersive and unparalleled sound experience. With their advanced features and sleek designs, these soundbars are designed to elevate your entertainment setup to new heights. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc, helping you make an informed decision for your home audio needs.

Design and Aesthetics

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar exudes a sophisticated and minimalist aesthetic, featuring a sleek black or white finish and a low-profile design that seamlessly blends into any room décor. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc boasts a more curved and angular design, with a premium matte black finish and a slightly larger footprint. Both soundbars offer wall-mountability for a clean and space-saving setup.

Audio Performance

Sound Quality:

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar delivers a rich and detailed soundstage, with a wide frequency response that extends from deep bass to crystal-clear highs. Its six drivers, including two woofers and four full-range drivers, work in harmony to create a powerful and immersive soundscape. The Sonos Arc, with its eleven drivers and Dolby Atmos support, offers a more expansive and cinematic sound experience, delivering precise object-based audio for a truly immersive home theater experience.

Bass Response:

Both soundbars offer impressive bass response, but the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar has a slight edge in this area. Its larger woofers and dedicated subwoofer output allow it to produce deeper and more impactful bass, ideal for action-packed movies and music with a strong bass presence.

Surround Sound:

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar supports virtual surround sound through its built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder, providing a wider and more immersive sound experience. The Sonos Arc, however, offers a true 5.1.2 surround sound experience with dedicated height channels, creating a more enveloping and realistic soundscape for movies and TV shows.

Features and Functionality

Streaming Capabilities:

Both the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc offer a wide range of streaming options, including Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar also supports Hi-Res audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, providing a pristine listening experience for high-quality audio sources.

Voice Control:

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing you to control playback, adjust volume, and access music hands-free. The Sonos Arc also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but not Siri.

Multi-Room Audio:

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is part of the BluOS ecosystem, which allows you to create a multi-room audio system with other Bluesound products. This enables you to play the same music throughout your home or different music in different rooms. Sonos also offers a multi-room audio system, but it requires a separate Sonos Connect or Sonos Port device to integrate non-Sonos speakers.

Connectivity and Expandability

Inputs and Outputs:

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, analog, and USB. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of inputs, featuring HDMI eARC, optical, and Ethernet.

Expandability:

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar can be expanded with additional Bluesound products, such as subwoofers and wireless speakers, to create a more immersive home audio system. The Sonos Arc also offers expandability options, allowing you to add Sonos Sub and Sonos One SL speakers for a more powerful and versatile setup.

Price and Value

The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar retails for $899, while the Sonos Arc is priced at $999. Both soundbars offer excellent value for money, delivering high-quality sound and a range of features. The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is a more budget-friendly option with a slightly less immersive soundstage, while the Sonos Arc provides a more cinematic and feature-rich experience at a slightly higher price point.

Which Soundbar is Right for You?

The choice between the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize deep bass response, Hi-Res audio playback, and multi-room audio capabilities, the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you desire a more immersive surround sound experience, Dolby Atmos support, and a wider range of streaming options, the Sonos Arc is the superior option.

Final Thoughts: A Sound Investment

Both the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar and Sonos Arc are exceptional soundbars that will elevate your home entertainment experience. With their powerful sound, versatile features, and sleek designs, they offer a compelling value proposition for audio enthusiasts and home theater enthusiasts alike. Whether you choose the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar for its budget-friendly price and deep bass response or the Sonos Arc for its immersive surround sound and expanded feature set, you’re sure to enjoy a premium audio experience that will bring your movies, music, and TV shows to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality?
A: The Sonos Arc offers a more expansive and cinematic sound experience with its Dolby Atmos support and dedicated height channels.

Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?
A: The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is slightly more budget-friendly, retailing for $899 compared to the Sonos Arc’s $999 price tag.

Q: Which soundbar offers multi-room audio capabilities?
A: Both soundbars support multi-room audio, but the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar is part of the BluOS ecosystem, which offers a wider range of compatible products.