Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar Soundbar Review
Immersive Audio with Smart Features
- Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Verdict
- Comparisons
- Design
- Sound
- Features
- Setup
- Conclusion
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar represents a significant leap in home audio technology, offering a compact yet powerful solution for those seeking an immersive sound experience. This latest addition to the Bose lineup combines the company's proprietary TrueSpace technology with Dolby Atmos capabilities, delivering a surprisingly expansive soundstage from a single, sleek unit. Designed to enhance everything from movies and TV shows to music, this soundbar stands out with its AI Dialogue Mode for crystal-clear vocals and its ability to upmix various audio signals for a more enveloping experience. With built-in voice control features and support for multiple streaming platforms, it aims to be the centerpiece of a modern smart home entertainment system. While it excels in many areas, the absence of deep bass without an additional subwoofer and the lack of DTS support are notable considerations for potential buyers.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Verdict
Pros
- Immersive Dolby Atmos sound
- Compact design with powerful audio
- AI-enhanced dialogue clarity
- Versatile streaming options
- Easy setup and control
Cons
- Limited bass without subwoofer
- No DTS support
- Single HDMI port
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers an impressive audio experience in a compact package. Its ability to produce immersive sound, including Dolby Atmos effects, from such a small form factor is noteworthy. The proprietary TrueSpace technology effectively upmixes various audio signals, creating a multi-channel sound experience that extends beyond the physical dimensions of the soundbar.
One of the standout features is the AI Dialogue Mode, which enhances vocal clarity without compromising the overall sound balance. This, combined with the soundbar’s ability to retain dynamics well even at high volumes, makes it particularly suitable for dialogue-heavy content and general TV viewing. The wide range of streaming options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, adds to its versatility as an all-in-one audio solution.
However, the Bose Smart Soundbar is not without its limitations. The lack of deep bass, a common issue with compact soundbars, is noticeable, especially during action-packed scenes or bass-heavy music. While this can be addressed by adding an optional subwoofer, it comes at an additional cost. The absence of DTS support may also be a drawback for users with extensive Blu-ray collections.
Despite these shortcomings, the Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers good value for its price point. Its ease of setup, intuitive app control, and built-in voice assistant support make it a user-friendly option for those looking to upgrade their TV audio without the complexity of a full surround sound system. While it may not satisfy the most demanding audiophiles, it strikes a commendable balance between performance, features, and convenience for the average user.
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| Color | Model Number | |
| Black | 892079-1100 |
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Compared To Other Soundbars
Pros
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance for its size
- Superior dialogue clarity with AI Dialogue Mode
- Versatile streaming options and voice control
Cons
- Limited bass response compared to larger soundbars
- Higher price point than some competitors
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar holds its own against competitors in the premium soundbar market. Its compact design and impressive Dolby Atmos performance set it apart, delivering immersive sound that belies its size. The AI Dialogue Mode offers superior vocal clarity, a feature that outperforms many rivals. Additionally, its versatile streaming options and voice control capabilities make it a strong contender in the smart home audio space.
However, when compared to larger soundbars like the Sonos Arc or Samsung Q-series, the Bose may fall short in terms of deep bass response without an additional subwoofer. Its higher price point also positions it above some competitors, though many users find the sound quality and smart features justify the cost. While it may not match the raw power of some larger systems, its balance of performance, size, and features makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium, compact soundbar solution.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Design and Build Quality
Pros
- Compact and sleek design
- Premium build with metal grille
- Low profile fits under most TVs
- Available in black or white finishes
Cons
- Single HDMI port limits connectivity
- No display on the soundbar itself
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar impresses with its sleek and compact design, measuring just 2.21 inches in height, 27.34 inches in width, and 4.09 inches in depth. This low profile ensures it fits seamlessly under most TVs without obstructing the screen or IR sensors. The soundbar features a refined matte body with a sophisticated wraparound metal grille, available in either black or white finishes to complement various home decor styles.
Build quality is top-notch, with the soundbar feeling solid and well-constructed. The use of high-quality materials contributes to its premium look and feel, while also enhancing durability. The top panel features a polished tempered glass surface, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design. Despite its compact size, the soundbar houses five transducers, including two upward-firing drivers, showcasing Bose’s engineering prowess in maximizing audio performance within a small form factor.
Connectivity options are thoughtfully laid out on the rear panel, with ports sensibly spaced for easy access. However, the soundbar features only one HDMI eARC port, which may limit connectivity options for some users. Additional connections include an optical input and a 3.5mm jack for a subwoofer. The front of the soundbar sports a minimalist design with subtle LED indicators and touch-sensitive controls, maintaining a clean aesthetic. While the absence of a display on the soundbar itself may be a drawback for some, it contributes to the device’s sleek appearance.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Sound Performance
Pros
- Impressive Dolby Atmos performance
- AI Dialogue Mode enhances vocal clarity
- Wide soundstage for its compact size
- TrueSpace technology upmixes non-Atmos content
Cons
- Lacks deep bass without additional subwoofer
- No DTS support limits some content optimization
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers an impressive audio experience that belies its compact size. Its Dolby Atmos capabilities create a surprisingly immersive soundstage, with audio seeming to come from all directions, including overhead. The proprietary TrueSpace technology further enhances this effect by intelligently upmixing non-Atmos content, ensuring an expansive sound for all types of media.
One of the standout features is the AI Dialogue Mode, which significantly improves vocal clarity. This feature balances voices against background sounds, making it easier to follow conversations in movies and TV shows without constantly adjusting the volume. The soundbar also excels in music playback, offering clear separation of instruments and vocals, though audiophiles might notice a slight artificial widening of the stereo image due to the always-on TrueSpace function.
While the soundbar impresses with its clarity and spaciousness, it does have limitations. The lack of deep bass is noticeable, particularly during action scenes or when playing bass-heavy music. This is a common issue with compact soundbars, and while the Bose offers good punch in the mid-bass range, those seeking floor-shaking low-end may want to consider adding the optional subwoofer. Additionally, the absence of DTS support might be a drawback for users with extensive Blu-ray collections, as it limits the soundbar’s ability to optimize certain audio formats.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Smart Features and Connectivity
Pros
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Wide range of streaming options
- Voice control for TV and cable/satellite box
- Multi-room audio capabilities
Cons
- Limited HDMI inputs
- No DTS support
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar excels in its smart features and connectivity options, offering a versatile and user-friendly experience. With built-in Amazon Alexa and support for Google Assistant, users can effortlessly control their audio setup using voice commands. The soundbar’s Voice4Video technology extends this functionality, allowing voice control of the TV and cable/satellite box, streamlining the entertainment experience.
Connectivity is a strong suit of this soundbar, boasting a wide range of streaming options. Users can easily stream content via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in. This extensive compatibility ensures that virtually any audio source can be played through the soundbar, making it a central hub for all audio needs in the home.
The Bose Smart Soundbar also shines in its multi-room audio capabilities. It can be grouped with other Wi-Fi-enabled Bose products, allowing users to create a whole-home audio system. Additionally, the SimpleSync technology enables pairing with compatible Bose headphones or Bluetooth speakers for private listening or expanded sound coverage. However, the soundbar’s connectivity does have some limitations, such as the inclusion of only one HDMI eARC port, which may restrict options for users with multiple HDMI devices.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Setup and Ease of Use
Pros
- Simple one-cable TV connection
- Guided setup via Bose Music app
- Voice control for easy operation
- ADAPTiQ room calibration included
Cons
- Limited HDMI inputs
- Initial app setup required
Setting up the Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a straightforward process that most users will find manageable. The soundbar connects to your TV via a single HDMI eARC cable, simplifying the initial setup. For those with older TVs, an optical cable is also included as an alternative connection method. The Bose Music app guides users through the setup process with clear, step-by-step instructions, making it accessible even for those less tech-savvy.
One of the standout features in terms of setup is the inclusion of Bose’s ADAPTiQ audio calibration system. This technology optimizes the soundbar’s output based on your room’s unique acoustic properties, ensuring optimal sound performance regardless of the placement. The calibration process is user-friendly and significantly enhances the overall listening experience.
The soundbar’s ease of use extends beyond the initial setup. With built-in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and compatibility with Google Assistant, users can control various functions using voice commands. This feature, combined with the Bose Voice4Video technology, allows for seamless control of the soundbar, TV, and even cable or satellite boxes, streamlining the entertainment experience.
While the setup process is generally smooth, some users might find the reliance on the Bose Music app for initial configuration a minor inconvenience. Additionally, the limited number of HDMI inputs may require some users to rethink their device connections. However, these small drawbacks are outweighed by the overall user-friendly nature of the soundbar’s setup and operation.
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Conclusion
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers an impressive audio experience that belies its compact size. Its ability to produce immersive Dolby Atmos sound from such a small form factor is noteworthy, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their TV audio without the complexity of a full surround sound system. The AI Dialogue Mode stands out, offering superior vocal clarity that many users will appreciate, especially for dialogue-heavy content.
While the soundbar excels in many areas, including versatile streaming options and easy setup, it does have limitations. The lack of deep bass without an additional subwoofer may disappoint some users, particularly for action-packed content or bass-heavy music. Additionally, its higher price point positions it as a premium option in the soundbar market. Despite these considerations, the Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers a compelling balance of performance, features, and convenience for those willing to invest in a high-quality, compact audio solution.