The world of home audio, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar emerges as a formidable contender, especially for those seeking a premium audio experience without cluttering their space with multiple speakers. Priced at a competitive $899, it stands up against rivals like the Sonos Arc and Sony HT-A7000 but aims to carve out its niche with unique features and Bose’s signature sound quality.
Key Highlights:
- AI Dialogue mode enhances vocal clarity in movies and TV shows.
- Integrated subwoofer adds depth to the bass without the need for external units.
- Supports a wide range of connectivity options including HDMI with eARC, optical digital audio input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos but not DTS:X, focusing on delivering a rich, immersive soundstage.
- Expansion options available for adding wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer.
- Designed with Bose’s proprietary PhaseGuide and TrueSpace technologies for an expansive audio experience.
- ADAPTiQ room correction optimizes sound according to the room’s acoustics.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar boasts a sleek and discreet design, making it an unobtrusive addition to any living space. Weighing in at 5.8kg and measuring 1045mm in width, it is both compact and easy to mount on a wall. The build quality reflects Bose’s high standards, with a mix of high-quality plastic, perforated metal, and tempered glass that exudes a premium feel.
Sound Performance
At the heart of the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar’s sound performance are six racetrack drivers and three tweeters, which work together to deliver a wide and engaging soundstage. Despite its impressive front soundstage capabilities, some users might find the bass depth lacking without an additional subwoofer. However, the soundbar’s AI Dialogue mode and ADAPTiQ room correction technology significantly enhance the clarity of dialogues and overall sound quality in various room environments.
Connectivity and Features
The soundbar excels in connectivity and smart features, offering support for most modern standards including HDMI with eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. It also integrates well with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, making it a versatile central hub for any smart home entertainment system. The Bose Music App further enhances the user experience, providing easy access to controls and customization options.
Final Thoughts
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar represents a significant step forward in the quest for room-filling sound from a single speaker. While it excels in delivering clear dialogues and a broad soundstage, the absence of a separate subwoofer might be a drawback for those seeking deep bass. Nevertheless, its sleek design, comprehensive connectivity options, and expansion capabilities make it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their TV sound experience without the complexity of a traditional home theater system.
