Overview

The Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is a definitive masterclass in home cinema audio, engineered to replace bulky AV receivers without sacrificing a shred of performance. Built with a formidable 120-watt DirectDigital™ amplifier and eight audiophile-grade drivers—including two 4" woofers and two passive radiators—it delivers a soundstage that is remarkably wide, high, and immersive. With native support for 24-bit resolution and Dolby Atmos®, this soundbar transforms every movie, game, and concert into a visceral, lifelike experience. Encased in a refined, low-profile chassis, it sits perfectly under any high-definition display, bridging the gap between high-end hi-fi and modern home theatre.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

In our experience throughout Central Ontario, the PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is the "anchor" for a high-performance wireless living room. While many soundbars rely on a separate subwoofer just to sound full, the SOUNDBAR+ has enough internal volume and driver surface area to provide impressive, deep bass response on its own. However, for those looking for a true "reference" experience, we often pair this with a PULSE SUB+ and two PULSE FLEX 2i speakers. Because the SOUNDBAR+ features a dedicated secondary Wi-Fi module specifically for these connections, the surround channels and sub sync with zero latency, providing a rock-solid 5.1 system that avoids the "drop-out" issues common with cheaper wireless setups.

Best for the Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+: take advantage of the dual-orientation DSP settings. If you choose to wall-mount the unit rather than placing it on a stand, the internal accelerometer detects the change and automatically flips the audio processing to ensure the soundstage remains perfectly balanced. This means you get the same precise imaging and frequency response whether the bar is sitting on a console or mounted vertically on the wall.

More Details

Why It Wins

• Audiophile Power: Features 120 Watts of total system power driven by Bluesound’s award-winning DirectDigital™ amplification for distortion-free, high-resolution playback.
• Immersive 3D Audio: Native Dolby Atmos® processing creates a three-dimensional soundscape, precisely placing audio effects above and around you for a true cinematic feel.
• Superior DAC Performance: Equipped with a high-performance quad-core processor and 24-bit/192kHz audio processing, ensuring your high-res music sounds just as good as your movies.

What Makes It Different

The PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is unique because it is a true member of the BluOS ecosystem, not just a TV speaker. This means you can group it with any other Bluesound player in your home to stream the audio from your TV into the kitchen or the patio. It also features "One-Remote" IR learning, allowing it to seamlessly learn the commands of your existing TV remote. Unlike most soundbars that use a "simulated" surround effect, the SOUNDBAR+ utilizes a sophisticated virtual Dolby Atmos implementation that uses phase manipulation and timing to widen the soundstage far beyond the physical dimensions of the bar itself.

Technical Highlights

• Eight-Driver Array: Includes two 1” tweeters, two 2” mid-range drivers, and two 4” woofers paired with two 4” passive radiators for a full-frequency response down to 70Hz.
• HDMI eARC Support: Enables a single-cable connection that carries high-bandwidth audio from your TV while allowing for automatic power and volume control.
• Two-Way aptX™ HD Bluetooth: Allows you to stream high-fidelity audio from your mobile device or transmit the soundbar’s audio to your favorite pair of wireless headphones.
• Multiple Input Options: Includes TOSLINK optical, 3.5mm analog, and USB (Type A) inputs, making it compatible with legacy gear and local music libraries.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Design-Conscious Cinephile: Ideal for those who want high-performance home theatre sound without the clutter of a receiver and five wired speakers.
• The High-Res Music Lover: Perfect for the listener who wants their main TV speaker to double as a world-class streaming station for TIDAL or Qobuz.
• The Expanding Smart Home: A great choice for anyone already using Bluesound or NAD products who wants a unified audio experience across the whole house.

Ideal Use Case

• Main Living Room Theatre: Replace a standard soundbar or a basic 2.1 system with an Atmos-enabled powerhouse for better dialogue clarity and immersion.
• Wireless Surround Hub: Use it as the foundation for a 4.1 or 5.1 system by wirelessly adding a PULSE SUB+ and two PULSE FLEX 2i speakers.
• High-End Gaming Setup: Connect to a next-gen console via HDMI eARC to experience low-latency, high-definition directional audio in every game.

What To Pair It With

• Bluesound PULSE SUB+: To handle the "heavy lifting" of low-end cinematic effects, allowing the soundbar to focus on crystal-clear mids and highs.
• PULSE FLEX 2i (Pair): These compact speakers can be wall-mounted or placed on stands to serve as wireless rear surround channels.
• Large-Screen 4K/8K TV: A premium display deserves a premium audio partner to create a truly matched audio-visual experience.

Alternative Options

The PULSE SOUNDBAR+ is our flagship all-in-one cinematic solution. For rooms where a smaller footprint is required but Atmos performance is still a priority, the Bluesound PULSE CINEMA offers a more compact form factor. If you already have high-end passive speakers and want to build a theatre system around them, the Bluesound POWERNODE is a better fit as it provides the amplification and eARC connection for a traditional 2.1 or 4.1 setup. For those looking for a simple, budget-friendly stereo upgrade for a secondary TV, the Sonos Beam is a common alternative, though it lacks the high-resolution 24-bit processing found here.