Bluesound Pulse Cinema review: A nice alternative to Sonos

If you are looking For the highest level Dolby Atmos speakersit is hard to beat Sonos Arc Ultra. But Sonos is still recovering from its self-imposed software fiasco in 2024, and many of its once loyal customers have turned to the company’s competitors. Chief among them is Bluesound, a wireless multi-room audio system from Great White North.

With a lineup of speakers, amplifiers, and music streaming devices that closely mirror Sonos’ lineup, Bluesound is particularly popular with audiophiles who appreciate the company’s support for high-resolution, lossless audio formats, and have been willing to pay a premium for it (Bluesound devices typically cost 30 to 50 percent more than their Sonos counterparts).

Like Sonos, Bluesound also plays home theater audio, but it’s lagged in that department, most notably in its separate support for height-channel sound effects that embody Dolby Atmos — until now. Bluesound’s $1,499 Pulse Cinema is an expensive new chapter for the Canadian company: the first Dolby Atmos speakers with custom drivers and a center channel.

Sonos-like fingerprint

Photography: Chris Haslam

There’s a single HDMI-ARC/eARC port, and as with most Bluesound speakers, there’s an analogue input, a digital input, a USB port for external storage, two-way Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive, and your choice of Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi. There’s also a wired subwoofer output, which is far from standard on most speakers. Except for the lack of any HDMI inputs, it’s a generous and versatile set that leaves the Arc Ultra in the dust.

In terms of size, the two speakers are similar: The Pulse Cinema, at 47 inches wide, is just an inch wider than the Arc Ultra. Both will look right at home under 50- to 65-inch TVs, but the Pulse Cinema, with its wraparound fabric mesh and soft curves, may appeal more to those who want a less high-tech look. If you prefer to mount it on the wall, a bracket is included. (Sonos sells its wall mounts separately.)

Armed with a 500W, 3.0.2 channel, 12-driver array, Pulse Cinema delivers stunning levels of detail for both movies and music. It’s this commitment to both formats that helps it stand out. Most soundbars will be a big step up from your TV’s internal speakers for movies and TV shows, but few offer a similarly rewarding listening experience when it comes to music.

Great for dialogue

Photography: Chris Haslam

As for TV audio, dialogue clarity is a standout, with voices well focused and easily understood, even in scenes with a lot of competing background and ambient sounds.