Bose has long been a trusted name in the audio industry, renowned for its ability to deliver high-quality sound in sleek, user-friendly packages. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is the latest addition to their lineup, designed to offer a premium sound experience with a focus on smart functionality. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and potential drawbacks of the Bose Smart Soundbar 1000 to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home audio setup.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar features a minimalist and elegant design, characteristic of Bose’s aesthetic. The soundbar has a sleek, low-profile silhouette, which allows it to blend seamlessly with most modern home entertainment setups. It measures approximately 41 inches in width, making it suitable for TVs of 50 inches or larger. The top of the soundbar is covered in a premium matte finish, while the front is wrapped in a metal grille, which gives it a sturdy yet refined look.
One of the design highlights is the LED light strip that provides visual feedback for volume adjustments, microphone status, and more. However, some users might find the lack of a front display a drawback, especially if they prefer clear, numerical volume indicators.
Sound Quality
Bose has always prioritized sound quality, and the Smart Soundbar 1000 lives up to the brand’s reputation. The soundbar is equipped with Bose’s proprietary TrueSpace technology, which aims to create a wide and immersive soundstage without the need for additional speakers. The result is impressive: the soundbar delivers clear dialogue, rich mids, and well-balanced highs, making it suitable for various content types, from movies and TV shows to music and podcasts.
Where the Smart Ultra Soundbar truly excels is in its handling of dialogue. Thanks to Bose’s Dialogue Mode, voices are crystal clear and stand out against background sounds, which is particularly beneficial for those who watch a lot of dialogue-heavy content or have hearing difficulties.
However, when it comes to bass performance, the soundbar is decent but not exceptional. The bass is present and controlled, but it lacks the depth and impact that a dedicated subwoofer would provide. For those who crave a more powerful bass experience, Bose offers the option to pair the soundbar with the Bose Bass Module 700, though this comes at an additional cost.
Smart Features and Connectivity
As the name suggests, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is equipped with several smart features that enhance its functionality. The soundbar comes with built-in voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows for hands-free control of the soundbar and other compatible smart devices in your home. The far-field microphones do an excellent job of picking up voice commands, even when the soundbar is playing audio at a moderate volume.
In addition to voice control, the Smart Soundbar 1000 supports various connectivity options. It features HDMI eARC, which ensures high-quality audio transmission from your TV. The soundbar also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, providing a range of options for streaming music and other content. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with the Bose Music app, allowing for easy setup, sound customization, and control from your smartphone or tablet.
One of the standout smart features is Bose SimpleSync, which allows you to pair the soundbar with other Bose speakers or Bose headphones, creating a more immersive multi-room audio experience or a private listening option.
Performance with Different Content Types
Movies and TV Shows: The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar shines when it comes to delivering clear dialogue and well-balanced soundscapes in movies and TV shows. The wide soundstage creates a sense of immersion, especially when watching action-packed scenes. However, without a subwoofer, the soundbar may not fully capture the low-end rumble of explosions or deep bass in soundtracks.
Music: Music playback is detailed and enjoyable, with the soundbar performing well across different genres. The mid-range and high frequencies are particularly well-rendered, making vocals and instruments stand out. Bass-heavy tracks may lack the punch that some listeners prefer, but overall, the soundbar provides a satisfying music experience.
Gaming: While not specifically designed for gaming, the Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a decent gaming experience. The clarity of dialogue and effects helps in identifying in-game cues, but like movies, the bass may feel underwhelming without an external subwoofer.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive Bose Music app. The app guides users through the setup process, from connecting to Wi-Fi to configuring voice assistants. The soundbar is also compatible with universal remotes, and HDMI CEC allows for easy control via your TV remote.
The app provides several customization options, such as adjusting bass and treble levels, enabling Dialogue Mode, and setting up multi-room audio with other Bose products. However, some users might find the reliance on the app for certain features, like firmware updates and detailed sound adjustments, to be a bit limiting if they prefer to avoid using their smartphone as a remote.
Price and Value
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is positioned in the premium segment of the soundbar market, with a price that reflects its brand reputation and feature set. While it offers excellent sound quality and smart functionality, the price may seem steep for those who expect a more robust bass performance out of the box. The need to purchase additional components, such as the Bose Bass Module 700 or Bose Surround Speakers, to unlock the soundbar’s full potential could be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Sleek, minimalist design that fits well with modern décor
Clear and detailed sound, especially for dialogue-heavy content
Built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) for hands-free control
Wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth
Easy setup and customization through the Bose Music app
Supports Bose SimpleSync for pairing with other Bose products
Cons:
Bass performance is adequate but lacks depth without an additional subwoofer
Premium price may not offer the best value for those seeking a more powerful sound out of the box
Lack of a front display might be inconvenient for some users
Reliance on the Bose Music app for advanced features and updates
Conclusion
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a well-rounded soundbar that excels in delivering clear dialogue and an immersive soundstage, particularly for movies, TV shows, and music. Its smart features, including built-in voice assistants and extensive connectivity options, make it a versatile choice for a modern home audio setup. However, those who prioritize deep bass or are looking for an all-in-one solution might find the need to purchase additional components a downside.
Overall, if you value sleek design, smart functionality, and Bose’s signature sound quality, the Smart Soundbar 1000 is an excellent choice. However, if bass-heavy audio or budget is a concern, exploring other options or adding the Bose Bass Module 700 to your setup might be necessary to meet your expectations.
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