Bose Introduces New Dolby Atmos Smart Soundbar to Compete in Mid-Range Market
By Chris Latham, Technology Correspondent
Bose, a renowned name in the world of audio equipment, has unveiled its latest offering in the soundbar category, the Smart Soundbar. This new model aims to deliver premium sound features at a more accessible price point compared to its higher-end sibling, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar.
Launch Details and Pricing
The Bose Smart Soundbar is set to hit the market starting from 9th October. Priced at £599 / $499 / AU$TBC, it presents a more affordable option in contrast to the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, which currently retails at £899 / $899 / AU$1499. This substantial price difference is expected to appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
Design and Build
While the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is fortified with a robust and weighty build, coupled with familiar design elements like a polished tempered glass top and available in black or white hues, the new Smart Soundbar opts for a slightly less opulent construction. The Ultra model measures 105cm in width and 5.8cm in height, featuring nine drivers, including three tweeters and six full-range units designed to optimise the Dolby Atmos experience.
In comparison, the Smart Soundbar is more compact, measuring 5.6cm tall and 69cm long. It hosts five transducers: two side-firing racetrack transducers, a centre-channel tweeter, and two upward-firing drivers for height effects. The strategic design intends to retain essential audio capabilities while cutting down on size and cost.
Connectivity and Features
Regarding connectivity, the Ultra Soundbar sports well-spaced HDMI eARC, optical, and ethernet ports, aside from additional 3.5mm sockets for subwoofer connections, a bundled headset, and an infrared receiver. Its smaller counterpart, the Smart Soundbar, also features HDMI eARC and optical connections but lacks the additional ports for headset and infrared sensor connectivity.
Both soundbars can be operated using Bose's mobile app or their respective remote controls. The app extends functionality by enabling users to play music via AirPlay or Chromecast, select radio stations, and adjust sound settings such as bass, treble, and volume for centre and height channels.
The Ultra model benefits from ADAPTiQ calibration, a feature that adjusts the audio output to match the room's acoustics, which is facilitated through the app using an included headset. The Smart Soundbar does not include this feature but introduces Bose Personal Surround Sound. This innovative feature uses Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as rear surround sound speakers, allowing users to hear both the audio from the soundbar and the earbuds simultaneously. This feature will be added to the Ultra Soundbar via a firmware update expected later this autumn.
Early Impressions and Sound Quality
Whilst the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar received mixed reviews, praising its expansive sound presentation but criticising its congested midrange and harsh highs, the specific performance capabilities of the Smart Soundbar remain to be fully evaluated. Reviewers noted that the Ultra Soundbar's AI Dialogue mode, which is designed to enhance spoken word clarity, disrupted the overall sound balance and recommended leaving it off.
Despite its drawbacks, the Ultra Soundbar showcases notable low-end performance and delivers a substantial soundstage, albeit with limited dynamic range between loud and quiet moments. The forthcoming review of the Smart Soundbar will determine if it manages to alleviate these issues while delivering satisfactory performance at its more modest price point.
Conclusion
This new entrant from Bose in the soundbar market is poised to attract consumers looking for Dolby Atmos capabilities at a reduced price. While the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar caters to those seeking a more feature-rich experience, the Smart Soundbar offers a compelling package that balances key functionalities with affordability. Detailed reviews and comparative assessments with competitors will soon shed light on whether Bose's strategy of trimming features and the price will resonate with audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike.
Source: Noah Wire Services