When it comes to immersing yourself in movies, TV shows, and music, sound quality can make or break the experience. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar promises to transform your living room audio with cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and seamless smart features. Designed to deliver an enveloping surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos, this soundbar aims to elevate entertainment to cinema-like levels. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its features, performance, and whether it lives up to the hype for its $999 price point.
Key Features
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Dolby Atmos Technology for True Spatial Sound
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar comes equipped with Dolby Atmos, an advanced audio technology that projects sound in multiple dimensions. By separating music, dialogue, and effects into distinct layers, sounds appear to move around and even above you, creating an immersive 3D soundscape. This means a more dynamic experience whether you’re watching action-packed blockbusters or subtle dramas. -
TrueSpace Surround Sound Enhancement
Not all content is created with Dolby Atmos in mind, but Bose’s TrueSpace technology steps in to fill that gap. It processes standard stereo sounds into a multi-dimensional surround experience, reviving older movies, TV series, and games with rich, enveloping audio. -
A.I. Dialogue Mode for Crystal Clear Vocals
Struggling to catch every word of your favorite characters? The A.I. Dialogue Mode balances voice clarity and background sound, ensuring that dialogue is distinct without sacrificing the immersive environment. This feature is especially helpful for TV shows or movies where clear speech is crucial. -
Six Full-Range Transducers with Upward-Firing Speakers
The soundbar is designed with six powerful transducers, including two custom-engineered dipole speakers that fire upwards. This setup creates a feeling of sound enveloping the room from all directions—even overhead—enhancing the Dolby Atmos effect for a more lifelike audio experience. -
Sleek Design with Premium Build
Beyond sound quality, the unit boasts refined finishes, solid construction, and a minimalist design that blends elegantly with any TV setup. Its premium materials give it a high-end look that complements modern living spaces. -
Smart Voice Control Compatibility
Featuring built-in Amazon Alexa and compatibility with Google Assistant via Bluetooth connection, this soundbar offers voice-activated control for your entertainment. You can easily adjust volume, change inputs, or search for content using simple voice commands. -
Multiple Connectivity Options
Whether you prefer HDMI eARC, optical audio, or the included cable, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers versatile connection options. Additionally, Bose SimpleSync lets you pair the soundbar with select Bose headphones and Bluetooth speakers for a synchronized listening experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality praised for musical richness and immersive surround effects.
- Dialogue clarity significantly improved thanks to A.I. Dialogue Mode.
- Elegant design that complements any TV or living room décor.
- Easy setup process with clear instructions and quick connectivity.
- Smart voice control integration enhances user convenience.
Cons
- Several users report persistent connectivity issues, requiring frequent reconnections which can disrupt the experience.
- Mixed opinions on value for price; some feel $999 is steep given occasional software and hardware hiccups.
- Bose app control can be challenging to navigate and unstable at times.
- Reports of the device ceasing to work unexpectedly have been noted in a subset of reviews.
Who Is It For?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is ideal for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who want to invest in a premium sound system that delivers immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound. It suits those who value high-fidelity music playback alongside a cinematic TV experience and appreciate sleek, modern design. If you use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, its smart controls will add to your convenience. However, if you prioritize absolute plug-and-play reliability or are on a budget, this soundbar may present some challenges due to reported connectivity and software issues.
Final Thoughts
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar stands out as a sophisticated, feature-rich audio solution that can genuinely enhance your home entertainment with dazzling surround sound and crystal-clear dialogue. Its combination of Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace technologies creates a rich, immersive atmosphere that breathes new life into movies, music, and games. Designed with premium materials and smart controls, it looks as good as it sounds.
Experience Immersive Sound Today
That said, the reported connectivity challenges and app frustrations cannot be overlooked. While many customers find the sound quality worth the premium investment, others have expressed concerns about stability and ease of use that may impact long-term satisfaction. If you prioritize audio excellence and can tolerate some occasional technical hiccups, this Bose soundbar can be a worthy centerpiece for your entertainment setup.
Overall, with a 4.0-star rating from over 560 reviews, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a compelling choice for those seeking to elevate their audio experience—provided you are mindful of its potential connectivity quirks.
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