The Bluesound PULSE CINEMA is a 3.2.2-channel soundbar from Bluesound, listed at $1,499. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (3.2.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- ✓Learns your TV remote
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
Channels and Surround Sound
The 3.2.2 badge means 3 ear-level channels (left, centre and right), 2 subwoofer channels, 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos. Virtual surround: Surround Upmixer.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one wirelessly but does not come with it. Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket included).
Connections
The Bluesound PULSE CINEMA has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; optical digital input; RCA analogue input; USB-A input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHz), with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn; voice control: Alexa optional; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: night mode, automatic volume levelling, learns the TV remote.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 47.06 x 2.94 x 5.56 in (W x H x D), or 1195 x 75 x 141 mm, and weighs 14.75 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 55-inch TV (47.9 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.94 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 3.2.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 0.75" Dome (5); Midrange: 1.5"x3" Cone (5); Woofers: 4" (Cone (2); Enclosure: Passive Radiator |
| Power (bar, total) | 599 watts |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | Surround Upmixer |
| Dialogue enhancement | No |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 2.0 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | RCA |
| USB | USB-A |
| Subwoofer output | Mono-RCA, Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | No |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn |
| Voice control | Alexa optional |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | Yes |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 47.06 x 2.94 x 5.56 in / 1195 x 75 x 141 mm |
| Weight | 14.75 lbs / 6.69 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket included) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $1,499 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.