The Bluesound PULSE 2i is the flagship speaker from Bluesound, designed specifically for home use. This high-end speaker aims to provide a superior audio experience with robust connectivity options and an easy-to-use companion app. However, it comes with some trade-offs, including the absence of certain modern features like battery power and native voice assistant support. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of the Bluesound PULSE 2i to help you decide if it’s the right speaker for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Bluesound PULSE 2i is a robust and stylish speaker that commands attention. It boasts a sleek, modern design with a solid build, ensuring durability. The speaker is relatively large and heavy, which might limit its portability but underscores its intention as a stationary home audio device. Available in black or white, it can blend seamlessly with most home décors.
The speaker’s control panel is located on the top and includes touch-sensitive buttons for volume, play/pause, and track skipping. There is also an LED light that indicates the speaker’s status, such as connection and power. The lack of battery power means that the PULSE 2i needs to be plugged into an outlet at all times, reinforcing its role as a permanent fixture in your home audio setup.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
One of the standout features of the Bluesound PULSE 2i is its connectivity options. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for flexible streaming options. The inclusion of Bluetooth means you can easily connect your smartphone or tablet and play music directly. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi capability ensures a more stable and higher-quality connection, which is particularly beneficial when streaming high-resolution audio files.
Multi-Room Functionality
The PULSE 2i is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Bluesound speakers, enabling multi-room audio. Using the BluOS app, you can connect multiple speakers throughout your home and control them simultaneously. This feature is ideal for those who want to create a cohesive audio environment in different rooms, allowing music to flow effortlessly from one space to another.
Music Streaming Services
The Bluesound PULSE 2i’s companion app, BluOS, provides access to a wide range of music streaming services, including Deezer, Tidal, Spotify, and more. This integration allows you to stream your favorite music directly from the app to the speaker, enhancing the user experience with convenience and variety.
Sound Performance
Bass and Treble Adjustments
The sound performance of the Bluesound PULSE 2i is impressive, particularly in terms of its bass response. The speaker is tuned to deliver a rich, bass-heavy sound, providing extra warmth and punch to the audio. This is ideal for genres like hip-hop, electronic, and pop, where a strong bass presence is desirable. For users who prefer a different sound profile, the BluOS app offers customization tools to adjust the bass and treble settings according to personal preferences.
Volume and Clarity
Another notable aspect of the PULSE 2i is its ability to get very loud without significant distortion. This makes it suitable for large rooms or for hosting parties where high volume levels are required. However, while the speaker excels in bass performance and volume, the mids and highs can sometimes get overshadowed. Vocals and lead instruments might appear slightly muddied, though they generally remain clear in the mix.
Low-Bass Performance
Despite its strong bass performance, the PULSE 2i falls short in producing a deep rumble in the low-bass range. This might be a consideration for those who enjoy genres with deep bass notes, such as dubstep or classical music that features pipe organs. Larger home speakers might offer a more satisfying experience in this regard.
Usability and Companion App
BluOS App
The BluOS app is an integral part of the Bluesound PULSE 2i experience. It offers a user-friendly interface for controlling the speaker, adjusting sound settings, and accessing streaming services. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides a centralized platform to manage your audio experience.
Ease of Use
Setting up the PULSE 2i is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive app and clear instructions. Once connected, the app allows you to easily navigate through various functions, including sound customization, multi-room control, and streaming service integration. The touch-sensitive buttons on the speaker also offer a convenient way to control basic functions without needing to use the app.
Features Lacking in the Bluesound PULSE 2i
Battery Power
One of the notable omissions in the PULSE 2i is the lack of battery power. This means the speaker needs to be plugged into an outlet at all times, limiting its portability. For users looking for a speaker that can be easily moved around or used outdoors without worrying about power sources, this could be a significant drawback.
Voice Assistant Support
In an era where smart speakers with built-in voice assistants are becoming the norm, the absence of native voice assistant support in the PULSE 2i is a noticeable gap. While it’s possible to control the speaker via a connected device that has a voice assistant, the convenience of integrated voice control is missing. This might be a dealbreaker for users who rely heavily on voice commands for their smart home ecosystem.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bass and Treble Adjustments: The ability to customize the sound profile to suit personal preferences is a significant advantage.
- Loud Volume: The PULSE 2i can reach high volume levels without significant distortion, making it suitable for larger rooms or parties.
- Multi-Room Functionality: Seamless integration with other Bluesound speakers allows for a cohesive multi-room audio experience.
- Wide Range of Streaming Services: The BluOS app provides access to numerous music streaming services, offering a vast library of content.
Cons
- No Battery Power: The requirement to stay plugged in limits the speaker’s portability and flexibility in placement.
- No Voice Assistant: The lack of native voice assistant support may be inconvenient for users accustomed to smart home devices.
- Low-Bass Performance: The speaker falls short in delivering deep, low-bass sounds, which might be disappointing for some genres.
Overall Value
The Bluesound PULSE 2i is a premium speaker designed for home use, offering excellent connectivity options and impressive sound performance. Its ability to integrate with other Bluesound speakers and access a wide range of streaming services makes it a versatile choice for creating a comprehensive home audio system. However, the lack of battery power and native voice assistant support are significant omissions, particularly given its high price point.
Price Considerations
While the PULSE 2i is on the pricier side, its features and performance justify the cost for users seeking a high-quality, stationary home speaker. The robust build, sound customization options, and multi-room capabilities add substantial value, making it a worthy investment for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike.
Recommendations
The Bluesound PULSE 2i is best suited for users who prioritize sound quality and connectivity over portability and smart features. If you’re looking for a speaker to be the centerpiece of your home audio system and don’t mind it being a permanent fixture, the PULSE 2i is an excellent choice. Its ability to connect with other Bluesound speakers makes it ideal for those wanting a multi-room audio setup.
However, if you require a speaker with more flexibility in placement and use, you might want to consider alternatives that offer battery power and integrated voice assistants. For instance, speakers from brands like Sonos and Bose provide similar sound quality with added portability and smart features.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Bluesound PULSE 2i is a top-tier home speaker with strong connectivity options and superior sound performance, particularly for bass enthusiasts. While it may not be perfect for everyone, its strengths in multi-room functionality and streaming service integration make it a compelling option for enhancing your home audio experience.
Choosing the right speaker depends on your specific needs and preferences, but if high-quality sound and robust connectivity are your primary considerations, the Bluesound PULSE 2i deserves a place at the top of your list.