Today, we’re diving into the world of cinematic audio experiences with the Bose Soundbar 900, a sleek piece of technology that promises to transform your living room into a movie theatre. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another pretty face in the crowded market of home audio?
What exactly is the Bose Soundbar 900?
The Bose Soundbar 900 is essentially your home cinema’s best friend. It’s designed to bring a high-quality, immersive audio experience into the comfort of your living room. With the current market flooded with various soundbars, the Bose Soundbar 900 stands out by offering not just superior sound quality but also a timeless design and smart features that cater to the tech-savvy user.
Benefits of using this soundbar
- Exceptional sound clarity: The Bose Soundbar 900 brings the cinema to you, maintaining audio quality even at high volumes.
- Effortless setup: With the Bose Music app, setting up your soundbar is as easy as pie.
- Seamless integration: It plays well with other Bose devices, making it a team player in your home audio setup.
- Customisable sound settings: Tailor your listening experience to your liking with adjustable audio options.
- Immersive TV viewing: Never miss a word with the clear dialogue mode, enhancing voice clarity on TV.
Un-boxing & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Bose Soundbar 900, the first thing that struck me was its sleek, modern design. It’s clear that Bose has put a lot of thought into the aesthetics of this soundbar, ensuring it would complement any living room setup. The build quality is exceptional, with a weight and sturdiness that speak to its premium status. Initially, I was intrigued by its promise of Dolby Atmos support, a feature that’s become a must-have for audiophiles seeking that immersive sound experience.
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
- Superior sound clarity: Ensures high-quality audio at any volume.
- Effortless setup: Quick and easy installation with the Bose Music app.
- Seamless Bose integration: Compatibility with other Bose devices for a unified audio experience.
- Customisable sound settings: Personalised audio adjustments via the app.
- Immersive TV viewing: Enhanced voice clarity for TV shows and movies.
- Alexa voice control: Convenient voice commands for hands-free control.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Optical connectivity: Multiple options for connecting to your audio sources.
- Modern design: Sleek and stylish to fit any home decor.
- Dolby Atmos support: For a cinematic, three-dimensional audio experience.
- Clear dialogue mode: Ensures voices are heard clearly and distinctly.
- Sturdy build: High-quality materials for durability.
- Surround sound capabilities: For an enveloping audio experience.
While the Bose Soundbar 900 ticks many boxes, it’s a real shame that some users have reported connectivity issues, particularly with network setup and app connectivity. Additionally, the limited remote control functionality can be a bit of a letdown for those who prefer traditional control methods over app reliance.
Smart Features
- Alexa voice control – The inclusion of Alexa allows for easy voice commands, making it a breeze to control your soundbar without lifting a finger. Whether you’re adjusting the volume or switching tracks, Alexa has got you covered.
What we liked about the Soundbar 900
Exceptional Sound Clarity
The Bose Soundbar 900’s sound clarity is, in a word, impressive. Whether you’re blasting your favourite tunes or getting lost in the latest blockbuster, the audio quality remains crisp and immersive. This is a soundbar that doesn’t just play sound; it envelops you in it.
Effortless Setup
Setting up the Bose Soundbar 900 was a breeze, thanks to the intuitive Bose Music app. It’s refreshing to see a setup process that doesn’t require a tech degree, making it accessible to everyone.
Seamless Integration
For those already in the Bose ecosystem, the Soundbar 900 integrates seamlessly with other Bose devices. This creates a unified audio experience throughout your home, which is a major plus.
Customisable Sound Settings
The ability to customise sound settings via the app is a game-changer. Whether you prefer more bass or need clearer dialogue for your TV shows, the Soundbar 900 has you covered.
What we were disappointed with
Connectivity Issues
It’s a real shame that some users, including myself, have encountered connectivity issues. A soundbar of this calibre should offer a more reliable connection, and it’s something Bose needs to address in future iterations.
Limited Remote Control Functionality
The limited functionality of the remote control was a bit of a letdown. In an era where convenience is king, having to rely heavily on the app for control can be a nuisance for some users.
Getting Set Up
Setting up the Bose Soundbar 900 could be likened to a Sunday roast dinner; it’s straightforward if you follow the recipe, but there’s always a chance of overcooking the potatoes. Most users, including myself, found the setup process to be relatively painless, thanks to the Bose Music app. The app acts as a culinary guide, leading you through the setup with the patience of a saint. However, it’s not all gravy. A common gripe among users, which I also encountered, was the occasional hiccup with network connectivity. It seems the Soundbar sometimes prefers to play hard to get with your home network, requiring a bit of coaxing (and possibly a few stern words) to connect properly. A tip to smooth out this process? Ensure your home Wi-Fi is as strong and stable as a well-brewed cup of English tea.
Another point of contention is the lack of a detailed manual. In an age where “Google it” is a reflex, this might not seem like a big deal, but for those who prefer a tangible guide, this omission is a real shame. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions; possible, but unnecessarily challenging.
Build Quality and Extras
Who is this product best suited to?
If You’re an Audiophile with a Love for Smart Homes
The Bose Soundbar 900 is a dream for anyone who values crystal-clear sound and has a penchant for smart home technology. With Alexa built-in, you can control your entire home entertainment setup without lifting a finger. It’s like having a personal butler, but for your music and movies.
If You Appreciate Sleek Design
This soundbar is not just a speaker; it’s a statement piece. Its modern, minimalist design means it’ll complement your living space rather than clutter it. If you’re someone who appreciates the aesthetics of your gadgets as much as their functionality, the Soundbar 900 will not disappoint.
If You’re a Movie Buff
With Dolby Atmos, the Soundbar 900 turns your living room into a cinema. The sound is immersive, making you feel like you’re in the heart of the action. If your idea of a perfect evening is a movie marathon, this soundbar will make every viewing an event.
Who should avoid this
Value for Money
Is the Bose Soundbar 900 worth its weight in gold? That depends on how much you value sound quality and smart features. It’s undoubtedly on the pricier side, but for the audio clarity, design, and smart functionality it offers, many would argue it’s a worthwhile investment. It’s like choosing between a standard and a luxury car; both will get you from A to B, but the ride is significantly different. If you’re someone who places a high value on audio quality and tech integration, the Soundbar 900 is certainly worth considering.
The verdict: Is the Bose Soundbar 900 worth a buy?
In the grand scheme of smart home tech, the Bose Soundbar 900 is a bit like a Swiss Army knife; it’s versatile, high-quality, and undeniably useful. The sound quality is unparalleled, making every movie night an immersive experience. The sleek design and smart features like Alexa integration add to its appeal, making it a central piece of any modern smart home setup. However, it’s not without its flaws. The connectivity issues and the high price point are significant considerations. Comparatively, it holds its own against other high-end soundbars, offering a blend of style, functionality, and quality that’s hard to beat. Would I recommend it? If you’re serious about sound and smart home technology, absolutely. Just be prepared to navigate a few setup hiccups along the way.
Detailed Specs:
| Brand: | Bose |
| Alexa Voice Control: | Yes |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Optical |
| Dimensions: | 115.34 x 17.48 x 16.66 cm |
| Weight: | 8.08 kg |
| Sound Technology: | Dolby Atmos |
| App Integration: | Bose Music App |
| Design: | Sleek, Modern |
| Build Material: | Premium Quality |
| Warranty: | Yes |
| Customisable Sound Settings: | Yes through app |
| Clear Dialogue Mode: | Yes |
| Surround Sound Capabilities: | Yes |
| Remote Control Functionality: | Limited |
| Network Setup: | Can be complex |
| Smart Speaker Functionality: | Can be unreliable |
| Price Point: | Premium |
| Audio Performance: | Exceptional across various content |
| Integration with Existing Bose Components: | Seamless |
