The Bose TV Speaker is designed for simplicity and elegance, serving as a compact solution for enhancing TV audio. Whether you’re upgrading from your TV’s built-in speakers or seeking a no-fuss soundbar with high-quality performance, the Bose TV Speaker is worth considering. This review delves into its features, performance, setup, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose TV Speaker is sleek and minimalist, with a matte black finish that seamlessly blends into most home entertainment setups. Measuring 23.4 inches in width, 2.2 inches in height, and 4 inches in depth, it is compact enough to fit under most TVs without obstructing the screen. Despite its small size, it feels sturdy and well-built, reflecting Bose's commitment to premium construction.
The top of the soundbar features touch-sensitive controls, while the front is covered with a metal grille, offering protection and an elegant appearance. At the back, there are ports for HDMI-ARC, optical audio, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a subwoofer connection, providing flexibility for various setups.
Features and Connectivity
Audio Performance
The Bose TV Speaker features two full-range drivers angled outward to deliver wide audio dispersion and a central tweeter for clear dialogue reproduction. A standout feature is its ability to enhance speech clarity with a dedicated dialogue mode. With the press of a button, the soundbar focuses on vocal frequencies, making it perfect for watching movies or TV shows where dialogue might otherwise get lost in the mix.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.2 is integrated, enabling wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, or computers. This adds versatility to the soundbar, as it doubles as a compact speaker for music playback. Pairing is straightforward, and the connection remains stable within the typical 30-foot range.
HDMI-ARC Support
The inclusion of HDMI-ARC simplifies audio connections by allowing the TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume. For TVs without HDMI-ARC, the optical or auxiliary input can be used. The HDMI-ARC port ensures minimal audio lag and high-quality sound transmission, making it ideal for modern home theater systems.
Remote Control
The soundbar comes with a compact remote control that allows you to adjust volume, switch between inputs, activate dialogue mode, and pair Bluetooth devices. While it’s functional, the remote lacks backlighting, which may make it harder to use in low-light settings.
Performance
Sound Quality
For its size, the Bose TV Speaker delivers impressive audio performance. The sound is crisp and clear, with a balanced profile that avoids excessive bass or tinny highs. The mid-range frequencies are particularly well-represented, ensuring voices are clear and natural.
Bass performance is solid, though it won’t satisfy bass enthusiasts or those looking for room-shaking lows. However, the soundbar includes a bass boost mode, which adds extra depth to the audio. For a more immersive experience, users can connect an optional Bose Bass Module 500 or 700.
The wide soundstage, while not as expansive as larger soundbars with dedicated surround speakers, creates a noticeable improvement over standard TV speakers. For small to medium-sized rooms, the Bose TV Speaker is more than adequate.
Dialogue Mode
The dialogue enhancement is one of the soundbar’s strongest features. It effectively isolates and amplifies speech without distorting other elements of the audio. This makes it an excellent choice for users who often struggle with understanding dialogue, particularly in action-packed movies or shows with complex soundscapes.
Setup and User Experience
Setting up the Bose TV Speaker is straightforward. Most users can get it up and running within minutes. Simply connect it to the TV using the included HDMI or optical cable, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. Bose includes a quick start guide for those unfamiliar with audio setups, but the intuitive design makes additional instructions almost unnecessary.
The soundbar powers on automatically when the TV is turned on and remembers the last input used, adding to its convenience. Additionally, the automatic shutoff feature saves power by turning off the device when not in use.
Value for Money
The Bose TV Speaker is priced at the mid-range level. While it may lack some advanced features like Dolby Atmos or virtual surround sound, it excels in delivering clean, reliable performance in a compact package. Its user-friendly design, combined with Bose’s reputation for quality, makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking simplicity and improved audio quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Clear and balanced audio quality
- Effective dialogue enhancement mode
- Easy setup with multiple connectivity options
- Bluetooth for wireless music streaming
- Expandable with optional Bose Bass Module
Cons:
- Limited bass depth without a subwoofer
- Remote control is not backlit
- No app support for additional customization
Final Verdict
The Bose TV Speaker is a compelling option for anyone seeking a no-nonsense soundbar that enhances TV audio. Its compact size, ease of use, and focus on dialogue clarity make it ideal for casual viewers and those upgrading from built-in TV speakers. While it may not satisfy audiophiles or users seeking advanced features, its performance and build quality are impressive for the price.
For small to medium-sized living rooms or secondary setups like bedrooms, the Bose TV Speaker strikes a balance between simplicity and performance, earning its place as one of the top soundbars in its class.
