An Audio Expert’s Daily Music Device Will Surprise You
▼ Summary
– The author uses the Bose Smart Soundbar for daily music listening despite acknowledging its limitations compared to dedicated audio equipment.
– This soundbar received a 3.5/5 rating in reviews and is better suited for TV/gaming/music than for blockbuster movie experiences.
– Its main appeal lies in convenience features like AirPlay/Google Cast integration, which allows easy streaming directly from a phone without Bluetooth pairing.
– Soundbars generally perform poorly with music due to different audio tuning focused on movie dialogue and effects rather than musical fidelity.
– For serious listening sessions or new music releases, the author uses higher-quality devices like AirPods Pro 2 or Edifier R1280T speakers instead of the soundbar.
For an audio expert, the daily music listening choice might come as a surprise: a Bose soundbar. While many audiophiles might cringe at the thought, there’s a practical logic behind this unconventional pick. It’s not about chasing the absolute pinnacle of sound quality, but rather embracing convenience without completely sacrificing performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar serves as a versatile hub for everyday listening. Though it earned a modest rating in formal reviews, its real strength lies in being an all-in-one solution for TV, gaming, and casual music playback. Currently priced at just $399, a significant drop from its original $549, it represents solid value for a multi-purpose audio device.
What makes this soundbar a go-to for daily tunes isn’t just its price, but its seamless integration with streaming services. AirPlay and Google Cast support allow instant music streaming directly from a phone, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or auxiliary cables. For someone constantly on the move, cooking, cleaning, or entertaining, this ease of use is a game-changer. The soundbar is always powered on and ready, requiring no charging or complicated setup.
Of course, no one is claiming that a soundbar outperforms dedicated hi-fi equipment. Music and film audio are engineered differently, with soundbars prioritizing dialogue and cinematic impact over musical nuance. When a highly anticipated album drops, it deserves a proper listening session, through wired headphones or quality bookshelf speakers like the Edifier R1280T, which offer exceptional clarity and a balanced sound profile.
For those moments, the soundbar takes a back seat. But for everyday background listening, its convenience is undeniable. There’s even a potential upgrade path: devices like the WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2 Receiver can bring wireless streaming capabilities to traditional wired speakers, bridging the gap between convenience and high fidelity.
Until then, the soundbar remains a guilty pleasure, a practical, always-available source of music that fits effortlessly into a busy lifestyle. Sometimes, good enough really is good enough.
(Source: Tom’s Guide)
