Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i Wireless Speaker - White

I bought this speaker on the strength of features and compatibility with my system, ignoring the negative reviews. I already use a Bluesound Node 2i feeding a pair of Meridian active speakers and am very familiar with Bluesound and the BlueOS software. I use Roon to integrate all of my CDs and Tidal, Apple Music library with all of my different devices. This speaker fits in seamlessly with this system. Even as a standalone single speaker device, it is very impressive comparing it side by side with the Apple HomePod - yes it is still the best sounding smart speaker out there. Set up using the BlueOS app was very easy and straightforward after a few minutes downloading the latest firmware, it was all ready to go. I've used the SONOS app before and I honestly think this is app is on a par but still allowing for more features to be available for the user than the SONOS app. The PULSE 2i has a greater stereo image due to the driver placement in the cabinet compared to the HomePod. Initially the base was lacking, but this was quickly fixed with a few tweaks on the app. Overall mid range and treble sounded as good, maybe slightly better than the HomePod. It sounded no worse, so I am very pleased I paid a bit more for this. A big unexpected bonus whilst setting up in my bedroom is the optical input. My 27" TV is directly above on the shelf, so I linked it with an optical cable. Wow, I've now got superb audio for watching TV in bed. The BlueOS app allows for auto sense, so no faffing to select between TV and music. The sleep timer is also going to be well appreciated, I can nod off listening to my favourite music. A big selling point for me is MQA, you can tell the difference when streaming from Tidal on a decent setup. All of the PULSE speakers are compatible with MQA. Finally, it looks bloody gorgeous in matt white finish with the blue LEDs.

I bought it to provide an extension of my whole-house Roon hi-fi system into our TV room. For this purpose it's wired into the home network; however, it also works via Bluetooth and was a doddle to set up. I'm not using it as part of any sort of Bluesound system (i.e. nodes etc.).The latter point might be an important one for prospective purchasers. I don't use the Bluesound app, have never installed BlueOS or any firmware updates; other reviewers seem to have had problems with these.What I can honestly say is that for such a small single unit the sound quality is superb, with a surprisingly good stereo field. It has all the oomph of the JBL my wife uses for teaching Zumba, but considerably more subtlety.

You are an audiophile, has a tidal HIFI account, drools when MQA is mentions and are looking for a quality build streaming equipment. Whats not to like about Bluesound then?Well imagine Bluesound being a premium brand car. Its shiny, sexy, oozes quality and your off tyour maiden voage to the local grocery store for milk. Then imagine the sterring wheel is gone just to be back five minutes later. Insecurely you give it a go and it all goes quite well for 500 meters then it abruptly stops. Nothing but to call the tow truck but when the tow truck arrives all of a sudden it starts again. Finally after two hours you have your milk. Now imagine doing that every day.Welcome to Bluesound. The shiny outside apart the inside is flawed. Software is buggy to say the least. One firmware update fixes one issue only to give you four new ones. The app matches the harwares firmware. Bluesound is just really unreliable, making listening to music or watching a movie a hassle more than anything. Care to restart, pull the plug, restart the app, check for updates in the middle of your favorite song or movie. Thrice?I figured not. And its all a real shame. Because in between all the starts, stops and network issues it sounds good. Does that help. With the constant problems above, no, not at all.