Bose SoundTouch 300 review
After the Bose SoundTouch came out in 2016, the entire world was a place that is very different. Sure, Sonos had developed its spectacular Sonos Playbar And Samsung started its route to dominance that was aural with the Samsung HW-MS650 – however, by and large, the soundbar area was possessed by Bose.
These Days, nevertheless, Bose isn’t the driving force in soundbars that it was and while that’s disappointing in some respects, but it went out on a high note: with high-end layout, this slender soundbar looks superb, and sounds over average. It is limited by a single HDMI-out however, the SoundTouch 300 does sufficient to justify its own position as a premium soundbar offering.
it also doesn’t hurt you could pick up the SoundTouch 300 nowadays than if it first came out, for about $200 / # 200 less.
Design
Quality is commensurate With the cost. Bose’s flagship pub sports a tempered black glass top plate (which admittedly is a bit of a fingerprint magnet) complemented by a wraparound aluminium grille.
Bose SoundTouch 300 in Amazon for US$699
It is Also worth mentioning that, as this isn’t a 2.1 package, there is no subwoofer supplied, although Bose will offer you a wireless Acoustimas sub for an extra $700/600. Turn it upside down and the bar’s base has two non-slip rubber pads.
Connections, shining in the trunk, comprise an HDMI with ARC (Audio Return Channel), also HDMI loop-through, optical digital audio input, Ethernet, Acoustimas jack, Adaptiq mic input signal and micro USB connection. HDMIs are v2.0 and encourage 4K HDCP 2.2 resources, such as Sky Q 4K or the Roku 4. Things do get a little fiddly when you try and there’s not much room to move back there and lace the thing up.
The ST300 comes with a large, generic Bose remote, complicated by buttons for features not on the ST300 whatsoever (DVR, Channel +/-).
Setup
Key Is the Acoustiq space calibration system, which tunes the output to your listening room. It is similar to the Audyssey and YPAO systems. However, while they tend to come with little standalone microphones which awkwardly need to be positioned at listening height (Denon and Marantz helpfully include a cardboard tripod with their recipients ), the Bose mic is assembled to a plastic headband. This allows the ST300 to quantify at the right.
There’s also a SoundTouch app (available for iOS and Android). This is designed for music streaming (services and NAS) from a smartphone, instead of complete system controller. It does offer presets which can be delegated to different sources.
Don’t think you need to download the app, however. It’s easy enough to Wirelessly flow over Bluetooth (there is quick touch NFC for those who have compatible smartphones) or utilize Spotify Connect.
Nevertheless, Linking the ST300 through HDMI is the way. The SoundTouch will seamlessly relay whatever audio has been output by the TV, whereas that HDMI loopthrough accommodates another source not directly linked to the TV (simply select the HDMI ARC input to view).
Things get rather convoluted if you opt for an Optical audio input (if your TV doesn’t encourage ARC). We tried placing the ST300 up using only such a TV and may get nothing out of this ST300 at all. The Bose was having none of it, although we have set up numerous soundbars and soundbases in this manner. We gave up. Frankly, if your TV doesn’t support HDMI using ARC, you are better off searching elsewhere.
Performance
Get there in the end, though, and functionality is sweet an Awful lot to enjoy about the ST300. It does an excellent job with dialogue, maintaining centre-placed vocals crisp and clear. On the flip side of that, some articles dialogue can seem somewhat sharp, but there’s no trace of sibilance.
While the soundbar does not create Any artificial surround, it will paint an extremely wide and atmospheric soundscape. This proves effective with sports policy of Anthony Joshua title defense did put me in the Manchester Arena.
This demonstration works Nicely on films, too. When Watney pushes across the Martian surface listening to Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff (The Martian), there is only the ideal quantity of club ambience in his futuristic dune buggy.
That said, dispersion is tuned for the flat plane. The ST300 Does not image (sonically) as high as it does wide. For the best integration, ensure and try the soundbar stays close to the screen — Bose sells an optional wall-mount, if needed.
If You do need a complete surround sound system, the ST300 may be partnered with the brand’s Virtually Invisible (i.e. little at 10cm) 300 surround speakers (priced at #250 a set ). The machine can also be compatible with the Bose SoundTouch wireless multiroom system which includes Bluetooth speakers that are smaller.
1 place where soundbars tend to Lose out to multiple enclosure sound systems is unpicking soundtracks. But the fares well in this respect.
During The First Order Stormtrooper raid which opens Star Wars The Force Awakens, consequent firefight and the clumping landers find space to breathe amid the symphonic score of John William. and strings sit back and forth away from the action.
While the SoundTouch doesn’t do bass, we really felt that the Absence of a sub-woofer. Poe Dameron’s X-Wing is handicapped using a satisfyingly.
Musically, its is held by the ST300 own. The Hans Zimmer/Junkie XL Wonder Woman Theme (from the Batman Vs Superman soundtrack) includes a deep, triumphant riff that is delivered with gusto.
There’s no display beyond some mode LEDs, so you have no idea where you are in terms of modes or volume.
We liked
Boasting high-end layout, This slender soundbar looks superb, and sounds over average. At 97.9cm wide, it is best partnered with bigger screen sizes (50-inch+) and this width has the benefit of developing a persuasive stereo spread.
Plus, 4K HDMI supports means you’ll have no problems connecting next-gen AV components and should give a long lifespan to the SoundTouch.
We disliked
If You’re not the owner of a TV using HDMI ARC support, simply don’t bother. And with only 1 HDMI loopthrough input, there’s not much room for system expansion either. The ST300 doesn’t do deep bass, and that sub is a costly investment.
Final verdict
If Youbought into Bose’s SoundTouch multiroom system and also have An HDMI ARC-enabled TV the SoundTouch 300 would appear a no brainer. It is an impressive actress, capable of broad audio (even though those hoping for gut-rumbling LFE will probably be disappointed). There Are caveats regarding usability and cost, but complete it warrants a Cautious two thumbs up.
