Bluesound Pulse MINI 2i Compact Wireless Multi-Room Smart Speaker with Bluetooth - White - Compatible with Alexa and

I recently upgraded my music streaming app to Tidal in order to capture as much of the musical experience (sound) as possible. I remember the days before MP3's and how alive the music sounded. Not that listening via compressed files is bad, it is good and certainly, depending upon what you are listening to it on, not even perceptible to differences between lossless files and compressed files. However, listening to the CD Quality and Master Quality on Tidal, brought me back to what I remember music sounded like. Alive! I first upgraded my headphones so that I could hear what Hi Res streaming offered and then I decided to get some capable speakers That brings me to this review. I looked at Sonos, which from all I have been able to read are an excellent product, but are not Hi Resolution Audio capable. I then looked at Heos and Bluesound speakers. Both appear to be excellent, but unfortunately, I did not have the benefit of listening to either prior to purchase. After researching both, I decided to go with the Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i Speaker. I am very happy! The speaker sounds fantastic across a variety of music that can highlight their capabilities or lack there of. In fact, I just placed an order for a second speaker in order to pair with the first for true stereo. Now for the issues, none of which were major. In order to connect the speakers to your WiFi 2.4 or 5 GHz network, you need to download the BluOS app. IOS, Android, and Windows versions are all available. For the setup, I downloaded the Android app. I cannot say the app if very intuitive, but I was able to stumble my way through the set-up. I did not reference any support documents on the Bluesound.com site during my set-up. I easily joined the speaker to my 5 GHz WiFi. It then begin downloading an update to the speaker. This is where things stalled out. The percentage download gauge moved very slowly. In fact, after an hour, it seemed to just stop at around 80% complete. I decided to just unplug the speaker from the electrical outlet and move it over to my router and use the LAN cable for a direct connection. This worked pretty quickly and I soon had an updated speaker. 5 GHz can be pretty finicky on coverage, so that may have been the issue, even though it did connect. I unplugged the LAN cable and it immediately connected back to my 5 GHz WiFi without issue. I then used the app to connect to my Tidal account and a few other free music services. The app also allows for some speaker customization, such as base boost, treble adjustment, bass adjustment (no equalizer), and a few other sound enhancements. The music sounds amazing and that was what I wanted. After using the app, it is not difficult, just not very intuitive at first. Actually, it is really a good app once you know it. I have also downloaded the Windows BluOS application to my desktop and control most of the music from it. I have also moved the speaker to 2.4 GHz WiFi because the 5 GHz coverage was very weak in the area I wanted to permanently place the speaker. All is good now and it's working great! Very satisfied and looking forward to receiving my second speaker in a couple of days! Read more

I bought this network speaker because I am a Roon user. I ethernet cable connected the Bluesound to my router and downloaded the app as instructed. The set up and firmware update couldn’t have been simpler or easier. I used the Bluesound app only to configure the audio settings but also tried it with some of the music services I use. I am giving the device four stars overall rating because of its price but the sound quality is most impressive for such a small speaker. I found the Bluesound needed about 25 hours of playing time to break in and start sounding it’s best. I also support the Bluesound on some isolation cones. Read more

Excellent sound when it does connect, but reconnecting frequently was impossible. Documentation very limited, online support and troubleshooting essentially useless. BlueOs download also could not connect with wireless speakers, and phone support never did respond to inquiry. Read more

Easy to use, and sounds very good. Very simple BluOs app connects and makes speaker adjustments. I Stream with no issues using the Tidal or Bluesound apps while in the garden or on the patio. Good value considering the clarity, detailed sound quality, 4 speakers, internal DAC and 100 watt amp in a compact, easily portable unit. Anyone expecting a dynamic, audiophile experience with wide soundstage, imaging, deep bass with this tiny unit isn’t thinking clearly. You’ll spend at least $2,000+ minimum for that. I settled on this unit after researching and demoing several other comparably priced options. and the KEF and Naim offerings which are 2-3 times the price. FWIW, anyone here complaining of connectivity or streaming issues has missed something. Read more

The sound you get from this is pretty good considering it’s size. It won’t compare to a decent amp and wired speakers. I have a powernode 2i and some cheap $300 paradigm Atom speakers which produces a much better soundstage. Whether the Pulse Mini 2i represents good value is debatable. What you are paying for is decent enough sound from a small convenient form factor, good connectivity and good integration with other BluOS compatible units. BluOS has some quirks but once you figure it out it’s pretty good and you have access to high res music. I have it synced with the powernode 2i and also use a USB stick with FLAC files on it. I think the Pulse Mini should be priced maybe about $150 less. I used my $300 of Amazon bonus points to buy this. So far I am happy enough with Pulse mini. I am using it as a convenient portable way to have decent sound in different small rooms like my home office or when I am on vacation at a rental holiday home. For its size the tweeters give good clarity and the bass is not bad. Read more

Just installed in my backyard and synced with the Bluesound app. Works like a charm when rocking together with my NAD C700 setup in the living room. Sound quality is great and instruments and voices have separation and can be identified easily. From my stand point I would say it may be considered an audiophile entry level speaker. Every kind of music you throu to it will sound pretty good, but listening to rock is exciting and bass is strong enough and more for it’s size (and can be configured as desired). Would’ve liked to have physical buttons to add instant presets but I can do it with my phone or RC anyways. It’s not cheap, but it stands far away from other speakers. Experience has been so good that I’ll try to keep adding more Bluesound components to my house setup. We’ll done Bluesound! Read more

This speaker works wonderfully as a Roon endpoint or part of a BlueOS system. The sound and bass output are exceptional for its size. Can be used outdoors, and remain installed outside if it is protected from moisture from temperatures are between 32 -100. Build quality is very solid, and controls and phone app are easy to navigate. Highly recommended! Read more