Audio T Verdict
The Bluesound PULSE 2i is a powerful all-in-one wireless music system designed to fill larger rooms without requiring a separate amplifier or pair of loudspeakers.
Its substantial 150-watt bi-amplified speaker system, twin woofers, twin tweeters and advanced digital processing produce considerably more scale and bass weight than most compact wireless speakers.
BluOS streaming, multi-room playback, AirPlay 2, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, network music, USB storage and a combined analogue or optical input provide plenty of flexibility. It is larger and more expensive than the PULSE M or PULSE FLEX 2i, but it is the better choice when one enclosure needs to deliver a genuinely room-filling performance.
Bluesound PULSE 2i Premium Wireless Multi-Room Speaker
The Bluesound PULSE 2i combines a high-resolution BluOS music streamer, digital amplification and a complete stereo loudspeaker system within one enclosure.
It can play music from compatible streaming services, internet radio, a home network, USB storage, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth or a connected analogue or optical source.
Two 133mm woofers and two 25mm tweeters are driven by four dedicated amplifier channels, producing 150 watts of total system power.
The PULSE 2i can be used independently, grouped with compatible BluOS products in other rooms or paired with a second PULSE 2i to create a wider, fully separated left and right stereo system.
What Does the PULSE 2i Do?
Complete Music System
- Built-in BluOS network music streamer
- Built-in digital amplification
- Two woofers and two tweeters
- True stereo reproduction from one enclosure
- No separate amplifier or speakers required
- Suitable for larger rooms and open-plan spaces
Wireless Playback
- BluOS music services and internet radio
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth
Connected Sources
- Combined analogue and optical input
- USB music-storage playback
- Network-attached storage playback
- Bluetooth headphone transmission
- Wired 3.5mm headphone output
- Infrared remote learning
A Complete Hi-Fi System in One Enclosure
The PULSE 2i contains everything required to reproduce streamed and connected music without a separate amplifier or conventional loudspeakers.
Each drive unit has its own dedicated amplifier channel, while Bluesound's digital signal processing controls crossover behaviour, frequency balance and the width of the reproduced stereo image.
This provides a considerably simpler installation than a traditional separates system while retaining access to high-resolution network music and proper multi-room operation.
The trade-off is reduced freedom to upgrade the amplifier, DAC and loudspeakers independently in the future.
150 Watts of Bi-Amplified Power
The PULSE 2i provides 150 watts of total digital amplifier power across four channels.
- 65 watts for the first woofer
- 65 watts for the second woofer
- 10 watts for the first tweeter
- 10 watts for the second tweeter
This dedicated amplification allows the processing, amplifier channels and drive units to be designed as one complete system.
Bluesound publishes a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 1.5dB, with the bass extending to 33Hz at the -10dB point.
The result is a fuller and more substantial presentation than the smaller speakers in the PULSE range.
Twin Woofers and Twin Tweeters
The sealed enclosure contains two 133mm bass and midrange drivers together with two 25mm tweeters.
The twin tweeter arrangement helps the PULSE 2i create a broader stereo soundfield than a conventional single-driver wireless speaker.
Its two woofers provide the cone area and cabinet loading required for stronger low-frequency output and greater scale.
The PULSE 2i is still one physical speaker, so the left and right channels remain closer together than they would be with a widely spaced pair of conventional loudspeakers.
True Stereo from a Single Speaker
Unlike many all-in-one wireless speakers that combine everything into a largely mono presentation, the PULSE 2i contains separate left and right driver sections.
Digital signal processing extends the apparent soundfield beyond the physical width of the enclosure and can provide a convincing sense of stereo separation from a central listening position.
The final stereo image will depend on the speaker position, listening distance, room acoustics and selected audio settings.
One Enclosure Cannot Fully Replace Widely Spaced Speakers
The PULSE 2i produces a broad stereo presentation, but its left and right channels are still contained within a 420mm-wide cabinet.
A pair of properly positioned PULSE 2i speakers or a conventional stereo loudspeaker system can create greater channel separation and more precise imaging.
Create a Wireless Stereo Pair
Two matching PULSE 2i speakers can be configured as a fixed stereo pair within the BluOS Controller app.
One speaker then reproduces the left channel while the other reproduces the right channel.
The speakers appear as one player within BluOS, with shared playback, volume and source controls.
This arrangement provides a considerably wider soundstage and allows each PULSE 2i to concentrate on one channel.
Use Two Matching PULSE 2i Speakers
A stereo pair should use two identical PULSE 2i speakers to maintain consistent volume, frequency balance and timing across the left and right channels.
Earlier PULSE generations have different amplification, drivers and acoustic tuning and should not be assumed to provide a properly matched stereo pair.
Positioning the PULSE 2i
Place the PULSE 2i on a stable and level surface capable of supporting its 5.05kg weight.
Avoid pushing the speaker tightly into a corner, as this can increase bass output and make some rooms sound heavy or indistinct.
A position with some space around the enclosure will normally provide a clearer and more balanced result.
The front of the speaker should face the main listening area, with the controls and rear connections remaining accessible.
For Stronger Bass
- Move the speaker slightly closer to a rear wall
- Use the BluOS tone controls carefully
- Keep the speaker on a solid support
- Avoid lightweight or resonant furniture
- Consider adding a compatible PULSE SUB+
For Greater Clarity
- Move the speaker away from room corners
- Keep the front unobstructed
- Avoid enclosing it inside a cabinet
- Reduce excessive bass adjustment
- Position it near seated ear height where practical
High-Resolution BluOS Music Streaming
BluOS provides access to compatible streaming services, internet radio, local network storage and multi-room playback through one control platform.
Music selection and player configuration are handled through the BluOS Controller app for compatible iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices.
Native PCM playback is supported at sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz with bit depths from 16-bit to 24-bit.
BluOS software updates are delivered through the network and can add service integrations, improve stability and maintain compatibility.
Streaming Services and Direct Integrations
The PULSE 2i supports a broad selection of compatible streaming and internet-radio services through BluOS.
- Spotify Connect, including compatible Spotify Lossless playback
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Amazon Alexa Skills
- Google Assistant integration through a compatible external device
- Internet radio through compatible BluOS services
Service availability, subscriptions, regional access and maximum playback quality are controlled by the individual provider and may change over time.
No Built-In Voice Microphones
The PULSE 2i does not contain its own microphone array or operate as a standalone voice assistant.
Voice control requires a compatible external Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Siri device and the appropriate account configuration.
Supported Audio Formats
The PULSE 2i supports a wide selection of compressed, lossless and high-resolution PCM audio formats.
- MP3
- AAC
- WMA
- WMA Lossless
- OGG
- OPUS
- FLAC
- Apple Lossless
- WAV
- AIFF
- MQA
DSD Is Not Listed in the PULSE 2i Specification
Bluesound's current PULSE 2i specification does not list native DSD support.
Customers with an important DSD music library should confirm current compatibility and any conversion requirements before purchase.
Play Music from Network Storage
Music stored on a compatible computer or network-attached storage device can be indexed and played through BluOS.
Once the music share has been added, the library becomes available to the PULSE 2i and other compatible BluOS products on the network.
Reliable library playback depends on the network, storage hardware, file structure, metadata and album artwork.
Audio T can help with basic network-library setup and advise on the benefits of wired Ethernet for larger collections.
USB Music Storage
A compatible FAT32-formatted USB memory stick or external drive can be connected to the rear USB Type-A port.
Music stored on the drive can then be accessed through the BluOS Controller app.
This provides a simple way to play locally stored music without requiring a separate computer or network-attached storage device.
The USB Type-A Connection Is Not a Computer Input
The PULSE 2i cannot be used as a USB sound device for a computer.
Its USB Type-A socket is intended for compatible FAT32 music storage, while the separate Mini USB Type-B connection is reserved for service use.
Combined Analogue and Optical Input
A rear 3.5mm combination socket accepts either a stereo analogue signal or a Mini Toslink optical digital signal.
Suitable analogue sources can include a CD player, tuner, cassette deck, portable music player or external phono stage.
Optical sources can include a CD transport, television, games console or another compatible digital product.
A conventional Toslink optical cable can be used with the included Mini Toslink adaptor.
Only One Connected Source at a Time
The 3.5mm socket is shared between analogue and optical operation.
It cannot accept an analogue source and an optical source simultaneously.
Connect a Television by Optical Cable
A compatible television can connect to the PULSE 2i through its optical audio output.
This allows television programmes, films and games to be reproduced through the PULSE 2i rather than the television's internal speakers.
The television should normally be configured to output a compatible stereo PCM signal.
No HDMI ARC or Dolby Decoder
The PULSE 2i does not provide HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC or multi-channel Dolby decoding.
It should be regarded as a stereo optical speaker rather than a dedicated home cinema soundbar.
Customers wanting HDMI eARC and current home cinema processing should consider the
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA MINI
or
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA
.
Connect a Turntable
A turntable can connect to the PULSE 2i when it provides a suitable line-level output.
A model with a switchable built-in phono stage should be set to its line-output mode before connection.
A turntable without a built-in phono stage requires a suitable external moving magnet or moving coil phono pre-amplifier.
The PULSE 2i Does Not Have a Phono Stage
A moving magnet or moving coil cartridge cannot be connected directly to the analogue input.
The cartridge signal requires the gain and equalisation supplied by a suitable phono stage.
The
Bluesound HUB
includes a dedicated moving magnet phono input and can make a turntable available throughout a compatible BluOS system.
Two-Way aptX HD Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX HD allows the PULSE 2i to receive music from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
Two-way Bluetooth also allows the PULSE 2i to transmit audio to compatible wireless headphones and speakers.
Bluetooth quality depends on codec compatibility, distance, local interference and the source and receiving devices.
Network playback through BluOS will normally provide the most consistent route for high-resolution music.
Wired and Wireless Headphones
A rear 3.5mm stereo socket allows conventional wired headphones to be connected directly.
Two-way Bluetooth also provides wireless playback through compatible Bluetooth headphones.
Connecting wired headphones will normally mute the built-in speaker system.
The PULSE 2i is primarily designed as a room speaker, so customers using demanding premium headphones may still prefer a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Apple AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV devices to send audio to the PULSE 2i.
This provides access to sound from compatible applications that may not be integrated directly within BluOS.
AirPlay 2 can also form part of a compatible Apple multi-room system.
The PULSE 2i operates as an AirPlay receiving device rather than transmitting its BluOS sources to separate AirPlay speakers.
Roon Ready
The PULSE 2i can operate as a Roon Ready network endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Music selection, library management and playback are then handled through Roon while the PULSE 2i provides network playback, amplification and loudspeakers.
A separate Roon subscription and compatible Roon server are required.
BluOS Multi-Room Audio
The PULSE 2i can be grouped with compatible Bluesound and BluOS-enabled products throughout the home.
Grouped players can reproduce the same music in synchronisation, while different rooms can play separate music at the same time.
Room grouping, playback queues, individual volume levels, sources and streaming services are controlled through the BluOS Controller app.
BluOS is also built into compatible products from selected partner manufacturers, allowing traditional Hi-Fi systems and Bluesound wireless speakers to work within the same multi-room platform.
Add the PULSE SUB+
The
Bluesound PULSE SUB+
can be paired wirelessly with the PULSE 2i through a BluOS fixed group.
The PULSE SUB+ uses a powered 203mm woofer to extend low-frequency performance and reduce some of the bass demands placed on the PULSE 2i.
Subwoofer level, crossover and phase settings can be adjusted through BluOS.
The PULSE 2i does not provide a conventional wired RCA subwoofer output, so the PULSE SUB+ must be added through its supported network-pairing arrangement.
No Wired Subwoofer Output
A conventional third-party powered subwoofer cannot connect directly to the PULSE 2i through an RCA subwoofer cable.
The simplest supported solution is a compatible PULSE SUB+ paired through BluOS.
Gigabit Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The PULSE 2i can connect to the home network through wired Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi 5.
Gigabit Ethernet
- Uses a standard RJ45 network cable
- Provides a stable connection where cabling is practical
- Recommended for larger network music libraries
- Useful for stereo pairs and multi-room systems
- Ethernet cable is included
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Supports compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks
- Allows placement without a network cable
- Performance depends on wireless coverage
- May be affected by walls and interference
- Should be tested in the final speaker position
Wired Ethernet will normally provide the most predictable connection where suitable network cabling is available.
A reliable network becomes particularly important when using two PULSE 2i speakers as a stereo pair or grouping several BluOS players.
Touch Controls and Remote Learning
Touch-sensitive controls on the top panel provide access to frequently used playback functions.
- Play and pause
- Previous and next track
- Volume up and down
- LED status indication
Presets are programmed and accessed through the BluOS Controller app rather than dedicated preset buttons on the speaker.
A front infrared sensor allows the PULSE 2i to learn compatible commands from an existing remote control or the optional Bluesound RC1 handset.
Listening Modes and Tone Adjustment
BluOS provides app-based audio settings for adjusting the PULSE 2i to suit its position and intended use.
Available controls can include bass and treble adjustment, output mode and listening modes intended to alter the presentation for different rooms or material.
These controls should be used carefully. Large adjustments can make the system sound impressive initially but less natural over a longer listening session.
Positioning and room acoustics should be addressed before relying heavily on equalisation.
Wall-Mounting Options
The PULSE 2i is compatible with the optional Bluesound WM200 wall-mount bracket.
Wall mounting can free shelf space and provide a neat installation in kitchens, bedrooms, offices and commercial environments.
The mounting surface must be suitable for the combined weight of the speaker and bracket.
Access to mains power, ventilation, the rear connections and network requirements should be considered before installation.
PULSE 2i, PULSE M or PULSE FLEX 2i?
Choose PULSE 2i When
- You want the most powerful PULSE music speaker
- The speaker needs to fill a larger room
- Strong bass from one enclosure is important
- An analogue or optical input is required
- A wired headphone socket is useful
- You may create a substantial stereo pair
Choose PULSE M When
- You want more even sound around the room
- A smaller and more decorative design is preferred
- The speaker will be heard from several directions
- Eighty watts of system power is sufficient
- USB-C computer audio is useful
- Current-generation processing is preferred
Choose PULSE FLEX 2i When
- You need the smallest and most flexible speaker
- The room is relatively compact
- Portability with the optional battery pack is useful
- You want dedicated Bluesound rear speakers
- Three physical preset buttons are useful
- A lower purchase price is important
PULSE 2i or a Traditional Hi-Fi System?
Choose PULSE 2i When
- You want one simple and self-contained product
- Space for separate components is limited
- Multi-room audio is important
- You want minimal cabling
- The internal source and speakers meet your needs
- Future component upgrades are not a priority
Choose Traditional Separates When
- You want a wider conventional stereo image
- You want to choose and upgrade each component
- Several physical sources need to remain connected
- A dedicated phono stage is important
- You require more specialised loudspeakers
- The system must suit a particularly demanding room
Planning a PULSE 2i System
Single-Speaker Music System
- One PULSE 2i positioned centrally
- Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection
- Music controlled through BluOS
- Suitable for a living room or open-plan space
- Optional PULSE SUB+ for additional bass
Wireless Stereo System
- Two matching PULSE 2i speakers
- Configured as a BluOS fixed stereo pair
- Speakers positioned to the left and right
- Greater stereo separation and soundstage
- Reliable network coverage required
Multi-Room System
- PULSE 2i used in the main listening space
- PULSE M or PULSE FLEX products in other rooms
- All products connected through BluOS
- Grouped or independent playback
- Individual room volume control
Turntable and Streaming System
- Turntable connected through a phono stage
- Line-level output connected to the combination input
- Streaming services handled through BluOS
- No separate amplifier required
- Optical input unavailable while analogue is connected
Installation and Setup
The PULSE 2i should be positioned on a stable support with access to mains power and its rear connections.
Initial setup includes adding the speaker to the home network, installing current BluOS software and signing into the required streaming services.
Additional configuration may include tone adjustment, infrared remote learning, network music-library indexing, stereo pairing and PULSE SUB+ setup.
Audio T can help identify the most suitable position, configure BluOS and demonstrate how the PULSE 2i works with other Bluesound products.
Key Features
- Premium all-in-one Bluesound wireless music system
- BluOS multi-room operating system
- True stereo speaker configuration
- 150 watts of total bi-amplified system power
- 65 watts for each woofer
- 10 watts for each tweeter
- Two 133mm woofers
- Two 25mm tweeters
- Sealed loudspeaker enclosure
- Frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz within plus or minus 1.5dB
- Low-frequency cutoff of 33Hz at -10dB
- PCM playback from 32kHz to 192kHz
- 16-bit to 24-bit playback support
- MQA file support
- Broad selection of compatible music services
- Spotify Connect with compatible Spotify Lossless support
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Ready
- Amazon Alexa Skills integration
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.0
- Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
- Bluetooth headphone transmission
- 3.5mm wired headphone output
- Combined 3.5mm analogue and Mini Toslink optical input
- USB Type-A music-storage input
- FAT32 USB storage compatibility
- Gigabit Ethernet connection
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5
- ARM Cortex-A9 1GHz processor
- Front infrared sensor
- Infrared remote-learning capability
- Touch-sensitive play and pause control
- Touch-sensitive previous and next-track controls
- Touch-sensitive volume controls
- Presets available through the BluOS app
- Can form a fixed stereo pair with a second PULSE 2i
- Can join compatible BluOS multi-room systems
- Compatible with wireless PULSE SUB+ pairing
- Compatible with optional Bluesound RC1 remote
- Compatible with optional WM200 wall bracket
- Available in black or white finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluesound PULSE 2i?
It is a complete wireless music system containing a BluOS streamer, digital amplification, two woofers and two tweeters within one enclosure.
Does it require an amplifier?
No. The PULSE 2i contains its own 150-watt digital amplifier system and built-in loudspeakers.
Is the PULSE 2i stereo?
Yes. It contains separate left and right driver sections and produces stereo sound from one enclosure.
Can I pair two PULSE 2i speakers?
Yes. Two matching speakers can be configured as a fixed left and right stereo pair through the BluOS Controller app.
Can it fill a large room?
It is Bluesound's most powerful all-in-one music speaker and is designed for larger rooms, although final performance depends on the room, positioning and listening level.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A television can connect through optical cable, but the PULSE 2i does not provide HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
Can I connect a television?
Yes. A compatible television can connect to the Mini Toslink optical input and should normally be configured to output stereo PCM audio.
Does it decode Dolby Digital?
No. The PULSE 2i is a stereo music speaker rather than a Dolby home cinema soundbar.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. A suitable CD player can connect through the shared analogue or Mini Toslink optical input.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, provided the turntable has a built-in phono stage or is connected through a suitable external phono pre-amplifier.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
No. A moving magnet or moving coil cartridge cannot connect directly to the PULSE 2i.
Can analogue and optical sources remain connected together?
No. Both formats use the same 3.5mm combination socket, so only one can be connected at a time.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Compatible FAT32-formatted USB storage can connect to the rear Type-A socket.
Can I connect a computer by USB?
No. The USB Type-A connection is intended for music storage and is not a computer audio input.
Does it support DSD?
Bluesound does not list DSD within the current PULSE 2i specification. Customers with DSD libraries should confirm current compatibility before purchase.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Current Bluesound software supports Qobuz Connect across Bluesound players.
Does it support Spotify Lossless?
Yes. Bluesound currently lists compatible Spotify Lossless playback through Spotify Connect.
Does it support Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes. Compatible Apple devices can send audio to the PULSE 2i through AirPlay 2.
Is it Roon Ready?
Yes. It can operate as a Roon Ready endpoint with a compatible Roon server and subscription.
Can it connect to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. Two-way Bluetooth allows the PULSE 2i to transmit audio to compatible wireless headphones and speakers.
Does it have a wired headphone socket?
Yes. A 3.5mm stereo headphone connection is provided on the rear panel.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. A compatible Bluesound PULSE SUB+ can be paired wirelessly through BluOS. The PULSE 2i does not have a wired RCA subwoofer output.
Does it support Dirac Live?
No. Dirac Live room correction is not listed as a supported feature for the PULSE 2i.
Can the PULSE 2i be wall mounted?
Yes. It is compatible with the optional Bluesound WM200 wall-mount bracket.
Can Audio T configure the PULSE 2i?
Yes. Audio T can help with network setup, speaker positioning, streaming services, stereo pairing, connected sources, headphones, subwoofer setup and BluOS multi-room configuration.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert advice comparing PULSE 2i, PULSE M and PULSE FLEX 2i
- Demonstrations through participating Audio T stores
- Advice based on room size and required listening level
- Single-speaker and stereo-pair demonstrations
- Speaker-positioning and room-setup guidance
- Turntable and phono-stage matching
- CD player and optical connection advice
- Television optical-audio configuration
- Wired and Bluetooth headphone setup
- PULSE SUB+ matching and configuration
- USB storage and local music-library setup
- Network-attached storage advice
- Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet configuration
- Streaming-service account setup
- BluOS Controller app setup and demonstration
- AirPlay 2, Roon and Bluetooth configuration
- BluOS multi-room system planning
- Wall-mounting and installation advice
- Professional home installation options
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Bluesound and BluOS support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Bluesound PULSE 2i to a single-room, stereo or multi-room music system.