When it comes to premium soundbars, Bose is a name that resonates with audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional audio quality has earned it a reputation that’s hard to match. Amidst the plethora of soundbar options available in the market, two models from Bose have garnered significant attention – the Soundbar 500 and 700. While both models promise an immersive audio experience, there are subtle differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of each model, exploring their design, features, performance, and value for money.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics play a crucial role in determining the overall appeal of a soundbar. The Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 share a similar design language, but with some notable differences.
The Soundbar 500 boasts a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any living room setup. Measuring 31.5 inches in length, 2.25 inches in height, and 4 inches in depth, it’s compact enough to fit under most TVs. The soundbar’s body is constructed from a durable glass top and a sturdy metal grille, exuding a premium feel. However, some users might find the design a tad too minimalist, particularly when compared to the more futuristic look of the Soundbar 700.
The Soundbar 700, on the other hand, features a more futuristic and sophisticated design. It’s slightly larger than the 500, measuring 43.75 inches in length, 2.5 inches in height, and 4.5 inches in depth. The soundbar’s top and bottom are crafted from glass, providing a luxurious touch, while the metal grille is more angular and aggressive. The 700’s design is undoubtedly more attention-grabbing, making it an excellent choice for those who want their soundbar to be a focal point in the room.
Remote Control and Connectivity Options
Both soundbars come with a sleek, compact remote control that’s easy to navigate. The remote features a minimalistic design, with essential buttons for volume control, input selection, and playback. One notable difference, however, is that the Soundbar 700’s remote includes a button for adjusting the bass levels, which is absent on the Soundbar 500.
In terms of connectivity options, both soundbars offer a range of choices, including:
- HDMI output with ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- HDMI input
- Optical digital audio input
- Analog audio input (3.5mm)
- Bluetooth connectivity (version 4.2)
- Wi-Fi connectivity (dual-band)
- Apple Music and Amazon Alexa built-in
However, the Soundbar 700 takes it a step further by incorporating a USB port, allowing users to connect external devices like flash drives or phones. Additionally, the 700 supports Bose’s proprietary SimpleSync technology, which enables seamless pairing with other Bose products.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality is, without a doubt, the most critical aspect of any soundbar. The Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 leverage the brand’s proprietary audio technologies to deliver an immersive listening experience.
The Soundbar 500 is powered by four custom-designed drivers, each measuring 2.5 inches in diameter. These drivers work in tandem to produce a broad, enveloping soundstage, with clear and detailed highs, smooth midranges, and robust bass. The soundbar’s acoustic design ensures that dialogue is clear and intelligible, making it an excellent choice for movie nights and TV shows.
The Soundbar 700, on the other hand, features a more advanced driver configuration, comprising six custom-designed drivers, including three tweeters and three woofers. This arrangement allows for more precise sound dispersion and a more accurate representation of the audio signal. The 700’s soundstage is even more expansive than the 500’s, with a greater sense of depth and width. The bass response is also more pronounced, thanks to the inclusion of separate woofers.
Phantom Surround and Cinematic Experience
One of the key features that set the Soundbar 700 apart from the 500 is its support for Bose’s proprietary Phantom surround technology. This innovative feature uses psychoacoustic modeling to create an immersive, cinematic experience, with sound effects and music elements seemingly emanating from all directions.
The Phantom surround feature is available only on the Soundbar 700 and works in conjunction with compatible content, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X encoded movies and TV shows. When engaged, the feature adds a new dimension to the listening experience, drawing the listener into the on-screen action.
Smart Features and Integration
Both soundbars are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling seamless integration with smart devices and streaming services.
The Soundbar 500 and 700 support multi-room audio capabilities, allowing users to connect multiple Bose speakers to create a whole-home audio system. Users can control and synchronize music playback across different rooms, creating a cohesive audio experience.
The Soundbar 700 takes smart integration a step further by incorporating Amazon Alexa built-in, enabling users to access a wide range of voice-controlled features, including:
- Smart home control
- Music streaming
- News updates
- Weather forecasts
- and more
bose Music App and ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration
Both soundbars are compatible with the Bose Music app, which allows users to:
- Stream music from popular services like Spotify and Apple Music
- Access radio stations and podcasts
- Customize soundbar settings and preferences
- Update software and firmware
The Bose Music app also provides access to ADAPTiQ audio calibration, a proprietary technology that optimizes the soundbar’s performance based on the room’s acoustic characteristics. This feature ensures that the soundbar delivers the best possible sound quality, regardless of the room’s size, shape, or layout.
Value for Money and Conclusion
The Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are both premium soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences.
The Soundbar 500 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, easy-to-use soundbar with impressive sound quality. Priced around $549, it offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
The Soundbar 700, on the other hand, is designed for those who want a more advanced, feature-rich soundbar with cutting-edge technology. Priced around $799, it’s a significant investment, but one that’s justified by its exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and innovative features.
In conclusion, the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are two exceptional soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences. While both models offer impressive sound quality and sleek designs, the Soundbar 700’s advanced features, Phantom surround technology, and smart integration make it the better choice for those seeking a premium audio experience. However, for those on a budget or seeking a more compact soundbar, the Soundbar 500 is an excellent alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these two soundbars depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
What are the key differences between the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700?
The Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are both high-end soundbars, but they have some notable differences. The most significant difference is the design and build quality. The Soundbar 700 has a sleeker and more premium design, with a glass top and a more minimalist approach. In contrast, the Soundbar 500 has a more angular design with a plastic top.
Another key difference is the audio performance. The Soundbar 700 has a more advanced audio technology, including a more powerful amplifier and a more sophisticated speaker system. This results in a more immersive and engaging audio experience, with clearer dialogue and deeper bass. The Soundbar 500, on the other hand, has a more traditional speaker system, which still provides excellent sound quality but may not be as impressive as the Soundbar 700.
Which soundbar is better for dialogue clarity?
Both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are known for their excellent dialogue clarity, but the Soundbar 700 has a slight edge in this department. The Soundbar 700 features Bose’s proprietary PhaseGuide technology, which helps to enhance dialogue clarity and detail. This technology uses subtle adjustments to the sound wave to create a more lifelike and immersive audio experience.
Additionally, the Soundbar 700 has a more advanced microphone system, which helps to pick up and amplify dialogue more effectively. This means that even in noisy environments or with whispered dialogue, the Soundbar 700 can deliver clear and intelligible sound. The Soundbar 500, on the other hand, still provides excellent dialogue clarity, but it may not be quite as impressive as the Soundbar 700 in this regard.
Can I use these soundbars with my TV’s HDMI ARC?
Yes, both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are compatible with TVs that have HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) capability. This means that you can connect the soundbar to your TV using a single HDMI cable, and the soundbar will receive audio signals from the TV and other connected devices. This makes it easy to control the soundbar with your TV’s remote control and ensures a seamless audio experience.
However, it’s worth noting that the Soundbar 700 has an additional feature called HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for more advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to be transmitted over HDMI. If your TV supports eARC, the Soundbar 700 can take full advantage of these formats for a more immersive audio experience.
Are the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 wireless?
Both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 have wireless connectivity options, but they differ in terms of the types of connections they offer. The Soundbar 500 has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to pair it with your phone, tablet, or laptop and stream music wirelessly. However, it does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means it cannot connect to your home network or other devices wirelessly.
The Soundbar 700, on the other hand, has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This means you can stream music from your phone or tablet wirelessly, and you can also connect it to your home network and access music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Additionally, the Soundbar 700 has Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast built-in, which allows for seamless connectivity with Apple and Android devices.
Can I add a subwoofer to the Bose Soundbar 500 or 700?
Yes, both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are compatible with Bose’s optional wireless subwoofer, the Bass Module 500. This subwoofer is designed to add deep bass to your soundbar’s audio output, creating a more immersive and engaging sound experience. The Bass Module 500 is wireless, so you don’t need to worry about connecting it to the soundbar with cables.
To pair the Bass Module 500 with your soundbar, simply plug it in, turn it on, and follow the on-screen instructions on your soundbar. The soundbar and subwoofer will automatically connect and adjust their settings to optimize the audio output. Note that the Bass Module 500 is sold separately and is not included with the soundbar.
What is the warranty period for the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700?
Both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 come with a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is valid from the date of purchase and covers parts and labor for repairs or replacements. Additionally, Bose offers extended warranty options for both soundbars, which can provide additional protection and support for up to 2 or 3 years.
It’s worth noting that the warranty period may vary depending on the country or region you purchased the soundbar in. Be sure to check the warranty documentation that comes with your soundbar or contact Bose customer support for more information.
Can I use the Bose Soundbar 500 or 700 with my Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, although the Soundbar 700 has more advanced integration with these voice assistants. The Soundbar 700 has built-in microphones that allow it to respond to voice commands directly, whereas the Soundbar 500 requires an external Alexa or Google Assistant device to control it with voice commands.
With the Soundbar 700, you can use voice commands to play music, adjust the volume, and control other smart devices in your home. The Soundbar 500, on the other hand, can only be controlled with voice commands through an external device, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home speaker.