Bluesound Pulse 2i Streaming Speaker, Black (Each)

The Bluesound Pulse 2i is an active streaming speaker with BluOS that combines left and right channels, four drivers and 150 watts of amplifier power in a single enclosure.

In black, it looks matter-of-fact and understated – a device that fills the room rather than decorating it. Straight talk: this is no kitchen radio. The Pulse 2i lays down a genuine stereo foundation even in larger living spaces, without a pair of speakers, stands and cable runs across the room.

Why the Pulse 2i?

Because it solves two things at once: source and speaker. The 150 watts are split in bi-amping – 65 watts per woofer, 10 watts per tweeter – and drive two 13 cm woofers as well as two 25 mm tweeters. That produces headroom and bass extension down to 40 Hz that you wouldn't expect from the slim enclosure. Via BluOS you play a wide range of music services, plus internet radio and your own files from the network or a USB stick. A paid subscription isn't a must for that – internet radio and local music work without one too.

What you get

Playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz including MQA, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD in both directions – so you can also transmit to Bluetooth headphones – plus AirPlay 2, Roon Ready and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. On the connectivity side there's dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5 mm combo input for analogue or optical sources, a USB-A port and a headphone output. The carry handle on the back is completely unspectacular and yet the detail you'll use the most: grab the unit, change rooms, keep listening. If you'd rather mount it permanently, there's the Bluesound WM200 wall bracket.

Who's the Pulse 2i for – and who isn't it for?

Right if you want powerful stereo sound from a single device for a living, dining or hobby room and want to keep the door open to a multiroom system. For quiet background music in a small room, it's a size too big – a Pulse Mini 2i or a Pulse Flex is enough there. There's no HDMI: TV sound runs through the optical input, and for eARC a Powernode is the right address. And to be honest: the 2i series is the proven, not the newest, Bluesound generation. You'll notice that in the feature set, not in the sound.

Our verdict

The Pulse 2i is the one-device stereo system for anyone who wants real impact without cable clutter: powerful, networked, expandable in multiroom, and kept updated with firmware for years. Whether one is enough or two as a separate stereo pair make more sense depends on your room – and that's exactly what we love talking about at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil. Call +41 44 680 22 00, write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch, or just tell us briefly how your room is laid out.

Technical Data

Speaker & Amplification

• Output power: 150 W total, bi-amping (2 × 65 W woofers, 2 × 10 W tweeters)
• Amplifier type: digital
• Drivers: 2 × 5.25″ (133 mm) woofers + 2 × 1″ (25 mm) tweeters
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz (±1.5 dB), −10 dB at 33 Hz
• Maximum SPL: approx. 101.6 dB
• Distortion (THD+N): 0.03%

Audio & Streaming

• Resolution: 16–24-bit, 32–192 kHz
• Hi-res formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, ALAC
• Other formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, OPUS
• Integrations: AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, BluOS music services, internet radio
• Voice control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Connections

• Network: Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
• Bluetooth: 5.0 with aptX HD, bidirectional (receive and send)
• Input: 3.5 mm combo jack, analogue or optical (Toslink)
• USB: Type A for storage media, mini-USB for service
• Headphone output: yes, 3.5 mm jack
• Output level: adjustable via the BluOS app and device buttons; there's no separate fixed-level line output

General

• Operating system: BluOS
• Mounting: table or shelf, carry handle, thread for Bluesound WM200 wall bracket (optional)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 420 × 198 × 192 mm
• Weight: 5.05 kg
• Power supply: mains powered (no battery), detachable power cable
• Enclosure: matte black
• In the box: Pulse 2i, 2 × power cable, Toslink-to-3.5 mm adapter, Ethernet cable, documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What room size is the Pulse 2i suited for?

With 150 watts and four drivers, the Pulse 2i fills small to medium rooms powerfully, with bass extension down to 40 Hz. For quiet background music in a small room, it's oversized – there, the more compact Pulse Mini 2i or a Pulse Flex fits the purpose much better.

Is the Pulse 2i a genuine stereo speaker?

Yes. The left and right channels each have their own woofer and tweeter in the same enclosure. If you want a wider soundstage, you pair two Pulse 2i units via the BluOS app into a separate stereo pair – then each device takes on one channel.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the Pulse 2i?

No. Internet radio, music from your network storage and files from a USB stick run without a paid subscription. Services like Qobuz, Tidal or Spotify can be added via BluOS if you like – they're an option, not a requirement for operation.

Can I connect a TV to the Pulse 2i?

Yes, via the combined 3.5 mm input in optical mode; the matching Toslink adapter is included. The Pulse 2i has no HDMI connection. If you want to bring in TV sound via HDMI eARC, a Bluesound Powernode is the technically cleaner solution.

Why buy the Bluesound Pulse 2i from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you honestly whether one Pulse 2i is enough or a stereo pair makes more sense – depending on your room, furnishings and listening habits. Our experienced specialist team in Wädenswil advises, delivers and sets up on request; for service and warranty, our own in-house technician is on hand.

Goes well with

You'll find the WM200 wall bracket and more accessories under All Accessories. Also: streaming speakers, active speakers and the brand's whole range under Bluesound.