Bose Solo 15 Series II TV Sound System Review

Bose Solo 15 Series II Pedestal Speaker System

Update Note: This review has been updated for the new Bose Solo 15 Series II TV Sound System, which replaces the Bose Solo 15. Performance wise the audio quality of both models will be the same.

The difference between the models is the new Bose Solo 15 II adds built-in Bluetooth technology which is controlled by a button on the remote control. Additionally, it now allows you to adjust the bass output level of the speaker from a button on the remote control, instead of having to adjust the bass level from a knob located on the rear panel of the previous model.

Soundbars have become a popular choice for many consumers wanting to add better sound quality to their flat-panel televisions. And as many of you already know, most flat panel TV speakers produce poor to mediocre sound quality; so adding a soundbar system will substantially increase the audio performance of your TV viewing experience.

Typical soundbar systems usually consist of a rectangular bar that contains two or more drivers (speaker), with many systems adding an additional subwoofer for low bass output.

Soundbar pedestal TV speaker systems go with an entirely different form factor. This type of system consists of a flat – low-profile box-shaped system that allows you to place your TV on top of the enclosure.

Pedestal sound systems are not as widely available as the “bar” type system mentioned above and are available from a limited number of manufacturers. The Bose Corporation is one such manufacturer with its Bose Solo 15 II TV sound system.

Design/Features

The Solo 15 II features a compact design measuring: 24-11/16″ W x 2-15/15″ H x 14-1/4″ D and weighs 12 lbs. The enclosure is a solidly built bass reflex design with two rear-firing ports to enhance bass output. The enclosure contains a five-speaker array: three across the front panel and one on each side panel.

The Solo 15 II uses Bose’s proprietary TruSpace technology that produces full and spacious sound reproduction. The system contains a dialog mode that automatically adjusts the system for optimal dialog reproduction from sources such as news and talk shows. The system’s rear panel contains a bass knob to adjust bass level output to your liking.

The Solo 15 II fits under most 46″ to 50″ TVs with a weight of up to 70 pounds. For larger and heavier TVs, the system can be placed on a shelf or media cabinet just below the TV.

The supplied IR universal remote control can be programmed to control your TV, DVD, Blu-ray disc player, cable/satellite box, gaming console and your DVR. You can also program most other manufacturers’ universal remotes to operate the Solo 15 II sound system.

The Solo 15 II has added built-in Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly play back stored music and music apps from your Bluetooth-enabled Apple iOS iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows Phone/PC, Mac computer/laptop, or other Bluetooth-compatible devices. You can control basic music playback functions (like Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the included remote control.

The system will automatically power off after one hour if no signal is present.

Connectivity

The Solo 15 II provides very limited connectivity options. Audio inputs include:

• 1 Digital optical input
• 1 Digital coaxial input
• 1 RCA L/R stereo input

There are no HDMI inputs.

Performance

Much to my surprise, the Solo 15 II produced pretty decent sound quality. What immediately caught my attention was how open and spacious the sound was coming from such a compact system. And depending on the content I was listening to, the sound could be quite dynamic.

Movie soundtracks played through this speaker were very good for a soundbar-based system. The sound quality was articulate and detailed with a good simulated surround sound presence that spread far beyond the boundaries of the speaker. The sound was also very crisp and clean with no harshness. Subtle sound effects were also rendered with good detail and clarity.

Dialog/vocal content was audibly precise with plenty of clarity and presence while providing intelligible sound even when mixed with sound effects.

Music played through the Solo 15 II sounded fine and had a fair amount of detail along with good clarity. Vocals and instrumentation sounded clean and refined with a decent sound stage presence. At moderate listening levels, the audio never sounded harsh or bright, and actually had a more “laid-back” sound. However, when I turned the volume to high listening levels, the sound output began to distort making the music sound a bit harsh in addition to losing some clarity.

I must be subjective here by stating that many compact audio systems will distort at high volume levels, so I won’t emphasize too much criticism on the Solo 15 II in this area of performance.

Bass output for movie and music content was surprisingly sufficient for a pedestal soundbar that didn’t contain a separate subwoofer and had just enough impact to blend well with the midrange and high-frequency output of the sound system.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying by any means that this system produced deep bass output, because it certainly did not. But for a system with no large drivers or subwoofer, the bass output was surprisingly adequate. But if you desire a soundbar system with solid deep bass output, I suggest you seek out a system with a separate subwoofer.

Conclusion

Performance wise the Bose Solo 15 II does what it was designed to do, and does so quite well. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a sound system that delivers high-performance audio quality; then, in my opinion, this system comes up short, and you best look elsewhere.

However, in favor of the Solo 15 II, you will be rewarded with a crisp, clear and detailed sound that is full-bodied and spacious when you use this system to replace the mediocre sound quality of most flat panel TV speakers.

You may also like the Bose CineMate 15 Home Theater System

Updated on 11/25/2016