AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review: Big Atmos Sound from a Shockingly Slim Profile?

I remember it vividly. We had just settled in to watch the latest sci-fi blockbuster. The 4K picture on our new television was breathtakingly sharp, with colours that popped off the screen. But as the epic opening sequence began, with starships soaring through asteroid fields, the sound was… flat. The thunderous engine roar was a muted hum, the laser blasts were thin pops, and the crucial dialogue was lost in a muddy mix. The visual spectacle was completely undermined by the anaemic, tinny audio piped out of the TV’s built-in speakers. It’s a modern tragedy of home entertainment: multi-thousand-pound displays paired with audio systems that feel like an afterthought. This experience isn’t just disappointing; it breaks the immersion that filmmakers work so hard to create. We knew we needed an upgrade, but the thought of a complex, expensive, and wire-filled 7.1 surround sound system was daunting. We wanted cinematic power without the cinematic clutter.

What to Consider Before Buying a Soundbar

A soundbar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your living room into a genuine home theatre. It’s the audio centrepiece that bridges the gap between your stunning visuals and the immersive sound they deserve. The primary benefit is a massive, immediate upgrade in audio clarity, depth, and power, without the complexity or spatial requirements of a traditional home cinema setup. Modern soundbars are designed to enhance everything from whispered dialogue in a tense drama to the earth-shaking explosions in an action movie, creating a soundstage that is wider and more dynamic than any television could produce on its own.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing that exact problem: a movie lover, a dedicated series-binger, or a gamer who has invested in a great screen but is let down by the sound. They want a simple, elegant solution that delivers a powerful punch. It’s for the household that values both performance and aesthetics, wanting to avoid the clutter of multiple speakers and trailing wires. Conversely, a soundbar might not be suitable for the dedicated audiophile who prefers to build a system from individual components and has the budget and space for a high-end AV receiver and a full 7.2.4 speaker array. For them, the integrated nature of a soundbar might feel limiting, but for the vast majority of users, it’s the perfect balance of performance, convenience, and value.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size of a soundbar is critically important. A bar that’s too tall can block the bottom of your TV screen or its infrared sensor, causing endless frustration. You need to measure the clearance between your TV stand and the bottom of your screen. The ultra-slim profile of many modern units, like the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar at just 35mm high, is a game-changer, designed specifically to slide under virtually any TV without obstruction.
• Channels & Performance: Soundbar channels are described with numbers like 2.1, 5.1, or in this case, 2.1.2. The first number represents the main channels (left and right), the second is the subwoofer for bass, and the third (if present) indicates height channels for Dolby Atmos. A 2.1.2 system like this one aims to create a 3D bubble of sound, including audio from above, which is essential for technologies like Dolby Atmos. Total power, measured in watts (W), gives you a rough idea of how loud the system can get; 240W is more than enough to fill a medium to large living room with powerful, distortion-free sound.
• Connectivity & Compatibility: How your soundbar connects to your TV is paramount. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), and its successor eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), is the gold standard. It allows you to send high-quality audio, including Dolby Atmos, from your TV to the soundbar using a single HDMI cable, and it lets you control the soundbar’s volume with your TV remote. Optical is a solid backup, while Bluetooth is fantastic for wirelessly streaming music from your phone or tablet.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great soundbar should be simple to set up and operate. Look for features like a wireless subwoofer, which eliminates a major cable and allows for flexible placement to achieve the best bass response in your room. Pre-set EQ modes (like Movie, Music, Voice) and a user-friendly remote make it easy to tailor the sound to your content without diving into complex menus. Long-term care is minimal, usually just requiring occasional dusting.

Keeping these factors in mind, the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar stands out in several areas, particularly its slim design and advanced eARC connectivity. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the AZATOM Pulsar PR500: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar from its packaging, the first thing that struck us was its impossibly slim profile. At a mere 35mm tall, it feels dense and premium, not hollow or plasticky. The main bar is sleek and understated, with a metal grille that protects the drivers while looking thoroughly modern. It’s designed to disappear beneath your TV, not dominate your media unit, and it succeeds beautifully. The included wireless subwoofer is equally discreet—a compact, slender tower that you can easily tuck beside a sofa or media cabinet without it becoming an eyesore. Inside the box, we found everything needed for a quick setup, including a remote control, power cables, and even wall-mounting brackets, a thoughtful inclusion that adds to the product’s versatility. Compared to bulkier soundbars in a similar price bracket, the Pulsar PR500 immediately scores points for its elegant, space-conscious design that doesn’t seem to compromise on a solid build quality.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Pulsar PR500 to the Test

A soundbar’s worth is ultimately measured not by its spec sheet, but by its performance in the real world. Does it transform a movie, add weight to a game, and bring music to life? We put the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar through a rigorous series of tests, from blockbuster films and atmospheric games to a wide range of music genres, to see if its performance lives up to its promise. The results were, for the most part, deeply impressive.

Setup and Connectivity: From Box to Breathtaking Sound in Minutes

One of the biggest barriers to better home audio is the perceived complexity of setting it up. AZATOM has clearly tackled this head-on. The setup process for the Pulsar PR500 was remarkably simple. The wireless subwoofer is the star of this show; after plugging it into a power outlet, it automatically and instantly paired with the main soundbar. No menus, no pairing buttons, no fuss. This single feature removes the biggest cable-management headache and allows you to place the sub wherever it sounds best in your room, not just where the cables can reach.

For the core connection, we used the HDMI eARC port. This is the undisputed best method. Using a single HDMI cable connected to our TV’s eARC port, the soundbar was immediately recognized. This connection not only carries the highest quality audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, but also enables CEC control. This meant our TV remote could instantly control the soundbar’s power and volume, consolidating our controls and simplifying the daily experience. While our unit paired flawlessly, we did note some user feedback mentioning the need for a one-time manual sync. We found the process in the manual to be straightforward, involving holding a button for a few seconds, so even in a worst-case scenario, it’s a minor hiccup. Connecting a phone via Bluetooth was equally painless, taking less than 30 seconds to pair and start streaming our favourite playlists with solid, stable audio quality.

The Dolby Atmos Experience: Does 2.1.2 Really Deliver Height?

This is the million-dollar question for any Atmos-enabled soundbar in this price range. Does a compact 2.1.2 system truly create that “bubble of sound”? Dolby Atmos isn’t about more channels; it’s about placing sounds as “objects” in a three-dimensional space, including overhead. The “.2” in the Pulsar PR500’s configuration refers to two dedicated up-firing speakers built into the top of the soundbar, designed to bounce sound off your ceiling and back down to your listening position, simulating overhead speakers.

To test this, we fired up *Blade Runner 2049*, a film with a masterful Atmos sound mix. In the opening scenes, as Ryan Gosling’s spinner flies through the desolate cityscapes, the sound of rain wasn’t just in front of us; it felt like it was coming from above, pattering on the roof of the vehicle. This is precisely what the height channels are for. During action sequences in *Dune*, the thumping of an Ornithopter’s wings had a distinct verticality that you simply do not get from a standard 2.1 or 5.1 system. Is it the same as having four physical speakers installed in your ceiling? No, and it’s important to set realistic expectations. The effect is dependent on your room’s ceiling height and material. However, the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar absolutely creates a genuine sense of height and a much larger, more immersive soundstage than its slim frame would suggest. It successfully elevates the sound from a flat plane to a more enveloping dome, which is a remarkable achievement for its size and cost.

Audio Profile and EQ Modes: Fine-Tuning Your Soundscape

Beyond the impressive Atmos effects, the fundamental audio quality of the Pulsar PR500 is excellent. As one user, a former sound engineer, noted, the sound quality is genuinely “surprising.” We have to agree. The system delivers a well-balanced audio profile with crisp highs and a clear, present midrange. This was confirmed by another user who praised how “nice the mid range and tops are as well as the deep thumping bass.” Dialogue clarity is a standout feature; even in chaotic action scenes, voices cut through the mix cleanly, a common failing of lesser soundbars.

The wireless subwoofer provides the low-end authority. It’s tight and punchy, adding palpable weight to explosions and depth to musical basslines without becoming boomy or uncontrolled. You can feel the impact. The built-in EQ presets are genuinely useful. ‘Movie’ mode widens the soundstage and boosts the low-end for a more cinematic feel. ‘Music’ mode offers a more neutral, balanced profile suitable for stereo listening. ‘Voice’ mode, a simple but brilliant addition, strips back the bass and treble to push dialogue to the forefront, making it perfect for watching the news, documentaries, or listening to podcasts.

Where we found common ground with user critiques was the user interface. Adjusting the independent Bass and Treble levels, or switching modes, relies on watching a small LED light on the front of the bar flash in different colours or patterns. There’s no on-screen display or descriptive text. As a user pointed out, “just a little led doesn’t suffice.” It requires a bit of a learning curve with the manual in hand initially. However, once you understand the system, the ability to fine-tune the sound to this degree is a powerful feature not always present at this price point. The AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers a level of audio customisation that, once mastered, truly lets you dial in the perfect sound for your room and your ears.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback for the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is overwhelmingly positive, often highlighting the incredible value for money. Many, like the user who said the “sound quality is amazing and really deep and pure bass,” are thrilled with the immediate and dramatic improvement over their TV’s native audio. One reviewer, using it with a massive 75″ Samsung TV, called the sound “fantastic” and praised how the slim unit “sits fantastically well” at the base of the screen, a common point of satisfaction.

The most authentic praise often comes from those with experience. A self-proclaimed former sound engineer admitted to being “surprised by the sound quality” from such a compact system, calling the sub “powerful enough for a living room.” This sentiment validates our own findings about its impressive audio chops. However, the feedback is also balanced and realistic. The same user pointed out the primary drawback we also identified: the minimalist LED feedback system for volume and settings. Another user noted that while they were “well pleased” overall, it’s important to remember “it is NOT an immersive superior sound system” in the league of multi-thousand-pound setups, but rather an excellent “cheap and tiny soundbar” that punches well above its weight. This balanced perspective is key: it’s about exceptional performance *for its class*.

How Does the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 Compare to the Competition?

While the Pulsar PR500 impresses, the soundbar market is crowded. To provide context, we’ve compared it to three notable alternatives, each catering to a slightly different user need.

1. Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar

The Bose TV Speaker is for the person who prioritizes absolute simplicity and dialogue clarity above all else. It forgoes a separate subwoofer and Dolby Atmos capabilities, focusing instead on Bose’s renowned digital signal processing to make voices exceptionally clear and easy to understand. It’s a 2.0 system that is incredibly compact and easy to set up. While it can’t compete with the cinematic rumble or immersive height effects of the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar, someone who primarily watches dialogue-heavy dramas, news, and sports, and who values the premium Bose brand name, might prefer its specialized, focused approach.

2. Saiyin 17-inch 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer

The Saiyin soundbar represents the ultra-budget, ultra-compact end of the market. At only 17 inches wide, it’s designed for smaller TVs, desktop PC setups, or bedrooms where space is at an absolute premium. It provides a basic 2.1 channel experience, meaning it includes a subwoofer for better bass than a TV can offer, but it lacks the advanced features of the AZATOM model. There’s no Dolby Atmos, no HDMI eARC, and its overall power and audio fidelity are lower. This is a good choice for someone on the tightest of budgets or with severe space constraints who just wants a simple, tangible upgrade from their TV speakers and isn’t concerned with cinematic immersion.

3. Sharp HT-SB140(MT) 150W Bluetooth Soundbar

The Sharp HT-SB140(MT) is a direct competitor in the slim soundbar category but with a key difference: it’s a 2.0 channel system, meaning it has no external subwoofer. Its appeal lies in its all-in-one simplicity; you get a single, slim bar that enhances clarity and adds some punch without needing to find a place for a bass box. With 150W of power, it’s less powerful than the AZATOM’s 240W system and completely lacks the bass impact and Dolby Atmos capabilities. This is a solid option for apartment dwellers or those in smaller rooms who want an audio boost without a separate subwoofer, but it cannot deliver the same level of depth or immersion as the Pulsar PR500.

Final Verdict: Is the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar represents a truly exceptional value in the home audio market. It successfully delivers on the promise of Dolby Atmos, creating a genuinely immersive and expanded soundstage that standard soundbars simply cannot match. Its performance is anchored by a powerful wireless subwoofer that provides deep, satisfying bass, and its connectivity, led by HDMI eARC, ensures it is both easy to use and ready for the latest audio formats. All of this is packed into an impossibly slim and elegant design that solves a real-world problem for owners of modern TVs.

While the minimalist LED interface presents a minor learning curve, it’s a small trade-off for the sheer audio performance and feature set offered at this price point. If you are looking to make a significant, meaningful upgrade to your movie, TV, and gaming experience without cluttering your room or emptying your wallet, this soundbar should be at the very top of your list. We wholeheartedly recommend it.

If you’ve decided the AZATOM Pulsar PR500 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.