ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos Review: The Budget Atmos King?

There’s a frustrating paradox with modern televisions. They deliver stunning, razor-sharp 4K visuals that can transport you to another world, yet the sound that accompanies this spectacle is often thin, flat, and utterly uninspired. I remember setting up my new OLED TV, marvelling at the deep blacks and vibrant colours during a blockbuster action scene, only to be jolted out of the experience by dialogue that sounded like it was coming from a tin can and explosions that had all the impact of a dropped book. The built-in speakers, constrained by the impossibly thin chassis, simply can’t do justice to the on-screen action. This disconnect between what you see and what you hear robs you of the true cinematic immersion we all crave. It’s the reason many of us start the search for a dedicated sound system, a journey that can quickly become overwhelming with endless options, confusing acronyms, and intimidating price tags. The goal is simple: to bring that room-filling, multi-dimensional audio of the cinema into our living rooms without needing a second mortgage.

What to Consider Before Buying a Home Theatre Sound System

A soundbar system is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your home entertainment. It bridges the gap between the spectacular visuals of modern TVs and the underwhelming audio they produce. The primary benefit is immersion. By separating audio channels, directing dialogue clearly, and providing deep, rumbling bass, a good sound system makes movies more thrilling, TV shows more engaging, and video games more realistic. It adds layers of depth and detail to the soundscape that built-in TV speakers simply cannot reproduce, allowing you to hear subtle effects like rainfall around you or a helicopter flying overhead.

The ideal customer for a product like the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos is someone who has invested in a quality television and now wants an audio experience to match, without the complexity and cost of a traditional AV receiver and separate speaker setup. This user values cinematic features like true surround sound and Dolby Atmos but is working within a sensible budget. It’s for the movie lover, the gamer, and the series binger in a small to medium-sized room. Conversely, this type of system might not be suitable for the dedicated audiophile who demands flawless, high-fidelity music reproduction and the customisability of a full separates system. It’s also not ideal for those who absolutely cannot accommodate the wiring required for the rear satellite speakers, who might be better served by an all-in-one soundbar that uses virtual surround technology.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your TV stand and the area around your television. A soundbar should ideally be slightly narrower than your TV for a clean aesthetic. Consider the subwoofer’s placement; while wireless, it still needs a power outlet and space to perform best, ideally in a corner or near a wall. Finally, plan the placement of the rear surround speakers, ensuring the provided cables are long enough to reach your desired spots without being a tripping hazard.
• Channels & Performance: The numbers matter. A 2.1 system has two front channels and a subwoofer. A 5.1 system, like this one, has three front channels (left, centre, right), two rear surround channels, and a subwoofer, creating a true surround effect. The addition of Dolby Atmos decoding means the system can process height information, creating a three-dimensional “bubble” of sound for a truly immersive experience with compatible content. Check the total power output (measured in watts) as a general indicator of how loud the system can get without distortion.
• Connectivity: This is paramount for quality and convenience. HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the gold standard, allowing you to send the highest quality, uncompressed audio formats like Dolby Atmos from your TV to the soundbar with a single cable. It also allows your TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume. Other options like Bluetooth are great for streaming music from your phone, while Optical and AUX inputs provide compatibility with older devices.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good system should be simple to set up and operate daily. Look for features like a clear display, an intuitive remote control, and a companion smartphone app for advanced settings. Maintenance is minimal; a regular dusting is usually all that’s required. Ensure the system has options for firmware updates, as these can often improve performance and fix bugs over time.

Keeping these factors in mind, the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos stands out in several areas, particularly its combination of true 5.1 channels and Dolby Atmos at an accessible price point. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Budget System That Doesn’t Feel Budget

From the moment the courier delivered the package, we had a feeling ULTIMEA was trying to punch above its weight class. The unit arrived securely double-boxed, and the product carton itself was surprisingly slick and well-designed. This premium feeling continued during the unboxing, an experience confirmed by many users. One reviewer specifically noted the “finger flaps” on the clear plastic seals, a tiny detail that nonetheless speaks to a thoughtful design process. Everything was packed securely in fitted foam, and the components felt solid and well-constructed. The soundbar has a reassuring heft, and the subwoofer, while not enormous, feels substantial. The package includes the main soundbar, wireless subwoofer, two wired surround speakers with generous 6-meter cables, a remote, and all the necessary cables for setup (HDMI, Optical, etc.). As we laid out the pieces, the initial impression was clear: this system looks and feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Deep Dive: ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 Performance Under the Microscope

A great unboxing experience means nothing if the performance doesn’t deliver. We spent weeks putting the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos through its paces with everything from explosive action movies and dialogue-heavy dramas to immersive video games and a wide range of music genres. We wanted to know if this affordable system could truly deliver the three-dimensional audio experience it promised. The results were, for the most part, deeply impressive.

Setup and Configuration: Simplicity Meets Flexibility

Setting up a full surround system can be daunting, but ULTIMEA has made the process remarkably straightforward. We chose the recommended HDMI eARC connection, running a single HDMI cable from the corresponding port on our TV to the soundbar. This is the simplest and best method, as it handles all audio and allows for seamless control with the TV remote. The wireless subwoofer paired with the soundbar automatically within seconds of being powered on. The only physical wiring required is connecting the two rear satellite speakers to the subwoofer. ULTIMEA includes very long 6-meter cables for this, which provided more than enough length for us to position them optimally behind our sofa for a proper surround effect. This is a crucial detail that many budget brands overlook. As one user noted, there are “lots of wires to hide if you like things to be neat,” which is true, but the generous cable length is a welcome trade-off for placement flexibility. Once connected, the system worked immediately. However, the real magic happens when you download the ULTIMEA app. As another user rightly pointed out, they were “almost disappointed with the sound quality until the app came into play.” The app unlocks the full potential, allowing you to fine-tune bass, treble, surround levels, and select from various EQ modes. It’s an essential step we highly recommend.

The Dolby Atmos Experience: A Genuine Taste of 3D Sound

This is the headline feature, and the reason many will be considering this system. Can a soundbar under £200 truly deliver Dolby Atmos? The answer is a resounding yes, with some caveats. We fired up an Atmos-enabled film on Netflix, and the difference compared to standard surround was immediately noticeable. During a scene with heavy rainfall, the sound wasn’t just coming from the front and back; it felt like it was coming from above, creating a convincing sense of being in the middle of the storm. In action sequences, sound objects like helicopters and spaceships moved across the room with a discernible sense of height and direction that a standard 5.1 system can’t replicate. The dedicated centre channel keeps dialogue crystal clear and anchored to the screen, even amidst chaotic scenes. Now, it’s important to manage expectations. The vertical effect isn’t as pronounced as it would be on a high-end system with dedicated up-firing speakers, which can cost four or five times as much. But the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos absolutely creates a wider, taller, and more immersive soundstage than any non-Atmos system in its price bracket. It’s an incredible entry point into the world of object-based audio, perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. As one owner stated, “the Atmos feature is dependent on the equipment you source the media from,” which is correct—you need a compatible TV and streaming service to get the full effect, but when you do, the results are fantastic.

Bass, Punch, and Power: The BASSMX Difference

A home cinema experience is incomplete without impactful low-frequency effects, and the wireless subwoofer included with the D60 does not disappoint. The “Exclusive BASSMX technology” isn’t just marketing fluff; this subwoofer can genuinely move some air. During our testing with action movies and bass-heavy music, it delivered deep, room-shaking rumbles that you can feel as much as you can hear. Explosions have a satisfying thud, and electronic music kicks with authority. Crucially, the bass is adjustable. Through the remote and the app, you can dial it up or down to your preference, from a subtle enhancement to a full-on couch-shaking experience. We found that after a “break-in” period, the bass became tighter and more defined. This aligns with a user who noted that the “woofer was not quite there yet before, but the product which they sent was great and upto the mark!” after receiving a replacement and possibly a firmware update. The ability to control the bass level is key, preventing it from becoming boomy or overwhelming the dialogue, a common problem in budget systems. For the price, the low-end performance of the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 is simply phenomenal and adds a massive amount of excitement and weight to the overall sound.

Connectivity and Daily Use

Beyond its core home cinema function, the D60 proved to be a versatile daily driver. We tested the Bluetooth 5.3 connection extensively, streaming music from various phones and tablets. Pairing was instant, and the connection remained stable with no noticeable dropouts or lag, a sentiment echoed by a user who stated, “We’ve connected it by Bluetooth and there is no lag.” This makes it a great system for casual music listening or for having a “party for one,” as another happy customer put it. For gamers, the immersive surround sound provides a significant competitive advantage, allowing you to pinpoint the direction of footsteps and gunfire. One user bought it specifically for their monitor and found it “works brilliantly.” The only notable omission in its feature set is the lack of DTS decoding. While Dolby is the dominant format, particularly on streaming services, those with a large collection of Blu-rays with DTS audio tracks should be aware that the soundbar will not decode these natively. It’s a minor issue for most people in the streaming era but an important distinction for physical media enthusiasts.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive, with most feedback centring on the incredible value for money. One user captured this perfectly, saying, “I don’t remember the last time I felt like I got this good of a bargain, this thing is crazy good for the price.” Many, like us, were impressed by the premium unboxing and build quality that far exceeds expectations for a budget product. The ease of setup is another frequently praised aspect, with people highlighting how simple it is to get up and running via both HDMI and Bluetooth.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. A few users have encountered technical issues, such as static noise or intermittent disconnections, which in one case led to a return. It’s worth noting that in this specific instance, the user praised the “very helpful” customer service, who resolved the issue by providing a replacement unit. This suggests that while occasional quality control issues may exist, the company is responsive in correcting them. Another minor criticism is that some find the surround speakers aren’t quite loud enough for a truly powerful rear effect, though this can often be adjusted via the app or is dependent on room acoustics.

How Does the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 Compare to the Alternatives?

The ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos carves out a unique niche with its feature set, but how does it stack up against other options in the broader market? We looked at three distinct competitors to see who might prefer a different path.

1. Saiyin 20″ 2-in-1 Detachable Sound Bar

The Saiyin soundbar’s main selling point is its unique detachable design, allowing it to function as a single 20-inch bar or as two separate vertical speakers for wider stereo separation. This makes it a versatile option for PC gaming setups or for those who want a different aesthetic. However, it is a basic 2.0 or 2.1 channel system at best, lacking a dedicated subwoofer and any form of true surround sound, let alone Dolby Atmos. While it’s an upgrade over TV speakers and offers interesting placement flexibility, it’s in a completely different league from the ULTIMEA D60. Someone who prioritises a flexible, compact design for a desk setup over immersive cinematic audio would prefer the Saiyin.

2. LG SQM1 Bluetooth Compact Soundbar

Coming from a major brand like LG, the SQM1 offers simplicity and brand recognition. This is a compact, all-in-one 2.0 soundbar designed for one purpose: to be a simple, no-fuss audio upgrade in a very small space. It’s for the person who is severely limited on space and just wants clearer dialogue and a bit more volume than their TV can provide. It lacks a subwoofer, surround channels, and Dolby Atmos. The LG SQM1 is for the minimalist who values brand and simplicity above all else, whereas the ULTIMEA D60 is for the enthusiast on a budget who wants a full-featured home cinema experience.

3. Hisense HS214 Soundbar All-in-one Compact Design

The Hisense HS214 represents a middle ground. It’s an all-in-one 2.1 channel soundbar, meaning it has a subwoofer built directly into the main bar. This is its key advantage: better bass than the LG without the need for a separate subwoofer box, making it great for clean, minimalist setups. It’s a solid performer for its category and a significant step up from TV speakers. However, it cannot compete with the ULTIMEA D60’s immersive capabilities. The D60’s separate wireless subwoofer provides much deeper, more powerful bass, and its dedicated rear speakers create a true 5.1 surround sound field that the Hisense can only try to simulate. If your top priority is a single-box solution with decent bass, the Hisense is a good choice. If you want a genuine surround sound experience, the ULTIMEA is the clear winner.

Final Verdict: The Best Entry-Level Dolby Atmos System We’ve Tested

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos is a game-changer in the budget home audio market. It delivers a feature set—true 5.1 surround sound, a powerful wireless subwoofer, and legitimate Dolby Atmos decoding—that was previously unheard of at this price point. It successfully bridges the gap between basic soundbars and expensive, complex home cinema systems, offering a genuine taste of immersive, three-dimensional audio that will dramatically enhance your movie-watching and gaming experiences.

While it has minor drawbacks, such as the lack of DTS support and the wired nature of its rear speakers, these are incredibly minor compromises in the grand scheme of what this system achieves. For anyone with a small to medium-sized living room looking to escape the prison of flat TV audio and step into the world of cinematic sound, the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 is not just a good option; it’s arguably the best and most logical choice you can make. It offers an unbeatable combination of performance, features, and value. If you’ve decided the ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.