The world of soundbars is rife with competition, and brands often walk a tightrope between affordability and performance. Boult Audio, known for its budget-friendly audio products, throws its hat into the soundbar ring with the BassBox X500, promising thumping bass and an immersive audio experience. But can it truly deliver a home theatre experience without breaking the bank? Let’s dive into this compact yet powerful soundbar and find out.
At first glance, the Boult Audio BassBox X500 offers an understated elegance. Its minimalist, rectangular frame blends seamlessly into modern entertainment setups. Boult opted for a matte black finish, which not only looks sleek but also avoids the pitfalls of fingerprint smudges and dust collection that can plague glossy surfaces. The dimensions make it compact enough to fit neatly under a TV or even be mounted on a wall. The clean edges and mesh grille on the front add a dash of modern aesthetics, while the soft LED lights on the front panel subtly indicate volume levels and input modes.
But it’s not just about looks. There’s a reassuring weight to the soundbar that hints at the solid build quality. Boult’s decision to keep things minimal works well in its favour — it’s the kind of soundbar that doesn’t need to stand out visually because it lets the audio do the talking.
When it comes to connectivity, Boult has opted for a straightforward, no-frills approach. The BassBox X500 supports Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, and you can also connect via AUX, HDMI ARC, or USB, depending on your setup. For those with more advanced audio setups, the absence of an optical input might be noticeable, but for the average user, this won’t likely be a dealbreaker.
The remote control that comes bundled with the soundbar is basic but functional. You can adjust the bass, treble, and volume levels, but there’s no sign of presets or advanced sound modes like cinema or music. Simplicity seems to be the theme here, and while that works for some, more seasoned audiophiles might find the lack of customization options limiting.
What’s impressive, however, is the ease with which the BassBox X500 connects to devices. Bluetooth pairing is quick and reliable, and the HDMI ARC input ensures seamless integration with your TV. For most users, this hassle-free setup will be a big plus.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter — the sound quality. The BassBox X500 is aptly named, as it doesn’t shy away from pushing the lower frequencies. The 5.1-channel system, supported by a subwoofer, pumps out some seriously heavy bass. This is where Boult has put its signature stamp on the soundbar, focusing on delivering that deep, room-shaking low-end that bass enthusiasts crave.
Watching action movies is where this soundbar shines. Explosions have that satisfying rumble, and car chases feel more intense thanks to the weighty bass response. During a screening of Top Gun: Maverick, the soundbar did a commendable job of keeping up with the relentless pace of the action. The subwoofer handled the heavy-duty sound effects without distorting, adding a palpable layer of excitement to the overall experience.
However, the sound profile isn’t as balanced as one might hope. The focus on bass often leads to a slight compromise in the mids and highs. While the dialogue is clear, it sometimes gets overshadowed by the powerful low-end, especially during intense sequences. Similarly, while watching The Witcher, the soundbar handled ambient noises and background music well, but Geralt’s gruff dialogue lacked the clarity I would have liked.
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If you’re primarily planning to use the BassBox X500 for music listening, there are some caveats to keep in mind. Bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock are undoubtedly where this soundbar shines. Tracks like Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy come alive with that signature rumble that can make you feel the bassline in your bones.
But this emphasis on bass can be a double-edged sword for genres that require more finesse. Classical music and acoustic tracks feel a bit flat, lacking the nuance and crispness you’d expect from higher-end soundbars. Vocals, though generally clear, can get lost in the overwhelming bass at times. It’s not a dealbreaker, but those with a more eclectic music taste may want to tweak the bass and treble settings manually for a more balanced sound.
One of the things that stands out about the BassBox X500 is its ability to fill small to medium-sized rooms with sound. I tested the soundbar in a bedroom setup, and it delivered a surprisingly immersive experience. That said, the soundbar does show its limitations in larger spaces. In a bigger room, you’ll find that the sound begins to lose its depth, and the bass doesn’t carry the same weight across longer distances. This isn’t surprising for a soundbar in this price range, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have a larger living room.
The Boult Audio BassBox X500 offers excellent value for those on a budget, particularly if you’re a fan of bass-heavy audio. It delivers powerful low-end sound in a sleek, compact form factor that’s easy to integrate into most setups. While it might not offer the crisp clarity or balanced audio profile of higher-end soundbars, it does what it promises — it makes your movies and music sound bigger, bolder, and more intense.
At this price point, expecting audiophile-grade performance would be unfair, but for the average consumer, the BassBox X500 is a solid choice. If you’re looking for an affordable soundbar that prioritizes bass and can easily enhance your home entertainment experience, this one should be on your radar. Just don’t expect it to fill a large room or rival high-end competitors — this is a soundbar built for those who live and breathe bass.
