Let me start by saying this soundbar delivers shockingly immersive audio for its compact size. Watching movies like Dune, the TrueSpace technology made raindrops feel like they were falling around me - not just from my TV. Dialogue clarity is exceptional too; finally stopped subtitling British crime dramas!

The setup process was a mixed bag. While some users reported plug-and-play simplicity (lucky them!), I spent 45 minutes wrestling with HDMI-CEC lag issues similar to other reviewers. Pro tip: optical cable solved my volume control madness, though now I juggle two remotes like a circus performer.

Bluetooth performance has been rock-solid for me streaming Spotify playlists, but I’ve heard horror stories about units arriving with dead batteries in the remote (seriously Bose QC?). The app connectivity quirk with VPNs is real - had to disable mine too during initial setup.

Dolby Atmos magic shines brightest with proper content. Watching The Mandalorian, blaster shots had verticality I’ve never experienced from a soundbar this size. That said, occasional connection drops requiring power cycles are annoying during binge sessions.

Aging ears rejoice! My 70-year-old dad could finally hear dialogue clearly without maxing volume. For casual viewers, the standalone bar suffices, but audiophiles will crave the subwoofer (sold separately, naturally).

The Alexa integration works surprisingly well for controlling both soundbar and TV - when it feels like cooperating. Just be prepared for occasional ‘I didn’t catch that’ moments mid-movie.

Final verdict? At this price point, you’re paying for Bose’s signature sound in a sleek package. It’s not perfect (looking at you, finicky HDMI-ARC), but when it works? Pure audio bliss that makes rewatching favorite films feel new again.