Boult Bassbox X180 Review: Peppy Bass Meets Clean Vocals, But Hold Your Horses

It appears that the brand received an overwhelming response for the X180 as it increased the introductory launch price within 48 hours by Rs 2,000. However, the current price (Rs 6,999 on Boult's website) is a deviation of Rs 1,000 from Rs 5,999. When we pointed queries to Varun Gupta, Co-Founder of BOULT, about the market response to the product, we were told that it has been "amazing".

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Boult Bassbox X180 (Image:Boult)

"We were able to go sold out on Flipkart in the first 24 hours of the launch [Bassbox X180]. To our advantage, we are still doing steady numbers on its sale," Gupta told Jagran English. Beyond the volatile prices, the bigger sibling offers impressive specs on paper, which makes it a competitive option in its price range.

The Bassbox X180 brings 2.1 channel surround sound, 180W peak output, varying EQ modes, a dedicated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for real-time audio upscaling and more features to the table. To assess these claims, Boult shipped us the new sound system and here is a detailed review after testing it for over three weeks.

Design and Build:

Out of the package, the soundbar feels well-built and premium, thanks to the glossy black finish and the perforated mesh grille. On the rear, it gets the typical connectivity ports and the inlets to connect the subwoofer and power cable. The LED panel and 'BOULT' branding at the extreme ends complement the elegant appeal from the front.

Boult Bassbox X180 soundbar controls. (Image:Vikas Yadav/JE)

On the right end, it has a USB port (the cutout seems to disturb the brushed radial texture) surrounded by four buttons (power, media controls, increase and decrease volume) which feel low-grade when clicked. Beyond this nitpick, I would say the soundbar is well-built and has appealing looks. However, seeing letters and numbers on the white LED display can be challenging if you are at a distance or not right in front of the bar.

Coming to the second highlight, the deep-bass wired subwoofer comes with a typical matte finish. It sports a massive 'BOULT' branding, and the air vent on the front gets a glossy treatment. The speaker's outer covering is made from a fabric-like material, which feels delicate.

The wired subwoofer comes with a matte finish all around. (Image:Vikas Yadav/JE)

Sound:

Bassbox X180 2.1 system gets 180W peak output. Apart from the subwoofer, the soundbar gets four full-range BoomX drivers. According to Boult, it gets a 32-bit core for 192KHz hi-res audio. With default settings, the bass feels overpowering and can be enjoyable for music listening with low frequencies. After revisiting options from Sony and F&D, I can comfortably say it ships with a bass-heavy signature.

However, you can adjust the output via EQ modes (Music, Movie and News) and the Bass button (minimum value to -5) on the IR Remote. In the Music mode, it emphasises the low tones to a substantial level with decent emphasis on mids and high frequencies. During the tests, instrumental tracks like Luminary (by Joel Sunny) did skip a few details in the crisp violin.

In TheFatRat's 'MAYDAY', a similar trend followed. However, the output will appeal to bass lovers who feel the adrenaline rush as the surroundings thump with airy vibrations. Coming to the second EQ mode, Movie mode gets the right balance of instruments and background tones. The bass and treble tones are managed nicely in the preset.

The 'BOULT' branding complements the elegant appeal from the front. (Image:Vikas Yadav/JE)

Moreover, vocals also get respectable emphasis next to background elements in movies and web shows. While watching Ford vs Ferrari, the mode helps place ample attention on engine noise for enough kick in the pants during the Daytona and final 24 hours of Le Mans race. However, you cannot expect massive stereo separation in the audio.

Web shows like Panchayat were enjoyable, and The Haunting of Hill House felt supremely scary in this mode. Yes, the last one was a compliment. Switching to the third EQ, News mode focuses on the vocals while suppressing bass. The mode helped enhance the commentary while enjoying IPL and watching podcasts.

A major pro of the sound system is its volume. You will have no complaints from its output and bass in a small or medium-sized single room. The sound value can clock to 32. However, the output tends to mess up tones after 25. Slight distortion kicks in at about 28-30, which is normal in this price bracket.

The unit ships with a handy remote controller to adjust volume, EQ, connectivity and more. (Image:Vikas Yadav/JE)

Despite toggling across sound modes and playing with the bass button, I missed the sharp instruments expressed by the Fenda F3800X and Sony MHC-GZR5D. Hence, this may be the case if you are akin to a particular sound signature for a prolonged period. Plus, the 5.1 channel available in similar price brackets can offer better stereo and 3D sound experience.

However, the limitations of 5.1 units include portability (around your house or other places) and messy wiring (if you are serious about aesthetics). To close the sound part of the Bassbox X180, I would say the bass is impressive, treble tones are temperate, and the output of vocals varies depending on the configured modes.

Connectivity and Remote: 

Here's an image that can easily describe the connectivity part to you:

Connectivity options on the Bassbox X180. (Image:Boult)

The Bassbox X180 gets five input options: Bluetooth 5.3, AUX, USB, Optical and HDMI (ARC) on the soundbar to seamlessly connect a smartphone, laptop, TV, PC, gaming console or other compatible devices. As for the IR remote, the handy controller has plenty of buttons to switch connectivity lines, EQ presets, reset connections, adjust bass and more. It works seamlessly when operated from the front of the soundbar.

Scope of Improvements:

While the X180's main speaker appears premium from all angles, the quality of the remote needs improvement. It lacks the premium finesse to match the overall aesthetics of the soundbar and the competition. Secondly, the fabric mesh around the subwoofer can feel overtly fragile and prone to damage if not handled with care or pressed inside forcefully.

A metallic or plastic alternative (instead of the fabric-like layer) could have been a better choice. Moreover, the mesh grille hampers the visibility of the LED panel from a distance (image below). Boult can address these cons in future iterations.

The letters and numbers on the white LED panel can be challenging to view from a distance. (Image:Vikas Yadav/JE)

Boult Bassbox X180 Price and Verdict:

To sum up, if you crave uplifting bass to keep your legs on the move as you enjoy audio from your next music system, the Boult offering can be recommended. The company has played its magic to make it a competitive choice as its first home audio product. The offering can prove its worth with its pleasing bass, refined design and seamless connectivity.

The Bassbox X180 is available for Rs 6,999 on Boult's official site. I still believe the launch price (Rs 5,999) is the ideal equilibrium if you plan to pick this well-rounded 2.1 system primarily because you can get competitive options in the Rs 6,000-Rs 8,000 price bracket. Hence, the sky-high competition can be a roadblock for its sales.

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Bassbox X180 2.1 system gets 180W peak output. (Image:Boult)

Also, you can safely skip the unit for Rs 8,000 on Flipkart. Lastly, if possible, you should experience competitive offerings from boAt, Mivi, Zebronics and more to make an informed decision. You can get more RMS and a better build in the stated price range.