nuPro AS-2500: the HiFi Soundbar

Device Type and Usage Recommendation

Modern flat-screen TVs often come with a significant drawback: their ultra-slim design and small integrated speakers typically result in sound quality falling far behind picture quality. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The active stereo soundbar nuPro AS-2500 offers a simple and effective solution! In no time, you can enjoy a cinematic soundscape for Hollywood blockbusters, feel like you're in the stadium during sports broadcasts, and follow news programmes more clearly thanks to Nubert's new Voice+ speech enhancement technology. Simply set it up, connect it, and experience sound heaven! The nuPro AS-2500 features a powerful yet crystal-clear digital amplifier delivering an impressive 160 watts of nominal power to drive two tweeters, two midrange drivers, and two subwoofers located on the underside. This setup creates an immersive soundstage that reaches true home cinema quality: transparent highs, rich mids, and driving basses deliver precise sound effects and crystal-clear dialogue. It brings concert recordings and blockbuster soundtracks to life with impressive clarity. Thanks to comprehensive adjustment options, the sound profile can be tailored to your preferences—for example, by moderating bass performance or enhancing low-frequency playback at lower volumes using the loudness function. Like Nubert's flagship model, the nuPro XS-8500, the new nuPro AS-2500 excels with Nubert's "Hörizonterweiterung," an electronic panorama expansion that audibly enhances the stereo effect, creating a vivid and wide acoustic stage. This effect is even more remarkable considering the soundbar's compact dimensions! Music recordings, in particular, benefit greatly from this clever algorithm. The well-known "Voice+" sound option, which focuses on speech reproduction to make dialogue in films or commentary in reports, documentaries, and news broadcasts significantly clearer, is also included. Together, the loudness and Voice+ features ensure a far more enjoyable TV experience, even at low volume levels.

The nuPro AS-2500 includes an integrated decoder for Dolby® and DTS audio tracks from DVDs, Blu-ray discs, or streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. The powerful signal processor of the sound system optimally processes the surround information for two-channel reproduction.

Setting up and installing the nuPro AS-2500 is incredibly straightforward. With its rounded cabinet edges, high-quality multi-layer lacquer finish, and removable fabric cover, the model seamlessly integrates into any home decor. Thanks to its particularly low profile, the soundbar fits easily in front of most TVs. Sturdy rubber feet ensure a secure placement on the TV stand. If wall mounting is desired, the nuPro AS-2500 makes it easy. It is Nubert's first soundbar with such compact dimensions and lightweight design, making it suitable for direct wall installation.

The best connection is achieved via an HDMI cable to an ARC- or eARC-compatible output on the TV. This allows not only audio signals but also control information to be transmitted. For instance, the output volume can be adjusted using the TV remote, and both devices can be turned on or off together. Detailed settings can be made using the high-quality remote control included with the soundbar. Alternatively, controls can be adjusted via a rotary dial on the front of the device; multi-coloured LEDs display all necessary information, such as the selected input or volume level.

The nuPro AS-2500 is not only a stylish TV sound system but also excels as a compact stereo system for music enjoyment. Its fully digital signal processing reproduces recordings with absolute authenticity and purity. Traditional hi-fi devices like network streamers or CD players, as well as gaming consoles, can be directly connected to the analogue or digital inputs of the soundbar. Smartphones, tablets, or laptops can even connect wirelessly via the integrated Bluetooth receiver. Thanks to support for aptX HD (Android) and AAC (iOS), audio signals are transmitted in outstanding quality. With the optional nuConnect trX wireless adapter, subwoofers from the nuSub series can also be connected wirelessly. The nuPro AS-2500 already includes a compartment for the trX and a USB port for power supply as standard. Alternatively, conventional active subwoofers can be connected via cable to the Sub-Out connection. With its high-quality three-way design, innovative digital amplifier, wireless functionality, extensive sound settings, special sound modes for effect and voice reproduction, easy expandability, and user-friendly operation, the nuPro AS-2500 is the all-in-one sound solution for your living room!

Design Principles and Cabinet

The nuPro AS-2500 is an active all-in-one sound system. It connects directly to TVs, satellite receivers, Blu-ray players, as well as gaming consoles, smartphones, PCs, or traditional hi-fi devices, reproducing film sound, audio effects, or music. The soundbar features a digital amplifier delivering 160 watts of nominal power and 200 watts of peak power, driving two tweeters, two midrange drivers, and two subwoofers across four channels. Frequency distribution is semi-active, with a passive crossover separating low from mid frequencies. A powerful digital processor handles signal processing. The cabinet of the nuPro AS-2500 is made of thick, low-resonance MDF material. The rounded front reduces harmful edge diffraction and ensures precise sound reproduction. The bass reflex ports are located on the sides of the cabinet, requiring a clearance of approximately three centimetres from walls. The subwoofers are downward-facing, with optimal spacing ensured by four stand feet. Wall mounting is also an option; powder-coated keyhole brackets are provided on the back. The elegant design and high-quality lacquer finish, available in black or white, offer a stylish aesthetic that blends seamlessly into any home. The black fabric cover further enhances the discreet appearance. Status LEDs remain visible even through the removable fabric cover. The soundbar functions as a stereo system with left and right channels. Its relatively long cabinet enables a vivid soundstage, which can be further expanded with the integrated wide function ("Hörizonterweiterung"). For films and TV shows, the Voice+ mode enhances speech clarity. Purists can, of course, still enjoy unaltered two-channel sound.

Chassis

The high-frequency range is covered by two modern dome tweeters with a 25mm diameter, which have proven highly effective in the Nubert lineup. For precise sound reproduction in the midrange, two 66mm midrange drivers with Nomex membranes are employed. In the bass range, two long-throw drivers are integrated into the underside of the soundbar. All drivers are custom-made for Nubert and optimised for their specific purpose in collaboration with Nubert engineers through multiple development stages.

Operation and Controls

The included remote control, distinguished by its premium feel and elegant design, allows quick access to all settings and adjustments. Alternatively, essential controls such as volume adjustment can be easily managed through the TV if it is connected via the HDMI (e)ARC input. Optionally, the soundbar can also be operated using the rotary knob on the front of the device when the front cover is removed. Around the knob, multi-coloured LEDs provide clear information about the selected input and device status and remain visible even through the fabric cover.

Sound Adjustment

The soundbar offers several settings to adapt the sound profile to user preferences or the room environment. Bass and mid/high frequencies can be boosted or reduced in several steps. An adaptive loudness function automatically enhances bass reproduction at lower volumes, matching human auditory perception. To broaden the stereo soundstage, a sophisticated two-stage wide function can be activated, preserving the character of the original recording. For films and TV shows, the Voice+ mode ensures clearer and more intelligible dialogue.

Connections and Audio Formats

At the rear of the soundbar, there are four audio inputs. The most important is the HDMI-eARC input (version 2.1), which ideally connects to the ARC or eARC output of the TV, transmitting not only audio signals but also control commands from compatible TV models, such as volume adjustment. Additionally, an analogue RCA input, an optical digital input, and a coaxial digital input are available to connect other hi-fi components, AV devices, or entertainment systems. The nuPro AS-2500 supports not only PCM audio but also decodes Dolby® Digital (AC3) and DTS Digital Surround formats. This makes the soundbar well-equipped to play audio tracks from Blu-ray discs, DVDs, or streaming videos, optimally preparing them for stereo playback. Depending on the source device, the correct format, output, and ARC function may need to be activated. The soundbar can also connect via Bluetooth to tablets, smartphones, and other compatible devices, enabling wireless audio streaming. The transmission quality is excellent, thanks to support for aptX HD and AAC, while aptX Low Latency ensures minimal delay. A subwoofer output allows the connection of an external subwoofer to enhance bass performance further (crossover frequency: 80 Hz). With the optional nuConnect trX wireless adapter, this connection can even be wireless. A USB power port facilitates the adapter's power supply.

Energy

The nuPro AS-2500 features highly energy-efficient amplifier and control electronics. It also includes a convenient energy-saving automatic function, which turns the system on independently or switches it to a power-saving standby mode when not in use. In standby mode, which can also be activated manually via the remote control or the rotary knob, the sound system consumes less than 0.5 watts. A toggle switch on the rear allows the nuPro AS-2500 to be completely disconnected from the power supply. The wide-range power supply enables the use of this active speaker with voltages of 110–120 and 220–240 volts.

More Information in "Technik satt"

For technically minded music and home cinema enthusiasts who are not intimidated by detailed facts and measurement data, Günther Nubert’s "Technik satt" offers extensive technical insights, electroacoustic background knowledge, and information on sound optimisation, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the development and history of Nubert speakers and devices.