Sony - More than just the Playstation 5
Sony is one of the big names among consumer electronics manufacturers. Besides smartphones, TVs and of course the PlayStation, the Japanese technology giant also produces high-quality soundbars, which are not only interesting for people who want to upgrade the sound of their Bravia TV. From extensive systems with rear speakers to classic 2.1 setups and all-in-one soundbars, the product range offers almost everything.
Especially Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine puts the soundbars in the spotlight. This simulates Dolby Atmos and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic. material well even without up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers, so that the impression of height and 3D sounds is created. Thus, even cheaper models are able to use these innovative sound formats.
Soundbars with height channels compared
With real height channels, the soundbars in this category are the leaders of the audio systems. After all, height channels can reproduce “real” three-dimensional sound, which sounds even more immersive compared to the virtual 3D sound.
 HT-A7000 |  HT-A5000 | |
| Model year | 2021 | 2021 |
| Channels | 7.1.2 | 5.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| DTS | DTS HD-Master + DTS:X | DTS HD-Master + DTS:X |
| HDMI 2.1 | 2x In + 1x Out | 1x In + 1x Out |
| eARC | ||
| WLAN | ||
| Room size | above 40 m2 | up to 40 m2 |
| Subwoofer | Internal | Internal |
| Satellites | ||
| Dimensions Height x Width x Depth | 80 x 1300 x 142 mm | 67 x 1210 x 140 mm |
Sony HT-A7000 2021Premium 7.1.2 setup for a wide range of audio formats
Sony HT-A7000 Connections
- 500W total power
- DTS:X & Dolby Atmos
- Integrated subwoofer
- Up-firing speakers
- Room correction feature
- Many input ports
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
- Chromecast & Apple Airplay
- Poor surround performance
- No EQ
- No voice assistants
At first glance, the A7000 might look a bit unimpressive, since it is a stand-alone soundbar. However, the all-in-one soundbar has a lot to offer in terms of sound, because it has an integrated subwoofer and two height channels. Thus, the 7.1.2 setup can play uncompressed Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic..
The soundbar’s connectivity options also leave little to be desired. It has two HDMI 2.1 inputs with eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality., an optical and an AUX port as well as a USB interface. An internet connection can be established via Wi-Fi. Furthermore, Bluetooth, Chromecast and Apple Airplay are available for wireless streaming.
With a total output of 500 watts, the A7000 gets pretty loud. However, it takes up quite a bit of space due to its width of 130 centimeters.
Sony HT-A5000 2021All-in-one Soundbar with 4K-pass through and 3D Sound
Sony HT-A5000 Connections
- 450W total power
- Integrated subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- HDMI 2.1 & eARC
- 4K Pass Through
- Chromecast, Wi-Fi, Airplay & Bluetooth
- Dialogue Enhancement Feature
- Room Correction
- No graphic equalizer
- Disappointing surround performance
- Mediocre latency
The Sony HT-A5000 is the smaller, more affordable version of the A7000. Again, it is an all-in-one soundbar with an integrated subwoofer, but it comes with only five main channels. With two height channels, it can also reproduce uncompressed Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic. sound. The latter is transmitted via HDMI 2.1.
Voices and dialogs are reproduced clearly by the A5000 due to its center speaker. With Chromecast, Apple Airplay and Bluetooth, a variety of streaming options are available as well. Furthermore, a classic Bluetooth interface and WLAN compatibility are included.
Although the Sony soundbar features a dialog enhancement feature and a room correction, there is no graphic equalizer. Also, slight delays between the audio playback and the visual content are noticeable.
3.1-channel soundbars compared
In addition to the classic stereo speakers, the following soundbars feature a center speaker. This ensures clearly understandable voices and makes them particularly suitable for playing dialogue-heavy content like TV shows or podcasts.
 HT-Z9F |  HT-G700 |  HT-A3000 | |
| Model year | 2018 | 2019 | 2022 |
| Channels | 3.1 | 3.1 (7.1.2 virtual) | 3.1 (5.1 virtual) |
| Dolby Atmos | |||
| DTS | DTS HD-Master + DTS:X | DTS HD-Master + DTS:X | DTS HD-Master + DTS:X |
| HDMI 2.1 | |||
| eARC | |||
| WLAN | |||
| Room size | up to 40 m2 | up to 40 m2 | up to 25 m2 |
| Subwoofer | External | External | Internal |
| Satellites | |||
| Dimensions Height x Width x Depth | 64 x 1000 x 99 mm | 64 x 980 x 108 mm | 64 x 950 x 128 mm |
Sony HT-Z9F 20183.1 setup with powerful wireless subwoofer
Sony HT-Z9F Connections
- 400W Total Power
- Wireless subwoofer
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Chromecast
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- HDMI eARC
- Extendable with Rear-Speakers
- No room correction feature
- Schwacher Atmos Sound
- No Up-firing Speaker
The HT-Z9F is, in our opinion, one of the best Sony soundbars on the market and comes at a decent price. Even though the sound profile lacks a bit of deep bass, the sound is still precise, so the soundbar can be used well for music. However, you have to be aware that there are soundbars in this price range that perform better in this regard since neither a room correction nor a graphic equalizer are available.
Thanks to the Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth and the integrated Chromecast, content can be streamed to the soundbar very conveniently and it can also be controlled via Sony’s Music Center app without having to use the remote control.
All common sound formats are supported, even Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic.. To play back these 3D sound formats, the Z9F doesn’t use up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers, but Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine. This creates a decent, virtual 3D soundscape through a clever stereo downmix.
Variant: Sony HT-ZF9 & SA-Z9R
- 2x 50W rear speakers
- Upgrade to 5.1
- Better surround sound
Sony HT-G700 2019Atmos Soundbar with subwoofer virtual 3D sound
Sony HT-G700 Connections
- 400W Total power
- Virtual Surround Sound
- Wireless Subwoofer
- Precise dialogue & bass performance
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- Bluetooth, USB, HDMI eARC
- No room correction feature
- No network connectivity
Just like the HT-Z9F, the Sony HT-G700 can play back material with Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic. with the Vertical Surround Engine. The result is a virtual 3D sound that is not available in any other model in this price range.
The sound still comes from the front, but still creates the impression of height and a certain 3D depth – but you have to be aware that satellite speakers and at least up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers are needed for a truly immersive soundscape – which you cannot expect at all in this price range.
The soundbar is versatile and reproduces various content like movies or music well. Unfortunately, the soundbar does not have Wi-Fi, which means that you can only use streaming services via Bluetooth. Its true supreme discipline is the reproduction of dialogue-heavy content. The center speaker can reproduce TV shows and audio books very well and understandably.
Sony HT-A3000 2022Smart soundbar with center speaker
Sony HT-A3000 Connections
- 250W total power
- Integrated subwoofer
- Center loudspeaker
- Dialogue enhancement
- HDMI eARC
- Expandable
- Smart Features
- Surround sound is mixed down
- No equalizer
- No integrated voice assistants
The Sony HT-A3000 is a 3.1-channel soundbar that accordingly comes with an integrated subwoofer and center speaker. The latter, in combination with dialog enhancement, ensures clearly understandable conversations. Despite the lack of height channels, it supports Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic., just like its bigger siblings A5000 and A7000. The signals have to be converted to stereo for playback, though, which results in a less immersive listening experience. However, the soundbar can be expanded by satellite speakers to enhance the surround performance.
Sony has once again built all sorts of smart features into the HT-A3000: Besides Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, Apple Airplay 2 and Chromecast are also supported. Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant are not installed, but can at least be used with an external third-party device. There is also no lack of wired connections with an optical interface, a HDMI eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality. output and a USB port.
2.1-channel soundbars compared
The soundbars in this category are classic 2.1 setups with stereo sound that Sony extends virtually. The subwoofer either comes as an external device or is already integrated into the soundbar.
Sony HT-X8500 2019Soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos Surround Sound
Sony HT-X8500 Connections
- Integrated Subwoofer
- Virtual Surround Sound
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- HDMI eARC
- USB & Bluetooth
- Surround Sound always activated
- Not much deep bass
- Mediocre sound profile
- No network connectivity
The Sony HT-X8500 is quite similar to the HT-G700, except that it does not have a center speaker and only an internal subwoofer. Therefore, it cannot provide a comparably good atmosphere for movies and some music genres are reproduced less atmospherically.
The sound profile is a bit less balanced due to the internal subwoofer, which can be compensated for to a certain extent with equalizer presets. However, there is no graphic equalizer and also no Internet connection, but at least it has a Bluetooth interface.
Content with Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic. can also be played via the Vertical Surround Engine, but it does not work quite as well as in the two more expensive models. However, it is probably the cheapest model with Dolby Atmos support.
Sony HT-S350 2019Affordable surround sound bar with wireless subwoofer
Sony HT-S350 Connections
- 320W Total Power
- High max. Volume
- Wireless Subwoofer
- Bluetooth
- HDMI ARC
- No Dolby Atmos
- No DTS
- Surround Sound always activated
- Somewhat dull sound
The Sony HT-S350 is a soundbar with an external subwoofer from the low-price segment. The sound is a bit weak in the trebles, so the impression is sometimes quite muffled. In combination with the surround sound mode that cannot be deactivated, music often does not come across quite as well.
With HDMI ARCAudio Return Chanel: With the HDMI ARC connection, the higher bandwidth allows data to be both sent and received over one HDMI cable, saving additional cables in many setups. and CECConsumer Electronics Control: HDMI CEC makes it possible to control various consumer electronics devices with just one remote control., the soundbar can be controlled with the TV’s remote and at least Dolby Digital is supported in contrast to DTS.
The soundstage is noticeably expanded, giving the impression that the soundbar is wider than it actually is, which allows for a slightly better degree in immersion. Therefore, the S350 is definitely an upgrade to most speakers integrated into TVs, but other soundbars in this price range usually achieve a better result.
