Sony BAR 9 Soundbar Review Best Home Theater for Dolby Atmos and Surround Sound

Description

Immersive Sound Experience with the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9

Testing the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar at home was an adventure in itself. With its 13 speakers, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, this soundbar truly transforms any living room into a mini home theater. I was curious to see if the product could live up to its claims of providing a cinema-like sound experience, and I must say, it did not disappoint. However, there are a few nuances worth mentioning for potential buyers.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the sleek black finish of the soundbar caught my eye. Measuring 51.25 inches wide, this unit is designed to complement large TVs, and its low-profile structure ensures it doesn’t block the screen. The ability to wall mount or place it on a tabletop adds versatility, which I personally appreciated, as the mounting hardware was easy to use. It’s noticeably lightweight for its size at just over 12 pounds, making the setup process a breeze.

The build feels sturdy, but I did notice that the plastic finish on certain parts doesn’t scream “premium.” It’s not a dealbreaker, but perhaps a touch more refinement would’ve been nice for a product in this category.

Sound Performance

This is where the soundbar shines the most. The 13 integrated speakers deliver rich and detailed audio, filling the room with immersive soundscapes. Watching action-packed movies with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X was a game-changer. Explosions, whispers, and background scores all came alive in a way I hadn’t experienced with other soundbars. I also tested it with games, and the 4K120 and VRR support provided low-latency, crystal-clear sound that perfectly synced with the visuals.

However, the standout feature for me was the Sound Field Optimization. This clever tech calibrates the sound based on your room’s layout, ensuring optimal audio quality no matter where you sit. I tested it in both a small, cluttered room and a spacious living area, and the sound remained consistently impressive.

Key Benefits

• 360 Spatial Sound Mapping creates an immersive, almost “3D” audio experience.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support ensures cinema-quality sound.
• Sound Field Optimization customizes audio to your unique space.
• Expandable system: optional subwoofers and rear speakers can enhance the experience.
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2 make wireless streaming seamless.

Wireless Streaming and Connectivity

Streaming music was a breeze. Whether I used Spotify Connect or synced my phone via Bluetooth, the connection was stable and quick. I also appreciated the Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility, which allowed me to stream directly from my Apple devices without any fuss. For those who love gaming or binging TV shows, the HDMI 2.1 support ensures high-quality sound delivery with minimal lag.

One minor hiccup I encountered was with the remote control. While functional, it felt a bit outdated compared to the rest of the system’s modern features. Thankfully, the app control option provided a more intuitive and user-friendly way to manage settings.

Areas of Concern

• Some users might find the price point a bit steep compared to competitors.
• The remote design feels dated and could use an upgrade.
• The plastic finish on certain parts detracts slightly from the premium feel.

Competitors

Comparing this soundbar with others in its league, such as the Sonos Arc and Bose Smart Soundbar 900, revealed some interesting contrasts. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 excels in its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, a feature that neither competitor offers at the same level. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc provides slightly better mid-range tones, making it a favorite for music enthusiasts. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, meanwhile, stands out for its voice assistant integration, but it lacks the expansive surround sound capabilities of the Sony.

Where Sony pulls ahead is in its expandable setup. Adding optional subwoofers and rear speakers gives users more flexibility, something I found lacking in many competing brands. However, for those wanting a completely hands-free experience, the lack of built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant might be a downside.

Price Performance

Evaluating the value for money, this soundbar is an investment that pays off, especially for those who prioritize immersive sound experiences. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, the cutting-edge features and future-proof technologies like 4K HDR, 8K HDR, and ALLM justify the cost. Cheaper alternatives may suffice for casual users, but they don’t deliver the same level of room-filling, cinematic audio.

Should You Consider It?

If you’re someone who loves movies, games, and music and wants a high-quality soundbar with room for expansion, this product is a fantastic choice. Its innovative features like Sound Field Optimization and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping make it a standout in the market. That said, if you’re shopping on a tight budget or prefer built-in voice assistants, you might want to explore other options.

Testing the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 was an impressive experience overall. While it’s not without its flaws, the immersive audio performance and versatile connectivity options made it a standout addition to my entertainment setup.

Additional information