Sony HT-A9 (w/SA-SW5): FULL REVIEW
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- I get personal with the SONY HT-A9 and SA-SW5 and decide whether it completely disrupts what soundbars are trying to do. #HTA9 #SASW5
Business: daniel.glaser.techchannel@gmail.com
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:48 Components and Features
9:24 Setup
10:34 Sound Adjustments
11:40 Sound Check
14:19 Sound Quality
18:23 Wrap Up
Buy Sony
👉 Buy HT-A9: amzn.to/3Ob1ANd
👉 Buy SASW5: amzn.to/3rZdU8G
👉 Buy Bundle: amzn.to/3EBBlfC
Buy Sound Bars - Support the Channel
👉 Buy Arc: amzn.to/2OQBotD
👉 Buy Beam 2: amzn.to/3MibJGB
👉 Buy HT-A7000: amzn.to/2WsfYKv
👉 Buy SASW5: amzn.to/3rZdU8G
👉 Buy Klipsch Cinema 1200: amzn.to/3BCUWbc
👉 Buy Sonos Beam: amzn.to/3BCUWbc
👉 Buy JBL Bar 5.0 Multibeam: amzn.to/2WNiLhc
👉 Buy Samsung HW-Q950A: amzn.to/3ysy7oW
👉 Buy Sennheiser Ambeo: amzn.to/3tHrgFD
👉 Buy Klipsch Cinema 600: amzn.to/3stPp1O
👉 Buy Sony HT-G700: amzn.to/3sAlF3v
👉 Buy Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2: amzn.to/3s9r6Hg
👉 Buy Klipsch R-51PM: amzn.to/3nj4kt3 (can't find the 41s on Amazon)
👉 Buy Klipsch R-100SW: amzn.to/3hFUgZz
👉 Buy BOSE Soundbar 700: amzn.to/3mCayn8
👉 Buy BOSE Bass Module 700: amzn.to/3pffOPD
👉 Buy BOSE Surround Speakers 700: amzn.to/3pffOPD
👉 Buy Vizio Elevate: amzn.to/2JoYsA7
👉 Buy JBL Bar 9.1: amzn.to/2Tlh4CA
👉 Buy SN11RG: amzn.to/3jDPs72
👉 Buy HW-Q950T: amzn.to/321y6tu
👉 Buy HW-Q90R: amzn.to/2CEZHIh - Věda a technologie
great review as always and absolutely humorously delivered, one of the very few channels i check on a daily basis for new uploads, also cant wait for part 2 of the new sonos line up, keep up the good work daniel!
Thanks a bunch
Thanks for video been waiting for someone to compare these two very helpful.
Another brilliant piece of review, keep it coming.
Love all the work you put into your videos. Thank you very much :)
I was waiting for this one… Great review !
It's a fantastic system and creates a unique cinematic experience, And anyone worried about the centre channel issues my thoughts would be don't, Vocals are crystal clear and seen dead centre to me, If you buy the SW5 you'll be in for something you've never heard before it's a living room home cinema and all you'll ever need, That's if you ain't interesting in buying a completely separates system
Andrew Robinson at 9:05
exactly 100%.
great review! subscribed right away. also, i am very happy about all you said, since i bought the a9 on sale :) the selling point for me was that there just 4 speakers to set up in my living room (+sub)
Very professional and Informative review by Daniel with elegant style that demystifies acoustic technology by Sony. Thanks a lot.
Bought a Q990B in big part due to your videos. Wanted to say your content is pristine, can't believe your channel is still so small!
I appreciate the well delivered info combined with dank memes. All the best to you!
In total agreement with you.
I was torn between the HT A9's and Q990B but a new Samsung tv this year (and a reply from Daniel) swung it quite easily to the Q990B.
Great review again pal 👍🏻
Thanks a ton, ur kind self did justice remarkably well.
Great review as always!
Nice review as always!
Can you check the new Ambeo and Subwoofer from Sennheiser?
Loved your content, all your jokes made me laugh with such great delivery
Gotta hear this system IRL. Thanks for the entertaining reviews!
High value revue! Thanks
what a clean and concise close!
Have one. Love it. Don’t miss the center channel. When I had an NHT system I was more bothered by colorations in the center speaker.
Does the phantom center comes from dead center or it shifts to the either side? for me after optimization it shifts to the left
@@mohitomish I have read that complaint recently on avsforum. To me I have never noticed it shifting to any side, it has always seemed centered to me. But now I will probably me more sensitive to it, and notice it even if it’s imaginary. I like the phantom CC because it’s obviously timbre matched to the mains. I tell you if I was to buy a new HT GoldenEar system I’d start without a center.
Can u add 2 subwoofers?
The comparison was made using which video source? Was it through a bluetooth player? What is your experience with the Apple TV 4K and streaming through Netflix, etc?
you are the funniest person I have ever seen on youtube man. and you make it with a poker face.
He's funny, not sure if he's the funniest on YT
Great review! Was looking forward to seeing your review for the A9. Having owned the system for a few months, I'm constantly blown away by the sound bubble it creates! I was pleasantly surprised when I got it how full the sound is. The surround & especially the height effects blow me away. There's a scene in The Batman where he opens the elevator doors & fires his grappling hook upwards in the elevator shaft. You can hear the sound going up vertically & it sounds like it's impaling in the right corner of my ceiling!! Awesome! I know it's a little expensive & I wish it came with the subwoofer, but for me it is worth it. I also think the phantom center sounds great, don't understand peoples issue with it. Cheers!
Does the phantom center comes from dead center or it shifts to the either side? for me after optimization it shifts to the left
@@mohitomish For me it's dead center. Although once I was playing around with sound placement & had the same issue. Try resetting the sound setting, then unplug the A9 & wait a few minutes, plug it back in then recalibrate. Whenever I had any issues with the A9 this is what I do & it always works. Just like with any electronic device if all else fails roboot.
@@gabrielpitz1689 Is it also dead center for others who sit beside you? please check thanks
@@mohitomish As I live alone I haven't had any friends or family over yet to find out. I would assume if someone is sitting far left or right of center the sound would seem more prominent in those speakers.
@@gabrielpitz1689 The thing is the phantom speaker is really sensitive, if u tilt ur head to either side the imaging shifts just like that.
You're definitely one of the funnier/most entertaining reviewers out there. I'm eyeing this system because my projector screen placement doesn't allow for proper Atmos sound bar placement. Seems like the best option for someone who can't place a soundbar below their screen.
I think you got a point. Appreciate the comment!
Nice review!
Great review as always. My question about this Sony system is : is the absence of a physical center channel being felt ? is the phantom sound bubble being created as enjoyable as a regular AV receiver set up ? i intend to use a sound system in a living space environment (living room /open dining room). The left side of my couch being open to the dining room. It means no wall for sound reflection/reverberation on that side. Will the sony sound system be able to compensate that and come up with a decent sound stage / The TV i just bought is the new oled 77 inch LG G4 and i just wanted to couple this set with an adequate sound system. Living in Europe, the nakamichi sound bar is not gonna be an option for me. I currently lean towards the Sonos Arc /era 300 system but was open to the new Sony theater quad soon to be released. the latter is too new and so far untested. I anticipate that in the near future, you'll get your hands on it to review it. What are your personal thoughts about a sound system that would work wonders with my superb OLED display ? THX
Hi! Thank you very much for reviewing. Just a quick question, for family living room home theater only, do you recommend Sonos set system Arc, Sub, pairs of One or Sony HT-A9 with the Sub?
Thank you very much and always keep up with your great job.
Both good options. Sonos is more mature and reliable with wireless transmission. As I mentioned A9 does space better but that kind of depends on how much distance you can get between your sitting position and the four speakers. If it’s cramped I want to say Sonos. If there is space for the system to breath you might consider the A9. Note A9 is good for action and cinema and space … but Sonos has the richer more balanced sound. So if you are aiming for something like a full bodied sound, Sonos will get you closer - these answers are never simple
@@neverenoughtech Thank you very much for your answer! I really appreciate it. Always keep up the great work.
I have a Sony g 700 sound bar and from last one year i was listening to Dolby Atmos without any wow factor. But recently i changed the sound settings from Dolby Atmos to pcm and good lord it became amazing. I was missing out on this for one whole year. The dialogue became crystal clear and the surround sound became much better.
What is pcm
@@mkishan8349 its a sound format you can find in settings
Did you set pcm on tv or pcm on the soundbar
@@yubethturda2774 on tv
@@Ps5progames thank you. Will try this soon.
Thanks for the review. I had my mind set on getting this for a year but lack of availability was an issue. Recently I fell back down to earth and really thought is it really worth the extra $2000 compared to the 990B (Aus prices)? Lack of a centre channel was also a concern. Can I also live with the brightness of that sound for all content all the time? I think I need a yes, no, maybe magic ball.
I don’t recommend this without the sub. The sub balances the sound and makes everything worth the cost. Without the sub I would always be frustrated (that I spent so much to be frustrated)
Currently have a 77 A95L and a Q950a soundbar. Not sure if I should upgrade to this for its integration with the sound or just stick with what I know with a 990C.
That profile shot makes you look like you're in a hip hop video. Which speaker stands did you use for the A9. Sonos or A9
Please do a review comparing the A9 with the SW5 sub to Sonos Arc with two One SL rear speakers and two Sub Gen 3 subwoofers. I'm mostly concerned about the clarity, the immersive surround sound and bass. Thanks.
Excellent review! Do you know if I can pair/connect a Sony HT-A9 home theater with a Sony PS-LX310BT turntable? Thanks!
Great video. I am still in love with my a9’s. You forgot to try/mention the 3d spatial audio experience. It’s such a game changer
After one year with HT A9 SW 5 and A90J center channel i must say its better than imax theaters 😂
So I have a A90J and thinking about getting this setup. My question is, does the center channel only connect thru aux cord? Isn’t there a better way to connect to the A9? And overall this product isn’t highly rated but you feel this product was made for the A90J?
@@ScottSterling21I have the 77 inch A80J and I'm wondering the same. What did you end up getting?
@@reyez2126 I purchased the HT-A9 and the SW5. Haven’t set it up yet but I’ll let you know.
@@ScottSterling21 Thanks, bud! Even better if you can try using the TV as a center channel and tell me? I'm planning to get the a9 first and maybe get the sub for Christmas.
@@reyez2126 yeah I’m very busy and I need to rearrange my entertainment setup. Not to mention I need to buy stands for the speakers and possibly also investing in some room treatment as well. Cause the A90J already has a superior sound, I’m not in a big hurry lol
How’s it compare to the Bose 900 setup with the. 700 sub and 700 surround speakers in your opinion.?
Was waiting for your review for this one… nice one… thanks 👍🫡
Awesome review! Please review the HT-A7000 with the SA-RS5 speakers to see how it compares!
Sold mine, bought the q990b it's in a different league in my opinion
Regarding the dropouts, sony says if your WLAN router is too close, it will cause dropouts. Do you think this is the case?
When I power ON (or OFF) my HTA-3000 soundbar, how come it does not power ON (or OFF) the RS5 speakers as well?
If it should, what must I do to correct it? Thanks!
Nice video 👍🏻 a Friend of mine bought this set, but he has no internet yet. Is it true that the speakers cannot be setup without internet?
Hi brother which one to buy please suggest i have UST optoma 120 inch screen
sonos arc with era 300 and sub
Sennheiser ambeo max and sub
Sony ht a9 with sub sw5
Thanks
I would like to see support for two subwoofers. Thanks for the review.
Hi, I wanted to ask a complex question, I own the ht a9 with sw5 and I also own a Sony ht z9f sound bar. I would love to run them both of the same TV and utilise a switch which I could choose which system to use? Is there something out there I could use to do this? Even run both systems simultaneously?
Great review thanks! I was going to buy this until the 990B came out. I don't care for the form factor and even with Sony's unparalleled placement flexibility it just wouldn't work in my room. I expect this system has better soundstage and cinematic experience than the 990, I'm sure it's amazing. In Canada this system would cost me $1000 more so that's definitely a factor. I would like you hear this system and definitely interested in having it in an a future room.
You have made the correct choice imo. I have owned the Q950a, Ambeo, and HT-A9. I sold the HT-A9 fairly quickly after buying, the soundstage and spaciousness is impressive yes, but the mids are thin and unnatural. It can be impressive with Atmos tracks for the processing and placement of sounds, but the mids are awful for music, the bass is loud but boomy the Samsung and Ambeo both have deeper bass.
11.1.4 soundbar. Ahahahahah
Could anyone point to how to connect and use Samsung S22 Dolby feature along with ht-A9?
Bought a q990b….. hands off…. No regrets 😎🙌🏻
Thank you very much for your great review. Could I connect A9 to a projector? if yes, is it an easy task?
Of course. I’ve connected it to mine … if you want a direct connection it needs an ARC port
Great review! I have to say one important point that almost every review of the HT-A9 missed. It is fantastic if your renting and want to avoid bearing the cost of repairing the wall which you had to mount your tv on. With most traditional sound bars and depending on your entertainment cabinet, there is usually not enough depth or hight between the sound bar placement and a tv factory stand, resulting in vision protrusion of your tv with a big chunky sound bar blocking the bottom. The HT-A9 resolves this issue while rivalling some of the best sound systems on the market. If your renting or living in an apartment, I highly recommend the A9!!!
YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE YOU'RE
Better than the Sonos Arc setup? I've been eyeing this for a while, but purchased the Sonos setup before this one came out, so I'm curious if it would be that much of an improvement over this Sonons?
I want to say for everyday casual use I would stick with the Arc. I have a few of them. If you want something closer to the theater experience with wide separation - and looking to be more stimulated I would say A9. I’d say Sonos has a fuller sound - less punchy - if that is of concern
Anyone who has the HT3/5/7 go into settings an change auto audio volume to on instead of factory off 👍🏿 huge difference in clarity and volume
Hi! Tell me, please, what would be your recommendation between sonos arc + sub gen 3 and sony ht-a7000 + sw5? ...or would the sony A9 be preferable, and later should I add a sub sw5? I appreciate the content of the channel and your critical but funny evaluations. Thank you in advance! 👍
If your thinking of getting bars without rears than A9 full stop. If you also include rears than it’s really a trade off between need for spatial separation and balanced sound as the A9 is very punchy - with the bass. I tend to think the Q990B leaves the least room for disappointment (id say skip the A7000)- I think the A9 is offering something unique and fresh and coordinates well in large spaces. Warning you will likely be disappointed with the A9 until you get the sub. So kind of expect that
@@neverenoughtech Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I understand that the sony A9 plays in a different league, but I wonder if the price is commensurate with what it offers... and if the software support is stable in the long term (e.g. sonos, apple) I found Sony A9+SW5 for $2000, Sonos Arc+Sub+rear for $1600, and Samsung Q990B for $900...big price differences Once again, thank you! 👍
If this package had a fifth speaker for a dedicated center channel I would be in! Thanks for the review.
My biggest mistake on this video was cutting my center channel discussion - I’ll need to remedy this
@@neverenoughtech I'd love to hear your thoughts on the lack of a center channel. Maybe a part 2 to this video?
@@neverenoughtech Does the phantom center comes from dead center or it shifts to the either side? for me after optimization it shifts to the left
Yeah super curious to see someone showcasing this system using a sony oled flagship tv. I can totally see average TVs being rubbish but my recent a95k has surprised me with its sound. surprisingly solid.
@@damienrobertson2354 read it on a different review as the reviewer was pairing it with a sony OLED TV A95J, and said it was a waste of time
Thanks for this review …I considered the A9 a while ago….now I have to rethink about it…..the big problem is you need a room to place it….as I want to keep my Sonos & Bose pieces……
If they were both the same price then which one would you buy?
This system is sooooo good. Best buy I've ever done. This is the future of home cinema. I don't even want to see a soundbar ever again. Expensive yes, but worth it. WORTH EVERY PENNY! When I was living in a house I built a home cinema with a 9.2.1 speaker setup driven by a Marantz amplifier. It sounded amazing. When we moved to an apartment I sold everything and bought a soundbar... a very expensive soundbar. The sound was good but it wasn't in any way near a true cinema experience.
Then the HT-A9 came along and changed everything. This is really something else. Sony has worked it's magic on this system and I'm in cinema heaven once again. I can't believe it's only four speakers (and a sub). It sounds like 12. Amazing! Don't think about it any more... just buy them.
Like maybe once a year a commenter gets me
Does the phantom center comes from dead center or it shifts to the either side? for me after optimization it shifts to the left
@@mohitomish For me it comes from dead center, but I was very meticulous of the placing for the front speakers. They are mounted on the wall, same hight on either side of the TV (I have a big screen so the separation of the channels are still great. The back speakers are mounted on the wall, same hight but very far appart from each other which makes the soundstage very big and open. The back speakers are actually a bit over listening possition which in my view gave the Atmos a lift.
So you are telling these sound better than thrice more expensive 7.1.2 traditional home theatre system?
hey@@GlennEdell ,
i have the sony hta9 and i dont like how they sound. could u prob share apic of ur setup so i could try the same?
This or the ENCLAVE wireless CINEHOME PRO? Which you like better?
I have the HT-A9 for nearly a year now and got the SW5 half a year ago. I love the system very much. I had the HT-A7000 first (without extra sub or rear speakers) and was highly disappointed. Mostly because I had zero sound from the sides or the rear. In hindsight a soundbar wasn't a good choice because on its right side I have a curtain a feet away and on its left side I have 20 feet of open space. But I needed something wireless, so the HT-A9 was the perfect fit.
The HT-A7000 (without extra sub) has more bass than the HT-A9 (without extra sub) and you definitely notice a huge difference. But if you then get the HT-A9 the SW5 it's getting a bit scary. I have dialed it down to 5 (11 is max).
Do u think sub would have elevated a7000 experience
I should buy the sub, but with the PS5 I'm thinking of getting A9 with 4K/120 passthrough.
I don't think 2 one without up speaker are more performing on the atmos than the Sony cylinders.
I have also seen several video tests, which the A9 really wraps a lot in the bubble, witch my Sonos system doesn't seem to have, perhaps due to the absence of the sub, but in general A9 seems better as a soundstage and more punchy.
The question is: can A9 replace and do better than Sonos Arc setup..?
It can do spatial a lot better. I think raw sound Sonos sounds better. But people disagree with me on that point. I own them both. I use Sonos in family areas for general use. But I want A9 for my theater specifically for movies
Are you in love with bevelled baffle bagels? 😂 great video! I am going to get a HT-A9 and SW5 with the QD-OLED 65A95K.
Did you get it the whole system?
Damn, I went full sonos and now I want to go Sony!
Great review! comparison bose 900 soundbar with 700 subwoofer Rear Speaker sony a7000 widh SA-RS5 Wireless Rear Speaker q950a
I'm considering this vs the Ambeo max + sub for my family room. I have a Sony Xbr TV. Which one would you deem superior sound?
The Ambeo will have better sound fundamentals but the Sony will deliver the best cinematic experience
Love your dry humor Daniel. How high is your ceiling? Can this sound bubble accommodate all ceiling heights? Is the sub really necessary? It’s shame Sony doesn’t include Bluetooth /Wi-Fi based remote with backlight for this price point.
Basement is 10 feet not ideal. I think a bunch of the benefit in this system is the space/separation. The “Bubble” is degraded based on irregular angles and ceiling height but every atmos forward system suffers from the same factors
Its on sale right now! I got ht a9 and the sw5 for $1900, I cant wait to pick it up at best buy!
That’s the price to get it!
There must be something wrong with my HT-A9 processing box because my A9 + SW5 system sounds flat, devoid of life or detail, one-dimensional and has no dynamics at all. Plus the user interface is atrociously bad and extremely poorly integrated with iOS. There are constant connection issues, leading to me having to re-connect and re-calibrate the system almost daily and I have total loss of picture and sound at random intervals when playing on my PS5. Despite my tv, a 77” LG G1 OLED, having the latest specs and features, if I connect my Apple tv to an hdmi port and use eARC to the HT-A9 Atmos is not working but connecting the Apple tv to the extra hdmi input appears to work with Atmos. However, it looses picture and sound every time I stop or start content, switch apps or just for no reason at all. I chalked all these issues up to extremely poor design but now I’m wondering if I should have the box replaced… If it turns out that that will solve the practical issues but not improve the sound quality I’ll get rid of the system because so far it has been a MASSIVE disappointment!
anyone know if you can turn off the green light on the front of the speaker as intending to have in a dark room and don't want two green piercing lights glaring at me :D thanks in advance
Theater or entertainment system at home should blend with the cosy environment.. not stick out like a dead log under an empty frame when not in use. Sony scored big time for this. From the get-go setup out of the box, this A9 + SW5 with our 100" laser UST - it is the closest emulation I've ever got outside of our Dolby mixing room. I'm waiting to hear about the improved Sennheiser Plus with satellite speakers with up to 4 subs. Their Max was a beast - but which I've decided to log out for this. Best cinema system available for home use - hands down.
Hi bro I have 120 UST setup in my big hall. Please suggest something wireless. Thanks
Where is it written that "Theater or entertainment system at home should blend with the cosy (sic) environment"? That's just one person's opinion.
Also, it's "the closest...I've ever GOTTEN".
Very nice system!!
How does this compare to proper ht systems with a proper avr. I mean in the same price range. Purely from sound point of view.
I am seriously looking into A9 mostly because I don't want to rebuild the living room and I don't have the space for 1.2m soundbar. This video is pretty reassuring.
The A9-2 is on preorder
Its really too bad using the TV as a center channel doesnt work that well (at least sound wise) as its such a smart idea... Really want to get these and try them out, but am thinking Sony may release a new product soon, probably Spring 2024. Thanks so much, your video's are excellent.
Just a question: I have room which is just over 10 metres in depth, and the TV faces into that 10 metre (33 feet) space. We view the TV on modular furniture, 2.1 metres (7 feet) from the 75" TV, and the TV is not mounted on the wall, it sits out 23cm (8") from the wall.
My problem is a power source for these Sony A9 rear speakers. Incidentally, I haven't bought the system yet.
While I have surround wires for a surround system, I do not have power points for powering the Sony rears. Currently my setup has surround speakers 2.1 metres (7 feet) behind where we sit. Which would be 4.2 metres (14 feet) from where the Sony A9 front speakers would be located. But there is no power source available in those places - just speaker wire.
I am wondering if I moved the speakers back to where there was power - a further 2.7 metres (9 feet) back (which would have the rear speakers 6.9 metres (22.7 feet) from the front speakers, would the system still sound good?
Acoustically, the room has an oiled wooden floor, glass on one side, and mostly wall on the other side. Sound moves around very easily in the room.
And the reason I am looking, is that my Yamaha RX-V3080 surround amp, died when I connected a turntable to its phone input. Its being repaired, but I fear an expensive repair charge. And I found the ergonomics of the Yamaha remote, were not simple for my wife to use, and even fiddly for me. So I am thinking, why not go to something simple, and sell or get rid of most of my costly but aged HiFi speaker gear.
I think you’ll be pleased (worth a shot if doesn’t work - return). The sound will be very spaced and motion effects will be very noticeable . I tend to think this is a good system for big rooms as I think the soundbars sound bouncing suffers (though it doesn’t sound like you’re consider a SB)
I have irregular ceilings... from the listening position the ceiling height is 10 feet to the left of the TV and 16 feet to the right of TV -- will A9 still provide good Atmos?
Better than a soundbar system. Also some volume in the room is flattering to the A9 sound. But yes irregularities lessen precision
I would have loved if they added a center channel smh and a bigger amplifier
Do you think it would still work well on a small room? - our TV room here is 5x5m (17x17ft).
I think so assuming you can get some space between you and the rears
Great job bro! 😎👍
I would got that but it doesn’t have a subwoofer out. Lol
You have the SA-SW5/3 as options
Hi All,
I have this system and love it but there is a bug, after sound optimization the phantom center shifts to the left ,it seems the balance between left and right is not correct?
I have tried resetting and everything, after the reset the voice comes from center, and after auto optimization shifts to the left, is this a hardware issue?
Fixed it, this was due to the fronts turned inward, it has to face forward for the phantom to work correctly
Are there better priced hub and speaker’s wireless home theater systems?
Check out WiSA products (www.wisatechnologies.com/speakers)
Am i wrong or it's nowhere to be found in the last months? (At least here in Europe)
How are the dropouts? I really think this system will be a great addition to my apartment but I am on the fence due to the reported dropouts. Did you experience any?
I did, not often but it happens. I suspect there are strategies around router placement etc that can reduce the frequency - I am not aware of a system with a wireless component that doesn’t drop out from time to time
Hey does anyone know how to check what audio format/codec is playing on the system? Is there button on the remote or somewhere in the app I can check that it’s playing dts/dolby contents properly?
If memory serves hold the display or options button on the remote - don’t have it set up at the moment
You are no doubt the best at reviewing. HT-A9 or Dragon is my next decision. And what about the Klipsch R-800F?
You’re comment worked. If you don’t feel you were born to buy the dragon probably you would prefer the A9 given the price. Haven’t heard the R-800F but I assume it sounds darn good and also takes up lots of space
Great review with details and sound samples. I am confused between Sony HT-A9 AND SAMSUNG Q990B, idk if Sony is $1000 extra better then the Q990B, Help please!
If you’re torn. I kind of want to say let Sony mature the system a bit and enjoy the tried and true and cheaper Sammy for a few years.
@@mezzb yeah I get it. I feel like HT-A9 might be better but I don't think it's worth spending $1k extra. Q990B, with all 11.1.4 channel can get pretty damn good!
IMO, if spaciousness when watching movies (meaning noticeable left/right channel separation) is SUPER important to you, then the Sony is for you! If spaciousness is not a primary driver for you, then the Q990B is a better choice given the price difference.
I have tried both systems and for me there is no question. Sony deliveres way better sound than Samsung. My Sony systems also includes the sw5 sub. System is expensive yes, but at least in my experience in the room with tilted and high ceiling Sony sound bubble sounded at least twice as good than Samsungs efforts. So I guess the price is right.
@@JimBeam359 I agree that Sony sounds better. This black Friday I'm getting the Samsung Q990B for $1k and Sony is like $25k, you think it's worth to spend $1.5k extra on that?
Bought this with the bigger sub and paired it with the Sony A95k 65inch TV and was so disappointed. Asked many people what they thought and all said that for the price it was poor value. Kept the TV and sent the ht system back to Sony. Only positive was that I didn't have many sound dropouts.
What was wrong with it? Did it not calibrate well?
Lol mine worked like a charm. Sounds better than some movie theaters I've been to.
Did you try turning auto audio volume to on vs. factory default of off?
Would you go A9+SonySub or Sonos Arc With SonosSub with two One SL?
Video coming up gonna address questions like this
I'm buying a flat so I can't run a sub also the sofa will be back against the wall. I assume the rears will have to be pointed across the room to hit the sofa as well. Not sure how well it will sound then.
Yeah, not ideal. Perhaps an all in one bar or stereo pair with decent low end would be most prudent
I bought the A7000, SW5 sub and the upgraded surround speakers last week. Sent everything back with exception of the subwoofer. The system just didn’t wow me.
The A9 came yesterday and I’ll set it up Friday but I’m expecting better immersion. As far as the A9 playing music that wouldn’t be my focus because I have a dedicated sound room for my 2 channel system. My focus is using the A9 for movies via a 4K Blu-ray player and the 4K Apple TV.
We shall see.
So what do you think of the a9?
@@miguelp619 sorry for not getting back sooner. It’s very immersive and for my use case it’s much better than the A7000 I had. Movies are great on it and TBH I haven’t used the A9 for music yet. I just don’t feel compelled to do so but I know others may want to or need to.
Consider upgrading to the HT-A9
I’ve got a PS5 as well as an Apple TV 4K. Which one would you hook up to the HDMI-in port of the A9 controller?
I assume your TV has eARC - so it wouldn’t matter. Otherwise is peak sound more important for Netflix or gaming …? I’m not a gamer so I’d pick Apple TV
All clear - thanks for the prompt response!
Great insightful review, just a quick query, I assume atmos is the perfect format, I was interested to know how other formats are handled by the Sony system.
Thanks....
Is there a better subwoofer available that works with the Sony HT A9? The SW5 doesn't go low enough.
Nope
@@neverenoughtech What a pity... Maybe in the future. I had a Sonos sub with playbar and Sonos ones for 5.1 surround. The HT-A9 with SW5 sounds much better, but I miss the ultra low sound. The Sonos sub did that much better.
How is it compared to a wired speaker system in terms of audio quality?
Not as reliable
If you were to buy a system today, would you buy the Samsung Q990C or the SONY HT-A9 and SA-SW3?
I'll be following you soon :) .
It's a pleasure to watch your videos
C because the sw5 is very important in making the low end acceptable - go with SW5 and I’d probably go A9
Could anyone tell me is this better than thrice more expensive 7.1.2 traditional kef home theatre?
Have a Kef 5.1.4 and Onkyo receiver and the A9. Both are great in different ways. Traditional full range floor standing speakers will probably always technically sound better. The Sony A9 is just so simply to set up and use, no speaker wire is a nice thing. Interestingly the A9 is more fun and IMO better for movies, the Kef system does everything well except it doesn't feel as much of a bubble of sound. I don't care for music on the A9, it's definitely better movies. Try the A9, you won't be disappointed, you can always return it and then hook up 9 speakers plus the sub. Either way you will get excellent results!
how come 4.1 output can output dolby atmos or standerd dolby digital 5.1 which lacks center speaker?
“Virtualization”
@@neverenoughtech just like soundbar which supports 11.1 dolby atmos
I am able to get the Sony HT A9 with a SW5 sub at the same price as the Samsung's black Friday price. That being said, will you still choose Samsung over Sony?
I feel safer recommending Samsung - traditional and higher fidelity… but personally I kept the A9 and returned the Q990B because it offered something different from all my other soundbars. I’m more interested in where you found the price you are referencing
@@neverenoughtech I got lucky and found a heavy damaged box one. Brand new in box, just the box are damaged. Got it from a big retail store so with warranty too. So far so good. Sound is much better than my old Sonos playbar. Dialogue is clear in action movie which the playbar is lacking.
Can you pair more than one sub to this? Or is it limit to one?
Just one
Can you connect a Sony sound bar to the HT A9? ( for better voice and center channel audio?)
Official support is for a TV with a center speaker in only
It's a great idea and sony is able to sell more products, so Sony should work on a firmware update if possible....
I have the A9 with the SW5 but found the Center channel to be lacking especially for dialogue. I even had it connected to an A90J as the center channel. I have now bought a Sonos Arc with 2 Play 1s as rears and a Sun Gen 3 and there’s much better dialogue clarity in my opinion.
But I still have the system so I will give it another go 🤔 I’m also within my 100 return days for my Sonos system 😁
@@nonbeliever3000 which one is the best ? Sonos or sony a9. ? Cheers
Have an update on which system you kept? Curious to know
@@nonbeliever3000 which did you end up keeping a9 or Sonos ?
???? Update?
If I could grab the full set new for $1700, do you find it would be better value/system than the Sonos Arc Ultimate set?
Signs point to Sonos updating soundbar next year … if you are looking for a standalone system - just want to service one room - I’d say the A9 as long as it includes the sub -- the A9 without the sub is kind of sad …. If you want Sonos you may want to hold off
@@neverenoughtech do you think the HT-A9 performs better overall with the sub at this point in time? I guess that’s the hard decision. If the Sonos arc with 300s is better, I’d have no problem getting that.
Are you still using this as your main system? And since your review has your opinion about it changed at all?
Still my main … may have some updated opinions when I’m all done with the Sonos stuff
@@neverenoughtech yeah I just wanted to get some insight on a9. I am coming from just using my tv speakers. I have a lot of Blu rays and probably will get more in the future. Would you recommend the Sonos over the a9?
Is this Sony subwoofer a monster when compared to the 990B’s?
I want Samsung but my next soundbar must deliver big time on the LFE department
I thought the 990B sub was pretty impressive - I don’t think the Sony sub is clearly better … but get more opinions on this.
Today I tested the SW5 at my home (together with HTA9) and I am returning it tomorrow. The sub feels really weak compared to my current 10" JBL subwoofer.
@@MWie-to3dr thanks for the feedback, I have a mid range LG SN8YG and I’m surprised how the subwoofer performance has improved after I placed it at the corner sort of compressed by the furniture. I really love some bass