Kudos on another comprehensive & instructive review. Will we see a similar comparison of the SONY HT A700, SA-SW5, SA-RS5 against the SONOS Arc, Sub. Gen. 3 & Era 300 systems?
If your buying this soundbar make sure that your Sony TV does not make a hissing sound from the tweeters, when using the TV as a center speaker. It is still is a common issue across the world with the J, K and L series. I bought an X90L TV from a company that had good customer service and returned both the TV and Soundbar. Some people unfairly notice after its too late to get a refund. Appareently many have had the motherboard changed but sometimes it doesnt work. Sony are terribl for sending out so many faulty unit and not being honest and recalling them because there are so many TVs out there with this fault.
I am looking at buying the a Sony 55" Brava 8 to go into a room with a room that a standard soundbar does not work do to no walls or walls at different angles. Therefor the 3.1. But, does this eliminate the included on screen sound that comes with the TV? Or, can they work together to make a better overall sound package? I am told the Brava 8 existing sound is good. Just looking to make it better without spending $10k.
I just got this. I'm trying to figure out how to not have the echo between the television and soundbar. Also how to be able to have it hearable more at a lower level. I also got the 200 watt sub and RS3 Rear Speakers.
Hello mate, grateful to find a quality British vid! We have the 55” Sony A80J which has decent sound as standard. But wondering what you’d say would be the merit in buying a sound-bar system upgrade - and which one? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi there, thanks for the comment and great to hear you’ve enjoyed the content. While we think the A80J offers decent sound, it will definitely enhance your overall performance with the right soundbar. To keep it in the Sony ecosystem, the Sony A7000 is a good shout and a popular soundbar option right now. A Sonos Arc would also be a good option and gives you an entry into the Sonos ecosystem if that’s something you might like to explore. For us, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) - while a step down in performance from the Arc and A7000, offers the best bang for your buck and is a great addition to the A80. Hope that helps 😊 If you want to reach out, our team can help further with advice based on budgets and your room size etc - info@smarthomesounds.co.uk.
I’m currently in the market for a Soundbar. Im in a apartment so I don’t want anything to crazy at the moment but I still want something pretty good. I’m stuck between this model, Bose Smart 600 and the Sonos Beam gen 2 for my Sony X95j 65”. Id appreciate any feedback thank you!
Stick with Sonos Beam Gen 2. I just bought same Sony 65" XR X95K last Oct. However I was going to get Sony HT A9 sound system but I went with Sonos Arc soundbar, Gen 3 sub, and (2) 1 SL rear speakers. Great choice. I am very very happy with my purchase. AWESOME SOUND! Wait till u move out and buy home and have room for it. You will love it. Just stay with Sonos Beam. Good choice.
@@douglaswelch1113 I appreciate the feedback, I have been leaning towards the Sonos more. But definitely once I get my own home and have more space I’ll look into the Arc I’ve heard nothing but good reviews on that. Thank you!
I’ve got a sony a80k I’ve just bought the Bose 600 sound bar it’s going back The tv speakers actually sound better than the sound bar That’s I’m looking at the sony ones which uses the tv as a centre speaker As the Bose system just mutes the tv
always look forward to your videos Guy's and always find them very informative and enjoyable to watch , However is it just me or are there more ad breaks now more then ever ? ? Just had the 3rd bloody advert in 5 minutes , it's really putting me off , they are so distracting when trying to immerse myself in your excellent video .
I share your pain re ads ! My son set up the CZcams option without ads and I willingly contribute each month. He was even able to add one of his friends so now we have a 3 way split. I couldn’t go back TBH.
Hi Stuart, thanks for the feedback! We haven’t increased our ads on any videos but I have noticed more ads being shown in the other content I watch too. We think it might be because of the time of year? Hopefully it drops back down again as it’s a shame to ruin the flow of a video! Thanks for the support as always. Lui
How U get on with it? U play games console on it? Just looking at getting one as I seen a cheap one, mainly for games that's all. Any info would be appreciated
@@honesttroll3463 the Speaker is worth getting unfortunately I don’t pay games but films absolutely brilliant only disappointment is the rears and sub sold separately and are very expensive but the sound bar alone amazing 🤩
Thanks for the video, very interesting. I was wondering if anyone could chip in here and comment on my queries? I want sound from my Bravia to actually have some bass and some volume, however, I also need clarity at low sound levels too, and I also want something that can play music at a good sound level when required, clean bass and crisp treble are a must as my hearing is not what it used to be. Does anyone have any info as to whether I would be better off buying this bar (ease of connection is a good plus) or do you think it might be better to go with a stand alone audio amp and a set of speakers for a similar price. A long time ago - more than 15 years, I purchased a Marantz 5.1 receiver and surround system, but was very disappointed at the sound levels when connected to a TV, massive speakers, massive amp, but a real let down when it came to sheer volume. I saw a demo of a JBL Partybox the other day for around the same price and that thing could fill a cinema on one speaker and the sound quality was pretty impressive, however, connections might prove a bit less straight forward as the Bravia Bluetooth on my TV does not output audio, so, any suggestions on a good all round system for about this price, but would go up another 2 or 300 quid if there was a significant improvement. Thanks!
I was going with real nice Sony HT A9 sound system and had Best Buy consultant come over with whole system including Sony 65" XR X95K. Well I did purchase Sony X95K and couldn't be any happier. I went another route for sound system. I'm like u I wanted more bass and better sound. I went with Sonos Arc soundbar, Gen 3 sub and (2) rear one SL speakers. Pricey but it's AWESOME sound. If it works in your budget by all means buy this. I did my research and I'm very very happy with my choice.
Don't buy Sony soundbar for music. It sounds like from trash bin. I recently bought one soundbar from Sony, quite similar to A5000 and it sounded worse than my tv (LG A1 OLED TV). So, I returned it to the store and spent like an hour listening to all of the Sony offerings. The most natural music comes from HT A9, but at the price of around 1800 you get the sound of cheap, less than $100 speakers. If you look inside, you can see that woofers are only 2 inches aprox. Soundbars like A7000 are even worse for music, they sound like $20 Genius plastic speakers (like some genius speakers with Dolby Atmos). Ordered Sonos online, I hope no to be disappointed, still in transit. BTW Sony XM1000 headphones are the best, so I am not hating Sony.
@@donalexey Sonos arc needing to be tilted 15 degree for better sound and true atmost is a far for myself. I prefer Sony audio for theatre experience, Sony headphone for personal music. Klipsch is great as well
I've really disappointed with the sound quality of this bar. As others have said it sounds artificial. I was streaming audio from my Samsung S21 phone and prefer the audio in the phone. I have a pair of £100 small Creative PC speakers, 10 years old, and they wlhave better bass and body than this soundbar. Overall very disappointed as have a Sony Bravia XR55A80J and was keen to use the audio Centre sync feature. I might look at Bise 600 or even Senheisser Ambeo Plus as I need to Bluetooth so sadly Sonos not viable for me.
Overpriced for what you get . No upfiring speakers, tweeters or separate sub. I've heard it's not good with virtual 3d surround sound and atmos . You can get polk signa s4 and majority sierra plus for less money. With upfiring speakers.
No go with the a3000. You get Spotify, Alex, and Chromecast functionality. You also get 2 smaller built in subs and can add more and rears at a different time. The 3000 utilizes centre sync I'd your tv supports it also (x90 and up)
I don't know, probably Sony sponsored this video, but I cannot find much good words for Sony soundbars. They all have plastic sound (except HT A9) and voice clarity is horrible. I actually prefer sound from my TV than from soundbar. They cannot reproduce enough base by itself, so everything sounds like a cheap plastic boombox. It is loud though and easy to connect. All those sound enhancements form 3.0 soundbar emulating height and surround simply do not work. Even worse for music. $150 boombox speaker sounds better than $1000+ Sony soundbar (A7000).
Purchased the whole setup, excited for it to arrive
Excellent video. I thought the sounds came across really well all things considered.
Hi, I live in Turkey and Sonos pulled out of the market here. I was going for the Gen 2 so this looks like a good alternative. Thanks for the review.
Kudos on another comprehensive & instructive review.
Will we see a similar comparison of the SONY HT A700, SA-SW5, SA-RS5 against the SONOS Arc, Sub. Gen. 3 & Era 300 systems?
If your buying this soundbar make sure that your Sony TV does not make a hissing sound from the tweeters, when using the TV as a center speaker. It is still is a common issue across the world with the J, K and L series. I bought an X90L TV from a company that had good customer service and returned both the TV and Soundbar. Some people unfairly notice after its too late to get a refund. Appareently many have had the motherboard changed but sometimes it doesnt work. Sony are terribl for sending out so many faulty unit and not being honest and recalling them because there are so many TVs out there with this fault.
I am looking at buying the a Sony 55" Brava 8 to go into a room with a room that a standard soundbar does not work do to no walls or walls at different angles. Therefor the 3.1. But, does this eliminate the included on screen sound that comes with the TV? Or, can they work together to make a better overall sound package? I am told the Brava 8 existing sound is good. Just looking to make it better without spending $10k.
then maybe you can tell me which is better or SONOS Beam Gen 2, because I don't know what to buy
I just got this. I'm trying to figure out how to not have the echo between the television and soundbar. Also how to be able to have it hearable more at a lower level. I also got the 200 watt sub and RS3 Rear Speakers.
Would love to see a review of the Bang&Olufsen models! Balance, A9 etc!
Hello mate, grateful to find a quality British vid! We have the 55” Sony A80J which has decent sound as standard. But wondering what you’d say would be the merit in buying a sound-bar system upgrade - and which one? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi there, thanks for the comment and great to hear you’ve enjoyed the content. While we think the A80J offers decent sound, it will definitely enhance your overall performance with the right soundbar. To keep it in the Sony ecosystem, the Sony A7000 is a good shout and a popular soundbar option right now.
A Sonos Arc would also be a good option and gives you an entry into the Sonos ecosystem if that’s something you might like to explore. For us, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) - while a step down in performance from the Arc and A7000, offers the best bang for your buck and is a great addition to the A80. Hope that helps 😊 If you want to reach out, our team can help further with advice based on budgets and your room size etc - info@smarthomesounds.co.uk.
@@smarthomesounds Thank you for your advice on this. Would you prefer me to follow-up via email?
No problem at all! If you drop us an email, our team can help expand further with more personalised advice 👍🏻
@@smarthomesounds Thanks! Done that 🙏
Thanks for informative review
Seen a reviewer that said this only has Arc out, so cant connect consoles to it? Would this not work with a ps5, then?
Hello I am trying to decide on Sony HTA 3000 and G700. This will be mainly used for sports. Suggestions? Thanks
Please go for this model you won't regret 😊
@kasranahmad2275 I just got it. Trying to change a few things.
@@laurenpetro4807 what are you trying to change?
I’m currently in the market for a Soundbar. Im in a apartment so I don’t want anything to crazy at the moment but I still want something pretty good. I’m stuck between this model, Bose Smart 600 and the Sonos Beam gen 2 for my Sony X95j 65”. Id appreciate any feedback thank you!
Stick with Sonos Beam Gen 2. I just bought same Sony 65" XR X95K last Oct. However I was going to get Sony HT A9 sound system but I went with Sonos Arc soundbar, Gen 3 sub, and (2) 1 SL rear speakers. Great choice. I am very very happy with my purchase. AWESOME SOUND! Wait till u move out and buy home and have room for it. You will love it. Just stay with Sonos Beam. Good choice.
@@douglaswelch1113 I appreciate the feedback, I have been leaning towards the Sonos more. But definitely once I get my own home and have more space I’ll look into the Arc I’ve heard nothing but good reviews on that. Thank you!
I’ve got a sony a80k
I’ve just bought the Bose 600 sound bar it’s going back
The tv speakers actually sound better than the sound bar
That’s I’m looking at the sony ones which uses the tv as a centre speaker
As the Bose system just mutes the tv
Does the sound field have to be on when watching an ATMOS disc or stream ?
Can you do a video about good speakers for a home gym
Isn't there a subwoofer that came w/it? You didn't say anything about the subwoofer
Should I buy this for my 55 inch Sony A84L or should I go for either the Sonus Beam gen 2 or the Bose 600?
I have an issue with connecting the soundbar directly to my PC motherboard via the optical cable. Soundbar has no "DIGITAL" input source.
I have a Sky devialat soundbar. Is this a step up or step down?
always look forward to your videos Guy's and always find them very informative and enjoyable to watch , However is it just me or are there more ad breaks now more then ever ? ? Just had the 3rd bloody advert in 5 minutes , it's really putting me off , they are so distracting when trying to immerse myself in your excellent video .
I share your pain re ads ! My son set up the CZcams option without ads and I willingly contribute each month. He was even able to add one of his friends so now we have a 3 way split. I couldn’t go back TBH.
Hi Stuart, thanks for the feedback! We haven’t increased our ads on any videos but I have noticed more ads being shown in the other content I watch too. We think it might be because of the time of year? Hopefully it drops back down again as it’s a shame to ruin the flow of a video! Thanks for the support as always. Lui
Great review I miss the joint reviews with Jonathon Do some more please 🙏
Superb I just purchased 1
Good choice
How U get on with it? U play games console on it? Just looking at getting one as I seen a cheap one, mainly for games that's all. Any info would be appreciated
@@honesttroll3463 the Speaker is worth getting unfortunately I don’t pay games but films absolutely brilliant only disappointment is the rears and sub sold separately and are very expensive but the sound bar alone amazing 🤩
5:21 this is a decent soundbar but them speakeer prices are absolutely disgusting!!
Thanks for the video, very interesting. I was wondering if anyone could chip in here and comment on my queries? I want sound from my Bravia to actually have some bass and some volume, however, I also need clarity at low sound levels too, and I also want something that can play music at a good sound level when required, clean bass and crisp treble are a must as my hearing is not what it used to be.
Does anyone have any info as to whether I would be better off buying this bar (ease of connection is a good plus) or do you think it might be better to go with a stand alone audio amp and a set of speakers for a similar price.
A long time ago - more than 15 years, I purchased a Marantz 5.1 receiver and surround system, but was very disappointed at the sound levels when connected to a TV, massive speakers, massive amp, but a real let down when it came to sheer volume.
I saw a demo of a JBL Partybox the other day for around the same price and that thing could fill a cinema on one speaker and the sound quality was pretty impressive, however, connections might prove a bit less straight forward as the Bravia Bluetooth on my TV does not output audio, so, any suggestions on a good all round system for about this price, but would go up another 2 or 300 quid if there was a significant improvement. Thanks!
I was going with real nice Sony HT A9 sound system and had Best Buy consultant come over with whole system including Sony 65" XR X95K. Well I did purchase Sony X95K and couldn't be any happier. I went another route for sound system. I'm like u I wanted more bass and better sound. I went with Sonos Arc soundbar, Gen 3 sub and (2) rear one SL speakers. Pricey but it's AWESOME sound. If it works in your budget by all means buy this. I did my research and I'm very very happy with my choice.
Don't buy Sony soundbar for music. It sounds like from trash bin. I recently bought one soundbar from Sony, quite similar to A5000 and it sounded worse than my tv (LG A1 OLED TV). So, I returned it to the store and spent like an hour listening to all of the Sony offerings. The most natural music comes from HT A9, but at the price of around 1800 you get the sound of cheap, less than $100 speakers. If you look inside, you can see that woofers are only 2 inches aprox. Soundbars like A7000 are even worse for music, they sound like $20 Genius plastic speakers (like some genius speakers with Dolby Atmos). Ordered Sonos online, I hope no to be disappointed, still in transit. BTW Sony XM1000 headphones are the best, so I am not hating Sony.
@@donalexey Sonos arc needing to be tilted 15 degree for better sound and true atmost is a far for myself. I prefer Sony audio for theatre experience, Sony headphone for personal music. Klipsch is great as well
Is it good for an audiophile
I've really disappointed with the sound quality of this bar. As others have said it sounds artificial. I was streaming audio from my Samsung S21 phone and prefer the audio in the phone. I have a pair of £100 small Creative PC speakers, 10 years old, and they wlhave better bass and body than this soundbar. Overall very disappointed as have a Sony Bravia XR55A80J and was keen to use the audio Centre sync feature. I might look at Bise 600 or even Senheisser Ambeo Plus as I need to Bluetooth so sadly Sonos not viable for me.
Go into settings and turn on advanced auto sound
Overpriced for what you get . No upfiring speakers, tweeters or separate sub. I've heard it's not good with virtual 3d surround sound and atmos . You can get polk signa s4 and majority sierra plus for less money. With upfiring speakers.
A3000 vs HT G700 ???
Htg700 no doubt
What is the difference, I'm also not sure which soundbar to get!
No go with the a3000. You get Spotify, Alex, and Chromecast functionality. You also get 2 smaller built in subs and can add more and rears at a different time. The 3000 utilizes centre sync I'd your tv supports it also (x90 and up)
Does acoustic centre sync really make a difference? I see other comments calling out problems with this feature
I thought delorian was car
I don't know, probably Sony sponsored this video, but I cannot find much good words for Sony soundbars. They all have plastic sound (except HT A9) and voice clarity is horrible. I actually prefer sound from my TV than from soundbar. They cannot reproduce enough base by itself, so everything sounds like a cheap plastic boombox. It is loud though and easy to connect. All those sound enhancements form 3.0 soundbar emulating height and surround simply do not work. Even worse for music. $150 boombox speaker sounds better than $1000+ Sony soundbar (A7000).
One of the worst soundbar…. Sound has lagging….
AND....it sucks!