Sonys new soundbar and wireless speakers could make your home cinema dreams come true

Date:
Tue, 20 Jul 2021 14:01:21 +0000

Description:
Building a home cinema system from scratch? Sony has the answer with its latest soundbar and wireless speaker setup.

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If youre looking to build the home cinema system of your dreams, Sony may
just have the answer, having announced the new flagship HT-A7000 soundbar ,
as well as a wireless speaker setup, called the HT-A9 Home Theater System.

For those that want to envelop themselves in sound, the HT-A9 system could be a worthy investment. Comprising four wireless speakers and a control box that plugs into your TVs HDMI port, Sony says that the Home Theater System will allow you to feel sound from every direction and distance, thanks to the companys 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sound Field Optimization technologies. Our guide to the best soundbars you can buy What is Dolby Atmos ? The best wireless speakers of 2021

Sound Field Optimization uses the dual microphones built into each speaker to measure their height and position in your room. Then, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping creates up to 12 of what Sony calls phantom speakers, by synthesizing the sound waves based on their position and this should deliver a really immersive sound experience. Theres also support for Dolby Atmos , DTS:X, and Sonys 360 Reality Audio, so youre pretty much covered when it comes to
spatial audio technologies.

Each individual speaker is capable of providing 360-degree spatial audio , too, and feature rectangular speaker units to make the most of the diaphragm area for richer bass and sound pressure.

When youre not watching films, you can use the HT-A9 Home Theater System to play music, with support for hi-res audio , and the DSEE Extreme upscaling technology we first saw from the Sony WH-1000XM4 (AKA the best headphones you can buy in 2021).

Sony says that the system supports voice activation, and works with both Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can add it to your existing speaker group. Unsurprisingly, it will probably work best with Sony Bravia TV s, with
support for Acoustic Center Sync, which should ensure that what youre hearing and what youre seeing on screen matches up perfectly. And, with support for
8K HDR, 4K 120fps passthrough, and Dolby Vision, your content should look impeccable whether youre gaming or watching movies. (Image credit: Sony) Low on space?

Not everyone has the room for a four-speaker setup if thats you, then the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar might be a better option. This 7.1.2-channel soundbar comes with two upfiring speakers for overhead sound, two beam tweeters, five front speakers, and a built-in dual subwoofer to bring the bass.

And, with Sonys Vertical Surround Engine, you can use the soundbar to experience Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. Connectivity comes courtesy of HDMI eARC, USB, optical and analogue ports.

Like the HT-A9 Home Theater System, the new soundbar supports hi-res audio, 360-Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme, and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant.

If you want to go all out, you can combine the soundbar with optional subwoofers and rear speakers Sony even has a compact subwoofer option so
that it doesnt take over your entire living room. How much will it all cost?

As you may have guessed, all that audio tech doesnt come cheap. The HT-A9
Home Theater System will cost $1,799.99 (about 1,300 / AU$2,400), though you are getting four speakers and a control box for your money.

The HT-A7000 soundbar comes in at $1,299.99 (about 950 / AU$1,700), which is far pricier than the best soundbar you can buy in 2021, the Sonos Arc ($799 / 799 / AU$1,399). If you do want to combine it with the SA-SW5 subwoofer and SA-RS3S rear speakers, theyll cost you $699.99 (about 500 / AU$9500) /
$349.99 (about 250 / AU$470), respectively though the more compact SW-SW3 subwoofer is cheaper at $399.99 (about 290 / AU$540).

So, it would be cheaper to buy the Home Theater System rather than the soundbar plus subwoofer and rear speakers, but either way, youre looking at a hefty investment. Still, if you want to build a home cinema system without
the annoyance of cables or complicated setups, that price might be worth it.

The new devices will be available to buy in the US in September / October global pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed. Read our Sonos Arc review



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/sonys-new-soundbar-and-wireless-speakers-could- make-your-home-cinema-dreams-come-true/


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