The GF has left me and I'm suddenly left with a bigger holiday budget than I need, so I want to get myself a soundbar, but my knowledge on sound systems is quite shallow. I'm not looking for a high-end setup, just something that can improve my TV sound. It's quite reasonable, but I'm always impressed by the sound when someone has a dedicated sound system hooked up to their TV.
I've been looking at the Sony HT-SF150, HT-SF200 and the HT-X8500. The latter being the most expensive option, with a built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support. Now, the PS5 doesn't support Dolby Atmos, because it uses its own proprietary thing. It is then pointless to get a Dolby Atmos supported soundbar?
I'd rather not have a separate subwoofer, because I don't have the space. So built-in is better than none at all I figured. The SF200 has a built-in subwoofer, but is smaller (58 cm) and only 80 Watts, the SF150 doesn't have a subwoofer, but is 90 cm and 120 Watts. Price is roughly equal.
Does size matter? Or should I be looking at the Watts? Help!
Also, I've heard that you need to use a separate remote to control the soundbar, does anyone know if the Sony soundbars work with the PS5 remote?
@Octane First up, I'm sorry to hear about your new relationship status.
I tried a Sony soundbar last year, and wasn't impressed. I was replacing one of their older plinth things, which had a downward-facing sub built in, and this comparatively puny bar just wasn't giving me the punch I was used to. I can't remember the model number, but it was a relatively new one, although it obviously didn't have a sub and I doubt it had Dolby Atmos, either.
Ness is right to recommend Sonos. I currently have a Beam all by itself (no sub or rears) and it suits my space perfectly, giving me quiet detail whilst still managing to make the floor shake on occasion. I know you've said you'd prefer to avoid them, but... well, it's the best advice I can give you.
Otherwise, I'd try the one with the built-in sub first. Try to buy it from somewhere with a good returns policy and you could always swap it out for one of the other options, if you don't like it.
"We want different things, Crosshair. That doesn't mean that we have to be enemies."
@RogerRoger Thanks! Yeah, I was looking for something in the $100-200 range. I have neighbours all around me, downstairs and upstairs included, so I don't need the ground shaking haha. But those Sonos soundbars are also in the €500+ price range it seems.
The one with the built-in sub has a lower Watt usage, so I do wonder if that means even less power goes to the actual sound, and is instead redirected to the subwoofer. Do you have any knowledge on that?
@Octane I personally wouldn't recommend a soundbar with a built in sub as they can sound a bit naff unless you get a really expensive one. My dad has one and I really notice the difference compared to mine which has a separate wireless sub. I've had it for a few years and only recently moved out of a block of flats, and I never had any complaints. On mine you can also independently control the the volume of the sub, which i think is quite common.
@Octane Hmm. Not entirely sure about power distribution stuff, I'm afraid. As a semi-educated guess, I would imagine that the one with the sub balances its performance differently than the one without, and that might account for any statistical discrepancy. The one which doesn't have a sub might need more power to "fake" the depth and warmth a sub would otherwise provide.
I'm in a similar situation (apartment in the middle of a building, don't wanna upset the neighbours) and therefore keep my volumes low. Any shaking of the floor has been entirely accidental, believe me! But I'd still say that, even at low volumes, a sub adds a richness and a warmth that standard speakers simply can't (and shouldn't) hope to replicate. Without a sub, stuff might sound more detailed, but it can also sound hollow and tinny. Most modern games expect to be played through either a headset or a decent sound system, so you definitely want something that's capable, even if you don't use all of its features.
And yes, as @JohnnyShoulder rightly says, most soundbars provide individual component control, so you should be able to lower the bass to keep the neighbours happy. Bose and Sonos are the only ones that are plug-and-play with little control over the dynamics of the sound profile.
"We want different things, Crosshair. That doesn't mean that we have to be enemies."
@JohnnyShoulder Good to know! Cheers. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Taking @RogerRoger advice into account as well, I think it may be better to go for the more expensive option, the HT-X8500. Even though the PS5 doesn't support Dolby Atmos, maybe one day it will, and even without I presume the quality is better than the other two options (even though I read some good reviews for those as well, praising them for what they can do for their price). Thanks all!
@Octane Well, aside from everything else, if something supports Dolby Atmos then you know it's a more modern piece of kit, and has therefore been manufactured to a higher standard.
But yes, hope your order arrives safe, and that you enjoy the boost it should hopefully provide!
"We want different things, Crosshair. That doesn't mean that we have to be enemies."
Ive recently bought the Samsung HW-Q900A incl. rear speakers and am very happy with the sound. Its more expensive but has a separate sub and supports Atmos.
Forums
Topic: Sony Soundbar Questions
Posts 1 to 12 of 12
This topic has been archived, no further posts can be added.