09 Nov
Blog

Sony HT-A5000 Review: A Dolby Atmos Soundbar For Hi-Res Fans

Sony HT-A5000.

Sony HT-A5000 in the test: The Dolby Atmos soundbar for hi-res audio fans

RRP $ 1,000.00

"The Sony HT-A5000 rocks with every sound format and every connection option we could wish for."

advantages

  • 8K capable HDMI input

  • Excellent film and music sound

  • Easy on-screen setup

  • Tons of connectivity options

  • High definition, Sony 360RA and DTS: X

disadvantage

  • No EQ settings

  • Some attitudes are buried

  • Bad integration of music services

At the high end of the soundbar market, you can find great Dolby Atmos compatible models like the Sonos Arc for $ 899, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for $ 899, and LG's SP9YA for $ 1,000. And now you can add Sony's $ 1,000 HT-A5000 to that list. Wondering how it compares to the rest of the world – and to Sony's flagship HT-A7000 for $ 1,300? Let's check it out.

Big and easy

Sony HT-A5000.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

In terms of design, the HT-A5000 (which we will simply call the A5000) is not very visible. The HT-A7000 lacks the glass cover and the cloth-wrapped speaker grilles, instead they have been replaced by a simple, textured black plastic housing and gray speaker grilles made of metal. It won't win beauty pageants, but that's a good thing. Personally, I think soundbars shouldn't draw attention to themselves visually as it could detract from their main purpose – to enhance the sound of your TV that your eyes should be focused on.

However, the size is more important. At 47.75 inches wide by 2.75 inches high, the A5000 should have no problem finding a home in front of everyone but the smallest TV. Sony even claims that their Bravia TVs can accommodate the A5000 between their movable legs, but I don't recommend that – any soundbar with speakers facing up should be placed as close to the front as possible to give those drivers every opportunity to hear the sound align with your ceiling, unimpeded.

The HDMI input can process 8K, Dolby Vision and 4K at 120 Hz, making it as future-proof as possible.

Sony also has everything you could need right in the box: soundbar, wall mounting hardware, HDMI and optical cables, a remote control and an analog patch cable to connect a compatible Bravia TV. Yes – if you are the lucky owner of one of Sony's 2020 or 2021 Bravia TVs, you can use this cable to hijack the TV's built-in speakers and let them enhance the soundbar's center channel audio. Unfortunately, I haven't tested this feature without one of these TVs.

HDMI in, HDMI out and 8K

Sony HT-A5000 input ports.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Some soundbar companies (ahem, Sonos, Bose) believe that a single HDMI ARC / eARC port should be enough for everyone. I disagree – and luckily neither does Sony. The A5000 has both a dedicated HDMI input and an HDMI ARC / eARC input / output. Better still, the HDMI input can pass 8K, Dolby Vision and 4K signals to your TV at 120 Hz, making it as future-proof as possible. There's also an optical port if your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC, but the A5000 drops the A7000's analog input.

When it comes to the ability to wirelessly connect to a speaker, the A5000 has it all.

Why is an HDMI input important? Aside from replacing the HDMI input on your TV that you had to sacrifice to connect the soundbar, with older TVs we can connect Blu-ray players or streaming media devices directly to the soundbar. This bypasses the inherent sound quality limitations of HDMI ARC connections that are imposed by televisions that do not have HDMI eARC. There is a lot to unpack. Instead of filling the space in this review with the full explanation, please read our guides on HDMI ARC / eARC and Dolby Atmos. If you care about the best possible audio quality, you'll thank me.

These ports are packed very tightly into a small recess on the back of the A5000, making them difficult to use, but as long as you don't have to access them often, you shouldn't be too hurt by it.

Setup on the screen

Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos Soundbar system message on the screen.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Speaking of HDMI, the A5000 repeats one of my favorite functions of the HT-A7000 – the setup process and on-screen menus. Using a smartphone app to set up a speaker isn't difficult, but being able to use your TV's screen while sitting back on your sofa with the remote in hand is much better.

From the initial connection, to adding the A5000 to your Wi-Fi network, to quick automatic room calibration, Sony makes it easy and – dare I say it – fun. And you can always press the home button on the remote and navigate the soundbar's on-screen menus, which is much more convenient than reading on the small scrolling digital display behind the speaker grille or pulling out your phone.

Connections galore

Sony HT-A5000 screen display.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

I have to give it to Sony. When it comes to the ability to wirelessly connect to a speaker, the A5000 has it all. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast – choose your favorite. The Bluetooth connection, which is hardly a minor matter with many soundbars, is also convincing with the support of the Sony LDAC codec, so that you can stream in the highest quality from an Android mobile phone. You can also use LDAC for a high quality wireless connection to a compatible Bravia TV if you want to be completely wireless.

Thanks to the exceptional support for high quality wireless streaming, music generally sounds great.

These options mean that regardless of which phone you have or which music streaming service you subscribe to, you can get the most out of the A5000's features. And given the growing support for lossless, high-resolution audio from Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and others, these benefits are no longer theoretical marginal cases.

Sony cleverly offers you the option of switching the Bluetooth function from receiving to sending (again with LDAC support) so that you can use any set of wireless headphones or earphones for private listening.

Great for music, even better for movies

Sony HT-A5000.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

OK, to the point: how does that thing sound? Damn good. If you stick to the basic mode of the A5000 (with the Sound Field function switched off), you will get perfectly clear and balanced stereo sound. It's great for sitcoms, news shows, and comedy specials – basically anytime you want to focus on dialogue. In this mode, the bass remains mellow even with the subwoofer set to the maximum and offers just enough bass to give the voices more depth and some weight to the background soundtrack.

It's also the preferred mode for listening to two-channel stereo music, especially if you're a purist looking to keep additional digital processing to a minimum. And thanks to the soundbar's exceptional support for high quality wireless streaming, music generally sounds great.

The only downside is there's not much you can do if you don't like the way Sony tuned the A5000. I have sued Sony for missing EQ adjustments on their expensive A7000 and will do it again for the A5000. It's an odd choice for a company that offers extensive EQ options for their wireless headphones and earbuds.

Dolby Atmos movies have all been rendered with this key ingredient – sounds that seem to be coming from everywhere.

If you have a Tidal HiFi or Amazon Music subscription, you owe it to yourself to try tracks mastered using the Sony 360 Reality Audio (360RA) format that the A5000 supports. Simply put, 360RA tries to mimic the sound of a live performance indoors by using surround sound technology to give the music an open, airy feel. As with Dolby Atmos Music, some tracks benefit more from this than others. Pink Floyd's Learning To Fly, for example, felt like it was made for 360RA, while John Mayer's I Guess I Just Feel Like seemed to lose something in the move.

But even if songs don't necessarily benefit from 360RA, sometimes the format itself is preferable when you want an ambient sound – for example, when entertaining a group of guests. I find it easier to have a conversation when the music is not directed at you, as is the case with traditional stereo. Currently, the 360RA only works over a WiFi Chromecast connection from a phone or tablet, so you cannot control it through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

The only downside to the A5000's musical capabilities is the lack of integration of music services into the Sony Music Center app. The app lists many of the most popular services (Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, etc.) but tapping on it will only redirect you to the service's app on your phone (assuming you have it installed). Unlike Sonos, there is no way to access Search, manage favorites or playlists, or other music service features. However, you can use the app to control multiroom audio if you have other compatible Sony speakers.

Sony HT-A5000.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

You're not buying a $ 1,000 Dolby Atmos soundbar for stereo audio. You want to be blown away by fully immersive 3D soundtracks that convey power, excitement and emotion and for that you need to enable Sound Field mode. This instantly changes the soundstage from a fairly narrow and forward-facing affair to one that spreads out across the room.

The A5000's built-in subwoofer is surprisingly powerful. For smaller spaces, that's probably all you need.

The Sound Field mode is not a 3D variant, but three – Sony's own Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby's virtualized speaker mode and DTS Virtual: X – and each has its own sound signature. Sony's version pulls back at low frequencies to create a high, wide, and deep presentation that emphasizes clarity. Dolby, on the other hand, pushes the built-in subwoofer to its limits for a thundering sound, but can introduce undesirable distortion and often cloud the mids and high frequencies. DTS Virtual: X is somewhere in between, but not Goldilocks way. It's more of a compromise.

Since each of these 3D flavors sounds so different, they can all be great choices depending on what you're playing. I found the Sony version to be ideal for native Dolby Atmos movies and music. Avengers: Infinity War, Mad Max: Fury Road and Ford v. Ferrari have all been rendered with this important Dolby Atmos ingredient – sounds that seem to come from everywhere and move in sync with the action on the screen. Wondering if you need one of Sony's wireless subwoofers? You would definitely get better low frequency effects, but the A5000's built-in subwoofer is surprisingly powerful. For smaller spaces, that's probably all you need.

I plugged a Shield TV into the HDMI input and enjoyed Dolby Atmos songs from Tidal like Save Your Tears from The Weeknd and Riders On The Storm from The Doors. Dolby Atmos Music can feel lackluster at times, especially if you're using headphones, but the A5000 lets you enjoy the emerging format to its fullest.

Sony HT-A5000 built-in display.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

But here's a tip: as with most Dolby Atmos sound bars, if you feel like something is missing – like you're not listening to an immersive mix – dive into the advanced audio settings and turn up the levels for the treble and treble Surround channels. Sony's calibration software tends to take a conservative approach that doesn't always produce the best results.

Definitely worth trying out Dolby and DTS Virtual: X's virtualized speaker mode for all content, whether it's Atmos or not, but switching between these 3D versions isn't much fun. There is no way to do this in the Sony Music Center app, including by pressing a preset button on the remote control.

Instead, you need to pause your movie or music, press the home button on the remote, then navigate to Setup> Advanced Settings> Audio Settings> Sound Field Settings from the on-screen menu. You can then choose a different 3D variant and return to your content.

This may not be too bad if it is just a question of finding the one you like the most, but since there is no way to tweak the EQ, switching between them is your only option if you want the performance of either dislike them.

Beyond the bar

Sony HT-A5000 remote control.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As with most mid- to high-end soundbars, you can expand the sound capabilities of the A5000 by adding two Sony wireless subwoofers of your choice (SA-SW5 or SA-SW3) and a number of wireless surround satellites (SA-RS3S). This does not improve the performance of the altitude channel of the system, but it can make a huge difference to the overall level of immersion. If you have the room in your home and on your budget, I highly recommend these additions.

Our opinion

The Sony HT-A5000 offers a premium price, but offers both music and movie lovers a first-class sound experience.

Is there a better alternative?

At this price point, the HT-A5000 has several direct competitors, and all of them are excellent in their own way. The choice among them really depends on the features that are important to you. Here's what you should know:

  • If you are an audiophile, LG SP9YA is a strong competitor because, like the A5000, it supports Hi-Res audio over Wi-Fi and USB. It also comes with its own wireless subwoofer, which makes it satisfactory for movies right out of the box. It doesn't support Bluetooth LDAC or Sony 360RA, however, and its hard-wired power cord could be a nuisance for some installations.
  • If you want easy, powerful control over your music sources and multiroom audio, and want some smart home perks, drag the Sonos Arc or the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. Both don't have HDMI inputs, which limits their flexibility, but that's only a problem if you have an older TV. Both can serve as smart speakers with your choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • If you're looking for a real replacement for a home theater system for movies and TV shows but multiroom audio isn't that important, this is it Vizio Elevate comes with a wireless subwoofer and surround satellite speakers that usually cost extra.
  • Would you like even better sound, but don't want to clutter your room with more speakers? For $ 300 more that Sony HT-A7000 is a larger, more powerful speaker (with two HDMI inputs plus one analog input) that is well worth the extra investment.

How long it will take?

Sony products are very well made and the HT-A5000 is no exception. If you are considering 8K compatibility, it could be 10 years or more before you even have to think about upgrading. And even then, it will be a choice, not a condition.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. the Sony HT-A5000 will be a huge movie and music upgrade for any TV room in the house.

Editor's recommendations



04 Jul
Blog

LG SP9YA Soundbar Review: Setting A High Bar For Dolby Atmos

LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos soundbar

"The LG SP9YA soundbar transforms any room into an immersive, Dolby Atmos-powered home theater."

  • Great and immersive Dolby Atmos

  • Easy adjustment

  • Chromecast and AirPlay 2

  • Level and EQ controls

  • Hi-Res audio capabilities

  • Hard-wired power cord

  • Cannot access network music libraries

  • Only one HDMI input

LG has a good track record of making feature-packed sound bars that also produce stunning, room-filling sound. Its $ 1,000 SP9YA is the company's latest effort in the field and continues the 9-series legacy of putting a ton of audio features (like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X) into just one soundbar and wireless subwoofer. For people who want big, cinematic sound and a simple setup, it's an attractive option.

Want to know what LG has changed with the new SP9YA and how it fares? We have all the details here.

What's new?

The SP9YA takes over the baton of the SN9YG from 2020. Although the two products are almost identical, LG has made two small but important changes:

  • The SP9YA dispenses with the Google Assistant-based smart speaker function of the 9YG, but remains Google Assistant-compatible.
  • The SP9YA is AirPlay 2-capable and Chromecast-capable. The 9YG only supported Chromecast.

What's in the box?

Scope of delivery of the LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos soundbar.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Inside the huge shipping box – which uses completely recyclable materials inside and out – you'll find the soundbar, a wireless subwoofer with power cord, two mounting brackets and screws, a wall mount template, a remote control with AA batteries, an optical cable, and some very basic quick start paper materials .

Why LG included an optical cable but not an HDMI cable remains a mystery, but you need one to get the best possible sound from your TV.

design

Like its predecessors, the SP9YA is a large, 48-inch wide soundbar that looks great in front of a 50-inch or larger TV, but could easily outshine a smaller screen. Its relatively small stature (only 2.24 inches tall) makes it unlikely to obscure the bottom of a large or small TV.

LG kept the look of the brushed aluminum finish on both the soundbar and subwoofer, a smart choice as it minimizes the appearance of a fairly large set of speakers. The only thing that breaks the otherwise seamless design is the circular upward-facing driver grille. I prefer Dolby Atmos soundbars that hide these height drivers, like the Sonos Arc and Vizio Elevate, but that's really a matter of personal preference.

A number of touch controls for volume, power, source selection, play / pause, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are conveniently located at the top of the bar, but are barely noticeable. In fact, the SP9YA disappears almost entirely in a darkened room with the exception of the front-facing LED display, which is hidden behind the metal grille (which dims but never completely turns off).

The wireless subwoofer uses a front firing design which in my opinion often outperforms down firing units of the same performance.

My only concern is the soundbar's hard-wired power cord – it could make some installations really difficult, especially if you have to run the cord through cabinet openings that are too small to accommodate the size of the wall plug. While LG TVs have detachable power cords, if you remove a faceplate first, I don't see any way to do that with the SP9YA.

Inputs and outputs

LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos soundbar connectors.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

There are only four connections on the back of the SP9YA: a 4K / Dolby Vision-capable HDMI input, an HDMI ARC / eARC output, an optical input and a USB connection for memory-based music playback. I'd prefer to see more HDMI inputs at this price, and I'm surprised there isn't an analog input or ethernet jack, but these aren't deal-breakers.

Basic setup of the SP9YA is a breeze. Grab the remote control and you can enjoy the TV sound.

The good news is that unlike some soundbars that treat the HDMI and Optical inputs as a single input (meaning you can use one or the other, but not both), the SP9YA considers these ports to be discrete inputs . You can connect a streaming media player, cable box, or Blu-ray player to the HDMI input port while using the optical port for an audio source such as a CD player or Sonos device. Each can be selected as their own source, so you have a pretty good range of connected devices.

Setup and configuration

Basic setup of the SP9YA is a breeze. Simply connect the soundbar to your TV with HDMI or optical cables, connect the wireless subwoofer to the wall, do the same to the soundbar and turn it on. The soundbar and subwoofer automatically establish a wireless connection, which is confirmed by a solid green light on the back of the subwoofer. Grab the remote control and you can enjoy the TV sound.

However, much deeper options are available with the remote control and the free LG Sound Bar app.

The first thing to consider is using the AI. Room calibration function. The bar emits a series of test tones in a matter of seconds, and the two built-in microphones determine how the acoustics of your room affect performance. Conveniently, you can hear pre- and post-noises with the app so that you can decide which is better. I didn't notice much of a difference, but that could simply be a function of the particular space I was using.

You can switch the soundbar to Bluetooth mode at any time and pair it with a phone, tablet or other Bluetooth device. However, if you want a variety of better audio options and deeper settings, it's worth connecting the SP9YA to your Wi-Fi network.

Once you've done that, you can add the soundbar to Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit, use Spotify Connect, and then stream audio to the system via Chromecast or AirPlay 2. I'll discuss why this is a must-do in a moment.

Given that the SP9YA has Chromecast and Google Assistant compatibility, it's great that LG doesn't force you to complete the WiFi setup through the Google Home app – something we do a lot on Chromecast devices like the Bang & Olufsen Beosound see stage. You can always add the SP9YA to the Google Home app if you want, but it's up to you.

Apple's AirPlay 2 is also available as soon as you connect to WiFi – no additional configuration required.

user friendliness

LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos Soundbar Remote Control.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The included remote control for the SP9YA is well designed from an ergonomic point of view – it fits the hand comfortably and is easy to use – but it has no backlighting, which makes working in a dark room a little more difficult.

When connected to your TV via HDMI ARC / eARC, most TV remotes should be able to control the volume and mute of the soundbar. I've also found that streaming media devices plugged into the soundbar's HDMI input can control these features as well (I've tried it with an Apple TV 4K and an Nvidia Shield TV). Typically televisions connected by the optical cable will not be able to control the volume of the soundbar unless you have an LG TV. In this case, enabling your TV's Sound Sync option should give you this option.

You can also use the remote control for more advanced functions: a four-way directional pad allows you to navigate deeper settings such as speaker levels. But the LG Sound Bar app is so good that I highly recommend using it instead of the remote control for these advanced settings. You can view all available channels (subwoofer, center, side, overhead, etc.) along with the sliders for each.

The SP9YA is an incredibly powerful system for movies and music.

The only area that lacks ease of use is in music playback. As a wifi connected speaker, there should be a way to access your personal media stored on a computer or hard drive connected to your network, but the Sound Bar app lacks that option and there is no way to do this with the remote control either.

If you want to play music from a USB storage device at the same time, you have to use the remote control to navigate through the content – the app cannot see or control this music.

Sound quality

LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos soundbar.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The SP9YA is an incredibly powerful system for movies and music. When I'm not checking sound bars, my normal system is a Pioneer Dolby Atmos receiver connected to a 5.1.2 set of discrete speakers, including ceiling-mounted speakers just above the listening area. The SP9YA is the first soundbar I've tested that comes close to this setup in terms of immersion.

No, it is not a direct replacement, but a very attractive alternative given its price and simplicity.

Dolby Atmos is the star of this show. I think the soundbar handles all audio formats just fine, but whoever buys the SP9YA owes it to themselves to look for movies on Netflix, Disney +, Amazon Prime Video, or other sources that have an Atmos soundtrack.

Whether it's fast-paced car scenes in Mad Max: Fury Road, Ford versus Ferrari, or John Wick: Chapter 2, or the superhero action in a Marvel movie, the SP9YA has the sheer power it takes to recreate the tension in the theater during its Height and side channel drivers deliver convincing 3D effects. The wireless sub does an excellent job of delivering deep bass that you can feel in your chest, but it's also a subtle feat that never drowns out the rest of the soundtrack.

If you live in a condo or share a wall with your neighbors, you might as well invite them to watch with you, as they will hear and feel these explosions too.

If you'd like, you can add LG's optional SPK8-S wireless surround speakers for $ 180 for a 7.1.2 experience. They add to the sense of depth, but they don't add anything to the Dolby Atmos height channels.

Pro tip: Use the soundbar app to level up the overhead channels. This is the key to hearing the sounds that make Atmos, well, Atmos-y.

When playing Atmos content, the optional sound effect settings (eight of which are available) are inactive. However, when playing non-Atmos audio, settings like music, movies, or games can have a huge impact on the sound you get. Rather than relying on LG's labels and assuming that Cinema is best for movies, I suggest that you try them all out. LG's AI Sound Pro setting is supposed to automatically detect what type of audio you're listening to and choose the best setting accordingly, but I didn't always find it to my liking.

For example, when streaming music, the game mode turned out to be a better choice than the actual music setting. Likewise, the Bass Blast mode – which is meant to boost low frequencies – seemed to be doing just the opposite.

Aside from the quirk of the label, I had no problem with the SP9YA producing satisfactory audio from TV shows, movies, and music. If you've been thinking of a soundbar to improve the clarity of dialogue, the SP9YA is a solid choice. I found speech very intelligible even with the default settings, and was able to make it clearer with both the Clear Voice mode and by boosting the center channel output.

For music, I can't recommend using Wi-Fi strongly enough. Bluetooth comes in handy when you have guests and want them to quickly play something from their phones, but for pure audio quality, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are orders of magnitude better than Bluetooth.

Our opinion

LG's SP9YA delivers amazing immersive sound from a single soundbar and subwoofer, making it one of the easiest ways to enjoy Dolby Atmos movies and music at home.

Is there a better alternative?

Finding a direct alternative to the LG SP9YA is difficult. Not many sound bars offer a full 5.1.2 channel configuration from a single speaker plus subwoofer.

The $ 799 Sonos Arc is great for Dolby Atmos and overall a more versatile choice as it can be used as an Alexa or Google Assistant smart speaker and has the best streaming and multiroom capabilities in the industry. But you can only use it with a Sonos Sub – a very expensive wireless speaker for $ 699. That combination is well above the $ 1,000 price of the SP9YA. The Arc also lacks an HDMI input, making it less convenient for those with a lot of HDMI source devices.

The $ 1,000 Vizio Elevate is probably the best comparison. It has excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound and one of the best soundbar remotes, but you have to deal with the extra surround speakers that are firmly attached to the wireless subwoofer. It's also a better choice for movies than music – there's no support for Hi-Res lossless audio or Apple AirPlay 2.

We haven't reviewed Samsung's new $ 1,300 in 2021 HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Soundbar yet, but given its specs and our reviews of previous Samsung soundbars, it could be the SP9YA's toughest competitor.

How long it will take?

Audio devices such as sound bars tend to last for many years. They are not moved much after installation, and heat build-up (the cause of many electronic failures) is rarely a problem. It is only unknown how long LG will keep the SP9YA up to date with new software. It should still work fine without updates to TV audio, but some features, like AirPlay streaming, could lose support in the long run. LG backs the SP9YA with a standard one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're ready to dive into immersive Dolby Atmos audio and have access to streaming movies or music using this 3D format, this is the LG SP9YA is a fantastic choice.

Editor's recommendations



16 Apr
Blog

Monoprice SB-600 Review: Affordable But Average Dolby Atmos

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbar

"The SB-600 is easy to use and quite affordable. It doesn't really make Atmos shine."

  • Easy adjustment

  • Clear dialogue

  • Generous number of entrances

  • Semi-wireless surround speakers

  • Distracting display

  • Mediocre Dolby Atmos

  • Bad sound quality in the middle range

For those who want an even more immersive TV experience, Dolby Atmos sound bars are a tempting upgrade. Soundbars are easier and more convenient to set up than wiring a room with an A / V receiver and a set of discrete speakers. They just make a lot of sense.

However, Dolby Atmos sound bars tend to be expensive because of the extra speakers and drivers required to get the full 3D effect that makes Atmos worth it.

Monoprice is trying to do something about this with its very affordable ($ 450) SB-600 soundbar. Did you succeed in creating an Atmos experience for everyone?

Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos Soundbar all partsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Monoprice includes everything you need to set up the SB-600. Inside the box you'll find the main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, two semi-wireless surround speakers (more on that later), a remote control, power cords, HDMI and analog cables, wall-mount hardware, and printed instructions.

You may just need to buy an optical cable if your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC.

The box and packaging of the SB-600 is very sustainable when it comes to soundbars. It's mostly plain cardboard, apart from three foam trays that protect the soundbar and a number of poly bags.

design

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Like many Monoprice products, the SB-600 has a bare atmosphere. The main soundbar is a simple black case with a perforated metal grille. At 40 inches wide by 3 inches high, it should fit neatly under most TVs without blocking the bottom of the picture. Aside from the little Monoprice and Dolby Atmos badges and the four control buttons on top, it looks very clean.

This would be an ideal situation – soundbars definitely shouldn't be drawing attention to themselves – if the bright LED display wasn't hiding behind the grille. This tells you which source you are using (HDMI 1, 2, ARC, etc), and although the instructions say the display will automatically dim after 10 seconds, our test device stayed bright throughout the system use to avoid an undesirable visual Create distraction.

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbar displaySimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The 8-inch wireless subwoofer is an inconspicuous black box. With a size of 16.5 inches, it is on par with many other wireless subwoofers in this category. The surround speakers are tiny – about the size of a fat paperback novel.

I love that Monoprice includes wall mounting hardware with the SB-600, but the brackets for the surround speakers point it straight out of the wall. If your TV room has sidewalls evenly spaced from the seating area, this is not a problem. If you don't, you won't be able to rotate the speakers so that they are aimed at the heads of the audience rather than the front of the room.

The included remote control is simple but effective, and gives you access to all of the SB-600's settings and modes in a logical, user-friendly layout. It's not backlit, which makes it more awkward to use in a darkened room. However, this is an obvious feature to avoid while trying to keep the price as low as possible.

Setup and configuration

Unlike many soundbars in the $ 700-2,000 range, the SB-600 doesn't have Wi-FI connectivity. That's a minor drawback for things like high-quality streaming music, but it simplifies setup.

Something that surpasses many other soundbars is the SB-600's generous port selection.

After you've connected the main soundbar to power and your TV via HDMI, and connected the subwoofer, all you need to do is find a home for the surround speakers.

Technically, these devices are wireless – they don't need to be connected to the wireless sub or soundbar – but they're not entirely wireless. The right loudspeaker must be connected to the power supply via its power supply unit and connected to the left loudspeaker via the supplied 13-foot analog cable.

It's simple enough – I had no problem hiding the cord behind our couch that is pressed against the wall, but I can see that this is more of a challenge in other situations. Still, it's better than the usual surround setup required for affordable surround sound bars: wiring both speakers to the subwoofer, which is messier and less flexible in terms of placement.

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbar inputsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Something else that surpasses many other soundbars is the generous port selection on the SB-600. You get two HDMI inputs, an HDMI-ARC output, an optical input, a coaxial digital input, an analog socket and a USB connection for MP3 music playback. There is also a bluetooth connection for wireless music streaming.

That's pretty decent – many soundbars only have a single HDMI-ARC port, which means you end up having to sacrifice an HDMI port on your TV without being able to reclaim that port without the use of an HDMI switcher. These two HDMI ports are also 4K HDR compatible and support Dolby Vision so you don't have to worry about your TV getting the highest quality signal.

Sound quality

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbar surround speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

As you move away from your TV's built-in (and probably terrible) speakers, the SB-600 is a big step up. Between the six drivers of the main soundbar, the wireless sub and the surroundings, you get a better feeling of immersion than a TV, with very clear sound that can also get very loud if desired.

The dialogue sounds clear and straightforward. If you have trouble recognizing speech, the SB-600 can help.

However, the SB-600 has two distinct disadvantages. First, it lacks a decent midrange. Even after playing with the built-in EQ modes (movie, music, dialogue, sports) and changing the bass and treble levels, I couldn't make the system feel full and warm.

I suspect there is simply too big a gap between the target frequencies of the soundbar drivers and the capabilities of the subwoofer. It can deliver big, booming bass as well as bright highs, but this mid-range area feels decidedly hollow.

On the positive side, the dialogue sounds clear and straightforward – the center channel of the soundbar prefers very high frequencies. If you have trouble recognizing speech, the SB-600 can help.

The downside, however, is that you lose some of the tonal nuances, especially in films with very dynamic soundtracks (think Marvel, DC, and Star Wars films).

Second, with Dolby Atmos systems, you won't be overwhelmed by the height channel effects.

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbar surround speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I threw a ton of Dolby Atmos footage on the SB-600, from Disney + titles like Iron Man 2 and Doctor Strange, to Dolby Atmos songs from Tidal HiFi, to Dolby Atmos demonstration videos from my LG TV. I found the system to generally provide good surround performance, but that extra dimension that Atmos offered was hit and miss.

It became most evident – and most enjoyable – when listening to Atmos music. Tracks from The Weeknd and Post Malone had a really sprawling soundstage that filled the room.

In contrast, films lacked the overhead dimension that Atmos is known for.

With Dolby Atmos systems, you won't be blown away by the SB-600's height channel effects.

Bluetooth audio was acceptable, but it's immediately apparent that Monoprice didn't make this mode a huge priority. If you know what the system can do with a Dolby Atmos music stream, it's a bit disappointing that the SB-600 can't upscale regular stereos any better into a more immersive mix. All speakers are active when listening over bluetooth, but the sound lacks the expected extent.

Control and ease of use

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Remote ControlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos soundbar controlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I really like it when you start a new stream, whether from the TV or some other connected device. The LED display shows what type of signal is being received. It could be Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround, or PCM, which is a helpful endorsement of your source material.

However, this display can be difficult to read. Only a handful of characters are displayed at a time, so most messages will scroll. You need to be careful as the sound format will only be displayed when you switch to a new input.

As mentioned above, the display's always-on mode was a bit annoying at times.

Another weird quirk: setting your preferred bass and treble levels will reset when you switch from one EQ mode to another.

Our opinion

The Monoprice SB-600 is a decent surround sound bar with lots of inputs and very easy setup thanks to its wireless subwoofer and mostly wireless surround speakers. However, a lackluster performance from Dolby Atmos and a hollowness in the midfield prevent us from getting our full approval.

Is there a better alternative?

For a lot less money the $ 300 Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar The SB-600 may not have dedicated treble drivers or wireless environments, but the virtualized Dolby Atmos effects are still noticeable and offer a much better frequency balance.

For a significantly better Dolby Atmos experience, this offers Vizio SB36512-F6 offers excellent Atmos sound at the same price as the SB-600.

How long it will take?

Monoprices products are nothing special, but they're well built and the SB-600 should last for many years. It comes with a one year warranty.

Should you buy it?

The main advantages of the SB-600 are its excellent inputs and semi-wireless surround speakers. But if these features aren't particularly important to you, you'll be happier with a Vizio model for the same or less money.

Editor's recommendations




24 Jul
Blog

LG SN7Y Soundbar Review: Affordable, Quality Dolby Atmos

LG SN7Y soundbar

"The LG SN7Y is nailing Dolby Atmos at an affordable price of $ 500."

  • Sleek design

  • Easy setup

  • Solid overall sound quality

  • Impressive Dolby Atmos

Of all the sound bars in LG's 2020 range, the SN7Y is possibly the most fascinating. It's a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system with support for a variety of audio formats – including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X Chief – that offers a much cheaper entry fee than the company's flagship models.

The system lacks the rear speakers for real surround sound and there is strong competition from Samsung, Vizio and Sony. After spending a lot of time with this bar, one thing is clear: without a doubt, the $ 500 SN7Y deserves a place at the table of the affordable Atmos soundbars.

design

After you've reviewed LG's premium SN11RG long before you received the SN7Y, the similarities between the two ends of the spectrum are hard to miss. One is of course much larger; The SN11RG is 57 inches wide compared to the 35-inch SN7Y, which closely matches competitors like the Sony HT-G700 (38.58-inch). Otherwise, the SN7Y is a miniature version of its relatively more expensive relative design with a sleek surface that resembles a much more expensive product.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The bar itself contains drivers for the front left, middle and right channels as well as a pair of loudspeakers to provide the height channels of the 3.1.2 system. LG has gone into details about the actual drivers again, apart from the fact that they are each powered at 30 watts and the heights are 35 watts each. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much.

The included wireless subwoofer has a rear opening and weighs around 17 pounds. Again, this is very close compared to Sony's 16-pound radio woofer. There are no rear speakers in this setup. This is a disappointment when you get a full 5.1.2 setup from Vizio for the same price. You can choose to purchase the LG rear speaker kit to complete the system. However, we are talking about another $ 180.

The remote control is almost identical to the accessories that come with the SN11RG, with the exception of a Google Assistant button, which is missing on the remote control for the SN7Y. That's because this bar doesn't have Wi-Fi, a sad fact we'll cover later.

configuration

Possibly the only advantage when there are no rear speakers or WiFi is the added simplicity of setting up this system. There are no cables to connect between rear speakers and subwoofers like a conventional Vizio system, and no app to download and configure the soundbar settings found in a product like the Sonos Beam. It's much slimmer with the SN7Y.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The soundbar needs power, as does the subwoofer. Once powered on, they are paired wirelessly, as is standard with most wireless sub-setups. The soundbar must of course be connected to your display, and I will go into the various types of connections this bar offers in a moment. Once this connection is established, you can enjoy the system.

Since you don't have to worry about the rear speakers, you can place your subwoofer anywhere in your room. It's no secret that subwoofers have different reactions depending on where they're placed in a room. However, wired rear speaker setups always limit the position of your woofer. Without setbacks and even if you choose the wireless stern kit, LG puts you in the driver's seat to determine the best placement for your submarine.

links

The LG SN7Y has an HDMI HDCP 2.3 input and a corresponding HDMI output that supports 4K, Dolby Vision and HDR10 passages. The number of entries is limited, but not unexpected. The HT-G700 from Sony has the same setup, but supports eARC, while the LG is limited to ARC. The SN7Y also has an optical audio input and a USB input to round off an essentially uneventful series of physical connections. I can't knock LG for this, as many competitors have similar connection options at this price. I just wish we had more ways to connect for $ 500. But judging by general adversity that is changing in this regard (Polk Audio's new soundbar is one of the exceptions), my wishes may be in the minority here.

LG SN7Y soundbar remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Here's my legitimate concern about the SN7Y connection: Just like the Sony HT-G700, the SN7Y doesn't have Wi-Fi compatibility, which may have been a forgivable sin in the past few years. But it's 2020. It's problematic to bring out a $ 500 audio product that can't connect to Wi-Fi. This is illustrated by the fact that the Vizio and Samsung alternatives both support this.

A typical example: While you can stream to the SN7Y using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, you will inevitably find some connection problems. If you just chill on the couch and listen to music, you will probably be fine. For example, if you are having a dinner in the back yard and forget to leave your phone in the living room, the rest of the house has to endure noise that is constantly interrupted until you are within range. In comparison, Wi-Fi has long been the more reliable streaming option and should be included in all sound bars in this price range.

Sound quality

Like the SN11RG, LG has set up the SN7Y remarkably for most audio tasks. The bar supports high-resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz audio and a list of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS: X, Dolby Digital Plus, and more. The soundbar can also accept the formats FLAC, WAV and AAC via USB.

LG SN7Y soundbar subwooferNick Woodard / Digital Trends

There are also many preset sound modes to choose from, including AI Sound Pro, Standard, Music, Bass Blast, Bass Blast +, Film (Dolby Surround), DTS: X and Dolby Atmos. Simply put, there are a number of things this system supports and a number of ways to customize the sound of this system.

To be honest, none of this would matter if the bar didn't sound good. LG's partnership with Meridian Technology appears to have been fruitful as both music and movie content about both LG bars that I reviewed this year were exceptional. The SN11RG was far more comfortable, as the price would show, but the SN7Y has a lot to offer for the price.

Listening to music – with samples from Childish Gambinos Me and Your Mama to Midlands Burn Out – provided impressive clarity. Watching films effectively mixed lifelike action sequences and clear dialogues in films like Star Wars: Episode IX – Skywalker's Rise for a cinematic experience that I think most people would be fans of – even without rear speakers. I also appreciated the way different sound modes improved the audio rather than seemingly artificially increasing the frequencies. The film mode sounded better than the standard settings for films, and the same applies to music.

However, I am a little amazed by this LG subwoofer. The submarine for the SN7Y was generally not very convincing. Cult naval battles in the original Pirates of the Caribbean are said to have some weight behind these cannonball shots, and I missed that very much. For what it's worth, I thought the overall sound of the Sony HT-G700 and the LG SN7Y were equivalent, but the low-end detail in this Sony sub definitely outperformed the LG woofer.

Dolby Atmos

I had to assign Atmos a separate category in this test because LG's height channels in this system are more of a heading than a footnote in the audio area. I was already very impressed with the Dolby Atmos capabilities of the LG SN11RG, although it was entirely possible that the SN7Y could have been a completely different story. After all, we work with two channels with a lower height and overall less power.

LG SN7Y soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The rapid activation of the Dolby Atmos demo mode of the SN7Y, in which an Atmos demo is played by pressing the "F" key on the remote control for five seconds, eliminated all doubts, although I made some selections from our list of the best Have watched Dolby Atmos films for a good degree. The various effects of birds fluttering through the air, raindrops from above and thunder in the sky convinced me that this bar is following in the footsteps of its more expensive siblings in terms of Atmo's skill. Of course not to the same extent, since they are located at opposite ends of the Atmos spectrum. But what the SN7Y can do to add dimension to the sound at this price is impressive.

In this category, I preferred the SN7Y to the Sony HT-G700, which I honestly expected. The HT-G700 only has front-firing drivers and uses sound processing technology to achieve a sufficiently convincing virtual 7.1.2 effect. If you don't do anything unpredictable and have a product at a comparable price with drivers that fire noise towards the ceiling and then return to your listening position, virtual effects are almost certainly surpassed. The SN7Y worked as expected, just as a traditional home theater system with actual height or ceiling speakers would likely outperform the high-powered speakers in a sound bar. With a few exceptions (the Sennheiser Ambeo comes to mind) this is the general order of things.

Our opinion

The LG SN7Y has some flaws that its rivals don't have, but it is still a very good sounding sound bar that Dolby Atmos is nailing for $ 500. A balance between features and price is important, which is why I give this bar a slightly better score than the SN11RG at $ 1,600. The latter is undoubtedly the better system thanks to its superior sound and properties. But value is important, and I honestly believe that the SN7Y offers better value for money.

Is there a better alternative?

In a way yes. In another way, no. The $ 500 Vizio 5.1.2 system gives you Wi-Fi and two rear speakers at exactly the same price, and the $ 500 Sony HT-G700 has a more powerful subwoofer. But the LG has produced some of the best Atmos sounds in this price range. The $ 400 Sonos Beam also deserves to participate in this conversation due to all of its features. However, you'll have to pay significantly more to switch to a full surround setup with Sonos, or jump to $ 800 for the Arc to get Dolby Atmos support.

How long it will take?

The LG SN7Y has a typical one-year warranty, and while I don't necessarily want to drop this soundbar repeatedly or expose it to other forms of abuse, the build quality seems exceptional, and it has plenty of support for formats it should be kept in relevant years to come.

Should you buy it

Yes. Although I wasn't impressed with the subwoofer and I really wished this bar had Wi-Fi, the SN7Y is a bar that you should definitely consider if you want Atmos without breaking the bank.

Editor's recommendations




04 Jun
Blog

Sonos Arc Review: A Solid Soundbar For The Dolby Atmos Era

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbar

"With Dolby Atmos and Voice A.I., the Sonos Arc is the Swiss Army knife for sound bars."

  • Excellent surround sound

  • Simple and easy setup

  • Decent Dolby Atmos from a single speaker

  • Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant

  • No HDMI inputs

  • Not ideal for all music genres

When Sonos launched its first soundbar, the Playbar for $ 699 in 2013, it received the praise it deserved. As an absolutely simple but somewhat expensive way to give your TV a massive audio upgrade, almost everyone succeeded except one front: Sonos' decision to equip the playbar with a single optical input meant that the playbar would work forever Get away from the growing world of surround formats like Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos – something that reviewers at the time described as a disadvantage of an otherwise excellent product.

Seven years later, Sonos returned to the full-size home theater soundbar arena with the $ 799 Arc, a Dolby Atmos-enabled speaker that shows everything the company has learned since the Playbar debut. Did Sonos push the envelope far enough this time or did he just catch up? Let's take a look.

Beautiful design

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I have already said that the best designs in soundbars do not attract any attention at all. After all, your visual focus should be on your TV, not your soundbar.

Whether your primary aesthetic is the reserved Darth Vader or the reserved Stormtrooper, there's a Sonos Arc to suit your taste

However, if you don't draw your eye negatively, it doesn't mean that your soundbar should also be a boring plastic sheet. In a classic Sonos way, the Arc exudes subtle elegance when not partnering with your TV, and almost disappears when it's time to dim the lights and start the show.

I owe this chameleon-like performance to the matt black finish of our test device. It worked for me – but for the first time, Sonos also has a full-size soundbar that you can also buy in matte white. Whether your primary aesthetic is the reserved Darth Vader or the reserved Stormtrooper, there's a Sonos Arc to suit your taste.

The design of the one-piece wrap-around speaker grille, made up of hundreds of tiny holes, gives the Arc the same subtle monolithic look as the company's other latest products, such as Move, Sonos One, One SL, and the updated Sonos Five.

Sonos placed the Arc's touch controls at the top of the soundbar. This seems to be a more logical position than the more cumbersome controls on the Playbar. However, this placement means that if you push the arc fully under your TV, you will have little or no access to these controls. However, this may not matter, because with all Sonos products, you can fully control the speaker from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Just like the Playbar, you can place the Arc in front of your TV where you need at least 2.5 inches of space if you want it to sit just below the screen. It can also be mounted on the wall, but is prepared for a sticker shock: the optional steel bracket costs a whopping $ 80 – a full 10% of the price of the Arc itself.

Limited connectivity

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Sonos prides itself on its commitment to simplicity and the Arc embodies this through its extremely simple setup: a single HDMI ARC / eARC connector on the back of the speaker is all you need to connect it to your TV. Simply plug one end of the included HDMI cable into this connector, the other end into the HDMI ARC / eARC connector on your TV, plug in the power cord, and off you go.

The rest of the setup process is done in the Sonos app. It only takes a few minutes and includes Sonos' Trueplay tuning feature. With Trueplay, Sonos gains an understanding of the acoustics of your room. It can then optimize the Arc's EQ for better music and probably better Dolby Atmos. The problem is that TruePlay is only available for iOS and the microphone is required on an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Android users are out of luck.

Sonos points out that you can borrow an iOS device for TruePlay on your system at any time. However, this seems to be a cold consolation to those who have chosen not to go into Apple's well-kept, walled garden.

Sonos prides itself on its commitment to simplicity and the Arc couldn't be easier to set up and use.

Ironically, Sonos' desire to keep things simple has also caused some inconvenience. HDMI ARC / eARC is a great concept because it allows you to send digital audio and video to your TV while sending your digital audio back to your soundbar or A / V receiver. However, the Sonos Arc uses this connection for itself and only converts it into an audio output.

This is because, unlike almost every modern sound bar on the market, the Arc has no HDMI input. All of your source devices such as game consoles, cable boxes, streaming media devices or Blu-ray players must be connected directly to one of the other HDMI inputs on your TV. This leads to two potential problems.

First, in addition to the HDMI cable required for the Arc, you need to connect one HDMI cable per device to your TV, unless your source device is a stick-style device like a Fire TV Stick. Depending on your home theater installation, this can be difficult.

Second, only a few televisions are supplied with more than four HDMI inputs. Once you've connected the arc, there are only three. If three inputs are not enough, you will need an HDMI switch to convert one of these three into two or more additional connectors.

If you can get by with just three ports (or if your TV initially has more than four) and you don't mind laying a few more HDMI cables, don't think about it. On the other hand, if you were hoping to replace an A / V receiver with six or seven inputs with the Arc, you will need to do some homework before placing your order.

I should note that if your TV doesn't have HDMI ARC, you can use the included optical HDMI adapter, but you won't be able to receive Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD and therefore not Dolby Atmos. Dolby Digital 5.1 will still sound amazing, but it won't use the full range of the Arc.

Sensational surround sound

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Like any other speaker Sonos makes, the Arc delivers a larger and richer sound than its compact body suggests. Bass – the main ingredient for home theater sound – is remarkably thundering for a sound bar. The uninitiated looks around the room for the subwoofer that is simply not there.

The bow's ability to reproduce dialogues is equally impressive. It is clear and precise even without activating the optional dialog enhancement mode. This is a testament to Sonos' understanding of what television is fun for. You can have the most impressive multi-channel sound system in the world. However, if you don't understand what the actors are saying due to the muddy dialogue, your viewing experience will be significantly affected.

Bass – the main ingredient for home theater sound – is remarkably thundering for a sound bar.

Thanks to its channel drivers with upward height and its phase-controlled loudspeaker arrangement, the Arc also creates an expansive sound stage, which makes it an ideal solution with a loudspeaker for much better TV audio.

Most users use the Arc with Dolby Audio in either 2-channel stereo or 5.1 audio, as these two formats represent the majority of the available streaming and broadcast content. The Arc does an excellent job with both and easily fills larger rooms with expansive, exciting sound.

Dolby Atmos for beginners

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The same outstanding audio experience also applies to the Arc, Dolby Atmos heading function, but you need to soften your expectations a bit. The Arc uses a pair of upward-facing speakers to bring the treble of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack back into your viewing position. This is the same technique used by all Atmos-enabled sound bars and even some dedicated Atmos speakers.

How effective this system is depends on the geometry of your room. In my basement TV room with 7.5-foot ceilings, I was definitely aware of the heightened sense of 3D space, but it was more of a subtle effect than something that grabs your lapel. There is no visual indicator on the arc to let you know that you are listening to Dolby Atmos. If you are not sure, you will get a quick look at the app.

I tested the Arc's Atmos chops with current action-oriented favorites like Ford vs. Ferrari, Avengers: Endgame and John Wick, Chapter 3: Parabellum. No matter whether it is roaring racing cars, thundering spaceships or ricocheting balls, the Arc can help you to focus on the action.

A warning here: At the moment, the Arc only supports Dolby Atmos, not DTS: X. DTS: X offers Atmos a similarly impressive experience, but is not so well supported by Blu-rays or streaming services. If you still need it, you have to look elsewhere.

Add a sub and surround

I think the Sonos Arc is great on its own, but if you're looking for an even bigger and better sound, you can have it. Sonos allows you to expand the Arc's capabilities by adding a Sonos Sub for $ 699. You can use any matching pair of Sonos speakers as surround satellites – even a pair of Ikea Symfonisk bookshelf speakers for $ 99.

I recommend both upgrades. The Sub will bring the Arc's impressive bass from good to gigantic (and it's the only subwoofer compatible with the Arc), while a pair of surrounds will help the Arc fill in some of the sounds it doesn't quite bounce off can reproduce audio towards you. I've tried a number of Sonos One SLs – which was amazing – but I think any pair of Sonos speakers would give the Arc a helpful boost.

Music performance

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Soundbars are primarily about delivering better TV audio, but the Arc is not just a soundbar. As a full-fledged Sonos speaker, you get all the advantages of the Sonos system: a brilliant mobile app that gives you complete control over your music sources, your speakers and your entire home if you want to switch to multiroom audio.

If you need your soundbar as the primary music source for double-duty, the Arc can do it. The only limitation is that since the Arc is set to give optimal results for TV audio, it doesn't have the same sound signature as other types of speakers or even other Sonos speakers. The same emphasis on higher frequencies and lower frequencies that provide such convincing film magic does not always go well with all music genres.

Vocal forward tracks from Adele, for example, are definitely improved. Billie Eilish's Bond theme, No Time To Die, is another example of a track that takes advantage of the Arc's theater-inspired acoustics. But jazz standards, classic compositions and even some straightforward pop and rock songs can feel a bit trapped due to a lack of definition in the midrange.

Atmos music

However, my reservation has one limitation: Dolby Atmos Music. Fortunately, Tidal added the ability to stream Dolby Atmos Music from its Apple TV 4K app the same week I spent my time with the Sonos Arc.

Dolby Atmos music on the bow is a joy. Tracks that have been mastered (or remastered) in Atmos Music can give you a completely new appreciation of music, depending on the song. A great example are the classic Riders On The Storm by The Doors. The rain and thunder, which have always felt overwhelming to me when listening to stereo, suddenly become an intimate and essential part of the music. Jim Morrison's already haunting lyrics and vocals get a trembling, ghostly echo after lines like "It's a killer on the go".

I don't know if these elements have always been part of the song or not, but with the combination of Atmos Music and Arc you can't ignore them. Not every Atmos Music title is equally fascinating. However, if you can afford the $ 20 monthly Tidal HiFi subscription level and have a compatible streaming device, I highly recommend it.

AirPlay 2 and voice assistants

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Sonos Arc doesn't have Bluetooth – a feature that almost every other soundbar offers – so you can't connect directly from your phone. Instead, you can use Apple's AirPlay 2 technology to connect from your Apple device over WiFi. As much as this frustrates Android users, in practice there is only one situation where there is a problem: playing music that only works on your Android device.

What the Arc offers that no other soundbar (apart from Sonos & # 39; own beam) can offer is the choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant as a voice assistant. I've had some issues setting up Google Assistant, but I'm going to attribute this to the beta software I'm using. Alexa worked perfectly.

Having a voice assistant in a soundbar is actually a pretty big deal. Aside from the obvious benefits of a smart speaker (playing music, controlling smart home devices, and getting answers to your questions), you can use various voice commands to turn the TV on and off, since the Arc is connected to your TV via HDMI or off adjust the volume. Your particular TV may support more commands, depending on the model and whether it's compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa.

Our opinion

The Sonos Arc for $ 799 is the home theater upgrade that Sonos fans have been waiting for. It offers great surround sound, a good, if subtle, Dolby Atmos experience, and all the benefits of a smart speaker and Sonos' unique multi-room audio system. Only the lack of HDMI inputs and the slightly degraded music quality prevent it from being a perfect soundbar for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want an Atmos-enabled soundbar with a choice of voice assistants and the ultimate flexibility of Sonos' multiroom audio system, there is simply no second option at all costs.

The Sennheiser Ambeo is a more effective system with a loudspeaker for those who are looking for first-class atmosphere and music. Of course, it's huge and costs $ 2,500. That's even more than the Arc, a Sonos Sub and a pair of Sonos One SLs.

When you're ready to step into multiple speaker units, you can achieve a more compelling Dolby Atmos experience by spending more. Vizio's 5.1.4 system is available for $ 1,000, or you can buy the LG SN11RG for $ 1,700 for even more power. Both also have multiple HDMI inputs.

How long it will take?

Despite the fact that Sonos has recently discontinued support for some older devices, you can expect the Arc to last for years, if not decades. Sonos products are well built and the Arc is no exception.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Sonos Arc is a breeze for Sonos users. It costs $ 100 more than the playbar it replaces, but offers better sound, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay 2, voice assistants, and more. As long as you need to use your TV's HDMI inputs or an HDMI switcher to connect your video sources, the Arc will reward you with excellent home theater audio for less than $ 1,000.

Editor's recommendations




27 Apr
Blog

JBL Bar 9.1 Review: Wireless Dolby Atmos With A Few Flaws

JBL Bar 9.1 wireless Dolby Atmos soundbar speaker

JBL Bar 9.1 review: Wireless Dolby Atmos with a few bugs

"JBL's Bar 9.1 offers a unique, fully wireless design, but this feature comes at a high cost."

  • Super easy setup

  • Large, powerful bass

  • Convincing Dolby Atmos and 5.1 sound

  • Practical wireless speakers

  • Supports eARC, 4K, Dolby Vision

  • Not enough entries

  • Not enough EQ settings

  • Dialogue needs a boost

  • Mediocre for music

Sound bars do a tough job. The really good ones somehow manage to replace a full 5.1 home theater surround system with just a single elongated speaker cabinet and possibly a wireless subwoofer.

Any soundbar that uses satellite speakers – whether connected to the soundbar or connected to an electrical outlet – may produce better sound, but at the expense of convenience and physical space. This is the real reason why sound bars make sense for so many people.

That's what makes JBL's Bar 9.1 so convincing: With a pair of battery-powered, completely wireless satellites, it not only promises the real acoustic separation of the physical speakers, but also brings Dolby Atmos into the mix for an impressive 3D experience – everything for round $ 1,000.

JBL has set a high standard for Bar 9.1. Succeeds? Let's find out.

design

JBL Bar 9.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar side viewSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

I personally don't think soundbars should attract attention – at least not visually – and Bar 9.1 tries to keep its physical presence to a minimum. Frankly it's boring, but in the best possible way.

The dark gray plastic case has only the slightest shine and is still only 47 inches long, even in its widest form – with both satellite modules at the ends. Take these modules off and you barely have 35 inches left.

It's also amazingly short and just under 2.5 inches tall. That should fit under all but the shortest TV stands. The minimal set of four controls on top can easily be ignored, and the scrolling LED indicator on the front is hidden behind the speaker grille and is completely invisible when not in use.

The bar 9.1 reduces its physical presence to a minimum. It looks boring, but in the best possible way.

The subwoofer is a different story. It's a very bulky and boxy unit that turns out to be a challenge if you don't want it to remain visible.

JBL Bar 9.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar subwooferSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you're wondering how these detachable wireless satellites work when the Bar 9.1 is wall-mounted (which you can do with the included hardware), that's pretty impressive: the docking magnets are incredibly strong. Sitting requires a concerted effort – and sometimes both hands – to pull them freely. And although I haven't tested it, there is an option to mount the satellites on the wall at their secondary locations.

When the satellite is fully charged, you have a playing time of approximately 10 hours. A warning message appears on the bar display, informing you when a boost is required. Docking again is the easiest way, but the satellites cleverly have their own micro USB ports. This means that you can leave them technically in the rear or wall-mounted position and simply run a micro USB cable to them to charge them continuously. This can be an appealing option if you are planning sequential screenings of Lord Of The Rings films, as the satellite's batteries will take three hours to fully charge after discharging.

Sound bars are said to be easy to set up and use, but the JBL Bar 9.1 takes simplicity to a new level

This otherwise excellent design has only one irregularity: in some markets, JBL contains a set of four end caps to cover the exposed charging contacts on the bar and the satellites when they are not docked. Given the possibility of keeping the satellites permanently in this state thanks to these micro USB charging ports, this makes a lot of sense. What makes no sense is why Bar 9.1 doesn't always come with them. For example, our test unit didn't have one in the box.

To install

JBL Bar 9.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar displaySimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Yes, sound bars should be easy to set up and use, but the JBL Bar 9.1 takes simplicity to a new level. After connecting the soundbar and subwoofer to the appropriate sockets and connecting the HDMI output of the bar to the HDMI ARC (or eARC) connector on your TV using the supplied HDMI cable, you are done with the basics.

The last step is to calibrate the system. Drag the surround modules from their houses next to the main bar and place them next to you. Pressing one of the buttons on the remote control for three seconds triggers a short but loud test tone, which is recorded by the bar's built-in microphones. Place the environment in its final positions and repeat the test. That's it. It took me longer to unpack the components than to set them up.

You can also connect the Bar 9.1 to Wi-Fi for AirPlay or Chromecast music streaming. Oddly enough, this has to be done using either the Apple Home app or the Google Home app on a smartphone or tablet. My attempts to use Apple Home failed, but Google Home got it working.

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JBL Bar 9.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar connections at the rearSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Simplicity is great until it gets in the way of what you want to do. The connections of the JBL Bar 9.1 are a good example: You get an HDMI input, an HDMI ARC output, an optical input and a USB connection.

This means that with multiple source devices like streaming players, Blu-ray players, game consoles, etc., you need to make some decisions about how they are connected and how to switch between them. At this price, the Bar 9.1 should behave like a real A / V receiver replacement with at least four HDMI inputs.

Including the optical connector can be helpful for older non-HDMI ARC televisions. However, please note the following: Dolby Atmos does not work via an optical connection. So if you want the full Atmos experience on an older TV, use your Atmos source. The device must be connected to the bar's only HDMI input.

The USB port is honestly a mystery to me. JBL says you can use it to play music from a USB stick or external drive, but I can't imagine why you want it to. Only MP3 files are supported and playback cannot be controlled at all.

Intelligent functions

JBL Bar 9.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar with remote controlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Despite the fact that most premium sound bars are now compatible with some kind of voice assistant, the JBL Bar 9.1 does not claim to officially support any of them. Maybe it's an oversight. I was able to configure the soundbar in both the Google Home and Apple Home apps. Google Assistant and Siri recognized them and initiated music streams.

Amazon's Alexa seems the weird A.I. however out.

A more puzzling question is why the Bar 9.1 with its two built-in microphones was not designed as a real smart speaker. With the Sonos Beam, you can talk to Google Assistant or Alexa for less than half the price. The $ 400 link bar from JBL acts as a Google Smart Speaker and Android TV streamer.

Sound quality

JBL Bar 9.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar expandedSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Overall, the JBL Bar 9.1 lives up to its promise to offer a powerful home cinema experience. When it comes to films and shows with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack or even just a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, immerse yourself in a sound ball.

I had a lot of fun watching John Wick, Chapter 3: Parabellum, a film tailored to demonstrate the strengths of Bar 9.1. Gunshots were heard with precision from different corners of the room, while in the motorcycle chase you could feel the growing whine of the motors of the motorcycles as they approached from behind and then with Wick & # 39; s ride (if only briefly) were level.

You may be tempted to leave the rear speakers docked to the soundbar, but this should be avoided. The bar 9.1 relies heavily on the placement of these satellites to provide an impressive experience and is difficult to restore spatial audio without it.

With a subwoofer that is as big and heavy and powerful as the one that comes with the Bar 9.1, you can expect serious basses that won't disappoint. The 10-inch submarine that shoots down will let go of your fillings effortlessly if you allow it to. With 300 watts of power, it's a good thing that you can choose from five levels of bass playback with the remote control. I found that level five can get a little uncomfortable at times.

But don't put the bass back too much. At the lowest level, the bar 9.1 loses a significant amount of low-end and it becomes clear that the drivers in the soundbar were not set to work well without the sub. It is definitely a package deal.

The biggest gap is the lack of a dialog improvement mode.

As good as the Bar 9.1's surround sound chops are, there are some limitations that prevent them from performing as well as I expect a soundbar to do at this price.

The main disadvantage is the lack of EQ settings. Yes, you can change the bass level, the degree to which the Atmos speakers unfold their magic, and the volume intensity of the satellites, but that's all she wrote. There are no discrete settings for movies, TV shows, or music, and no way to control the treble or middle independently. Even budget sound bars offer more options. The biggest gap, however, is the lack of a dialog enhancement mode.

There have been many times in which I had to crank up the total volume to overcome the under-emphasized central channel. My family noticed it too; My wife asked me why it felt like our television had become so loud lately.

Bar 9.1 is also a mediocre music machine. If you only play tracks that benefit from the latest recording techniques, such as Beck's Hyperspace album or Billie Eilish's No Time To Die tracks, it is actually very pleasant to be surrounded by these songs. However, take a journey back in time to more traditional mixes, and the tracks sound encased in the soundbar case.

This problem is exacerbated by a clear lack of midrange definition. You can use bar 9.1 as a Bluetooth speaker, but I recommend sticking with AirPlay or Chromecast, which both sound a lot better.

Wireless problems

JBL Bar 9.1 wireless Dolby Atmos soundbar speakerSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Every time you disconnect a physical connection between a source and a speaker, there is a risk of interference and other connection problems. I've seen this more than once on real bluetooth earbuds. Unfortunately, this can also affect the performance of the Bar 9.1 wireless satellites.

I noticed several times that both wireless speakers suffered from poor connection. It was not a constant – most of the time things were very stable, but every now and then I heard them interrupted. Given what I do for a living, my media room may have slightly more wireless devices than average, which could have helped, but the room itself is relatively small. The speakers were never more than a meter from the soundbar and always had a line of sight without physical barriers.

Of course, this will vary depending on your personal area, but it is something you should be aware of. These speakers are only wireless. So if you find that their connection is not stable, there may be very little you can do to improve it.

Our opinion

The JBL Bar 9.1 is an innovative solution to an age-old problem: better immersive sound without losing the simplicity of a sound bar. It works out. With an effortless setup and wireless speakers that you can put up almost anywhere, it's a very chic design. However, barebone input options, minimal audio settings and matte music playback are difficult to swallow at this price.

Is there a better alternative?

When freedom from fully wireless rear satellite speakers is a must in a sound bar, the JBL Bar 9.1 is not just a good choice, it's the only choice. But be prepared that JBL has restricted other functions and even the sound quality by offering this cool function. If you agree with wired rear speakers, the Vbyio SB36514-G6 36 ″ 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar is a much better value.

How long it will take?

The Bar 9.1's construction and materials are excellent, and the wireless satellite modules are also built to last, so they'll likely be able to withstand a lot of docking and undocking over the years. However, keep in mind that all rechargeable batteries will eventually run out and we don't know how easy (or expensive) it will be to replace them when they're done.

Should you buy it

If you're a movie dog who loves big, bold basses and has a strong desire to avoid laying cables at all costs, the JBL Bar 9.1 may be a good choice despite its shortcomings. Everyone else should think long and hard before spending $ 1,000 on this soundbar – you can find great Dolby Atmos sound for a lot less.

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