The HT-A7000 comes with a remote control, power cable, and an HDMI cable—enough to get you up and running by connecting the soundbar’s HDMI out to your TV’s HDMI eARC/ARC input. The two HDMI inputs incorporate your streaming media box, game console, Blu-ray player, or other components. My use-case may not be the best since I wasn't looking for a soundbar exclusively for TV/films, my driver was music. I tried all the sound settings, cinema, music, standard and immersive AI, but IMHO they sounded worse than my current setup, and in I felt a little too processed. The Sony HT-A7000 is the flagship Sony soundbar and I wanted to test it on its own before hooking up optional components. Because the HT-A7000 handles the flaming-hot Dolby Atmos surround-sound format, I threw a lot of Atmos-encoded movies and music at it, while also using it for normal TV and music, most of which was not made for Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio. But the most impressive aspects of Sony’s design lie within, where the virtual 7.1.2 soundbar’s 11 powered speaker channels deliver 500W of total output across five front-facing speakers, two up-firing speakers, two “beam” tweeters on the sides, and an internal dual-channel subwoofer. The rectangular shape of X-Balanced Speaker Units makes that subbass punchier, vocals clearer, and distortion lower, according to Sony’s claims.

We also noticed that the soundbar cut out once or twice during our two-week testing period. It would happen without rhyme or reason and would momentarily cause the audio to stop before resuming - however, it was certainly annoying whenever it happened. Sony’s A9 speaker system redefines accessible home cinema sound with an innovative, immersive and flexible solution.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ – 5 Star review. The subwoofer box has excellent build quality with sof touch materials all around. There is a front firing and also a downfiring driver. It only uses 43w of electricity and automatically connected with the Soundbar when plugged in. It is about 12 feet away from the Soundbar and there have not been any wireless connection issues. Another critical component we mentioned in Sony SA-SW5 300W wireless subwoofer is the separated notch edge. It enhances vertical amplitude symmetry, allowing the device to offer clear quality. Another benefit of the wireless system is its portability. You do not need several cables along with the subwoofer. If you are placing it from one location to another, it is still straightforward. 2. Explosive BassTurning on some Spotify, we were impressed with the force of the soundbar and, again, that robust mid-range. Trebles could’ve been a little clearer and the bass - while easy to hear - just didn’t have the same depth that a separate sub can provide. This wireless subwoofer is designed specifically to pair with Sony’s soundbars. These include HT-A7000, HT-A5000, and HT-A9. It upgrades your home theater by offering you a cinematic sound experience. Consisting of four, wireless speakers and a compact control hub, the Sony HT-A9 makes surround sound easier than ever. Simply connect your TV, and one other AV source, to the control hub, place the wireless speakers around you, and enjoy immersive sound in minutes from unboxing. It may be just one unit but the HT-A7000 is an incredibly weighty 8.7kg and, at 8cm high, it’s taller than most, only just sneaking under the Sony A80J OLED TV that we test it with. A small remote, similar to the A7000’s, is included, and, like its soundbar sibling, the HT-A9 also benefits from a fully integrated on-screen set-up and options menu if you own a compatible Bravia TV (Z9J, A90J, A80J, X95J, X90J, X85J or X80J series).

The virtual 7.1.2-channel HT-A7000 works with all the major Dolby and DTS surround-sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as the growing Sony 360 Reality Audio format. However, built-in DSP, which Sony calls the Vertical Surround Engine, converts any audio material to utilize the full 7.1.2 channels, making any piece of music or video take advantage of the soundbar’s top-firing speakers and side beam tweeters. The remote control’s Immersive AE (Audio Enhancement) button turns on this function. Even on material that’s already formatted for all the channels, such as Dolby Atmos movies and music, Immersive AE still adds a boost of overhead spaciousness to the soundstage. I liked using the Immersive AE function on almost all the music and videos I played, with the exception of some live talk shows where the audience’s laughter and applause were too high in the mix. Connection and compatibility optionsFor a bottom end boost to your compatible* Sony soundbar or home cinema system, you need the Sony SA-SW3 wireless subwoofer. Added a market comparison with the LG S90QY with SPQ8-S Speaker Kit to the Sound Enhancement Features box. Since it is an optional addition, many people do not even know about the subwoofer. If it were a standalone Sony speaker, it would have gained more popularity. 2. A bit Costly I,ve paired mine with an XR65A80J OLED, and to be honest the effect is amazingly cinematic. The tv is a stunner and the bar just adds the boom. The sound from the a80 was already good because it uses “acoustic surface” which is amazing in and of itself, but because the pairing is all on brand the bar uses that AS as an extra centre speaker.