silverkey June 19, 2024, 2:35 p.m.

What are the best soundbars for a sony bravia 55 inch tv 8? budget $700-1500

I've just upgraded to a 55-inch Sony Bravia tv 8 (2024) and I'm looking for a soundbar to match its quality. My living room is about 15x20 feet with an open plan to the kitchen. I mainly watch movies and sports, with some gaming on weekends. My budget is $700-1500.

I've narrowed it down to three options: the Sony HT-A5000, the Sony HT-A7000, and the Sonos Arc. Each seems to have its pros and cons, but I'm not sure which would be the best fit for my new tv and setup. What would you recommend and why? Are there any specific features I should be looking out for with this new tv model that might influence my choice?

calmessence June 20, 2024, 9:38 p.m.

Before diving into specific models, consider what you need. With the new Bravia 8, you'll want a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for the best audio experience. Also, look for HDMI 2.1 compatibility to future-proof your setup.

BuddyTom June 23, 2024, 9:38 p.m.

Hey. Given your room size and budget, you should consider whether you want a standalone soundbar or one with a separate subwoofer. The HT-A7000 and Sonos Arc can have subs added later, while the HT-A5000 is more compact but might lack some bass without an additional sub.

sdl200 June 25, 2024, 11:41 a.m.

I'd recommend the ht-a7000. It's specifically designed as a soundbar for Sony Bravia tv and offers seamless integration. The Acoustic Center Sync feature uses your TV speakers as an additional center channel, which really enhances dialogue clarity

wowe June 26, 2024, 7:22 p.m.

I've had the HT-A7000 for six months now, and it's fantastic with my Sony TV. The sound is crisp, and when paired with the optional subwoofer, the bass is impressive for movies and games.

lolosg June 27, 2024, 3:44 p.m.

Why bother with any of these? The built-in speakers on the new Sony Bravia TV 8 are probably fine unless you're some kind of audio snob. Save your money for something useful, like a bigger TV! :)

frank July 3, 2024, 2:56 p.m.

While the Sony options are great, I'd actually recommend.......... the Sonos Arc! It offers excellent sound quality and easy expandability. You can add a Sub and surrounds later for a full home theater experience, which is great for your open-plan space. But, it's up to you mate

Peter55 July 6, 2024, 4:49 p.m.

For those interested in comparing these soundbars, check out the comparison feature on Rtings. It allows you to directly compare the specs and performance of the HT-A5000, HT-A7000, and Sonos Arc. Cheers!

YQBrad July 7, 2024, 10:50 p.m.

Howdy

Sonos Arc user here. The sound quality is phenomenal, and the app makes it super easy to adjust settings. Plus, you can use it as part of a whole-home audio system if you add more Sonos speakers later //

Owen Moore July 10, 2024, 7:51 a.m.

If you're interested in understanding how these soundbars produce surround sound effects, Wikipedia has a great article on sound reproduction that covers various audio technologies.

Sorrowful July 14, 2024, 10:22 a.m.

Sure, these soundbars are good, but will they really outperform a dedicated speaker system? Sometimes I think we pay more for convenience than sound quality...