Thanks for the review, always appreciated the dedication :) While i already own the system, it's nice to see other people's take on it. One thing i can confirm, having the system in a more dedicated room, rather than open plan really does enhance it a lot more (tried and tested in my mates room who is similar to yours as he was on the fence buying it). Sounded much more alive in my closed off one and definitely bests some traditional wired systems.
Ok thanks and Last question is the subwoofer. I already have a 15 inch subwoofer is there anyway I could modify the Sony subwoofer to make it work with mine?
@@HPMIKE55 Not a clue sadly. I sold my Kef KC62 sub when I moved over. Would have loved to have kept it. They seem to have sorted the bass response out a bit better though. Sony subs used to always sound boomy but seem to be a lot better with them getting the IMAX enhanced certification.
Only Sony wireless subs will work with Sony speaker systems like this. They have their own unique tech to make them talk to one another. Only the Sennheiser AMBEO Max has a wired subwoofer connection, so you can use whatever sub you want with that one. 👍
@@ealanosborne I have the max i’m not sure if it’s gonna sound a little bit better or the same. that was the question I was trying to ask you guys. lol 😂
Wow. I feel like you covered everything I had commented on in previous videos! 🎉 thank you! Awesome review!! Seriously! Top notch! Can’t wait for you to get the Bravia 7/8 in to find out how it compares to the Q-Symphony! Ps. Loved your comparo with dragon! 🎉
My Sony a95l speakers sounded so great I retired my pair of Apple HomePods, considering that they’ve made the Bravia range even better, you should be in for a treat!! I can vouch for their tv speakers at the high end (and I was VERY skeptical about that) I have hearing problems & this is great for me Thanks for the hard work!
Funny, I have similar setup with the OG Apple speakers. My wife and I both love how they sound. However, when using them for the TV they do disconnect a lot. I’ve contacted Apple about this many times and there a very little help. Wonder if the newer version fixed this issue. Like if I’m using an app such as Disney or Plex the sound just drops then I have to back out of it and then restart the program. It’s very frustrating. From what I understand the sound on the a95L is incredibly good for tv speakers. Too bad you couldn’t connect the Sony sub and perhaps a pair of Sony wireless surround speakers that would be a nice little set up, without full-blown sound bar and all the other accessories.
@@michael-4k4000 happy to report that the 2nd gen didn’t have this problem (for me) It’s not all rosy though Playing Atmos through the ATV 4k on the Sony can sometimes have a slight crackle (in Dolby Atmos) and requires a tv reboot… Annoyingly, they are both aware of this & am waiting to see it solved in a future update, it never happens on anything else, tv normal channels, Sony Bravia Core app or music etc, bit weird but still worth the trade-up in general
The fact that you spend so much money and have to use sw3 or sw5 is a mistake from Sony. They should have launched a new 8”-12” sub along with the quad for extra power.
It will probably be updated next year. With the quads, then the Bravia 8/9 bars just out, most will buy a sub which is money in their pockets. BAM, next year a new sub comes out, we all upgrade, even more money in their pockets. Well played Sony, unlucky us suckers. 🤣
@JL careful there, you're risking getting heavily trolled for saying that, haha. Well, I was when I made essentially same remark at some other reviewer's den ( hint: Ealan referenced him in this review many times 😉 ).
@@Sas-wk9ljGiven a few more weeks of reviews by the rest of the on-line community, I suspect there’ll be more consensus with the numerous critiques Andrew and Kristi delivered in their review. I’ve owned numerous pieces of Sony gear in my over 50 years in the audio / video hobby, and while I could never complain about the build quality or performance in the various price categories, sometimes they definitely miss the target in terms of features, etc.
Sensational review Ealan! We thank you for it! I’ve spent an entire 12 months running wires throughout the walls & ceilings for my 7.2.4 system… yet now I’m fixated on the idea of Accuracy (over power)… ie Sony 360SSM (over anything else!). So can you confirm for me please Ealan… purchasing a Sony 7000ES receiver with very good speakers 7.2.4 (360SSM calibrated & engaged) WILL give me a comparable, if not better surround sound bubble experience vs the Theatre Quad correct? I don’t investing countless more hours & $$$ for something special… but if the Quad simply beats Sony ES Receiver home cinemas for accuracy, I’m happy to start again with the QUAD. Thank you for your insights!!!
Nah, a system like you’re describing with the 7000ES and discrete height speakers will still be superior to the Quad. It does VERY well for what it’s worth, but still needs some improvements to best a traditional system powered by an AVR.
I have same tv and setup. I still have occasional difficulty with center channel voice (with in and off). Thinking of disconnecting the s-channel. Overall I’m pretty happy with the results
@@ealanosborneAR seems to be on the accuracy camp. He was saying the subs don’t go down to 20hz, is this true and are you gonna get the new subs Nakamichi just launched for more power?
@@JL-ku7wo I had to send the Dragon back right after I reviewed it. And the Dragon subs only work with the Dragon. So no, I will not be getting the Dragon 12” subs.
It's my understanding that systems like this don't do well with call outs, same with the Sennheiser Ambeo, due to how they process the information. Don't quote me but I think Chana's call outs are channel based, not object based, which is why it doesn't "place" the sounds properly. As for subs, if you could pair a pair of subs or if it had a dedicated subwoofer out I'd be more interested
Yeah, it is the case due to their algorithms and I've owned the Sennheiser Ambeo plus and I now have the quads. Should have tested it with an actual movie rather than call outs and pink noise and would have been a better test.
I'm waiting for more reviews before making any decision. I do expect some companies to make advancements in the future as it pertains to wireless offerings as wires in your home suck. In a dedicated display/theater room, the sky is the limit. I presently have a Sennheiser Ambeo Plus which I'm pleased with. Admittedly, I purchased this fully expecting that they'd at some point introduce rears or true wireless height speakers as the system allows a connection for up to 4 wireless subs. Who on the planet would need that? None the less, the sony offering has me a bit intrigued. The Sennheiser is phenominal less no rear channel, but voice clarity at low volume on the newer tracks is unappreciated. Things need to be at 16 to 18 to be able to hear everything at all times and also, volume increments by 2. I am not totally satisfied with the sennheiser and anxiously await Bose, Sony or one of the other top contenders to bring forth a wireless solution with true wireless height channels, multiple subs and the like. If I get to hear the sony, I could be influenced to upgrade sooner.
Not that I would ever replace my dedicated HT AVR/speaker system with them, but I have the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 AND 9 Sound Bars en route for product testing. Now if they'd only send me a TV haha :)
Thank you so much for this, and thank you for spending the time to study the tech, rather then just pop out a video to be first. It pays off, trust me. Your reviews are far superior to others.
@@ealanosborne I had bought the original A9, I loved it, except one issue. The dialogue was difficult to understand at times with certain content. Tried everything I could find, I am not sure if this was a drop out issue or what. But it was a distraction and the dialogue is the most important part of any sound system. Contacted Sony and they were not much help either, they just had me reset everything. Hopefully this new A9 two will correct those issues. When the A9 was working properly I was very impressed and the sound was like a movie theater. One complaint about the new system, it’s ugly (I know that’s subjective) but the original looked much better.
Great and what's very rare to find, honest review. I get your PoV 100%. It's a no for my taste. Appreciate your diligence btw. I own HT-A9+ SW5 but don't listen to it for about a year now. They are shelved somewhere at the corner of my store room. Reason? except for very latest audio codecs ( Dune 1 Dolby Atmos track) they aren't any impressive to my taste. I mostly watch SDR movies between 80's and 2015. Non Dolby Atmos or DTS-X tracks feel anemic to me on A9's. I'm coming from traditional HT setup with custom Sub so I know I can't do with the SW5, which feels rather weak and muddy, sometimes boomy ( missing clarity or that agile, tight bass). I can bet, if you ever get to review Samsung Q990 series SB, you'll be able to clearly distinguish the overall, all rounder performance and particularly the superiority of Samsung's Atmos height effects and bass response. Be it latest Atmos or DTS-X track, or 90's audio codecs, Q990B handles everything so well, and yes with exceptional dialogue clarity. ( I can't forget the fulfillment of real Atmos experience from the movie 10 Cloverfield lane. You must review the Q990D once to see if your 10 feet celing is falling short for Atmos. I acknowledge that if you want tha room filling enveloping dome experience in audio, HT-A9 or its next generation quad system can be probably next to none in getting you those nuances as well as good rumbling bass when you are watching Dune for instance ( please try it once on the quad), but that's it. You try something from 10 years ago, it'd feel anemic (at least to me).
Great review, thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos. In your trials, would mounting the speakers higher and slightly tilting them towards the viewer improve the surround capabilities on 12 foot ceilings?
You are correct with that assumption, having 12 foot ceilings. 👍 Not the most ideal height for bouncing audio off the ceiling, but compensating by raising the speakers may help. Although it also depends on where your TV sits. Since mine is higher than ideal, I could get away with putting my front speakers on light stands.
Great in-depth review, especially your comparison with the Dragon. I'm still confused about which is the best for Dolby Atmos on the two systems. I believe the Dragon cost more than the Sony Quad, and I already have the Sony previous gen A9, which, honestly speaking, I am not too impressed but content. If I consider upgrading, which of the two would I get for apparent Dolby Atmos effects and music sounds? I was leaning towards Dragon, but is it a huge difference against the Quad? Do you have any thoughts on further persuading me in the right direction? Thank you!
I think the deciding factor is music. The Quad sounded spectacular with music. So if you listen to a lot of music through your HT system, the Quad is probably what you should lean towards. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thank you for your response! I don't listen to music much; however, at certain times, I do. I mostly use the A9s to watch movies in 4k HDR with Dolby Atmos.
Hi, and thanks for your neat review. What I'm wondering is this: In their manual, Sony suggest that the rear speakers are either flat on a wall behind the listening position or behind the listening position with just a little bit of tow-in. In my case, there's a window behind the listening position, and if I want to be able to open the window, I cant have the rear left speaker behind the listening position (lined up parallel to to back of the sofa or with just a bit of tow-in). The only spot feasible spot is the wall left to the listening position - which means lining up the speaker of perpendicular or -depending on the bracket - almost perpendicular to the back of the sofa. Can you tell me how this would affect the quality of the sound bubble? Does this system recognize that the fronts and rears are not facing each other or that they are not towed in ideally, and can they effectively mitigate the issue? Thanks in advance for your input on this.
True, ideally you’ll want the surrounds a little behind, but that’s the whole idea behind Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, so accommodate some less-than-ideal scenarios and still making the bubble sound decent. I think in your situation, it isn’t TOO bizarre, so I think it’ll still be an effective bubble. 👍
Two things: 1. Why does the remote not have a pause/play button? For Spotify listening, I'd quickly like to pause music if, say, I get a visitor. 2. Are there modes where you can save your bass/treble settings to? As you said for music you reduced the bass. I would not like to do this everytime when switching from movies to music.
Great review! Thanks! Did you play around with the rear speakers? I wonder if putting them on the ground would still work - I don't have much space and speaker stands is not an option due to an incoming toddler...
Thanks! 😊 And yeah, I guess you could put them on the ground if they were in a position where they were aimed at the back of your head so you at least get some surround effects. Although in that position, it would mean rear Atmos effects would be compromised a bit. 🤷♂️ Better than nothing, though!
Do I have to turn on my tv to play music on this? Can I connect it (for example) to a streamer so the tv doesn’t have to be on? Seems not doable since there is only one input.
Technically, no. Since it was connected to the TV, if I started playing music via Bluetooth, it would turn the TV on for a few minutes, but then would turn off due to inactivity. So not bad, I’d say. 👍
I love my quads, especially after testing out ATMOS and DTS watching Bad Boys 3. My quads and SW-5 are paired with an 83 inch Sony OLED (A90J). I'm using a Harmony remote. So I can use it or my Sony tv remote to make audio adjustments. Since my quads are on Sanus stands and I have a Sony tv. The app never asked where my speakers are located in relation to my tv. Interesting 🤔.
With the latest update the TV gets calibrated with the speakers. You should get a prompt saying "Experience the enhanced acoustic center sync" then you can do the optimisation. Quads have been updated for it but might not have reached your TV model yet as they pushing them out via firmware updates at the moment.
@@S1mmz I have a Sony tv as my center channel. That's why it already knows where my speakers and subwoofer are located. It has nothing to do with firmware.
@@Slick1020 I didn't say it didn't. I said on the new firmware update that was released for the Quads the TV now gets calibrated with the speakers. As an example before the update and on the original HT-A9 speakers, the TV and speakers would play together but they would play independently which is why some people preferred to just use the phantom center. With the new update the TV and speakers now play in unison and will sound miles better. This was a recent update on the Quad speakers and your TV will also need the firmware update.
Yeah, they’re still alive and kicking. Just not enough people have really latched onto their tech as a necessity. Everyone favors convenience over audio quality, mostly, so their claim to have hi-res 24 bit wireless audio doesn’t resonate with the vast majority of consumers. Bummer.
@@ealanosborne It’s to bad, that tech really didn’t take off. You need a huge marketing budget to get people to understand and buy the tech. Bose is excellent at that, probably half their budget goes to marketing, I know people bash them for this, but if they didn’t spend a lot of marketing and advertising then no one would have known about there gear nor buy their products. Most people need to be told which is best for them in the home theater market, us here are the minority. I’ve never even seen a TH-cam review on WISA products, at least not a full video. Digital Trends have mentioned WISA and a few others have, but not one person showed how they work and how easy or difficult it is to set up. I have a LG C9 65” and it’s WISA compatible, but I have to buy an additional adapter and then then the limited speakers with the tech. Hopefully Dolby Flex does a better job getting the word out. The idea that u can add speakers as u go and the mixing will be applied by Dolby is really cool. A lot of people can use a sound bar or big speakers or run ceiling speakers.
Amazing job once again so to ask one last time do you think I should invest in this Sony wireless or wait to see if Sennheiser come out with rear speakers?
See the only issue I have with the Sony is my couch that we sit in does not have enough space in the back for enough distance for those rear speakers. so that means the speakers would be at least 4 feet away from our ears.😢
You might be waiting a long time haha. If they don't announce in September (when they always announce their Ambeo stuff) I don't personally think it will happen. That being said, the amount of people having drop out issues with their wireless subwoofer, doesn't bode well for the rears not doing the same.
@@HPMIKE55 Can you place them to the side of your seating position rather than directly behind as the mapping works wonders and still will sound great in that position.
I did watch Andrew Robinson’s review and have watched him for many years. Gotta say, first time on your channel and you can count me in as a sub (pun intended). Really like your review style!! But TV above the fireplace! 🥴 At least you do have a dedicated theater. Thanks.
1) So the Quad does not have couch to rear surround adjustment found on HT-A9 because its replaced by the Phone's mic. 2) The rear surrounds will always be subdued even at max levels hence the 3 to 6-foot rear placement recommendation? Are you also saying that the atmos speakers are at different angles between the front and rears? 3) I thought receivers have a setting for true surround with equal volume speaker outputs when it comes to music? That is the problem that I have with HT-A9. 4) I'm surprised by your comment on height adjustment is only related to higher phantom center. I thought it is to boost the Atmos effects. Did you confirm this with Sony? I think this will change with Bravia 7 or 8. I would like to know if theres a huge difference between Acoustic Multi Audio and Acoustic Surface Audio+.
It's always been that way even on the original. The height just effects the center. It's designed if your TV is like on a lower stand or up high so that you can still keep the sound like it's coming from the center of the TV.
Hey, you recommended keeping the sub level between -3 & -5. Andrew Robinson also recommended this with the SW3. At that sub level what would be the difference between the SA-SW3 & the SA-SW5 & would you recommend one over the other as this will be my first home theater set up with the Quad? Cheers and awesome review.
It depends on your personal preference of bass response. Obviously the SW5 will give you more bass/higher output power if you tend to lean into more bass, or if you have a fairly large living room. I felt the SW5 gave me a more cinematic vibe than the SW3, being larger and more powerful. But if you just want some added bass that fills in the low frequencies well, the SW3 is probably good for you.
Thanks for talking about the audio drop outs. That's one of those things where if it happens even once, i'm ripping out the system and selling everything. Going wireless would be a dream, but i've had experiences of a back right speaker that stops working haflway through a movie, and will only work after a power reset, and I refuse to do that again.
Thanks Ealan, loved the review!! Quick thought if you still have the Quad, do you think it would perform even better in your dedicated listening space as compared to your living room, and if so, how much further does that bridge the gap between a traditional home theater and the Bravia quad? Thanks!!
@@ealanosborneif you do experiment with it a bit, please make sure you try the soundtrack of the movie Dune part 1. I get a feeling for specific audio tracks, these systems are tuned well but doesn't quite so work well with just any 10 years older movie soundtracks.
My question is why the system has to be tied to hardware in the first place. The speakers are good, but not amazing. Its the software doing all the work. Im real curious if rear speakers are required at all. Just use a pair of big towers up front that are,atmos configured.
Convenience, really, for those who don’t already have speakers and just need a “home theater in a box” solution. What you’re referring to is any of the newer Sony ES series receivers with 360 Spatial Audio built in. Connect any speakers you want. Boom. Golden. 🤘
I personally think it comes down to your future plans for your home theater. Traditional setups are much easier to upgrade piece by piece over time, and I think will sound better in the end, once properly dialed in and calibrated, with its larger woofers and speaker cabinets. But I totally understand the appeal of the easy setup of a system like the Quad. It really does sound good for what it’s worth, but can’t be upgraded. So it comes down to this: Would you rather be able to upgrade piece by piece? Or have a one-and-done system that you would have to replace the entire thing when you wanted something better down the road? 🤔
@@ealanosborne that’s great! My wife hates the look of the quad. We are leaving the amp style surround system. So bar 9 is our first choice because I have Sony oled plus ps5! My wife and I are over 50 any game together!
I had the Dragon for a few weeks but ended up returning it. The sound was loud, but I felt it was brittle and shrill no matter what I did with the settings. This was particularly true on non-Atmos content, like classic movies that only have mono or stereo tracks (I don’t do upmixing, I like to hear the sound as it was originally intended). With that in mind, since the Quad is neck and neck with the Dragon as depicted here (more “accurate”), would that maybe be the superior pick for someone like myself? And what about the Bravia Theater Bar 9?
Can’t say for the Bravia 9 Bar, but I believe I’m having one sent to me eventually for review. But yes, I believe the Bravia Qaud would be more up your alley with the preferences you’ve mentioned. 👍
We know (because you told us) that the Dragon uses the receiver level Dolby Atomos, and I assume that the Quad does not. So wouldn’t that cause a MAJOR DIFFERENCE in how they compare in sound quality?
Apparently not as much as I had hoped (for the Dragon’s sake) since Sony’s 360 Spatial Audio is one fantastic bit of virtual surround sound technology. 🤷♂️
I wonder if a.i can make atmos sound better from fewer smaller speakers? I hope they are working on that rather than the other destructive crap you read about.
Oh another question. If i put rear speakers at ear level then the distance from the upfiring speakers to the ceiling is 5.5 feet. Do you think thats a deal breaker?
No drop outs for this guy when starting movies or shows. Like you said, it could be your tv. FYI: Sony had the SW-5 on sale from $699, down to $599. If you bundle it with the quads you'll save $100 exta so $200 in savings.
2 questions: Great video! Do you know if the base station be placed in the rear of the room, instead of the front? (my AV sources are in the rear of the room) Also, do the speakers need line-of-sight to the base station?
Thanks for the kind words! 1) Sure! It’s all wireless anyway, so in back of the room would still work. 2) No. I had mine in the cabinet at the front of my room behind a door at times, so it doesn’t need line of sight. 👍
@@ealanosborne also, I see you have a Crutchfield affiliate link. I’m going to use that to purchase… you basically made the sale for them. 😊 Thanks again.
I have 8 foot ceilings and have outlets placed about a foot from the ceiling. Would having these setup at that height work or would you suggest having the light stands and placing at near ear level?
It would be nice if Chromecast was supported and not just Airplay, Spotify connect and BT. Having the TV on, when you just wanna play music is pretty dumb.
Hi Ealon, Hey, I have an interesting question. So, my current theater setup involves: TV: LG G1 (Doesn't Support DTS-X) Streamer: Apple 4k TV (Doesn't support DTS-X) AV: Just updated to the new Sony Quad from the HT-A9s. (Which has DTS-X support & IMAX Enhanced ) How can I enjoy the Imax Enhanced DTS-X audio that Disney has added since May 15th? Is there a special way of connecting or bypassing to get DTS-X? I also have an Oppo 203 player, which has everything DTS-X.. Can I connect the player in any special way to allow DTS-X from my Apple 4k TV to play? I think I may need to update my LG G1 TV to an LG G4, which now supports DTS-X. However, will I even get DTS-X if my Apple 4k TV doesn't support this feature? One of the main reasons for my audio upgrade, besides dropsouts on HT-A9 to the Sony Quad, is that it's an IMAX Enhanced feature. However, after connecting all the devices above, I still do not see the option to enjoy DTS-X on the selected movies on Disney+. I have my Apple 4k TV HDMI connected directly to the Sony Quad theater yet, not seeing the DTS-X option on the Disney + movies (Marvel Movies) Appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
Yeeeaaahhh, unfortunately with this initial rollout, it is EXCLUSIVELY only possible on select Sony, Hisense or TCL TVs that support DTS:X output. 😩 That being said, newer LG TVs (like the G4 you mentioned) will support DTS:X later this year (at least it’s rumored to be that soon). And streamers (like AppleTV 4K) won’t get support until 2025. So - for now - only using the built in streaming apps on Sony, Hisense and TCL TVs can get you IMAX Enhanced support on Disney+. 😭
@@ealanosborneUPDATE: I returned the Sony Quads to the Best Buy store and picked up the Nagamichi Dragon 11.4.6 system. Although the Sony Quads are an upgrade from the HT-A9s, I'm so pleased I switched to the Dragon. It honestly sounds like a theater with true power! One question that I'm having difficulty finding online. I have an oppo 4k player, and when playing the 40th anniversary ET disk, my Dragon AV displays DTS-X MA but doesn't display DTS-X Pro. Is the movie playing on DTS-X Pro even though it's displaying DTS-X MA?
Yes get the SW5 subwoofer. Will it sound better than your tv without the subwoofer, Yes. But you need the subwoofer to get the lower end frequencies. So the system with the subwoofer cost more like $3200, and that’s a lot of cash for a home theater in a box. The system should really come with the subwoofer for $2500.
The quads are a lot better. I had the original but it went back after a few weeks. Sound was just too tinny and the center wasn't that great alongside voices. The introduction of the midrange driver has made a big difference. Sound quality is much more refined and powerful, voices are absolutely incredible and the center more pronounced, alongside all the drop out issues being fixed, although I never had that issue.
Now that the Dragon is on sale and so happens to match the price of the Quad w/sub. What’s best for movie tv entertainment with focus on dialogue and height effects?
Nope. I still prefer discrete height speakers mounted up high over bouncing audio off the ceiling any day. And being able to dial in distance, timing, EQ, etc. I like ultimate control, rather than trusting an algorithm to do it for me.
@@garretts431 The firmware had already been updated to its latest version (at the time of recording) so I didn’t need to perform an update on my own. But yes, it can be a little tricky if you’re not used to reformatting a USB thumb drive, etc.
Did you find if you didn't sit centre to the 2 front speaker's the phantom centre wouldn't perform and you would hear the speaker you were closer to more for vocals ?
It actually performed better than I thought it would. Sure, the closer I got to one speaker, the more it sounded like dialog was coming from one speaker, but slightly off center wasn’t bad. 👍
@@ealanosborne Having the ht A9 I'm lucky I have a Sony OLED to make the Centre channel more Centre as when I used it without I found it annoying sitting on the couch closest to one speaker , the Phantom Centre was lost . Totally agree with the fact the speaker drivers and sub should be bigger, the 360 performance is there but not the shears Power and grunt .
Im still a little torn. Theatre quad with sub or sony avr taan1000 5.1.2 with 2 ceiling speakers. Is there much difference compared to easy setup. Great review
It's honestly 2 schools of thought, really. Have a more difficult setup process, but more control over fine tuning and more easily upgrade pieces over time? Or go with a one-and-done system that performs well for what it's worth, super easy setup process, but can't be upgraded? The choice...is yours. :)
I may have replied to your same question on Andrew Robinson's video. You have the Monitor Audio speakers, is that right? Anyways, Ealan's response sums it up well. I'll add (if you do have the monitor audio speakers): it also depends what you want to get out of the system visually. The Quads look like they will blend in to the room better. The Monitor Audio is going to be more of a visual statement. Neither option is right or wrong. And in case there is any hesitation about tech-know-how regarding the setup, I'd just call Crutchfield customer support. They are super nice people in my experience.
I pickedup this system today watching Jurassic Park now replacing Klipsch RP 8000F's, their newer 1200 sub, PD240 slims for rears and a Denon AVRX-4300H. I cannot believe this system is real. It's at least as good, maybe better in some ways at actually giving a great movie experience. I was afraid that it wasn't going to be 'loud' or fill the room enough based on past 'soundbar' experiences. Completely wrong. I don't think for one minute you're wrong that these kinds of systems with great positional software are the future for most home Theater setups . It even used my cellphone microphone instead of a stand-alone which was super fun .It's definitely replacing my Klipsch reference system without question. My only gripe is the last of HDMI ports but I can sort of see Sony's position on this that their A/V receivers fill that need and, if pairing with a TV, the idea should be to use the TV as the 'receiver' . For me, I just use 1 Apple TV and a Blu-ray player so it wasn't a big deal.
Using the Sony center only sounds good with the sony acoustic surface as center speaker. Which was only available on the OLED models. I haven’t checked this years TVs to see which use it.
Yeah, exactly. I believe that same tech is built into the new 2024 TVs, and even more speakers in the Bravia 9 TVs. That’s why I want to still test it out once that Sony TV arrives. 🤘🎉
@@ealanosborneThe Bravia 9 uses side and top beam tweeters, however, the OLED acoustic surface audio is still much better. The mini led can't use this technology unfortunately. So if want the best center TV experience you will need to test with either the A95L or the Bravia 8.
Very detailed review. I really appreciate the amount of work and thought that went into it. Minor quibble: Too bad you didn’t audition the system in a room with an average ceiling height. I feel like maybe you could have gotten a truer sense of the system’s capabilities wrt to height effects.
I have a question I have a 5.1 system that was working fine at my previous house I set it up in the new house and my rear satellite speaks crackle a little when I first start a show or movie but it cleans up after 1 minutes or 2 it all so does it if a pause or extended time the only thing I've change in the system is the two rear speaker wires are from a new wire roll that a thicker gauge wire.
Can I place the bravia quad rear speakers on the wall above my couch or should i place them on a stand to the side of my couch. Lastly since im implying that my couch is against the wall which it indeed is, would that make this system obscelete for me? My room is tiny btw so also very close to the TV.
If your room is as tiny as you say it is, the Quad may even be a little overkill, TBH. But you could get by with the surrounds being on either side of your couch, regarding the layout.
@@ealanosborne I currently have the samsung Q990C. Just been trying to figure out if the samsung is technically more overkill than the Sony quad system or not.
🤷♂️ Although Andrew Robinson commented that the Quad bested an Arc + Era 300’s + Sub system. Although 2 Sonos subs I imagine would win in the LFE department…
Great review. Any chance of doing a roku streambar pro 5.1 review? Its a true 5.1 (front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right, and sub) wireless system with a sealed 10 inch sub. It doesn't have atmos, but its only $700 for the whole system. I'm really interested in your opinion of how a true 5.1 compares to a faux atmos system (upfiring speakers instead of ceiling mounted) Thanks.
@@ealanosborne Thanks for the reply. Few youtubers take the time to reply. Im looking forward to the review of the Quad with a Bravia 7/9 as a center channel.
Can you tell me where you got the "light" stands from? I didn't know you can mount speakers with these! I like the fact that they are height and angle adjustable.
Honestly, I did have to get creative to rig the speakers to the light stands, needing to use adapters, washers and nuts that fit around the bolts that come with the Quad. But it worked! And I just used light stands that came with a lighting kit that I use for a lot of my videos.
Since you sit about 13 feet away from the system. What is the volume setting at this distance? I have my HT-A9 at 58-60 range about 9 feet away. I wonder how far it will push before the limiter kicks in. Also the QUAD has a larger LCD display on the main receiver unit so maybe you can still make out the text.
Hi there! A general question, please. I have a 2020 TV with ARC (not eARC). I use Xbox Series X as the source for everything I watch on the TV. If I were to plug the console in a pass through Atmos capable soundbar, will I receive Dolby Atmos signal?
If Sonos releases a new soundbar this year (according to the rumors) it will be an interesting challenge 😊. Personally i don't like the look of this system and Sony has terrible aftersales. Plus the price is way too high.
@@remco3819 I think the theater quad will always have an advantage at least in soundstage and imaging since you can place the left and right as wide as you want. They'd have ot make a ridiculously loooong soundbar to match that
@@chibbyylol i agree , you can have some atmos effects in the back but not as effective in the front. Unless Sonos makes it possible to use two era's in the front but i don't think that is going to happen.
(( important )) Hello congrats on your channel, I have a problem I have the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar together with SA-SW5 subwoofer, and SA-RS5 surround speakers, The problem is when I select 360 Spatial Sound Mapping the front speakers of the sound bar play monophonically, it does not switch the sound left to right, Why is this happening???
I have no idea, sorry. I would try and perform a factory reset to start off troubleshooting, or perhaps double check that you have the latest firmware.
Bonjour j’aime beaucoup vos test détaillé malgré que j’ai regardé la revue complète sa ne me répond pas a ma question je compte acheter dans quelques jours un home cinéma j’hésite entre un sonos arc era 300 et sub ou le théâtre quad et sub lequel me conseillez vous et pourquoi ?
I haven’t personally reviewed the Sonos system, but Andrew Robinson has, and he compared it to the Theatre Quad 👇 th-cam.com/video/vTh2ayFeGlg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pc9u6y67W0IqjDMb
Horrible sound quality and very difficult to manage speakers unless you wall mount or use floor stand. The 360 sound envelope feels artificial and incapable. I still feel my Bose lifestyle 650 is the best speaker to date. I am stuck with this sony quad system feels like I wasted my money.
Thanks for the review, always appreciated the dedication :) While i already own the system, it's nice to see other people's take on it. One thing i can confirm, having the system in a more dedicated room, rather than open plan really does enhance it a lot more (tried and tested in my mates room who is similar to yours as he was on the fence buying it). Sounded much more alive in my closed off one and definitely bests some traditional wired systems.
Ok thanks and
Last question is the subwoofer. I already have a 15 inch subwoofer is there anyway I could modify the Sony subwoofer to make it work with mine?
@@HPMIKE55 Not a clue sadly. I sold my Kef KC62 sub when I moved over. Would have loved to have kept it. They seem to have sorted the bass response out a bit better though. Sony subs used to always sound boomy but seem to be a lot better with them getting the IMAX enhanced certification.
@@S1mmz ok thanks for your honesty and with that said I’ll see over the weekend if I could pick it up. 😎👍🏻
Only Sony wireless subs will work with Sony speaker systems like this. They have their own unique tech to make them talk to one another. Only the Sennheiser AMBEO Max has a wired subwoofer connection, so you can use whatever sub you want with that one. 👍
@@ealanosborne I have the max i’m not sure if it’s gonna sound a little bit better or the same. that was the question I was trying to ask you guys. lol 😂
Wow. I feel like you covered everything I had commented on in previous videos! 🎉 thank you! Awesome review!! Seriously! Top notch!
Can’t wait for you to get the Bravia 7/8 in to find out how it compares to the Q-Symphony!
Ps. Loved your comparo with dragon! 🎉
Thank you very much!!! 🎉
Appreciate the thorough review and Toolkit shout outs!
Hell yeah, dude!
My Sony a95l speakers sounded so great I retired my pair of Apple HomePods, considering that they’ve made the Bravia range even better, you should be in for a treat!! I can vouch for their tv speakers at the high end (and I was VERY skeptical about that) I have hearing problems & this is great for me
Thanks for the hard work!
Sweet! Thanks for the vote of confidence! 😊🎉
Funny, I have similar setup with the OG Apple speakers. My wife and I both love how they sound. However, when using them for the TV they do disconnect a lot. I’ve contacted Apple about this many times and there a very little help. Wonder if the newer version fixed this issue. Like if I’m using an app such as Disney or Plex the sound just drops then I have to back out of it and then restart the program. It’s very frustrating. From what I understand the sound on the a95L is incredibly good for tv speakers. Too bad you couldn’t connect the Sony sub and perhaps a pair of Sony wireless surround speakers that would be a nice little set up, without full-blown sound bar and all the other accessories.
@@michael-4k4000 happy to report that the 2nd gen didn’t have this problem (for me)
It’s not all rosy though
Playing Atmos through the ATV 4k on the Sony can sometimes have a slight crackle (in Dolby Atmos) and requires a tv reboot…
Annoyingly, they are both aware of this & am waiting to see it solved in a future update, it never happens on anything else, tv normal channels, Sony Bravia Core app or music etc, bit weird but still worth the trade-up in general
I have these speakers no subwoofer necessary. 😳
The fact that you spend so much money and have to use sw3 or sw5 is a mistake from Sony. They should have launched a new 8”-12” sub along with the quad for extra power.
It will probably be updated next year. With the quads, then the Bravia 8/9 bars just out, most will buy a sub which is money in their pockets. BAM, next year a new sub comes out, we all upgrade, even more money in their pockets. Well played Sony, unlucky us suckers. 🤣
@JL careful there, you're risking getting heavily trolled for saying that, haha. Well, I was when I made essentially same remark at some other reviewer's den ( hint: Ealan referenced him in this review many times 😉 ).
@@Sas-wk9ljGiven a few more weeks of reviews by the rest of the on-line community, I suspect there’ll be more consensus with the numerous critiques Andrew and Kristi delivered in their review. I’ve owned numerous pieces of Sony gear in my over 50 years in the audio / video hobby, and while I could never complain about the build quality or performance in the various price categories, sometimes they definitely miss the target in terms of features, etc.
And you can only use 1.😂
For this price it should include a sub…
Sensational review Ealan! We thank you for it! I’ve spent an entire 12 months running wires throughout the walls & ceilings for my 7.2.4 system… yet now I’m fixated on the idea of Accuracy (over power)… ie Sony 360SSM (over anything else!). So can you confirm for me please Ealan… purchasing a Sony 7000ES receiver with very good speakers 7.2.4 (360SSM calibrated & engaged) WILL give me a comparable, if not better surround sound bubble experience vs the Theatre Quad correct? I don’t investing countless more hours & $$$ for something special… but if the Quad simply beats Sony ES Receiver home cinemas for accuracy, I’m happy to start again with the QUAD. Thank you for your insights!!!
Nah, a system like you’re describing with the 7000ES and discrete height speakers will still be superior to the Quad. It does VERY well for what it’s worth, but still needs some improvements to best a traditional system powered by an AVR.
@@ealanosborne Lifesaver Ealan! Thank you!
How do you watch your TV being so high and not have a broken neck.
Because people like this guy are Fakes. No TV enthusiasts would ever do this. It's a clown setup.
Because he listens to Busta Rymes’ Break yo Neck all time!😎🤙🏻
I like to add the that the ht a9 and a Sony a80j the center channel sync works well for my situation. I think it does a good job with voice clarity.
Nice! 🎉
I have same tv and setup. I still have occasional difficulty with center channel voice (with in and off). Thinking of disconnecting the s-channel. Overall I’m pretty happy with the results
Thumbs up for promoting Andrew Robinson's review, I'm a big fan of their channel and that's where I've just come from.
We all gotta support each other, you know? 🤘
@@ealanosborneAR seems to be on the accuracy camp. He was saying the subs don’t go down to 20hz, is this true and are you gonna get the new subs Nakamichi just launched for more power?
@@JL-ku7wo I had to send the Dragon back right after I reviewed it. And the Dragon subs only work with the Dragon. So no, I will not be getting the Dragon 12” subs.
My only ask of Sony is the option to add multiple Subs designed to be stacked for more low end SPL or spread out for even bass!
I know, right? Sennheiser and Nakamichi are already doing that, and they’re the direct competitors in this price range.
Good job adding value in areas Andrew did not cover.
Thanks! I hope others who review this system cover things I might’ve missed too! 😊
It's my understanding that systems like this don't do well with call outs, same with the Sennheiser Ambeo, due to how they process the information. Don't quote me but I think Chana's call outs are channel based, not object based, which is why it doesn't "place" the sounds properly.
As for subs, if you could pair a pair of subs or if it had a dedicated subwoofer out I'd be more interested
Yeah, it is the case due to their algorithms and I've owned the Sennheiser Ambeo plus and I now have the quads. Should have tested it with an actual movie rather than call outs and pink noise and would have been a better test.
It's object-based.
I forgot to say that you’re 100% right about what sony needs to fix and add. lol 😂
Keep up the great job! 😎👍🏻
Thank yooouuu! 😊
Nice. Legoooo! Would love to own this set
I'm waiting for more reviews before making any decision. I do expect some companies to make advancements in the future as it pertains to wireless offerings as wires in your home suck. In a dedicated display/theater room, the sky is the limit. I presently have a Sennheiser Ambeo Plus which I'm pleased with. Admittedly, I purchased this fully expecting that they'd at some point introduce rears or true wireless height speakers as the system allows a connection for up to 4 wireless subs. Who on the planet would need that? None the less, the sony offering has me a bit intrigued. The Sennheiser is phenominal less no rear channel, but voice clarity at low volume on the newer tracks is unappreciated. Things need to be at 16 to 18 to be able to hear everything at all times and also, volume increments by 2. I am not totally satisfied with the sennheiser and anxiously await Bose, Sony or one of the other top contenders to bring forth a wireless solution with true wireless height channels, multiple subs and the like. If I get to hear the sony, I could be influenced to upgrade sooner.
Not that I would ever replace my dedicated HT AVR/speaker system with them, but I have the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 AND 9 Sound Bars en route for product testing. Now if they'd only send me a TV haha :)
Thank you so much for this, and thank you for spending the time to study the tech, rather then just pop out a video to be first. It pays off, trust me. Your reviews are far superior to others.
Thank you so much for those kind words! 😊
@@ealanosborne I had bought the original A9, I loved it, except one issue. The dialogue was difficult to understand at times with certain content. Tried everything I could find, I am not sure if this was a drop out issue or what. But it was a distraction and the dialogue is the most important part of any sound system. Contacted Sony and they were not much help either, they just had me reset everything. Hopefully this new A9 two will correct those issues. When the A9 was working properly I was very impressed and the sound was like a movie theater. One complaint about the new system, it’s ugly (I know that’s subjective) but the original looked much better.
Great and what's very rare to find, honest review. I get your PoV 100%. It's a no for my taste. Appreciate your diligence btw.
I own HT-A9+ SW5 but don't listen to it for about a year now. They are shelved somewhere at the corner of my store room.
Reason? except for very latest audio codecs ( Dune 1 Dolby Atmos track) they aren't any impressive to my taste. I mostly watch SDR movies between 80's and 2015. Non Dolby Atmos or DTS-X tracks feel anemic to me on A9's. I'm coming from traditional HT setup with custom Sub so I know I can't do with the SW5, which feels rather weak and muddy, sometimes boomy ( missing clarity or that agile, tight bass).
I can bet, if you ever get to review Samsung Q990 series SB, you'll be able to clearly distinguish the overall, all rounder performance and particularly the superiority of Samsung's Atmos height effects and bass response. Be it latest Atmos or DTS-X track, or 90's audio codecs, Q990B handles everything so well, and yes with exceptional dialogue clarity. ( I can't forget the fulfillment of real Atmos experience from the movie 10 Cloverfield lane. You must review the Q990D once to see if your 10 feet celing is falling short for Atmos.
I acknowledge that if you want tha room filling enveloping dome experience in audio, HT-A9 or its next generation quad system can be probably next to none in getting you those nuances as well as good rumbling bass when you are watching Dune for instance ( please try it once on the quad), but that's it. You try something from 10 years ago, it'd feel anemic (at least to me).
Well my friend in the UK has the Quad theater and I have the dragon, we are both very satisfied with our purchase
Heyyyy, best of both worlds! 😄🎉
He has both? Wow. I think the Sony is more wife friendly. My wife would kill me if I bought the Dragon home.
@@michael-4k4000 his friend in the UK has the theater quad and he himself has the dragon. they're both satisfied
Great review, thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos.
In your trials, would mounting the speakers higher and slightly tilting them towards the viewer improve the surround capabilities on 12 foot ceilings?
You are correct with that assumption, having 12 foot ceilings. 👍 Not the most ideal height for bouncing audio off the ceiling, but compensating by raising the speakers may help. Although it also depends on where your TV sits. Since mine is higher than ideal, I could get away with putting my front speakers on light stands.
FYI, the timbre of my X95L acoustic center sync matches great with the HT-A9
Nice! 🎉
Great in-depth review, especially your comparison with the Dragon. I'm still confused about which is the best for Dolby Atmos on the two systems.
I believe the Dragon cost more than the Sony Quad, and I already have the Sony previous gen A9, which, honestly speaking, I am not too impressed but content. If I consider upgrading, which of the two would I get for apparent Dolby Atmos effects and music sounds?
I was leaning towards Dragon, but is it a huge difference against the Quad?
Do you have any thoughts on further persuading me in the right direction?
Thank you!
I think the deciding factor is music. The Quad sounded spectacular with music. So if you listen to a lot of music through your HT system, the Quad is probably what you should lean towards. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thank you for your response! I don't listen to music much; however, at certain times, I do. I mostly use the A9s to watch movies in 4k HDR with Dolby Atmos.
Hi, and thanks for your neat review. What I'm wondering is this: In their manual, Sony suggest that the rear speakers are either flat on a wall behind the listening position or behind the listening position with just a little bit of tow-in. In my case, there's a window behind the listening position, and if I want to be able to open the window, I cant have the rear left speaker behind the listening position (lined up parallel to to back of the sofa or with just a bit of tow-in). The only spot feasible spot is the wall left to the listening position - which means lining up the speaker of perpendicular or -depending on the bracket - almost perpendicular to the back of the sofa. Can you tell me how this would affect the quality of the sound bubble? Does this system recognize that the fronts and rears are not facing each other or that they are not towed in ideally, and can they effectively mitigate the issue? Thanks in advance for your input on this.
True, ideally you’ll want the surrounds a little behind, but that’s the whole idea behind Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, so accommodate some less-than-ideal scenarios and still making the bubble sound decent. I think in your situation, it isn’t TOO bizarre, so I think it’ll still be an effective bubble. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thank you! 😉
Two things: 1. Why does the remote not have a pause/play button? For Spotify listening, I'd quickly like to pause music if, say, I get a visitor. 2. Are there modes where you can save your bass/treble settings to? As you said for music you reduced the bass. I would not like to do this everytime when switching from movies to music.
Great review!! Thanks for your sharing thoughts on this set
You’re very welcome! 😊🎉
So which do u choose? Dragon or sony quad?
Great review as always. That price tag has me looking at other options, however the partner hats the way most surround sound systems look.
Great review! Thanks! Did you play around with the rear speakers? I wonder if putting them on the ground would still work - I don't have much space and speaker stands is not an option due to an incoming toddler...
Thanks! 😊 And yeah, I guess you could put them on the ground if they were in a position where they were aimed at the back of your head so you at least get some surround effects. Although in that position, it would mean rear Atmos effects would be compromised a bit. 🤷♂️ Better than nothing, though!
Do I have to turn on my tv to play music on this? Can I connect it (for example) to a streamer so the tv doesn’t have to be on? Seems not doable since there is only one input.
Technically, no. Since it was connected to the TV, if I started playing music via Bluetooth, it would turn the TV on for a few minutes, but then would turn off due to inactivity. So not bad, I’d say. 👍
Ah looking for something lossless/wired not Bluetooth
Sonos sells a separate HDMI to SPDIF adapter…so they support non eARC setups at the cost of some features.
Nice in depth review Ealan! Quick question: what speaker stands did you use for the satellite speakers?
Sanus SF34 stands. 👇👇🎉
howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
I love my quads, especially after testing out ATMOS and DTS watching Bad Boys 3. My quads and SW-5 are paired with an 83 inch Sony OLED (A90J).
I'm using a Harmony remote. So I can use it or my Sony tv remote to make audio adjustments.
Since my quads are on Sanus stands and I have a Sony tv. The app never asked where my speakers are located in relation to my tv. Interesting 🤔.
With the latest update the TV gets calibrated with the speakers. You should get a prompt saying "Experience the enhanced acoustic center sync" then you can do the optimisation. Quads have been updated for it but might not have reached your TV model yet as they pushing them out via firmware updates at the moment.
@@S1mmz I have a Sony tv as my center channel. That's why it already knows where my speakers and subwoofer are located. It has nothing to do with firmware.
@@Slick1020 I didn't say it didn't. I said on the new firmware update that was released for the Quads the TV now gets calibrated with the speakers. As an example before the update and on the original HT-A9 speakers, the TV and speakers would play together but they would play independently which is why some people preferred to just use the phantom center. With the new update the TV and speakers now play in unison and will sound miles better. This was a recent update on the Quad speakers and your TV will also need the firmware update.
Looking forward to those imax enhanced reviews
Is WISA still around? Or is Dolby Flex taking over? WISA seems like such a smart and convenient way to get great sound
Yeah, they’re still alive and kicking. Just not enough people have really latched onto their tech as a necessity. Everyone favors convenience over audio quality, mostly, so their claim to have hi-res 24 bit wireless audio doesn’t resonate with the vast majority of consumers. Bummer.
@@ealanosborne It’s to bad, that tech really didn’t take off. You need a huge marketing budget to get people to understand and buy the tech. Bose is excellent at that, probably half their budget goes to marketing, I know people bash them for this, but if they didn’t spend a lot of marketing and advertising then no one would have known about there gear nor buy their products. Most people need to be told which is best for them in the home theater market, us here are the minority. I’ve never even seen a TH-cam review on WISA products, at least not a full video. Digital Trends have mentioned WISA and a few others have, but not one person showed how they work and how easy or difficult it is to set up. I have a LG C9 65” and it’s WISA compatible, but I have to buy an additional adapter and then then the limited speakers with the tech. Hopefully Dolby Flex does a better job getting the word out. The idea that u can add speakers as u go and the mixing will be applied by Dolby is really cool. A lot of people can use a sound bar or big speakers or run ceiling speakers.
Amazing job once again so to ask one last time do you think I should invest in this Sony wireless or wait to see if Sennheiser come out with rear speakers?
See the only issue I have with the Sony is my couch that we sit in does not have enough space in the back for enough distance for those rear speakers. so that means the speakers would be at least 4 feet away from our ears.😢
You might be waiting a long time haha. If they don't announce in September (when they always announce their Ambeo stuff) I don't personally think it will happen. That being said, the amount of people having drop out issues with their wireless subwoofer, doesn't bode well for the rears not doing the same.
@@S1mmz yes i know your right!
@@HPMIKE55 Can you place them to the side of your seating position rather than directly behind as the mapping works wonders and still will sound great in that position.
@@S1mmz ok thanks ill try it over the weekend! 😎👍🏻
I did watch Andrew Robinson’s review and have watched him for many years. Gotta say, first time on your channel and you can count me in as a sub (pun intended). Really like your review style!! But TV above the fireplace! 🥴 At least you do have a dedicated theater. Thanks.
Thanks for joining the madness! 😄🎉
Very thorough review, thanks. I am now considering Sony Quad as opposed uo upgrading my AVR and front L & R speakers in my 5.1.2 HT system
Cool! 🎉
Hey Ealan, can we assume that this system will not work well with a textured ceiling or has Sony overcome that?
My ceiling isn’t like a popcorn ceiling, but it does have SOME texture to it, and it performed well! I don’t think it would cause much of a problem.
1) So the Quad does not have couch to rear surround adjustment found on HT-A9 because its replaced by the Phone's mic. 2) The rear surrounds will always be subdued even at max levels hence the 3 to 6-foot rear placement recommendation? Are you also saying that the atmos speakers are at different angles between the front and rears? 3) I thought receivers have a setting for true surround with equal volume speaker outputs when it comes to music? That is the problem that I have with HT-A9. 4) I'm surprised by your comment on height adjustment is only related to higher phantom center. I thought it is to boost the Atmos effects. Did you confirm this with Sony? I think this will change with Bravia 7 or 8. I would like to know if theres a huge difference between Acoustic Multi Audio and Acoustic Surface Audio+.
It's always been that way even on the original. The height just effects the center. It's designed if your TV is like on a lower stand or up high so that you can still keep the sound like it's coming from the center of the TV.
Hey, you recommended keeping the sub level between -3 & -5. Andrew Robinson also recommended this with the SW3. At that sub level what would be the difference between the SA-SW3 & the SA-SW5 & would you recommend one over the other as this will be my first home theater set up with the Quad? Cheers and awesome review.
It depends on your personal preference of bass response. Obviously the SW5 will give you more bass/higher output power if you tend to lean into more bass, or if you have a fairly large living room. I felt the SW5 gave me a more cinematic vibe than the SW3, being larger and more powerful. But if you just want some added bass that fills in the low frequencies well, the SW3 is probably good for you.
When will you be reviewing the Sony Bar 9? Cant wait for it!
Not sure! 🤔 Sony has yet to send it to me. 🤞🤞
Thanks for talking about the audio drop outs. That's one of those things where if it happens even once, i'm ripping out the system and selling everything. Going wireless would be a dream, but i've had experiences of a back right speaker that stops working haflway through a movie, and will only work after a power reset, and I refuse to do that again.
Yep! Never dropped out in the middle of a movie or TV show. That would be a deal breaker for me too.
Thanks Ealan, loved the review!! Quick thought if you still have the Quad, do you think it would perform even better in your dedicated listening space as compared to your living room, and if so, how much further does that bridge the gap between a traditional home theater and the Bravia quad? Thanks!!
That’s what I want to do in my supplemental review once I get a Sony TV in there. Stay tuned! 🎉
@@ealanosborne awesome, can’t wait!!
@@ealanosborneif you do experiment with it a bit, please make sure you try the soundtrack of the movie Dune part 1. I get a feeling for specific audio tracks, these systems are tuned well but doesn't quite so work well with just any 10 years older movie soundtracks.
My question is why the system has to be tied to hardware in the first place. The speakers are good, but not amazing. Its the software doing all the work. Im real curious if rear speakers are required at all. Just use a pair of big towers up front that are,atmos configured.
Convenience, really, for those who don’t already have speakers and just need a “home theater in a box” solution. What you’re referring to is any of the newer Sony ES series receivers with 360 Spatial Audio built in. Connect any speakers you want. Boom. Golden. 🤘
What would you suggest between sony theatre quads or a proper 5.1 ch bookshelf home theatre system (same price of quads )for a bedroom of 15x17
I personally think it comes down to your future plans for your home theater. Traditional setups are much easier to upgrade piece by piece over time, and I think will sound better in the end, once properly dialed in and calibrated, with its larger woofers and speaker cabinets.
But I totally understand the appeal of the easy setup of a system like the Quad. It really does sound good for what it’s worth, but can’t be upgraded.
So it comes down to this: Would you rather be able to upgrade piece by piece? Or have a one-and-done system that you would have to replace the entire thing when you wanted something better down the road? 🤔
Thank you sir 😇🙏🏻
Love the depth of this review. What are the chances of you doing a review like is on the Sony bar 9?
My Sony rep said they’d send me out a Bar 9 as well, but haven’t received it yet. 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne that’s great! My wife hates the look of the quad. We are leaving the amp style surround system. So bar 9 is our first choice because I have Sony oled plus ps5! My wife and I are over 50 any game together!
@@user-kn5gp3mt2k That’s awesome! Yeah, the Bar 9 seems legit. Andrew Robinson has reviewed that system, if you want to check out his take on it. 👍
@@ealanosborne yes I already watched it. But super enjoyed your review! Love the whole setup and such
Hmm light stands for sound / height speaker could look OK.
Just got a sr7015 set up in a 3 x 3 metre room .
7.1.4 might be pushing it 😆
I had the Dragon for a few weeks but ended up returning it. The sound was loud, but I felt it was brittle and shrill no matter what I did with the settings. This was particularly true on non-Atmos content, like classic movies that only have mono or stereo tracks (I don’t do upmixing, I like to hear the sound as it was originally intended). With that in mind, since the Quad is neck and neck with the Dragon as depicted here (more “accurate”), would that maybe be the superior pick for someone like myself? And what about the Bravia Theater Bar 9?
Can’t say for the Bravia 9 Bar, but I believe I’m having one sent to me eventually for review. But yes, I believe the Bravia Qaud would be more up your alley with the preferences you’ve mentioned. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thanks!
Quad sounds interesting. Dragon sounds fun.
If both systems were the same price, would you recommend "The Quad" or "The Dragon"?
QUAD
I think your TV is in the perfect spot!
I find it easier to watch TV like that. 👍
Haha! You’re one of the few on my side! Thanks! 😄🎉
I think I’ll stick with the Q990 series
We know (because you told us) that the Dragon uses the receiver level Dolby Atomos, and I assume that the Quad does not. So wouldn’t that cause a MAJOR DIFFERENCE in how they compare in sound quality?
Apparently not as much as I had hoped (for the Dragon’s sake) since Sony’s 360 Spatial Audio is one fantastic bit of virtual surround sound technology. 🤷♂️
I wonder if a.i can make atmos sound better from fewer smaller speakers? I hope they are working on that rather than the other destructive crap you read about.
Expanse mention makes me happy
Remember the Cant! 🤘😊
Oh another question. If i put rear speakers at ear level then the distance from the upfiring speakers to the ceiling is 5.5 feet. Do you think thats a deal breaker?
No drop outs for this guy when starting movies or shows. Like you said, it could be your tv.
FYI: Sony had the SW-5 on sale from $699, down to $599. If you bundle it with the quads you'll save $100 exta so $200 in savings.
I hope I'm never in a position where I have to mount my TV above a fire place.
Had the system for 2 weeks - did you notice that the higher sound field produces more bass? I'm certain of this - played with this a lot
Huh...I'll test that out when I get the Sony TV in my dedicated theater. 👍
Great review!!! Can you please provide links to the speaker and light stands for the quad. Thanks!!!
Thank you! Here are the links:
Sanus SF34 Speaker Stands - howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
NEEWER Photography Light Stands - amzn.to/3Vl6jRA
2 questions:
Great video!
Do you know if the base station be placed in the rear of the room, instead of the front? (my AV sources are in the rear of the room)
Also, do the speakers need line-of-sight to the base station?
Thanks for the kind words!
1) Sure! It’s all wireless anyway, so in back of the room would still work.
2) No. I had mine in the cabinet at the front of my room behind a door at times, so it doesn’t need line of sight. 👍
@@ealanosborne many thanks for the info. I think I’m going to purchase. I’ve watched many of your videos. Very helpful channel.
@@ealanosborne also, I see you have a Crutchfield affiliate link. I’m going to use that to purchase… you basically made the sale for them. 😊 Thanks again.
@@hapcampbell Wow! Thanks so much! 🎉♥️
Perfect!
Thanks, man! That means a lot coming from you! 😎🎉
Could you compare two soundbars : JBL Bar 1300 and SONY Bravia Theatre Quad, and which one is better?
My best guess is the Theater Quad is better. But I don’t currently have any contacts at JBL, so it’s difficult to obtain any of their products…yet. 🤞
I have 8 foot ceilings and have outlets placed about a foot from the ceiling. Would having these setup at that height work or would you suggest having the light stands and placing at near ear level?
At ear level is best, since that’s what they’re made for. And with 8 foot ceilings, you should be golden! 🎉
the speakers should be closer together.
It would be nice if Chromecast was supported and not just Airplay, Spotify connect and BT.
Having the TV on, when you just wanna play music is pretty dumb.
Fireplace...WHY??
Have you tried playing 360 reality music on your sound test
Nope! But I plan on doing a follow-up on this system connected to the BRAVIA 8 OLED TV soon. 👍 Maybe I’ll squeeze in 360 Reality Music in there. 😁
Hi Ealon, Hey, I have an interesting question. So, my current theater setup involves:
TV: LG G1 (Doesn't Support DTS-X)
Streamer: Apple 4k TV (Doesn't support DTS-X)
AV: Just updated to the new Sony Quad from the HT-A9s. (Which has DTS-X support & IMAX Enhanced )
How can I enjoy the Imax Enhanced DTS-X audio that Disney has added since May 15th? Is there a special way of connecting or bypassing to get DTS-X? I also have an Oppo 203 player, which has everything DTS-X.. Can I connect the player in any special way to allow DTS-X from my Apple 4k TV to play?
I think I may need to update my LG G1 TV to an LG G4, which now supports DTS-X. However, will I even get DTS-X if my Apple 4k TV doesn't support this feature?
One of the main reasons for my audio upgrade, besides dropsouts on HT-A9 to the Sony Quad, is that it's an IMAX Enhanced feature. However, after connecting all the devices above, I still do not see the option to enjoy DTS-X on the selected movies on Disney+.
I have my Apple 4k TV HDMI connected directly to the Sony Quad theater yet, not seeing the DTS-X option on the Disney + movies (Marvel Movies)
Appreciate any feedback. Thank you!
Yeeeaaahhh, unfortunately with this initial rollout, it is EXCLUSIVELY only possible on select Sony, Hisense or TCL TVs that support DTS:X output. 😩
That being said, newer LG TVs (like the G4 you mentioned) will support DTS:X later this year (at least it’s rumored to be that soon). And streamers (like AppleTV 4K) won’t get support until 2025.
So - for now - only using the built in streaming apps on Sony, Hisense and TCL TVs can get you IMAX Enhanced support on Disney+. 😭
😢Thank you for your feedback, Ealon! That's what I thought. I will wait until Black Friday to get the LG G4, hoping that prices drops to $2,499.
@@ealanosborneUPDATE: I returned the Sony Quads to the Best Buy store and picked up the Nagamichi Dragon 11.4.6 system. Although the Sony Quads are an upgrade from the HT-A9s, I'm so pleased I switched to the Dragon. It honestly sounds like a theater with true power!
One question that I'm having difficulty finding online. I have an oppo 4k player, and when playing the 40th anniversary ET disk, my Dragon AV displays DTS-X MA but doesn't display DTS-X Pro. Is the movie playing on DTS-X Pro even though it's displaying DTS-X MA?
Most of the reviews I’ve seen said a sub is necessary to truly optimize what the system can do
Yes get the SW5 subwoofer. Will it sound better than your tv without the subwoofer, Yes. But you need the subwoofer to get the lower end frequencies. So the system with the subwoofer cost more like $3200, and that’s a lot of cash for a home theater in a box. The system should really come with the subwoofer for $2500.
hey, you should definitely get your hands on the ht-a9 and then compare the theatre quad to that.
The quads are a lot better. I had the original but it went back after a few weeks. Sound was just too tinny and the center wasn't that great alongside voices. The introduction of the midrange driver has made a big difference. Sound quality is much more refined and powerful, voices are absolutely incredible and the center more pronounced, alongside all the drop out issues being fixed, although I never had that issue.
Now that the Dragon is on sale and so happens to match the price of the Quad w/sub.
What’s best for movie tv entertainment with focus on dialogue and height effects?
Quad 👍
@@ealanosborne thanks Ealan! Not sure why this is such a difficult decision to make on my side lol.
if you could add your own subwoofer to either of these systems (dragon or sony) - would you replace your dedicated atmos setup?
Nope. I still prefer discrete height speakers mounted up high over bouncing audio off the ceiling any day. And being able to dial in distance, timing, EQ, etc. I like ultimate control, rather than trusting an algorithm to do it for me.
@@ealanosborne got it thanks. Also for the dragon - how was the updating the firmware via USB (if you did that). Was it fine or difficult?
@@garretts431 The firmware had already been updated to its latest version (at the time of recording) so I didn’t need to perform an update on my own. But yes, it can be a little tricky if you’re not used to reformatting a USB thumb drive, etc.
Did you find if you didn't sit centre to the 2 front speaker's the phantom centre wouldn't perform and you would hear the speaker you were closer to more for vocals
?
It actually performed better than I thought it would. Sure, the closer I got to one speaker, the more it sounded like dialog was coming from one speaker, but slightly off center wasn’t bad. 👍
@@ealanosborne Having the ht A9 I'm lucky I have a Sony OLED to make the Centre channel more Centre as when I used it without I found it annoying sitting on the couch closest to one speaker , the Phantom Centre was lost .
Totally agree with the fact the speaker drivers and sub should be bigger, the 360 performance is there but not the shears Power and grunt .
Im still a little torn. Theatre quad with sub or sony avr taan1000 5.1.2 with 2 ceiling speakers. Is there much difference compared to easy setup. Great review
It's honestly 2 schools of thought, really. Have a more difficult setup process, but more control over fine tuning and more easily upgrade pieces over time? Or go with a one-and-done system that performs well for what it's worth, super easy setup process, but can't be upgraded? The choice...is yours. :)
I may have replied to your same question on Andrew Robinson's video. You have the Monitor Audio speakers, is that right? Anyways, Ealan's response sums it up well. I'll add (if you do have the monitor audio speakers): it also depends what you want to get out of the system visually. The Quads look like they will blend in to the room better. The Monitor Audio is going to be more of a visual statement. Neither option is right or wrong.
And in case there is any hesitation about tech-know-how regarding the setup, I'd just call Crutchfield customer support. They are super nice people in my experience.
Thank-you so much for the reply. Great to hear
Your wishes may come true as sony hasn't updated there home theatre speakers in a while they might replace those with wireless speakers soon
I hope so!! 🤞🤞
I pickedup this system today watching Jurassic Park now replacing Klipsch RP 8000F's, their newer 1200 sub, PD240 slims for rears and a Denon AVRX-4300H. I cannot believe this system is real. It's at least as good, maybe better in some ways at actually giving a great movie experience. I was afraid that it wasn't going to be 'loud' or fill the room enough based on past 'soundbar' experiences. Completely wrong. I don't think for one minute you're wrong that these kinds of systems with great positional software are the future for most home Theater setups . It even used my cellphone microphone instead of a stand-alone which was super fun .It's definitely replacing my Klipsch reference system without question. My only gripe is the last of HDMI ports but I can sort of see Sony's position on this that their A/V receivers fill that need and, if pairing with a TV, the idea should be to use the TV as the 'receiver' . For me, I just use 1 Apple TV and a Blu-ray player so it wasn't a big deal.
Hell yeah! Congrats on the upgrade! 😎🎉
If you have a calibrated mic, plug that into your phone and try the calibration again.
Using the Sony center only sounds good with the sony acoustic surface as center speaker. Which was only available on the OLED models. I haven’t checked this years TVs to see which use it.
Yeah, exactly. I believe that same tech is built into the new 2024 TVs, and even more speakers in the Bravia 9 TVs. That’s why I want to still test it out once that Sony TV arrives. 🤘🎉
@@ealanosborneThe Bravia 9 uses side and top beam tweeters, however, the OLED acoustic surface audio is still much better. The mini led can't use this technology unfortunately. So if want the best center TV experience you will need to test with either the A95L or the Bravia 8.
In the older hta7000 bars at the back there is a panel if you remove you can hard wire rear speakers and subwoofer though i don't know if it works
Whoa! Interesting! 🤔
For giggles , could you hook both up together to make one ultimate system
Ha! No, sorry. 😊
Very detailed review. I really appreciate the amount of work and thought that went into it. Minor quibble: Too bad you didn’t audition the system in a room with an average ceiling height. I feel like maybe you could have gotten a truer sense of the system’s capabilities wrt to height effects.
That’s what I’ll be doing with the supplemental review when I get a Sony TV in my theater room. 👍
@@ealanosborne All right! You rock Ealan!
Wish Sonos would make a system of 5 Era300 speakers and call it a day.
I have a question I have a 5.1 system that was working fine at my previous house I set it up in the new house and my rear satellite speaks crackle a little when I first start a show or movie but it cleans up after 1 minutes or 2 it all so does it if a pause or extended time the only thing I've change in the system is the two rear speaker wires are from a new wire roll that a thicker gauge wire.
The first thing I would try is to disconnect the speaker cables and reconnect them.
Can I place the bravia quad rear speakers on the wall above my couch or should i place them on a stand to the side of my couch. Lastly since im implying that my couch is against the wall which it indeed is, would that make this system obscelete for me? My room is tiny btw so also very close to the TV.
If your room is as tiny as you say it is, the Quad may even be a little overkill, TBH. But you could get by with the surrounds being on either side of your couch, regarding the layout.
@@ealanosborne I currently have the samsung Q990C. Just been trying to figure out if the samsung is technically more overkill than the Sony quad system or not.
What speaker stands did you use? They look similar to the ones Andrew used in his review.
Sanus SF34 stands
howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
@@ealanosborne thank you
How does it compare with a Sonos Arc + 2 Era 300 + dual Sub system?
🤷♂️ Although Andrew Robinson commented that the Quad bested an Arc + Era 300’s + Sub system. Although 2 Sonos subs I imagine would win in the LFE department…
Great review. Any chance of doing a roku streambar pro 5.1 review? Its a true 5.1 (front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right, and sub) wireless system with a sealed 10 inch sub. It doesn't have atmos, but its only $700 for the whole system. I'm really interested in your opinion of how a true 5.1 compares to a faux atmos system (upfiring speakers instead of ceiling mounted) Thanks.
I’m not sure if I’ll get that one in since I don’t have any connections with Roku (yet), but that does sound like a solid system!
@@ealanosborne Thanks for the reply. Few youtubers take the time to reply. Im looking forward to the review of the Quad with a Bravia 7/9 as a center channel.
Can you tell me where you got the "light" stands from? I didn't know you can mount speakers with these! I like the fact that they are height and angle adjustable.
Honestly, I did have to get creative to rig the speakers to the light stands, needing to use adapters, washers and nuts that fit around the bolts that come with the Quad. But it worked! And I just used light stands that came with a lighting kit that I use for a lot of my videos.
Since you sit about 13 feet away from the system. What is the volume setting at this distance? I have my HT-A9 at 58-60 range about 9 feet away. I wonder how far it will push before the limiter kicks in. Also the QUAD has a larger LCD display on the main receiver unit so maybe you can still make out the text.
@@richlandzee8686 I find I have the volume typically somewhere around 30-35.
@ealanosborne - Wow that is very low. I wonder if its because of the larger 3 way speakers. Could be the built-in woofer.
@@richlandzee8686 Quite possibly!
Hi there! A general question, please. I have a 2020 TV with ARC (not eARC). I use Xbox Series X as the source for everything I watch on the TV. If I were to plug the console in a pass through Atmos capable soundbar, will I receive Dolby Atmos signal?
That’s correct. That’s why the Theatre Quad in particular has that one HDMI input for situations like yours. 👍
@@ealanosborne thank you very much!
So would you recommend this Sony setup or the Sonos Arc with the Era 300’s for surrounds for height effects?
I haven’t been fortunate to review a flagship Sonos system like that, but Andrew Robinson said this system bested even the Arc + Era 300’s. 🤷♂️
If Sonos releases a new soundbar this year (according to the rumors) it will be an interesting challenge 😊. Personally i don't like the look of this system and Sony has terrible aftersales. Plus the price is way too high.
@@remco3819 I think the theater quad will always have an advantage at least in soundstage and imaging since you can place the left and right as wide as you want. They'd have ot make a ridiculously loooong soundbar to match that
@@chibbyylol i agree , you can have some atmos effects in the back but not as effective in the front. Unless Sonos makes it possible to use two era's in the front but i don't think that is going to happen.
(( important ))
Hello
congrats on your channel,
I have a problem I have the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar together with SA-SW5 subwoofer, and SA-RS5 surround speakers,
The problem is when I select 360 Spatial Sound Mapping the front speakers of the sound bar play monophonically, it does not switch the sound left to right,
Why is this happening???
I have no idea, sorry. I would try and perform a factory reset to start off troubleshooting, or perhaps double check that you have the latest firmware.
Bonjour j’aime beaucoup vos test détaillé malgré que j’ai regardé la revue complète sa ne me répond pas a ma question je compte acheter dans quelques jours un home cinéma j’hésite entre un sonos arc era 300 et sub ou le théâtre quad et sub lequel me conseillez vous et pourquoi ?
I haven’t personally reviewed the Sonos system, but Andrew Robinson has, and he compared it to the Theatre Quad 👇
th-cam.com/video/vTh2ayFeGlg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pc9u6y67W0IqjDMb
Why the hell is your TV so high and above a fireplace? No one who actually knows about the proper way to view a TV would ever do that.
what speaker stands are you using?
Sanus SF34! Link is in the video’s description! 😊
Man your TV looks like above the eye level and on the ceiling. Just place your TV at some more comfortable position.
I have never seen a TV hung so badly.
Thanks! I appreciate it! 🎉😍
I was wondering if the app will work with HT A9?
I don't think so, but I'm not 100% sure. I believe it only works with the products that have come out within the last couple of years
Thanks
2024 products and the A95L as an exception.
There's a cute intruder at 16:48 😄
I know, right? 😆
Horrible sound quality and very difficult to manage speakers unless you wall mount or use floor stand. The 360 sound envelope feels artificial and incapable. I still feel my Bose lifestyle 650 is the best speaker to date. I am stuck with this sony quad system feels like I wasted my money.