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Wow. This Sony gets the faintest of praise. It’s a competitive market and, Andrew, you have done a fantastic job laying out the options for those looking to get an excellent product.
Your comment on gaming made me curious as it’s one area I have yet to use my Bar 9, RS5 and SW3 on. I just tried TLOU2 set to Dolby Atmos and Home Theatre in the options, with 3D channels and Max dynamic range. Sound field on the Bar 9 set to on and 360 Spatial Mapping selected. I have absolutely no issues locating where enemies are or objects are placed in the room. The sound is quite clearly coming from the Bar 9 and isn’t focused on the RS5s; they are present but certainly aren’t overwhelming the front of the room. A good scene to play is ‘Jackson - Waking Up’ as there’s plenty of dialogue around Ellie from villagers and also the snowball fight is good for object and people placement. Really not sure why you’ve had such a negative experience, I wonder if the calibration needs redoing. It’s quite strange how different it can sound depending on where the calibration takes place. I have the PS5 going through an LG G2 with eARC set to Auto (there appears to be an issue decoding Atmos when set to pass through on some TVs, as reported on AV Forums and AVS Forum) 12:24
Hi, Great review. Actually enjoying my experience with the Bar 9. From a previous owner of the HTA7000, I recently got the Theater bar 9 . I have to say this is a big improvement from the 7000. I noticed that the Earc handshake issues with my Lg G3 are totally gone now, no more randomly turning off, skipping or switching inputs. Wifi connection has also improved, i haven't experienced a single drop out which was regular on the hta 7000. I am not a fan of the new remote control which u didn't mention, no surround level control and they took away the extra HDMI input leaving just 1 compared to 2 from the 7000.Also, no display on the bar 9 so u can't see volume level except through the app. For sound quality, I have the SW5 sub and SAR5 surrounds all connected together because I just believe no sound bar can truly replicate physical speakers. I think its a big improvement from the 7000, like u said the dolby and dts virtualization are all trash, only the 360 spatial sounds good. I am happy u also pointed out that not all sound mixes are created equal and the actual way to get a true feel for the sound is through a physical disc not streaming compressed sound. Ironically, Sony did not include the vertical surround engine in the Bar 9 which i used in the Hta 7000 instead of the 360 spatial. I have to turn on auto adjust volume to juice up the sound quality and DRC to off to get the best out of this bar. I believe this will be the sweet spot for most listeners. Like u said, Also the SAR5 rear speakers are better integrated into the sound field and seem to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting, sometimes a little too much compared to the a7000 which i used to wonder if they were even on during movies. I have to say that I actually love this sound bar with the add-ons, the sound has weight. Sony should put in an actual equalizer and center speaker control which will solve a lot of the problems people will have but i am sure they wont. Edit: Quick demo: If u have the transformers 4 :Age of extinction physical disc. skip to chapter 11. there is a voice that says galvatron and stinger coming online overhead, simply amazing. The whole action scene has weight like i have never felt before. Also dont skip the 2 level sound optimization especially the one u have to use ur phone microphone to locate ur sitting position, very important.
@@olugbengadavidakinmosin3717AAV messed with the sound quite dramatically, it lowers the dynamic range significantly I’d recommend turning it off. I understand the urge to have it on but it’s altering the sound too much. It’s designed to balance sound between commercials and tv shows.
@@wellyboot Honestly , I can live with it being on but I turn it off if I am watching other content. i just feel the sound has more punch with it activated during movies and also helps the voice sound. i don't even turn on voice mode which i had to do on the 7000
I just bought the A7000 and SW5 sub on clearance to go with my 85in X90L and most of my decision was based on looks lol, sorry to say but the bar 9 looks cheap, doesn’t look like a premium product, the A7000 looks so much better and premium, I’m extremely happy with my A7000, I’m not an audiophile but it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard from a soundbar and combined with the sub it’s incredible
Both the A5000 and the A7000 are incredible bars, for sure. I own both of them myself and I'm just absolutley blown away by them every single time I turn them on, no matter what I'm listening to. The A5000 and A7000 soundbar products from Sony were just complete home run products for Sony - at every imaginable level.
Hello Andrew I am using now since 1 month the bar9 with rs5 rear speakers and sub sw5 . I have no doubt your test was done seriously but I don’t experience the same results as you. I listened severals movies in Dolby atmos with 4k Dolby atmos true hd blu-ray or streaming services and also Dolby atmos music using Apple TV . I felt good sound quality and immersivity with good presence of the rear speakers. I also tested the system with a Dolby atmos demo disc and the result is also convincing. Maybe you didn’t have the latest firmware. ( when I plugged the rs5 I have been asked to update the firmware and redo the calibration). I have no doubt the experience is different than Sony quad but they are 2 differents products . I didn’t feel a lot of vertical effects but i still need to test that part .
Thank you Andrew, for your review of the Sony Bravia Bar 9 and Prior to this the Quad. I am in / on the market to upgrade my TV (ZD9 75 ") Broken to The Bravia 9 85" and Quad, although this will not happen until around December as money is tight. It's been very hard being without a TV since February 2024 however, like all things in life, good things come to those who wait. Thank you again From Mark UK
I have the hta7000, I really wanted Bose for their signature sound and to compliment all the rest of the Bose speakers we have in each room of the house, but we went for the ht because of our Sony A90j. 2 years later found the setting on how to adjust literally every single speaker on the soundbar, rears and even make the sub louder beyond the generic heights of sound field. Ht7000 is way more adjustable and customizable then any TH-cam review has shown me, which honestly feels like no one gave the ht7000 a full shot. I’m sure the bar 9 has similar settings for all 10+ speaker levels for high volume levels. I fine tuned it probably 10 times to my own listing preference, which is loud rich powerful clear warm for all tones vocal, instruments and from base to treble, and powerful when experience film sounds. Ht7000 is even better than the Bose or Sonos(I’ve tinker with my friends Sonos and Bose) and I found I got better. ht7000 is way better for allowing literal deep customization to the bar, rears and sub. I definitely advise discovering the adjustments for all speaker levels and adjust them all manually for best sounds for maximum and personal audiological preferences you’ll be blown away by this surround ability. Once you do the auto set up/mappping. Audio settings 360 mapping off
I have the Bose 900 with sub and rears I am looking at getting rid of it and going to the Sony. My problem with Bose is not the sound quality it’s impeccable but the rear speakers are basically obsolete, I have tweaked everything I can find even rest and started over with the goofy headset. Looking at reviews about the Bose rear speakers it seems to be a common problem with them.
@@BaezLife Sony’s top tier sound bars are incredible, and the design is exceptional too. I actually originally wanted the Bose, but my husband got us a Sony Oled Tv, he left the sound system to me since he knows im a mild audiophile. I did a big search and out of all, Sony felt right. I had negative zero interest in Sonos, and peek interest in Bose, specially for that Bose subwoofer design with glass. I wish our sub had 500 total wats just because I like sound power at my finger tips, but we live in apartments anyway so the Sony 300w sub is plenty powerful. And I can’t really dial up its power on sub to much because our walls shake, which I love but my neighbors don’t. lol And if I could afford any tv surround sound system, I would definitely splurge on Bang & Olufsen. But the Sony was our top “affordable” surround set up and synced so well with our Sony tv. The tv panel is speaker and plays so amazing with the sound bar. Have fun with the Hta7000 customizing almost each and every single built in speaker in the set up! It will take lots of dialing the scales up to get a better all around amped sound bubble that suits your preference, I went back and forth because sometimes some speakers wether side, up, front sound to loud or to quiet, but I finally got a soind “recipe” for all speaker level-output. And yes, I really just said recipe! Not only does that apply to cooking and photography, to sound customization too. LOL 😇
@@mlevass1 bummer, bose should release new rears then! Or you could swap out for something better with rear speakers. I read that bout Bose rears when I was on the hunt for a set up. I also didn’t like the look of them. Sonys sound better, they also have more watt, drivers and speakers built in. Hoping Sony creates new update to make them a little lounger then they can get with customization. I knew right off the box our bar would have different sound stage then the Bose but thought it just as good and better the Sonos arc in the show rooms. Lucky 🍀 Sony designed the speakers to be super customizable in sound profile, and bigger sound stage is super achievable. Sound sounds great from back sides of bubble, away or in it. Sound in the kitchen and listing is impressive tho our living room has horrible acoustics, our living room spread to a bay window one way and a kitchen the other, do wish we get a more squared boxed living room next move if we buy a home. Watching game thrones, house of the dragon, Superman, top gun etc on this thing is insane, the jet sound effects are so real. It’s as amazing as watching something in imax at the theater, I’m always waiting for premiere films become available for rent streaming at home with popcorn. Not telling you to ditch Bose but… you could... not a fan of Sonos but I do believe they probably have louder rear speakers, not sure on that but… lol
@@Alexkiaro I might need some of your expertise on finding the right recipe for each and every speaker. I know you listed the steps on how to get to those settings so I'll start there and then move the sound up on each one. I was considering getting the bar 9 but it seems the 7k is still holding strong
True immersive surround experience while gaming seems like a hard task for most soundbars. I'm so used to pinpoint different type of tiny sounds in the environment on my main HT setup, and I just realized that this isn't probably the average user experience. It's just so nice to instantly locate subtle hints while gaming. I wish soundbar manufacturers would spend more time designing their products for gaming + offer proper calibration tools to set up the surround sound.
18:00 okay in cases like this with sound bars. Anybody even in smaller places would be better off with a full setup with av receiver's And slowly build up to something that not only you could live with. But when you do move to a bigger space or purchase your own house, you now have a full system. Instead of a soundbar that won't fill the space. In my opinion it's better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it! Just my opinion!
@jamesmichael900 It makes perfect sense You're not always going to have a smaller living space, which is why I said that towards the end when you move you will still have something better with an AV receiver and budget speakers than you would with a soundbar.
@@Scottishbear582 pour vous la Samsung est bien la meilleur barre de son dans un budget de 1000-1500 euros ? J hésite entre hta9, Samsung 995, sonos arc, Dione, ambeo etc
If your buying this soundbar make sure that your Sony TV does not make a hissing sound from the tweeters, when using the TV as a center speaker. It is still is a common issue across the world with the J, K and L series. I bought an X90L TV from a company that had good customer service and returned both the TV and Soundbar. Some people unfairly notice after its too late to get a refund. Appareently many have had the motherboard changed but sometimes it doesnt work. Sony are terribl for sending out so many faulty unit and not being honest and recalling them because there are so many TVs out there with this fault.
I have a Bar 8 and a Bar 9 with their sub. I had issues with their driver setup given I got it the same week it was released. They had known issues with the Apple TV and I had to plug the Apple TV into the 2nd HDMI to get it to work and this was a suggestion from Sony. Over all I liked the sound of movies better than the Arc we replaced but not with music. I wish I would have got the quad but it’s done now.
@@geagieit’s funny how Andrew said Sonos was still better yet you’re asking if bar 9 is better. If you want to spend loads then get the quads not bar 9 it’s just another a9000
I believe the bar 9 and 8 we’re meant to be only used with the new sony bravia tv lineup. They sound much better when paired up with zoom 3. Skip and go with the Samsung if you don’t have a 2024 sony bravia tv
I've really enjoyed these soundbar videos, there will come a time when my living room no longer has a full hifi setup and a bar is enough for me, something like the ambeo may already be there.. I would personally enjoy more options around subwoofers for soundbars as thats where i find them the most lacking.. In every system ive built ive ended up always needing more subwoofer than I originally thought I did, and the ability to swap it out made that an easy move. What would you like to see in a sound bar in the future?
I have a 65” A80j, which has a good sound for a TV. I am looking to build on it by adding A5000/ 7000 or Bar 8/ 9 with three TV as the center channel. I am not interested in the sub or the rear speakers. To keep one of these Sony bar, my key requirements must be met: 1. Great center sync performance, no hiss issues 2. Seamless integration with the TV 3. Significantly fuller sound than TV only I’d be great to grab all 4 bars and do a shootout but that’s too much hassle.
Hi Andrew and Kristi. Late entry comment from me, but my hands were full when I watched this video...I was setting up my new Bravia 9 TV! The quality of the "surround sound" coming from only the Bravia 9 television's built-in speakers is one of the best I've heard in a a flat panel TV. Given your review of the Bravia Bar 9, if you end up reviewing the Bravia 9 TV I'll be curious if you think the TV's built-in speakers ONLY is or isn't even better than the Bravia 9 Soundbar.
Remember, Previous SONY 7000 is still better. It designed for the sound and video, not just a video. There is no comparison in a sound quality in general, Sony 7000 blows this new Bravia 9 out of the water! Don't even think replacing your Sony 7000 system...
Yeah the A7000 after all the updates it has gotten over the years has made it an amazing soundbar! Just the fact that it is much larger should tell people something, larger in the audio world usually means bigger sound! I have the A7000 paired with the SW3 and i absolutely love it
I own the HT-A7000, the previous version of the Theater Bar 9, and I recently bought the new one to compare. The HT-A7000 is better all around and matches the surround speaker quality.
It figures that Sony can get video right but screw-up Surround Sound from a soundbar. I might have to listen to one of the new Sony AVRs with the 360Sound for my listening room to achieve a better sonic immersion using my current speakers. Thank you for another fantastic review, Kristi and Andrew
I appreciate this video. I'm not sure the Sony quad would work for my space, so I had been thinking about getting the bar 9, but hearing there are better options, perhaps I need to look at the Sonos or the Samsung.
Would be interested in your thoughts on the new LG S95TR as it would make the most sense to go with an LG OLED for wow orchestra. Other options are the sony quad after your last review or the q990d.
It’s awesome that high-end brands are getting better and better. I would love for you to review the new Klipsch Flexus Core 200 system and hear your thoughts about it, I’d really do trust your opinion.
We had the Flexus. It was not a good system and had similar issues to the Cinema 1200 bar we reviewed a year or so ago. Since Klipsch could not give us a timetable of when those problems would be addressed, we returned it. Verdict: skip it
Andrew can you explain the difference between this soundbar being compatible with Google assistant and not having Chromecast built in? Will I be able to cast TH-cam Music to the Bravia 9 sound bar?
@@shaq6772My parents have the B&O Theatre. I have the Stage. In comparison…I don’t have FOMO, despite a $10,000 price difference. My point? The Stage is awesome.
You guys need to get your hands on a pair of Starke Sound Beta 7s. At $750 you get really great bass, clean mids, and articulate highs; for cheaper than anything comparable.
For £1399 i expect a sub and surrounds to be included. But Sony is to greedy to do that, ok it's lets you mix and match but at a price! For this amount of money i prefer seperates, buy the best receiver your budget allows then upgrade the rest when funds allow, it takes a while but for true Dolby Atmos this will outperform any soundbar that relies on bouncing the heights off your ceiling. I have tried the higher end soundbars, they are good enough for bedroom or second system use but a full seperates system will outperform them.
Thank you for the forthright review. You gotta wonder how Sony let's a product like this out. Perhaps they are just assuming their television customers will purchase this simply to match brands and that they won't be that critical of sound quality.
Thank you for listing the movies you show. Sometimes the movie clips look great and I want to see the movie but have no idea what it is. After seeing a great scene from Baby Driver, I really wanted to watch the moviebut It took me ages to find out what it was.
Wish you guys woudl also review the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 . Not everyone can always afford the top end products. But I get how they get the most clicks I guess.
The Theater Quad is literally in a class by itself. At around $2,500 for a setup with wireless sub, you would have to spend upwards of $25,000 on other equipment to match its same level of surround sound performance. It absolutely takes the cake!
Hi, I will be interested in knowing the performance of bar 8. My space is smaller so I can’t use any system with surrounding speakers, and even bar 9 may be overkill. Will you review the bar 8 by any chance, or recommend a solution at its price range?
Great evaluation, thanks, sounbars for me, are just not good enough in general. I dont like subwoofers either. I prefer big speakers with 8 inches woofers with a central and 2 higher satellites. But hey...i am 62...😂
And what I really want to know is how this compares to the HT-A7000. I have the SR5 surrounds and SW5 sub already, although, I rarely have the sub even on, as I feel the bass from the A7000 is plenty enough for my needs. The rears are just overpriced and add little to nothing for me, but they are there and they dont detract from the experience. The sub is sometimes, just too much, especially for late night watching. My reasoning for the A7000 was to get a soundbar that produced a full, rich sound without the complexity of a receiver and it does that, with the added bonus of extremely clear and audible dialog, something I appreciate very much. I have never had difficulty understanding dialog on the A7000 and it produces enough low end to hear low brass and deep rumbling without shaking the pictures off my wall. What I cant seem to find is any information on how this bar performs compared to the A7000.
I have the same setup as you, on my PlayStation 5. This new bar will not work as well for the PlayStation 5 as it only has one input and one output. Remote is smaller and no led screen. I want to upgrade but I'm afraid lol. I have my ps5 into my bar and my bar into the LG c3
This is the first in depth review of the Bar 9 so far and it was excellent. I was contemplating purchasing it seeing as how Sony has heavily touted its improvements over the A7000 in its advertising. Thanks to your review the shortcomings of the Bar 9 have competently been revealed. There has been only one other review of the Bar 9 and that reviewer was also left unimpressed with its performance. I don't need to purchase a new soundbar system but it is nice to be aware of whats out there for the offering. As always, an excellent review.
Andrew, you say the adding the surrounds changed the sound of the bar...but you had the surrounds and sub connected at the same time, right? Is it possible that there is a crossover issue once the sub is hooked up causing the change in sound from the bar?
I'll add that I have A7000 and I hate its distorted, low quality mono mp3 compressed-like sound when Sound Field is applied. Without Sound Field it sounds somewhat precise, but soooo narrow and way too focused - it doesn't give any room feeling from all sides sound.
Thank you Mr. Robinson. I've been waiting to hear a detailed review of this Bar 9. Especially as it compares to the Theatre Quad. My question of, "Is the Quad worth that much more?", has been answered. Now I will wait for your full review of the Samsung Q990D before I make a purchase. Thanks again
The Quad is literally amazing. Now, it's not cheap at around $2,500 for a full setup with a sub, but it produces an experience that would cost you around $25,000 to replicate the quality of using other equipment. I just got to hear the Theater Quads last week and they are mind-altering when you hear them. You don't feel like you are watching the movie with them, you feel like you are IN the movie with them. Yeah, it's THAT good of an experience. By far the most immersive home theater surround system you can buy for anything less than 10x the price. They absolutely do not disappoint!
I originally had the A7000, RS5S rears and SW5 sub. I was so disappointed and the rears never felt integrated with the bar. They were just too quiet (even on max level) and the system always front heavy. Just swapping A7000 out for the Bar 9 has changed things massively. It now feels more integrated, the rears go so loud now (I have to set to max level 2/3 otherwise my ears start bleeding) and the system is now so more immersive than before. I demo'd the Bar 9 and the Quad same day and I didn't notice any difference that pointed to one over the other. The Quad did not outperform the full Bar 9 system otherwise I would have gone for the Quad. I am very happy with the Bar 9/RS5S/SW5. My rooms is small with 2.4m ceiling, so maybe the bigger room has an impact.
I've also noticed the better integration with the Bar 9 and the Bar 9 produces a wider sound stage than the A7000. Sony's calibration plays a massive part in how this system sounds, I've done it a few times now depending on seating position and the sound changes almost every time.
Cheers from Nobleton-Ontario Andrew! Another legit & honest review. I feel, with Sonos launching a few new items if anything at all, every good “chunk” of years, they really spend the time & money to ensure the next iteration of their soundbars is a good few notches better than the generation before it …the few products they make, they make sure they can make better. Just my thoughts. I think if Sony launches a version 2.0 of this bar in a few years it will be awesome in the same sense.
Always appreciate watching your reviews, but would never consider a sound bar. If I dont have enough room for some small bookshelf speakers and a receiver, that room doesn't get a tv.
Good morning Andrew & Kristi. Good thorough review. Frankly probably the best deal right now is the previous generation Samsung Q990C currently available from Amazon (via Beach Camera) for less than $1,000. From my understanding there's not much difference performance or feature wise between the latest Q990D and the previous Q990C.
I can't say if it's better because, on the one hand, it's been two-plus years since I reviewed the A7000, and on the other, I didn't care for the A7000 bar when I reviewed it.
I’m surprised you had so much issues with the sound placement with the surrounds when gaming. I recently got them myself and over the past few weeks they’ve been pretty accurate for sound placement even if they don’t necessarily match the tone of the bar. It’s also kind of funny that now that I know what the surround sound actually sounds like it actually makes using all in one bars like the theater bar 9 and Sonos arc ultra better for surround effects. I guess my brains able to actually make sense of the virualized effects now that it has a reference?
I've demoed the Bar 9 at no less than 4 different shops, including a Sony Store. Suffice it to say, I was rather underwhelmed with its overall performance. As a standalone bar, it was lacking in both impact and body; it sounded lifeless and anemic. Hell, when paired with the SA-RS5 and the SA-SW5, I felt greater presence from the rear speakers than I did with the Bar 9 itself. Very strange, indeed. It could be an issue with its settings, but for lack of a better word, the impressions that I derived across my multiple auditions were thoroughly pedestrian. Thankfully, I was also given the opportunity to test the Bravia Theater Quad. Like Andrew mentioned, they are a night and day apart in both presentation and quality. Ultimately, I feel that the Bar 9 is a step down from the HT-A7000, a product that I came awfully close to purchasing last year. Thankfully, a year's wait has brought me a better product in the Theater Quad, but the ex-flagship soundbar still provides a better all-in-one package than the Bar 9, I feel. By the way, thanks for the review, Andrew. I definitely concur with your opinions of the Bar 9's performance, or the lack of it.
Let me know what you end up doing. I’m in the exact same boat as you. Plus I have a Sony tv, so what put me over the edge for the theatre bar was convenience.
@@jamesangell6027 Same here. I just ordered the Bravia 9 tv and I was planning to get the theatre Bar 9 soundbar to go with it but I keep on seeing very mediocre reviews about it. It’s making me hesitate and look elsewhere, like the Samsung bars. I may just try out the Theatre bar 9 and see for myself….
Surprised you haven't reviewed the Nakamichi Dragon yet. Was hyped for you to try it out when it first came out. Is that in the plans or are you not interested in it?
Currently have the full 7000 package but really trying to decide whether to go the Quads or just get a receiver and speakers and just put up with cabling everywhere. Just don't feel the "surroundness" much anymore. Wish the Quads were available in Australia somewhere to demo them.
Hi nice video, what was the soundbar like when used on Sony picture core (Bravia core) app. I find there audio better.. I use Sony X94J with a Sony XF9000 sound bar..
This is both a great and disappointing review. Based on this review, it seems that if you want to go with Sony, the A7000 is superior to the Bar 9. Andrew, do you think all these issues you shared can be solved with a software update? Also, does Sony take in consideration feedback from reviewers as yourself?
Yes. Sony Absolutely knows who Andrew Robinson is and they absolutely do listen to his reviews and factor in his thoughts and considerations. Sony probably does this better than ANY other company out there in the HT space. No company is perfect and any company can make mistakes. Sony is certainly no exception to that rule, but they do try - and they never give up or stop.
Thanks for the review! I’m just gonna go on a tangent and says I want the Arc II to be released already! And hoping it’s gonna be more than just the same with “AI” slapped on 😅
Hi Mr. Robinson, Greets from Germany ! I‘ve updated from HT-A7000 to Bar 9. in my a7000 I had a hidden jack for a third party Sub ( Bowers- Wilkins DB2D ). Now I want to ask if it’s possible to take a 120hz hdmi extractor between soundbar and TV to seperate a signal to my sub. Best Regards !
I've just sold my Sony STR860 receiver and I'm undecided between the (BAR 9 No More) Samsung 990C and the Sony AN1000, both of which are similarly priced. I already own a 5.1 Q Acoustics 2000 series speaker system. I mainly watch movies (70%) and listen to music (30%). What are your thoughts for a room measuring 23 by 19 by 8 feet? Quad is out of reach for me
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I had listen Q Acoustic 2000 series with Onkyo receiver. I read many positive reviews. I had possibility to buy these used stuff for about $750. For me it was something like dryness, and without deeph. I didn't like it. The same day went to local Samsung shop and test 990C. Soundbar sound much clearer and better in movies and even in music. Maybe the bas was worst, sometimes in music was better but in movies 990C wons definitely.
Very interesting review. I was hoping this would be an improvement but sadly it seems Sony hasn’t used the same team as the ones who did the theater quads. 🥺
The Quad's center image is arguably better than the one put out by the Bar 9, so I'm not sure this combo would benefit you the way you think it might. Thanks for watching!
I’m thinking of getting the Yamaha True X 50 for my bedroom. I have a RN803 at work and am getting a RN2000a for my main system this fall, so I would like to keep all the same ecosystem. Is the Yamaha true X 50 still a viable option? Thanks!
@@KristiWright can we could hear any differences between these ? If yes when exactly get advantage? And what about Klipsch Flexus 200 +sub + sourands?
@@terrym540 - I have Panorama 3 and I am tired dealing with the service. The sound is ok, but it has going issues with connectivity. Disaster. I am considering bar9 to replace Panorama!3
@@terrym540- not yet. But maybe it will be easier with Sony as I have Sony TV, PS5. Also, what is important is the Sony supports DTSx and Panorama 3 doesn’t. You cannot watch a blu-ray disc and use Panorama as top blu-ray discs will always have DTS-x
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Hello Andrew. Can you do a versus between the Theatre Quad and The Samsung Q990D?
Brutal! Leaves no doubt for anyone considering this as a purchase. Wish more reviews were like this.
Wow. This Sony gets the faintest of praise. It’s a competitive market and, Andrew, you have done a fantastic job laying out the options for those looking to get an excellent product.
Thanks, Harry.
Hi Andrew, I have the Samsung 990d, agree with you, at its price point it’s exceptional value.
Your comment on gaming made me curious as it’s one area I have yet to use my Bar 9, RS5 and SW3 on. I just tried TLOU2 set to Dolby Atmos and Home Theatre in the options, with 3D channels and Max dynamic range. Sound field on the Bar 9 set to on and 360 Spatial Mapping selected. I have absolutely no issues locating where enemies are or objects are placed in the room. The sound is quite clearly coming from the Bar 9 and isn’t focused on the RS5s; they are present but certainly aren’t overwhelming the front of the room. A good scene to play is ‘Jackson - Waking Up’ as there’s plenty of dialogue around Ellie from villagers and also the snowball fight is good for object and people placement. Really not sure why you’ve had such a negative experience, I wonder if the calibration needs redoing. It’s quite strange how different it can sound depending on where the calibration takes place. I have the PS5 going through an LG G2 with eARC set to Auto (there appears to be an issue decoding Atmos when set to pass through on some TVs, as reported on AV Forums and AVS Forum) 12:24
Hi, Great review. Actually enjoying my experience with the Bar 9. From a previous owner of the HTA7000, I recently got the Theater bar 9 . I have to say this is a big improvement from the 7000. I noticed that the Earc handshake issues with my Lg G3 are totally gone now, no more randomly turning off, skipping or switching inputs. Wifi connection has also improved, i haven't experienced a single drop out which was regular on the hta 7000. I am not a fan of the new remote control which u didn't mention, no surround level control and they took away the extra HDMI input leaving just 1 compared to 2 from the 7000.Also, no display on the bar 9 so u can't see volume level except through the app. For sound quality, I have the SW5 sub and SAR5 surrounds all connected together because I just believe no sound bar can truly replicate physical speakers. I think its a big improvement from the 7000, like u said the dolby and dts virtualization are all trash, only the 360 spatial sounds good. I am happy u also pointed out that not all sound mixes are created equal and the actual way to get a true feel for the sound is through a physical disc not streaming compressed sound. Ironically, Sony did not include the vertical surround engine in the Bar 9 which i used in the Hta 7000 instead of the 360 spatial. I have to turn on auto adjust volume to juice up the sound quality and DRC to off to get the best out of this bar. I believe this will be the sweet spot for most listeners. Like u said, Also the SAR5 rear speakers are better integrated into the sound field and seem to be doing a lot of the heavy lifting, sometimes a little too much compared to the a7000 which i used to wonder if they were even on during movies. I have to say that I actually love this sound bar with the add-ons, the sound has weight. Sony should put in an actual equalizer and center speaker control which will solve a lot of the problems people will have but i am sure they wont.
Edit: Quick demo: If u have the transformers 4 :Age of extinction physical disc. skip to chapter 11. there is a voice that says galvatron and stinger coming online overhead, simply amazing. The whole action scene has weight like i have never felt before. Also dont skip the 2 level sound optimization especially the one u have to use ur phone microphone to locate ur sitting position, very important.
@@olugbengadavidakinmosin3717AAV messed with the sound quite dramatically, it lowers the dynamic range significantly I’d recommend turning it off. I understand the urge to have it on but it’s altering the sound too much. It’s designed to balance sound between commercials and tv shows.
@@wellyboot Honestly , I can live with it being on but I turn it off if I am watching other content. i just feel the sound has more punch with it activated during movies and also helps the voice sound. i don't even turn on voice mode which i had to do on the 7000
For $1200 at Best Buy, I'm a bit shocked that it doesn't come with a sub or something extra...
@@hang10wannabe yeah it sucks but the last 2 iterations didn’t come with a sub, so I’m not surprised
I just bought the A7000 and SW5 sub on clearance to go with my 85in X90L and most of my decision was based on looks lol, sorry to say but the bar 9 looks cheap, doesn’t look like a premium product, the A7000 looks so much better and premium, I’m extremely happy with my A7000, I’m not an audiophile but it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard from a soundbar and combined with the sub it’s incredible
Both the A5000 and the A7000 are incredible bars, for sure. I own both of them myself and I'm just absolutley blown away by them every single time I turn them on, no matter what I'm listening to. The A5000 and A7000 soundbar products from Sony were just complete home run products for Sony - at every imaginable level.
This sub-bar combo is a sub-par combo."
Fixed the headline for you!
Hello Andrew
I am using now since 1 month the bar9 with rs5 rear speakers and sub sw5 . I have no doubt your test was done seriously but I don’t experience the same results as you.
I listened severals movies in Dolby atmos with 4k Dolby atmos true hd blu-ray or streaming services and also Dolby atmos music using Apple TV . I felt good sound quality and immersivity with good presence of the rear speakers. I also tested the system with a Dolby atmos demo disc and the result is also convincing.
Maybe you didn’t have the latest firmware. ( when I plugged the rs5 I have been asked to update the firmware and redo the calibration).
I have no doubt the experience is different than Sony quad but they are 2 differents products .
I didn’t feel a lot of vertical effects but i still need to test that part .
I listen both the q990d and the sony bar 9 , but ended up buying the sony, it was much clearer and the surround was very good
0:56 I love the popping sound when the logos come on screen.
I just tested with bravia 8 with the center sync, it sound so much better. It feel like the bar is dedicated for new Bravia TV
Thank you Andrew, for your review of the Sony Bravia Bar 9 and Prior to this the Quad.
I am in / on the market to upgrade my TV (ZD9 75 ") Broken to The Bravia 9 85" and Quad, although this will not happen until around December as money is tight.
It's been very hard being without a TV since February 2024 however, like all things in life, good things come to those who wait.
Thank you again
From Mark UK
I'm hoping that we'll have a Bravia 9 TV in for review before the end of this year.
I have the hta7000, I really wanted Bose for their signature sound and to compliment all the rest of the Bose speakers we have in each room of the house, but we went for the ht because of our Sony A90j. 2 years later found the setting on how to adjust literally every single speaker on the soundbar, rears and even make the sub louder beyond the generic heights of sound field. Ht7000 is way more adjustable and customizable then any TH-cam review has shown me, which honestly feels like no one gave the ht7000 a full shot. I’m sure the bar 9 has similar settings for all 10+ speaker levels for high volume levels. I fine tuned it probably 10 times to my own listing preference, which is loud rich powerful clear warm for all tones vocal, instruments and from base to treble, and powerful when experience film sounds. Ht7000 is even better than the Bose or Sonos(I’ve tinker with my friends Sonos and Bose) and I found I got better. ht7000 is way better for allowing literal deep customization to the bar, rears and sub. I definitely advise discovering the adjustments for all speaker levels and adjust them all manually for best sounds for maximum and personal audiological preferences you’ll be blown away by this surround ability. Once you do the auto set up/mappping. Audio settings 360 mapping off
I have the Bose 900 with sub and rears I am looking at getting rid of it and going to the Sony. My problem with Bose is not the sound quality it’s impeccable but the rear speakers are basically obsolete, I have tweaked everything I can find even rest and started over with the goofy headset. Looking at reviews about the Bose rear speakers it seems to be a common problem with them.
This is a great comment I will have to check this out on my bar 7k. Didn't know how to do this prior to this ..
@@BaezLife Sony’s top tier sound bars are incredible, and the design is exceptional too. I actually originally wanted the Bose, but my husband got us a Sony Oled Tv, he left the sound system to me since he knows im a mild audiophile. I did a big search and out of all, Sony felt right. I had negative zero interest in Sonos, and peek interest in Bose, specially for that Bose subwoofer design with glass. I wish our sub had 500 total wats just because I like sound power at my finger tips, but we live in apartments anyway so the Sony 300w sub is plenty powerful. And I can’t really dial up its power on sub to much because our walls shake, which I love but my neighbors don’t. lol And if I could afford any tv surround sound system, I would definitely splurge on Bang & Olufsen. But the Sony was our top “affordable” surround set up and synced so well with our Sony tv. The tv panel is speaker and plays so amazing with the sound bar.
Have fun with the Hta7000 customizing almost each and every single built in speaker in the set up! It will take lots of dialing the scales up to get a better all around amped sound bubble that suits your preference, I went back and forth because sometimes some speakers wether side, up, front sound to loud or to quiet, but I finally got a soind “recipe” for all speaker level-output. And yes, I really just said recipe! Not only does that apply to cooking and photography, to sound customization too. LOL 😇
@@mlevass1 bummer, bose should release new rears then! Or you could swap out for something better with rear speakers. I read that bout Bose rears when I was on the hunt for a set up. I also didn’t like the look of them. Sonys sound better, they also have more watt, drivers and speakers built in. Hoping Sony creates new update to make them a little lounger then they can get with customization. I knew right off the box our bar would have different sound stage then the Bose but thought it just as good and better the Sonos arc in the show rooms. Lucky 🍀 Sony designed the speakers to be super customizable in sound profile, and bigger sound stage is super achievable. Sound sounds great from back sides of bubble, away or in it. Sound in the kitchen and listing is impressive tho our living room has horrible acoustics, our living room spread to a bay window one way and a kitchen the other, do wish we get a more squared boxed living room next move if we buy a home. Watching game thrones, house of the dragon, Superman, top gun etc on this thing is insane, the jet sound effects are so real. It’s as amazing as watching something in imax at the theater, I’m always waiting for premiere films become available for rent streaming at home with popcorn. Not telling you to ditch Bose but… you could... not a fan of Sonos but I do believe they probably have louder rear speakers, not sure on that but… lol
@@Alexkiaro I might need some of your expertise on finding the right recipe for each and every speaker. I know you listed the steps on how to get to those settings so I'll start there and then move the sound up on each one. I was considering getting the bar 9 but it seems the 7k is still holding strong
True immersive surround experience while gaming seems like a hard task for most soundbars. I'm so used to pinpoint different type of tiny sounds in the environment on my main HT setup, and I just realized that this isn't probably the average user experience. It's just so nice to instantly locate subtle hints while gaming. I wish soundbar manufacturers would spend more time designing their products for gaming + offer proper calibration tools to set up the surround sound.
18:00 okay in cases like this with sound bars. Anybody even in smaller places would be better off with a full setup with av receiver's And slowly build up to something that not only you could live with. But when you do move to a bigger space or purchase your own house, you now have a full system. Instead of a soundbar that won't fill the space. In my opinion it's better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it! Just my opinion!
@jamesmichael900 It makes perfect sense You're not always going to have a smaller living space, which is why I said that towards the end when you move you will still have something better with an AV receiver and budget speakers than you would with a soundbar.
You can get a receiver and a set of budget bookshelves and have a better sound than what you're going to get from a very expensive soundbar
@@paulcox2447 agree 💯
After listening to the Sony 9. Samsung hw-q990c is the best value, especially at current pricing. It's not even close
@@Scottishbear582 pour vous la Samsung est bien la meilleur barre de son dans un budget de 1000-1500 euros ? J hésite entre hta9, Samsung 995, sonos arc, Dione, ambeo etc
@johanndemarb6747 I think so tested all value Samsung hw-q990c
If your buying this soundbar make sure that your Sony TV does not make a hissing sound from the tweeters, when using the TV as a center speaker. It is still is a common issue across the world with the J, K and L series. I bought an X90L TV from a company that had good customer service and returned both the TV and Soundbar. Some people unfairly notice after its too late to get a refund. Appareently many have had the motherboard changed but sometimes it doesnt work. Sony are terribl for sending out so many faulty unit and not being honest and recalling them because there are so many TVs out there with this fault.
I had this problem with A80J + A3000. I do not have it with A95L + Bar 8.
@@jinvanpalta6263 u think it’s worth getting if I buy the bar for $450?
Make sure you have the HDMI earc setting off in the settings, that was causing a lot of the noise for me at one stage .
Acoustic centre sync 2.0 supports all speakers within the tv. Not just a couple like the older tvs support
I have a Bar 8 and a Bar 9 with their sub. I had issues with their driver setup given I got it the same week it was released. They had known issues with the Apple TV and I had to plug the Apple TV into the 2nd HDMI to get it to work and this was a suggestion from Sony. Over all I liked the sound of movies better than the Arc we replaced but not with music. I wish I would have got the quad but it’s done now.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Sony bars!
Bought it Loved it
Added the sw3 sub 3 days later The missing link
Now I have cinema in my living room and music is unreal
@@stes3061 do you have the bar 9 or the quad. I’m thinking of replacing my Sonos for a bar 9
@@geagiebar 9 with sa sw3 sub…its fantastic Room is 15 x 18..with a sony 65” bravia tv…youll love it And its now $1198
@@geagieit’s funny how Andrew said Sonos was still better yet you’re asking if bar 9 is better. If you want to spend loads then get the quads not bar 9 it’s just another a9000
Q990C or Q990D is better if you’re looking for the best soundbar
I believe the bar 9 and 8 we’re meant to be only used with the new sony bravia tv lineup. They sound much better when paired up with zoom 3. Skip and go with the Samsung if you don’t have a 2024 sony bravia tv
i manage to get Sony HT-A9000 + SA-SW5 + SA-RS5S with just USD1,550, is it worth the purchase?
Waiting to hear about the Bravia 9 mini LED from you guys.
I've really enjoyed these soundbar videos, there will come a time when my living room no longer has a full hifi setup and a bar is enough for me, something like the ambeo may already be there.. I would personally enjoy more options around subwoofers for soundbars as thats where i find them the most lacking.. In every system ive built ive ended up always needing more subwoofer than I originally thought I did, and the ability to swap it out made that an easy move. What would you like to see in a sound bar in the future?
I have a 65” A80j, which has a good sound for a TV. I am looking to build on it by adding A5000/ 7000 or Bar 8/ 9 with three TV as the center channel. I am not interested in the sub or the rear speakers. To keep one of these Sony bar, my key requirements must be met: 1. Great center sync performance, no hiss issues 2. Seamless integration with the TV 3. Significantly fuller sound than TV only
I’d be great to grab all 4 bars and do a shootout but that’s too much hassle.
Off topic, but Monitor Audio has a new bookshelf speakers on the market and oh my is it a beauty.
We are aware. It has been requested.
Hey there! Happy Sunday once again!
Thanks for tuning in Max! Hope you enjoy the video.
Hi Andrew and Kristi. Late entry comment from me, but my hands were full when I watched this video...I was setting up my new Bravia 9 TV! The quality of the "surround sound" coming from only the Bravia 9 television's built-in speakers is one of the best I've heard in a a flat panel TV. Given your review of the Bravia Bar 9, if you end up reviewing the Bravia 9 TV I'll be curious if you think the TV's built-in speakers ONLY is or isn't even better than the Bravia 9 Soundbar.
Remember, Previous SONY 7000 is still better. It designed for the sound and video, not just a video.
There is no comparison in a sound quality in general, Sony 7000 blows this new Bravia 9 out of the water!
Don't even think replacing your Sony 7000 system...
@@carwireless as a A7000+SW5+RS5s owner who tried out the Bar 9 for Christmas, I 100% agree.
Yeah the A7000 after all the updates it has gotten over the years has made it an amazing soundbar! Just the fact that it is much larger should tell people something, larger in the audio world usually means bigger sound! I have the A7000 paired with the SW3 and i absolutely love it
I own the HT-A7000, the previous version of the Theater Bar 9, and I recently bought the new one to compare. The HT-A7000 is better all around and matches the surround speaker quality.
100% Sony 7000 is much better overall.
It figures that Sony can get video right but screw-up Surround Sound from a soundbar. I might have to listen to one of the new Sony AVRs with the 360Sound for my listening room to achieve a better sonic immersion using my current speakers. Thank you for another fantastic review, Kristi and Andrew
another Quality review Andrew....Thank you
I appreciate this video. I'm not sure the Sony quad would work for my space, so I had been thinking about getting the bar 9, but hearing there are better options, perhaps I need to look at the Sonos or the Samsung.
Would be interested in your thoughts on the new LG S95TR as it would make the most sense to go with an LG OLED for wow orchestra. Other options are the sony quad after your last review or the q990d.
It’s awesome that high-end brands are getting better and better.
I would love for you to review the new Klipsch Flexus Core 200 system and hear your thoughts about it, I’d really do trust your opinion.
We had the Flexus. It was not a good system and had similar issues to the Cinema 1200 bar we reviewed a year or so ago. Since Klipsch could not give us a timetable of when those problems would be addressed, we returned it.
Verdict: skip it
@@andrewrobinsonreviews thanks for the tip!
Andrew can you explain the difference between this soundbar being compatible with Google assistant and not having Chromecast built in? Will I be able to cast TH-cam Music to the Bravia 9 sound bar?
I don’t think I’ve seen a soundbar thats better looking than the B&O Soundstage.
Does it sound better then bose ultra or song ht a9?
@@shaq6772 never heard the bose but as far as aesthetics and sound, my money would be on the B&O. Wife approved as well.
@@shaq6772My parents have the B&O Theatre. I have the Stage. In comparison…I don’t have FOMO, despite a $10,000 price difference. My point? The Stage is awesome.
You guys need to get your hands on a pair of Starke Sound Beta 7s. At $750 you get really great bass, clean mids, and articulate highs; for cheaper than anything comparable.
For £1399 i expect a sub and surrounds to be included.
But Sony is to greedy to do that, ok it's lets you mix and match but at a price!
For this amount of money i prefer seperates, buy the best receiver your budget allows
then upgrade the rest when funds allow, it takes a while but for true Dolby Atmos this
will outperform any soundbar that relies on bouncing the heights off your ceiling.
I have tried the higher end soundbars, they are good enough for bedroom or second system use
but a full seperates system will outperform them.
Thank you for the forthright review. You gotta wonder how Sony let's a product like this out. Perhaps they are just assuming their television customers will purchase this simply to match brands and that they won't be that critical of sound quality.
Hi Andrew I was wondering when are you doing a Sony Bravia bar 8 compare to the Bravia 9
Thank you for listing the movies you show. Sometimes the movie clips look great and I want to see the movie but have no idea what it is. After seeing a great scene from Baby Driver, I really wanted to watch the moviebut It took me ages to find out what it was.
You'll also find those details (and more) in the video's description.
What TV did you use when testing the Bar 9 with the rear speakers a subwoofers?
You'll find that information noted in the description.
Wish you guys woudl also review the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 . Not everyone can always afford the top end products. But I get how they get the most clicks I guess.
Bravia Quad is the way to go
👍
The Theater Quad is literally in a class by itself. At around $2,500 for a setup with wireless sub, you would have to spend upwards of $25,000 on other equipment to match its same level of surround sound performance. It absolutely takes the cake!
Hi, I will be interested in knowing the performance of bar 8. My space is smaller so I can’t use any system with surrounding speakers, and even bar 9 may be overkill. Will you review the bar 8 by any chance, or recommend a solution at its price range?
Are you talking about the Sonos Arc or the Sonos Arc Ultra in your review?
In this review, the original Arc. The Arc Ultra was not out at the time of this review.
What about ambeo max or plus?
Thanks for the review.
My pleasure!
Great evaluation, thanks, sounbars for me, are just not good enough in general. I dont like subwoofers either. I prefer big speakers with 8 inches woofers with a central and 2 higher satellites. But hey...i am 62...😂
Would you still pick the Sonos arc over the Sony quad if you were looking at performance over price
I got to say that, music bar prices are insanely outta control. Klipsch 9ines in the same ballpark sonicly comparable
Thanks guys! Great review. Question, are you going te review the HomePods? Keep up the great work!
No plans at this time. We ordered a pair of Home Pods however they were stolen by our UPS driver (true story). We have not tried to buy a new pair.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Oh man! Thanks for letting me know and keep doing what you guys do!
And what I really want to know is how this compares to the HT-A7000. I have the SR5 surrounds and SW5 sub already, although, I rarely have the sub even on, as I feel the bass from the A7000 is plenty enough for my needs. The rears are just overpriced and add little to nothing for me, but they are there and they dont detract from the experience. The sub is sometimes, just too much, especially for late night watching. My reasoning for the A7000 was to get a soundbar that produced a full, rich sound without the complexity of a receiver and it does that, with the added bonus of extremely clear and audible dialog, something I appreciate very much. I have never had difficulty understanding dialog on the A7000 and it produces enough low end to hear low brass and deep rumbling without shaking the pictures off my wall. What I cant seem to find is any information on how this bar performs compared to the A7000.
I have the same setup as you, on my PlayStation 5. This new bar will not work as well for the PlayStation 5 as it only has one input and one output. Remote is smaller and no led screen. I want to upgrade but I'm afraid lol. I have my ps5 into my bar and my bar into the LG c3
Keep your A7000, its a much more well made and better sounding bar compared to the bar 9
Informative and awesome as usual. A curiosity though, was that a glitch or a legit stutter at 5:38?
"locating baddies"😂. Doesn't mean the same these days
This is the first in depth review of the Bar 9 so far and it was excellent. I was contemplating purchasing it seeing as how Sony has heavily touted its improvements over the A7000 in its advertising. Thanks to your review the shortcomings of the Bar 9 have competently been revealed. There has been only one other review of the Bar 9 and that reviewer was also left unimpressed with its performance. I don't need to purchase a new soundbar system but it is nice to be aware of whats out there for the offering. As always, an excellent review.
@@kingkobra1956 NeverEnough on his channel liked it a lot.
@@wellyboot he hasn’t played it properly and Andrew is a proper pro
Sounds like Sony still has work to do. Andrew, big ups to the editing you do. I don't think you get enough credit for it. ✊🏼
I appreciate that!
💯
What about a Bravia 9 85" TV in an apartment with neighbors behind the wall?
Bravia Theater 9 or Quad?
Have an older Sony sound bar with sub in our MB. Will be interesting to see how far they have come.
What bar do you have?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews htz9f mid-mid tier
Andrew, you say the adding the surrounds changed the sound of the bar...but you had the surrounds and sub connected at the same time, right? Is it possible that there is a crossover issue once the sub is hooked up causing the change in sound from the bar?
If u compare it with sony theatre 2024..what would u pick?
Is STR-AN1000 with Klipsch R-605FA or R-600F's with R-40's as rear speakers going to give better, more precise sound quality than this Bar 9?
I'll add that I have A7000 and I hate its distorted, low quality mono mp3 compressed-like sound when Sound Field is applied. Without Sound Field it sounds somewhat precise, but soooo narrow and way too focused - it doesn't give any room feeling from all sides sound.
I bought the A7000 with the rear speakers and the sub thinking it could replace my str-dh790 with andrew jones speakers, absolutely not.
Thank you Mr. Robinson. I've been waiting to hear a detailed review of this Bar 9. Especially as it compares to the Theatre Quad. My question of, "Is the Quad worth that much more?", has been answered. Now I will wait for your full review of the Samsung Q990D before I make a purchase. Thanks again
My pleasure!
The Quad is literally amazing. Now, it's not cheap at around $2,500 for a full setup with a sub, but it produces an experience that would cost you around $25,000 to replicate the quality of using other equipment. I just got to hear the Theater Quads last week and they are mind-altering when you hear them. You don't feel like you are watching the movie with them, you feel like you are IN the movie with them. Yeah, it's THAT good of an experience. By far the most immersive home theater surround system you can buy for anything less than 10x the price. They absolutely do not disappoint!
You don’t need a noise when you put something on the screen, this is TH-cam not a bad casino
Afternoon Andrew, Kristie & Kadie👍👍👍
Good morning as always KJ! Thanks for joining us.
@@KristiWright 👍👍👍
I originally had the A7000, RS5S rears and SW5 sub. I was so disappointed and the rears never felt integrated with the bar. They were just too quiet (even on max level) and the system always front heavy. Just swapping A7000 out for the Bar 9 has changed things massively. It now feels more integrated, the rears go so loud now (I have to set to max level 2/3 otherwise my ears start bleeding) and the system is now so more immersive than before. I demo'd the Bar 9 and the Quad same day and I didn't notice any difference that pointed to one over the other. The Quad did not outperform the full Bar 9 system otherwise I would have gone for the Quad. I am very happy with the Bar 9/RS5S/SW5. My rooms is small with 2.4m ceiling, so maybe the bigger room has an impact.
I've also noticed the better integration with the Bar 9 and the Bar 9 produces a wider sound stage than the A7000. Sony's calibration plays a massive part in how this system sounds, I've done it a few times now depending on seating position and the sound changes almost every time.
Cheers from Nobleton-Ontario Andrew! Another legit & honest review. I feel, with Sonos launching a few new items if anything at all, every good “chunk” of years, they really spend the time & money to ensure the next iteration of their soundbars is a good few notches better than the generation before it …the few products they make, they make sure they can make better. Just my thoughts. I think if Sony launches a version 2.0 of this bar in a few years it will be awesome in the same sense.
Wow great and useful product review which people ARE GONNA BUY keep it up guys awesome work❤
Thanks!
4:55 the new Sony TVs don't have the tonality issue since it uses the same drivers
Sonys new tv line up the bravia 7 8 9 support acoustic cetre 2.0 and voice zoom 3 so that may chnage your review if using the corresponding tvs 😊
Always appreciate watching your reviews, but would never consider a sound bar. If I dont have enough room for some small bookshelf speakers and a receiver, that room doesn't get a tv.
Good morning Andrew & Kristi. Good thorough review. Frankly probably the best deal right now is the previous generation Samsung Q990C currently available from Amazon (via Beach Camera) for less than $1,000. From my understanding there's not much difference performance or feature wise between the latest Q990D and the previous Q990C.
Q990C link bit.ly/43OfVWi
I haven't gotten far enough into the 990D to comment. Physically, there doesn't appear to be any difference(s).
Happy Sunday to ya both man ✌️
Same to you!
I have to ask out of curiosity, is this better than the ht-a7000.
I can't say if it's better because, on the one hand, it's been two-plus years since I reviewed the A7000, and on the other, I didn't care for the A7000 bar when I reviewed it.
(7000A review bit.ly/3a4khPk) linked for you in the description.
Thanks both.
What surprises me how bose ultra which is 2.5kg has equally impressive sound as 7kg ht 7000... what does thay say bout these products?
I’m surprised you had so much issues with the sound placement with the surrounds when gaming.
I recently got them myself and over the past few weeks they’ve been pretty accurate for sound placement even if they don’t necessarily match the tone of the bar.
It’s also kind of funny that now that I know what the surround sound actually sounds like it actually makes using all in one bars like the theater bar 9 and Sonos arc ultra better for surround effects.
I guess my brains able to actually make sense of the virualized effects now that it has a reference?
What's your pick for best all in one soundbar or one that you only have a subwoofer no other speakers, Cheers
I've demoed the Bar 9 at no less than 4 different shops, including a Sony Store. Suffice it to say, I was rather underwhelmed with its overall performance. As a standalone bar, it was lacking in both impact and body; it sounded lifeless and anemic. Hell, when paired with the SA-RS5 and the SA-SW5, I felt greater presence from the rear speakers than I did with the Bar 9 itself. Very strange, indeed. It could be an issue with its settings, but for lack of a better word, the impressions that I derived across my multiple auditions were thoroughly pedestrian. Thankfully, I was also given the opportunity to test the Bravia Theater Quad. Like Andrew mentioned, they are a night and day apart in both presentation and quality. Ultimately, I feel that the Bar 9 is a step down from the HT-A7000, a product that I came awfully close to purchasing last year. Thankfully, a year's wait has brought me a better product in the Theater Quad, but the ex-flagship soundbar still provides a better all-in-one package than the Bar 9, I feel.
By the way, thanks for the review, Andrew. I definitely concur with your opinions of the Bar 9's performance, or the lack of it.
I'm finding the calibration process to be incredibly temperamental. Even a two inch adjustment makes a major difference in the final result.
Thanks Andrew I wanted to buy the Bravia Theater Bar 9 but I'm afraid it will be the Samsung (for Sony anyway)
How it compares to Ambeo max?
How does this compare to the beosound stage ?
please review the new Sonos arc ultra vs Sony bravia 9?
How does the Bravia 9 compare to the HTA7000?
Sound quality is much better but u lose 1 hdmi slot and the remote sucks. also no display panel on the Bar 9 just dots.
You should listen to them both and then decide which one you like better as they do have two different sound presentations to them.
I’ve just ordered this bar after all the other reviews I’ve seen and now this review has given me bad post but anxiety and I want to cancel my order 🤣
Let me know what you end up doing. I’m in the exact same boat as you. Plus I have a Sony tv, so what put me over the edge for the theatre bar was convenience.
Any update on this?
@@jamesangell6027
Same here. I just ordered the Bravia 9 tv and I was planning to get the theatre Bar 9 soundbar to go with it but I keep on seeing very mediocre reviews about it. It’s making me hesitate and look elsewhere, like the Samsung bars. I may just try out the Theatre bar 9 and see for myself….
How do you like it? I've got the 7k with the big sub and rears@@skies44
Can I get two of those sound bars so I can have stereo? Or can I get the sound bar that's 15 foot wide?
Surprised you haven't reviewed the Nakamichi Dragon yet. Was hyped for you to try it out when it first came out. Is that in the plans or are you not interested in it?
Currently have the full 7000 package but really trying to decide whether to go the Quads or just get a receiver and speakers and just put up with cabling everywhere. Just don't feel the "surroundness" much anymore. Wish the Quads were available in Australia somewhere to demo them.
Knowing how much extra you pay in Australia, you may be better off buying individual speakers. If the Q990C/D is available there, give it a listen.
Hi nice video, what was the soundbar like when used on Sony picture core (Bravia core) app. I find there audio better.. I use Sony X94J with a Sony XF9000 sound bar..
This is both a great and disappointing review. Based on this review, it seems that if you want to go with Sony, the A7000 is superior to the Bar 9.
Andrew, do you think all these issues you shared can be solved with a software update?
Also, does Sony take in consideration feedback from reviewers as yourself?
I’ll answer for you: yes. A7000 sounds totally different today than it does in 2021. The same can happen here too.
Yeah the A7000 really is an amazing bar, updates over the years have benefited it very much@@XavierWoodsofIndianapolis
Yes. Sony Absolutely knows who Andrew Robinson is and they absolutely do listen to his reviews and factor in his thoughts and considerations. Sony probably does this better than ANY other company out there in the HT space. No company is perfect and any company can make mistakes. Sony is certainly no exception to that rule, but they do try - and they never give up or stop.
Thanks for the review! I’m just gonna go on a tangent and says I want the Arc II to be released already! And hoping it’s gonna be more than just the same with “AI” slapped on 😅
Hi Mr. Robinson,
Greets from Germany ! I‘ve updated from HT-A7000 to Bar 9. in my a7000 I had a hidden jack for a third party Sub ( Bowers- Wilkins DB2D ). Now I want to ask if it’s possible to take a 120hz hdmi extractor between soundbar and TV to seperate a signal to my sub.
Best Regards !
Keep the A7000 and trash the Bar9
@@DMBE91 so the theatre bar 9 is far better than hta7000?
I've just sold my Sony STR860 receiver and I'm undecided between the (BAR 9 No More) Samsung 990C and the Sony AN1000, both of which are similarly priced. I already own a 5.1 Q Acoustics 2000 series speaker system. I mainly watch movies (70%) and listen to music (30%). What are your thoughts for a room measuring 23 by 19 by 8 feet? Quad is out of reach for me
Since you already own the Q Acoustics, go with amzn.to/3If2veo.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I had listen Q Acoustic 2000 series with Onkyo receiver. I read many positive reviews. I had possibility to buy these used stuff for about $750. For me it was something like dryness, and without deeph. I didn't like it. The same day went to local Samsung shop and test 990C. Soundbar sound much clearer and better in movies and even in music. Maybe the bas was worst, sometimes in music was better but in movies 990C wons definitely.
Very interesting review. I was hoping this would be an improvement but sadly it seems Sony hasn’t used the same team as the ones who did the theater quads. 🥺
Sony: I would love a Quad with this bar as a center channel and two subwoofers: please make it happend.
Cheers Andrew!
The Quad's center image is arguably better than the one put out by the Bar 9, so I'm not sure this combo would benefit you the way you think it might. Thanks for watching!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Thanks!
I’m thinking of getting the Yamaha True X 50 for my bedroom. I have a RN803 at work and am getting a RN2000a for my main system this fall, so I would like to keep all the same ecosystem. Is the Yamaha true X 50 still a viable option? Thanks!
Hi Andrew
I am planning to buy samsung sound system. Help me selecting Q990C or Q990D. I am not a gamer. Which one should I buy.
bit.ly/43OfVWi
@@KristiWright can we could hear any differences between these ? If yes when exactly get advantage?
And what about Klipsch Flexus 200 +sub + sourands?
Hi Andrew, any expert advise
Given the firmware updates since it's introduction, how does the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 compare as a stand alone soundbar?
@@terrym540 - I have Panorama 3 and I am tired dealing with the service. The sound is ok, but it has going issues with connectivity. Disaster. I am considering bar9 to replace Panorama!3
@@adylikowski I am surprised that B & W have been unable to resolve your connection issues.
Have you auditioned a Bar9?
@@terrym540- not yet. But maybe it will be easier with Sony as I have Sony TV, PS5. Also, what is important is the Sony supports DTSx and Panorama 3 doesn’t. You cannot watch a blu-ray disc and use Panorama as top blu-ray discs will always have DTS-x
Thanks for your time! We us the apps on my ps5 crave and prime. With the 990D how was gaming and watching crave, Netflix and prime?
Sony Tv seria 8 .Soundbar Sony bar9 vs Bose ultra ?