Sony HT-A5000

The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar delivers a premium sound experience for both music and movie lovers, with a pretty neutral, though slightly U-shaped sound profile with some extra boom in the bass range and some extra brightness and sparkle on vocals and lead instruments in the treble range.

It has a decent stereo soundstage with Sound Field turned on, and features Sony's Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby Speaker Virtualizer, and DTS Neural:X, which allow you to control the virtual surround sound and create a more immersive listening experience. The soundbar has fantastic audio format support via Full HDMI In and ARC, including lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos, and it comes with Sound Field Optimization, which automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustics.

The upfiring drivers and Sound Field Optimization technology make it suitable for a larger room with high ceilings, providing an even and balanced sound experience. However, it may not be as loud as some other soundbars, so it might not be suitable for very large rooms or noisy parties.

The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2. It also has an eARC/ARC-compatible HDMI output, an 8K compatible HDMI passthrough input, Toslink optical, USB, and a 3.5mm S-Center output for using the Acoustic Center Sync feature with compatible Bravia XR TVs.

The soundbar supports AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs and has Bluetooth receive and transmit functionality, allowing for private listening with wireless headphones. It also supports multi-room integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home. Connecting the HT-A5000 to Wi-Fi is easy, and it can be integrated into an Amazon Alexa or Google Home setup. The soundbar does not support simultaneous Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections to multiple devices, but it offers a range of wireless playback options.

The Sony HT-A5000 is a highly compatible soundbar that can be paired with most TVs that have an HDMI ARC input. It is best suited to pair with a 65-inch TV, and if you have a BRAVIA TV with a multi-position stand, you can adjust the stand to fit the soundbar beneath the TV. The soundbar also has Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones and supports the LDAC codec for high-quality audio streaming from Android devices.

It supports a variety of streaming services including Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Sony's 360 Reality Audio. The soundbar works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but it doesn't have built-in voice assistant support. The Sony HT-A5000 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it a versatile choice for streaming or playing music from virtually any modern device.

The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar has a sleek and simple design with a solid texturized plastic body and a metal grille covering the front. It comes only in black color, which is designed to complement any type of interior décor. The soundbar is fairly low profile for a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-enabled soundbar, measuring only 2.75 x 47.75 x 56.3 inches (HxWxD).

The top of the bar is made of plastic, not glass, and there are metal grilles covering the up-firing drivers on top of the bar instead of fabric. The bar and optional rear speakers are designed under Sony's Omnidirectional Block concept with rounded edges and similar textures. Overall, the Sony HT-A5000 has a minimalist aesthetic that should fit well into most modern home decor styles.

It is an attractive addition to any entertainment setup and is suitable for those who want a sleek and simple design that complements their home decor.

The Sony HT-A5000 is a high-end soundbar that offers a variety of sound enhancement features, including Sony's Virtual Surround Engine, Dolby Speaker Virtualizer, and DTS Neural:X for virtual surround sound. It also supports lossless and object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, wireless hi-res audio, and Sony 360 Reality Audio.

The soundbar has a Sound Field Optimization feature that optimizes audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustics. The setup is easy, and you can control many of the bar's settings with its TV menu. The soundbar also has Full HDMI In support, and you can access the feature on your TV.

The Sony HT-A5000 is ideal for those who want a high-quality soundbar with advanced features and easy setup. It is also suitable for those who want to enjoy immersive audio while watching movies or listening to music.

The Sony HT-A5000 has a strong brand reputation in the audio market, offering a premium sound experience for both music and movie lovers. The soundbar supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM, wireless hi-res audio, and Sony 360 Reality Audio. It also offers a ton of value and performance packed into a single bar, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality soundbar.

However, some customers have reported issues with customization options and the performance of the height drivers and surrounds. Overall, the product has an average level of customer satisfaction, but it is important to consider individual preferences and needs before making a purchase decision.