Sony has introduced two new high-end house theater programs, the HT-A9 and the HT-A7000 soundbar, which characteristic Dolby Atmos and Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio.
Probably the most uncommon of the 2 programs, and subsequently probably the most “Sony,” is the $1,800 HT-A9. The A9 consists of 4 an identical audio system, vaguely resembling the Amazon Echo Studio, they usually all join wirelessly to a central HDMI management field. The corporate sees the system as a bridge between a soundbar and an AV receiver/encompass sound system.
The A9 audio system could be positioned nearly wherever across the room as every unit incorporates twin microphones to measure its relative peak and place.
Exploded view of the Sony HT-A7000
The extra conventional, $1,300 HT-A7000 is a single soundbar that provides “7.1.2-channel” decoding, and it consists of devoted peak and side-mounted audio system plus an onboard sub. The HT-A7000 is designed to interchange the HT-ST5000 that got here out in 2017, however that mannequin had a wi-fi subwoofer included.
Each programs supply HDMI eARC connectivity (with 8K HDR, 4K 120fps and Dolby Imaginative and prescient passthrough) plus Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Join.
Whereas neither of those supply a subwoofer, which is uncommon for $1,000-plus programs, customers can decide so as to add the $400 SW-SW3 or $700 SA-SW5 subwoofers. The wi-fi SA-RS3S rear audio system can even be out there for $350.
Adjustments to Sony’s house theater lineup have been gradual in current instances — as an example, alongside the HT-ST5000, the corporate’s STR-DN1080 receiver continues to be out there after greater than 4 years available on the market.
The 2 programs and add-ons will probably be out there within the fall of 2021.
