Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9
MSRP
$1,400.00
“You still get that great Sony sound, but the Bravia Theater Bar 9 feels like a downgrade.”
Pros
- Elegant, small-footprint design
- Powerful, immersive sound
- HDMI 2.1 input
- Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- Expandable via sub and surrounds
Cons
- No analog or optical inputs
- No physical controls/front display
- Many missing features
- Very limited audio settings
With its 2024 soundbar lineup, Sony has introduced the Bravia Theater Bar 9 with a different approach, focusing on simplicity and performance. It aims to complement Sony Bravia TVs and deliver a powerful audio experience. While it excels in sound quality and design, some may find it lacking compared to previous Sony models.
If you are new to Sony soundbars, the Bravia Theater Bar 9 offers a compelling option for enhancing your TV sound experience. Its sleek design, immersive sound, and expandability make it a suitable choice for entertainment. However, if you are considering an upgrade from a previous Sony model like the HT-A7000, the Bar 9 may feel like a step backward with fewer features and limited customization options.
Sleek Design
The Bravia Theater Bar 9 features a minimalist design with a fabric-wrapped black bar that blends seamlessly with modern home entertainment setups. Its compact size and lightweight make it versatile for various mounting options.
Feature Reduction
Sony has removed several features from the Bar 9, including analog and optical inputs, physical controls, and advanced audio settings. The simplification extends to the remote control, which offers basic functionalities and relies on an app for more advanced settings.
When it comes to connectivity, the Bar 9 provides limited ports, with two HDMI 2.1 inputs being the main highlight. While it supports high-resolution audio streaming via Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2, it lacks Wi-Fi streaming options found in previous Sony soundbars.
Audio Performance
Despite its feature limitations, the Bar 9 delivers excellent sound quality with a total of 13 drivers producing powerful and immersive audio. It maintains clarity in dialogue and offers a satisfying home theater experience, especially when paired with Sony’s wireless surround speakers and subwoofers.
While the Bar 9 excels in sound reproduction, its lack of EQ settings and customization options may deter audiophiles looking for a more personalized audio experience.
