Sony HT-A9

Sony’s audio-mapping technology works exactly as promised ; Remarkably flexible, adaptible to a wide variety of spaces ; Guided setup is easy to follow

Depends on an added-cost subwoofer for the full experience ; Depends on a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection ; Expensive, especially when you add in the sub

Immersive Atmos experience. EQ presets. Dialogue enhancement feature. Fantastic soundstage.

Lacks discrete center channel. Doesn't get loud. Lacks a bit of low-bass. No graphic EQ.

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is satisfactory for mixed usage. This 4.1.4 setup has a Sound Field Optimization room correction feature that optimizes audio reproduction based on your room's acoustics. With this feature on, its sound profile is a bit...

Subwoofer level adjustment. Dialogue enhancement mode. Room correction feature. Fantastic soundstage.

Phantom center channel. Doesn't get very loud. Lacks low-bass. No graphic EQ.

The Sony HT-A9 is satisfactory for mixed usage. This setup comes with a Sound Field Optimization room correction feature that optimizes audio reproduction based on your room's acoustics, which we turned on for our tests. It offers immersive surround...

360 Spatial Sound Mapping ; Excellent soundstage ; Superb Dolby Atmos and DTS-X experience ; Good network capabilities ; up to 8K@60 pass-through

Expert rating

Giant, seamless sound image. A really big holographic bubble of sound. Balanced and resolved sound image. Not as dependent on speaker placement as other systems.

We definitely recommend the subwoofer, which increases the price a bit. The center channel on film was first really precise together with a Sony OLED TV of the latest kind.

The Sony HT-A9 provides true 3D surround sound, while at the same time solving an annoying problem. Namely that not everyone are able to place the speakers in a completely symmetrical layout.

Not fussy about positioning ; Entertaining, detailed, cinematic ; Strong feature set

The additional sub is pricey ; Slightly bright with stereo music ; Appearance is a bit bland

Sony’s A9 speaker system redefines accessible home cinema sound with an innovative, immersive and flexible solution

Convincing dome of sound ; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support ; DSEE Extreme audio upscaling ; Easy setup

More expensive than most soundbars ; Not suitable for very small homes

Good stereo perspective ; Music performance ; Wireless speakers ; Dolby Atmos support via eARC, DTS:X ; Subwoofer can be connected wirelessly

Limited Atmos effect ; Lacks bass (without subwoofer) ; No center channel ; Only 1 HDMI input

Immersive sound output for movies, music and games ; Detailed channel separation ; Very good virtual surround sound effects ; eARC support with HDMI 2.1 passthrough ; Speakers adjust to your room setup and can be placed asymmetrically

No optical or 3.5mm input ; White colour speakers can get dirty easily

The Sony HT-A9 is aimed at those that don't have the dedicated space for a soundbar below their TV or don't have the space to symmetrically place speakers around their room. Placing the speakers at odd positions around the room in fact works in the...