I recently had the opportunity to test out Sony’s HT-A5000 soundbar, and I must say, I was impressed. This mid-range model delivers powerful sound and versatile wireless streaming options, making it a strong contender in the soundbar market.
Not only does it support Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, but it also integrates with popular smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home for multi-room audio.
One of the standout features of the Sony HT-A5000 is its nine amp channels and 450 watts of power. With two up-firing speakers, three full-range front speakers, two front-facing woofers, and two side-firing beam tweeters, this soundbar packs quite a punch. And, with built-in subwoofers and 3D sound modes, you can really immerse yourself in whatever you’re watching or listening to.
But how does it compare to its competitors? Let’s dive into the design, sound quality, and features to find out.
Design and Build
I really like the simple and unobtrusive design of Sony’s HT-A5000 Dolby Atmos soundbar, with its black plastic body and metal speaker grilles. The matte finish of the plastic body gives it a premium look, while the metal grilles add a touch of minimalism.
The soundbar is 47.75 inches wide and 2.75 inches tall, making it suitable for most TVs. The textured black plastic body and grey metal speaker grilles blend well with any home decor, making it a great addition to any living room.
The material quality of the soundbar is impressive, with the black matte plastic body feeling sturdy and durable. The metal speaker grilles are also of high quality, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the soundbar.
Overall, the design and build of the Sony HT-A5000 Dolby Atmos soundbar are simple yet minimal, making it a great choice for those who want a soundbar that looks as good as it sounds.
Sound Quality and Features
Connectivity options for the Sony HT-A5000 include Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. It also has physical connections such as eARC/HDMI out, optical audio input, USB type-A, and an analog output for Sony’s Acoustic Center Sync.
This soundbar has an additional HDMI 2.1 passthrough socket capable of handling 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, and Dolby Vision HDR. The A5000 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM, wireless hi-res audio, and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
In terms of sound modes, the Sony A5000 has three 3D sound modes: Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby’s virtualized speaker mode, and DTS Virtual:X. Each mode has its own distinct sound signature, making it ideal for different types of content.
The built-in subwoofer is surprisingly powerful, and the soundbar has both Bluetooth receive and transmit functions. However, it’s worth noting that the A5000 doesn’t have any EQ adjustments, so switching between sound modes is necessary.
Additionally, Sony’s calibration software tends to take a conservative approach that doesn’t always yield the best results. Despite these minor drawbacks, the soundbar delivers a powerful broad soundstage, robust low-end, and excellent connectivity, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize wireless streaming and immersive sound.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the HT-A5000 with its competitors, it’s important to consider personal preferences and desired features.
The LG SP9YA is a strong competitor for audiophiles, but it lacks Bluetooth LDAC and Sony 360RA support.
The Sonos Arc and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offer easy control and smart home features, but they lack HDMI inputs.
The Vizio Elevate offers a true home theater replacement with wireless subwoofers and surrounds satellites included.
The Sony HT-A7000 is a more capable speaker with additional inputs for $300 more.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, the Sony HT-A5000 provides a powerful soundstage and excellent connectivity, making it a strong contender in the mid-range soundbar market.
Expansion and Customization
One option for expanding and customizing the HT-A5000 is to add Sony wireless subwoofers and surround satellites for an improved immersive experience. The soundbar has a built-in subwoofer that delivers powerful low-end, but adding wireless subwoofers can enhance the bass even further.
The wireless surround satellites can also provide a more realistic and spatial audio experience, especially when watching movies with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks. With the wireless options, speaker placement can also be more flexible. Users can position the subwoofers and surround satellites in optimal locations without the need for cables, which can be especially beneficial for those who have limited space or prefer a clean and clutter-free setup.
Additionally, with the Music Center app, users can easily control and adjust the settings of the soundbar and the added wireless speakers for a personalized audio experience.
Pros and Cons
Personally, I find the option to expand the Sony HT-A5000 with wireless subwoofers and surround satellites to be a great advantage for enhancing the overall audio experience. Adding these components can create a more immersive surround sound experience that truly brings movies and music to life.
However, it’s important to note that this option may not be necessary or desirable for everyone. The additional cost of purchasing these components may not be worth it for those who are satisfied with the sound quality of the soundbar on its own.
Despite these drawbacks, the HT-A5000 still delivers a powerful soundstage, robust low-end, and excellent connectivity, making it a solid choice for those looking for a mid-range soundbar with impressive features and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Sony’s HT-A5000 soundbar?
The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar has a mid-range price point, costing less than the more capable HT-A7000 model. While it is more expensive than some competitors, it offers strong connectivity, supports hi-res audio, and can be expanded with Sony wireless subwoofers and surround satellites.
Can the soundbar be controlled via voice commands?
Yes, using voice commands with Sony’s HT-A5000 soundbar is possible through Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home integration.
How many HDMI inputs does the A5000 have?
The A5000 soundbar has one HDMI 2.1 passthrough socket that supports eARC/HDMI out, capable of handling 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, and Dolby Vision HDR. It also has basic capacitive playback buttons and onscreen setup options for audio connectivity.
What is the frequency response range of the soundbar?
The frequency response range of the Sony HT-A5000 soundbar is not explicitly mentioned in the product description. However, Sound quality analysis shows that it delivers a powerful broad soundstage, robust low-end, and supports various audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM, and wireless hi-res audio.
Is the soundbar compatible with Apple AirPlay?
Yes, the Sony HT-A5000 soundbar supports Apple AirPlay 2 along with other wireless connectivity options. When compared to other AirPlay-compatible soundbars, the A5000 offers more powerful sound and a wider range of features, such as Sony 360 Reality Audio support.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Sony HT-A5000 soundbar is a solid mid-range option for those seeking impressive sound quality and versatile wireless streaming options. It has nine amp channels and 450 watts of power, which deliver immersive audio. When paired with its two up-firing speakers, three full-range front speakers, two front-facing woofers, and two side-firing beam tweeters, the A5000 produces powerful sound.
While it may not have as many height drivers as the Sonos Arc, the A5000’s built-in subwoofer and 3D sound modes make up for it. The soundbar also supports various wireless streaming options and multi-room integration through Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home, making it a versatile choice for any home audio setup.
Overall, the Sony HT-A5000 is a strong contender in the soundbar market and is definitely worth considering for those in the market for a mid-range option.
