Bringing you all the best reviews of high definition entertainment. At this past CES, Sony rolled out its next-generation Atmos soundbar, the HT-Z9F. Sony HT-NT5 Sound Bar with Hi-Res Audio and Wireless Streaming. See the Sound Enhancement Features section. Both soundbar systems have their similarities and differences, attributes and faults. Sony describes the HT-Z9F as a 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar that features 7.1.2-channel surround sound. 4.4 out of 5 stars 397 ratings | 221 answered questions Amazon's Choice recommends highly rated and well-priced products. (Sony’s rear speakers, which retail for $299, are more expensive than LG’s, which list for $179.) Sony HT-Z9F (open-box, $370 + wireless surrounds - new, $299). Here you can vote for our next review, Compare frequency and distortion of soundbars to make a clearer and more informed decision, We buy our own products to test. Sony continues to be fairly uninspired with its button-filled remotes. The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear. Easy to connect to Wi-Fi and TV. Sony, on the other hand, has gone a different direction. Spotify and Google Chrome… Both sit on the high-end of the price spectrum, with the Z9F currently selling for $798 (reduced from $899) and the LG selling for $999 (reduced from $1,099). For my full, in-depth take on the LG SK10Y, click here. This is one audio accessory that would seriously upgrade your home theater, and therefore earns this coveted award." The Sony HT-Z9F is a better overall soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. No cherry-picked units sent by brands. Sony's entry-level soundbars are available for around $100. I envisioned this setup as sleek and streamlined, and believed a high-quality, high-def Dolby Atmos soundbar with unobtrusive wireless rear speakers would be the perfect solution. Types of Sony soundbars. Buy the Sony HT-Z9F from Amazon.com OR from BestBuy.com! The Sony is 4K and Dolby Visioncompatible, so you’ll be able to plug your Blu-ray player and games console into it without problems. I reviewed both systems for HDD. HT-Z9F brings some design innovation to the table. There are key family differences between the HT-Z9F and the HT-ST5000. Because DTS-HD MA requires eARC, DTS:X does as well. The main one is that the HT-Z9F lacks upward-firing drivers to bounce sound off the ceiling. The Sony HT-Z9F is Sony’s latest 3.1 surround sound soundbar that they claim can deliver 7.1 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound for less money. After doing a fair bit of research, I ordered both Sony’s HT-Z9F and LG’s SK10Y systems along with their respective wireless rear speakers. You can also stream audio to it using Apple AirPlay. Now, the company’s new HT-Z9F ($900), aims to deliver the same object- based Atmos—and DTS:X—experience from a more compact and notably less costly soundbar. Spotify and Google Chrome… The HT-ZF9 measures about a metre long, with a removable grill to hide its drivers. The package comes with the sound bar, subwoofer, remote control (batteries included), mounting hardware, Demo DVD, 4K HDMI cable, & … In this head-to-head battle, the Sony HT-Z9F scores a decisive victory. The setup is slightly more involved, and the wireless speakers need pairing, but otherwise, the bar is easy to get up and running. Sony has included the most essential components; the soundbar, subwoofer, remote control, power cables, and a thin, cheap optical cable to get you started. The included HDMI cable runs from this port to the Sound Bar, then you plug each device into the Sound Bar via HDMI. The LG SK10Y has the chops to beat its Sony rival, but until the center channel/dialogue and maximum volume issues are fixed, it’s not really a worthy competitor. The subwoofer is wirelessly connected; all you do is plug it into power. Multi-channel audio effects are a lot of fun, but as William Shakespeare once famously wrote, “the play’s the thing,” and if verbal exchanges are subjugated by explosions, gunfire, and swelling music, it’s tough to truly enjoy a movie. The HT-Z9F is one Sony's latest high-end theater sound systems which only uses a single sound bar and subwoofer to emulate a 7.1.2 surround sound experience. "Sony's latest Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Sony HT-Z9F, brings 4K compatibility to a 3.1 channel system with surround sound through either Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. What I liked most about this bar was similar to the HT-G700. Founded in April 2006, High-Def Digest is the ultimate guide for High-Def enthusiasts who demand only the best that money can buy. All rights reserved. In terms of connectivity, these soundbars can offer both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When a product is discontinued or no longer popular, we sell the purchased products locally in Montreal, Canada. Sony has just announced its latest Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar, which is nearly $200 / £450 cheaper than the Sonos Arc, which costs $799 / £799 / AU$1,399.. On its back are two HDMI inputs and a HDMI output with ARC support, so it can receive sound from your television. The Sony HT-Z9F vs Bose Soundbar 700 are sound panels with an active amplification type. Does the demo supposed Be part of the most informed community and take advantage of our advanced tools to find the best product for your needs. The Sony is a 3.1 setup that supports Atmos and offers a full array of physical inputs that support common audio formats. 160 St-Viateur Est, Suite 408, Montreal, Canada, H2T 1A8. Been experimenting with the HT-Z9F. DTS:X uses a DTS-HD MA carrier signal, so to support DTS:X the soundbar must also support DTS-HD MA. It really seems like Sony designed this not to be seen. LG sn8yg vs LG sn10yg vs Sony HT-Z9F. I pitted them against each other and put them through rigorous testing over a two-week period. On its back are two HDMI inputs and a HDMI output with ARC support, so it can receive sound from your television. What I liked most about this bar was similar to the HT-G700. I wanted to maintain the ability to watch 4K UHD and 3D Blu-ray discs on that television, and I wanted high-quality sound as well. There is no HDMI cable included, despite HDMI being the only feasible option if you want to enjoy the full capabilities of the soundbar. Copyright © 2021 LLC, MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. However, the JBL is a 5.1 setup with room correction. The Sony is 4K and Dolby Visioncompatible, so you’ll be able to plug your Blu-ray player and games console into it without problems. Yet Sony says it offers a soundfield akin to a 5.1.2 system. Hi . Posted Mon Jul 30, 2018 at 03:14 PM PDT by David Krauss. What I didn’t want was a cluster of bulky speakers cluttering the room and a tangle of cables behind the TV. The Sony HT-Z9F soundbar is a significant step up from the HT-X8500, but also comes at double the price, making it a bit too expensive even for buyers with big budgets. Loving the sound quality it won't disappoint. However, the JBL is a 5.1 setup with room correction. DTS:X is different from DTS Virtual:X, which is a post-processing effect that upmixes normal audio. https://www.sony.com/electronics/sound-bars/ht-z9f/reviews-ratings put them under the same test bench, Soundbar Showdown: Sony HT-Z9F Vs. LG SK10Y. Bringing you the best reviews of 4K and high definition entertainment. Not only does this bar cost significantly less than the ST5000, it supports DTS:X and optional wireless surround speakers for a more immersive, surround effect. (I also found the inability to turn off the LED display on the LG to be another serious strike against it.) You can also stream audio to … Goodbye Family Video - The Last Remaining Major Rental Shop Chain To Close, First Look: Optoma's New Cinema X P2 Short Throw Projector. Great for large bedroom or small condo. They don’t have a built-in subwoofer, but the one from Sony includes an external woofer in the package. The only issue I had was that the ports on the Sound Bar are in an at angle. Your inputs are now controlled through the Sound Bar vs. the TV. Sony once again flexes its processing might with its latest soundbar, the HT-Z9F. To be apt, it’s aesthetically unobtrusive just like most soundbars out there. A soundbar is an all-in-one speaker that provides high-quality sound for your TV.Unlike other television sound systems, a soundbar has a very slim, compact design, so it doesn’t require much space.A soundbar is also much easier to set up, contains at least two speakers, and can offer stereo or surround sound for a theater-like experience. We purchase our own soundbars and I'm confused about the difference between the two sound settings. The HT-Z9F is different than either 'bar from Sony or Samsung, because it’s a 3.1 model that snubs physical up-firing drivers. The Sony HT-Z9F is a better overall soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. Due to the HT-Z9F’s driver configuration, Sony is calling this the world's 1st 3.1 soundbar. Here’s what I found... - come equipped with a wireless subwoofer and remote, - contain 2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI out (ARC compatible), one optical input, and one Ethernet input, - Vertical Surround option expands the soundscape, - excellent voice adjustment tool brings dialogue to the foreground while maintaining a good balance with surround effects, - compact styling makes it portable, if desired, - ability to turn off LED display, if desired, - dedicated upward-firing speakers to provide more authentic Dolby Atmos audio, - coupled with the optional rear speakers, provides a 7.1.2 surround experience, - offers a phone app to control the unit in addition to the remote, - no treble or bass adjustments for music, - despite firmware update, dialogue still gets drowned out by effects during high-tech action, sci-fi, and fantasy movies, - volume maxes out at too low a level during Blu-ray and streaming movies, - rear speakers must connect to a separate receiver via speaker wire, adding unsightly clutter and an extra component to the setup, - LED light only dims, does not go out, which could distract some viewers when watching content in a dark room, - remote is too simple and doesn’t have quick access buttons. Its HT-Z9F soundbar is technically only a 3.1 channel bar, with three forward-facing 2.5-inch drivers on the front and a 6.38-inch wireless subwoofer. So many features wireless and built in wi-fi easy set up ! Easy setup, easy menus and Bluetooth. You can see what products we currently have for sale. The Sony … But I left my 65” OLED 3D-capable TV where it was. The Sony is a 3.1 setup that supports Atmos and offers a full array of physical inputs that support common audio formats. © 2021 9298-5266 Quebec Inc. All Rights Reserved. Design: an elegant Sony TV sound bar. Buy the LG SK10Y from Amazon.com OR from BestBuy.com! Sony Z9F 3.1ch Sound bar with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer (HT-Z9F), Home Theater Surround Sound Speaker System for TV Black Visit the Sony Store. The design of the subwoofer is nothing out of the normal. The Sony HT-Z9F may not provide the perfect Atmos experience, but it supplies high-quality, well-balanced, adjustable surround sound that complements any genre of film and is a fine substitute for a traditional receiver-based setup. This tool will clearly show you the differences, Use our data and table to find the best soundbar for your needs, Want to see us review a specific soundbar? Posted Mon Jul 30, 2018 at 03:14 PM PDT by David Krauss. I have the rear speakers as well. Which system is better? But thanks to Sony’s best-in-class processing, it’s able to provide an immersive wall of sound that goes out the sides and up above your TV. The Z9F's remote is a 7.9-by-1.9-inch (HW) black wand covered with membrane buttons. You don't have to be a mathematician to … ... That means that you cannot charge the rear speakers while using the sound bar, and if you want audio to sound remotely decent for non cinematic content, you have to do a combination of remote presses every time the bar comes out of off or standby. Neither one hits a home run, but after a deep dive, I chose the Sony HT-Z9F, which I found to have better all-around sound quality, a more streamlined setup, fewer components, and features that better suit my needs and satisfy my personal home theater preferences. There’s also USB, 3.5mm and digital optical inputs as well as an ethernet connection. so that you can compare the results easily. A sleek and elegant design isn’t something to expect from the JBL Bar 5.1 as it comes in a shade of dark grey which makes it easy for it to be unnoticed. Yet finding the perfect soundbar wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. - Techradar The 0.1 is the subwoofer which is quite a hefty bit of kit (H: 38.2 / W: 19 / D: 38.6 - 8.1KG). Soundbar Showdown: Sony HT-Z9F Vs. LG SK10Y. Here’s a look at Sony’s new HT-G700 soundbar, a 3.1-channel, Dolby Atmos and DTS: X-supported product for $600 that promises to be one of the … For my full, in-depth analysis of the Sony HT-Z9F, click here. There’s also USB, 3.5mm and digital optical inputs as well as an ethernet connection. Updated daily and in real-time, we track all high-def disc news and release dates, and review the latest disc titles. I've been playing the Atmos Helicopter demo and under both settings I do sense height, however with the Sound Mode, it's only presence in the front but in Dolby Speaker VirtuaI can hear the helicopter go behind the head as well. If … At $200, you can get a soundbar with a separate subwoofer. When I decided to turn an unused playroom into an intimate home theater, I transferred much of my existing A/V equipment into the new area. Gain early access to all tests results for new products, Prices will now be listed directly in reviews and tables, Have 5 votes per product category to choose which product we’ll review next, Gain unlimited access to detailed test results in tools and results (no blurred results), Video: The 4 Best Samsung Soundbars to Buy in 2020, Having trouble deciding between two soundbars? From $500 to $800, … The latest reviews on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray. The HT-ZF9 measures about a metre long, with a removable grill to hide its drivers. The Sony is a better overall soundbar than the JBL is a setup... Sound from your television to a 5.1.2 system processing might with its latest soundbar, the JBL is a setup. I, LLC dba Internet Brands enthusiasts who demand only the best reviews of 4K high! Wireless and built in Wi-Fi easy set up them under the same test,. As I thought it would be Montreal, Canada, H2T 1A8 HT-Z9F is a better overall than! 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