Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar

86%

Sound Quality

Ease of Setup

PS5 Integration

Bass Performance

Connectivity Options

Customization Flexibility

Build Quality

Dialogue Clarity

Design and Aesthetics

Value for Money

App and Streaming Performance

Overall Satisfaction

Size and Placement Flexibility

Overview

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar is a premium 11-speaker system designed to deliver a cinematic audio experience. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, it provides immersive surround sound for movies, gaming, and music. This home theater system offers seamless integration with BRAVIA TVs and PlayStation 5, making it a top choice for those looking to enhance their entertainment setup. It also supports wireless streaming via Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, giving you the freedom to play your favorite content with ease. You can even customize the sound with optional subwoofers and rear speakers.

Features & Benefits

This soundbar boasts cutting-edge features like 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, which creates a highly immersive soundstage that adapts to your room. Acoustic Center Sync offers precise control over the sound, directly through your TV menu, simplifying setup. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it delivers rich, cinematic surround sound, while the 4K HDR passthrough and HDMI 2.1 compatibility ensure high-quality visuals. Voice Zoom 3 technology enhances dialogue clarity, making it perfect for movies and gaming. Whether you’re watching action-packed scenes or listening to a podcast, the audio is clear, detailed, and engaging.

Best For

This Sony soundbar is ideal for movie enthusiasts who crave an immersive home theater experience, as well as gamers who want rich sound to complement their PS5 setup. It's also a great choice for BRAVIA TV owners looking for seamless integration with their TV, ensuring simple setup and control. The system is perfect for anyone who enjoys wireless streaming from their phone or smart TV, thanks to its compatibility with Spotify, Apple AirPlay, and Bluetooth. Finally, those who value customization will appreciate the ability to tailor the audio setup with optional components like a subwoofer or rear speakers.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the immersive sound and easy installation process, noting how quickly the system enhances the home theater experience. Many appreciate the seamless integration with BRAVIA TVs, making control simple through the TV's menu. On the downside, some mention that the bass could be more robust without the optional subwoofer, while others report that the soundbar performs best with compatible devices. However, for most, the sound quality, especially with Dolby Atmos, makes it a top contender in its category. Overall, it's a strong performer for those seeking cinematic sound at home.

#Sound Bars

#Speakers

#Home Audio

#Electronics

Pros

This soundbar offers immersive, cinematic sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
Seamless integration with BRAVIA TVs makes setup and control hassle-free for Sony users.
Wireless streaming options via Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth are highly convenient.
Customizable audio setup allows for an enhanced listening experience with optional subwoofer and rear speakers.
Voice Zoom 3 improves dialogue clarity, making it ideal for movies and games with heavy dialogue.
360 Spatial Sound Mapping creates a wider soundstage, adding depth to the overall audio experience.

Cons

Without the optional subwoofer, some users feel the bass could be more powerful.
The size and additional components like rear speakers might not suit users with limited space.
Performance is optimized for BRAVIA TVs and PS5; users with other devices may not get the full benefit.
Some users find the system's high price point to be a barrier, especially without the subwoofer included.
While easy to set up, the manual may not be as detailed for those unfamiliar with audio equipment.
It lacks a truly portable option, limiting its use in multi-room setups or small spaces.

Ratings

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar has received a range of user feedback from verified reviews worldwide, including multiple languages and platforms. After filtering out spam, bot-driven, and exaggerated comments, our analysis highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement based on authentic user experiences. These scores reflect real insights about its performance, sound quality, and compatibility with BRAVIA TVs and PS5, among other features.

Sound Quality

92%

Users frequently mention the immersive sound quality, particularly when using this device with Dolby Atmos and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. The powerful and clear audio helps deliver an exceptional home theater experience, making it a top choice for movie and music lovers alike.

Some buyers have noted that the bass could be more pronounced without the optional subwoofer. While the audio is generally powerful, a few users feel that it lacks the deep, thumping bass found in higher-end systems.

Ease of Setup

88%

Many users appreciate the quick and easy setup of this home theater system. It integrates seamlessly with BRAVIA TVs and PS5, allowing for hassle-free connections and intuitive controls straight from the TV menu.

Despite the ease of setup for most, some users found the initial configuration of wireless streaming services like Apple AirPlay 2 to be slightly tricky, especially for those not familiar with smart home devices.

PS5 Integration

91%

The PS5 integration is widely praised, with users highlighting how this system enhances gaming with crystal-clear audio and a surround sound experience. The seamless connection with the PS5 enhances immersion in both games and movies.

A few users mentioned that while the integration is generally smooth, occasional syncing issues can arise when switching between gaming and video content, requiring a manual reset for optimal performance.

Bass Performance

75%

25%

The bass performance is good for general listening, providing adequate depth for most users without a subwoofer. It’s particularly well-suited for casual movie watching and general music listening.

However, some buyers were disappointed by the lack of deep, rich bass, especially during action scenes in movies or when playing bass-heavy music. Many recommended purchasing the optional subwoofer for a more satisfying low-end response.

Connectivity Options

89%

Users are generally pleased with the wide variety of connectivity options available, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2. These features provide excellent flexibility for streaming music from mobile devices or smart TVs.

Some users reported that certain wireless connections can be unstable in environments with a lot of other devices. This issue seems isolated but could be frustrating for those looking for perfect, uninterrupted streaming.

Customization Flexibility

80%

20%

The option to add a subwoofer or rear speakers provides users with flexibility to create a more tailored sound setup, meeting individual preferences for audio depth and surround sound.

While the customization options are a plus, some buyers feel that the system doesn’t deliver a true surround experience without the extra components, leading to a more limited soundstage for those without the subwoofer and rear speakers.

Build Quality

90%

The build quality of this soundbar is praised for its solid construction and premium feel. The sleek, minimalist design fits seamlessly into most living rooms and pairs well with modern BRAVIA TVs.

A small number of users reported that the soundbar feels a bit bulky compared to other options, making it harder to place in smaller spaces. However, this is a minor concern for those with larger setups.

Dialogue Clarity

84%

The Voice Zoom 3 feature significantly improves dialogue clarity, making it easier to hear conversations, even in loud scenes. This is particularly appreciated by those who watch a lot of action movies or TV shows.

Some users feel that the dialogue clarity could still be enhanced further, especially in certain movie genres where audio can be muddled by background effects or music. The feature works best with specific content.

Design and Aesthetics

86%

The design of this soundbar is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that complements the aesthetics of a BRAVIA TV. Its black color fits seamlessly into most home decors, adding to the overall premium look of the system.

While the design is generally well-received, some users feel that the size might be too large for smaller TV stands, requiring a more spacious area for setup. The size might also be a concern for those aiming for a minimalist look.

Value for Money

92%

Many users consider this soundbar an excellent value for its price, especially given the premium features such as Dolby Atmos, PS5 compatibility, and flexible connectivity. It offers a solid balance of performance and affordability for a high-end audio system.

A few buyers believe the price could be a bit steep, particularly if they are not planning to invest in the optional subwoofer or rear speakers. However, most feel the overall performance justifies the cost.

App and Streaming Performance

85%

The soundbar’s ability to connect wirelessly to streaming platforms such as Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2 is appreciated by those who prefer to stream music or podcasts directly from their mobile devices. The performance is smooth with minimal lag or buffering.

Some users encountered occasional connectivity issues, particularly when switching between different apps or devices. These minor hiccups could detract from an otherwise seamless streaming experience.

Overall Satisfaction

87%

Overall, users are generally satisfied with their purchase, praising the immersive audio experience, seamless integration with BRAVIA TVs, and flexibility for customization. Many users appreciate the value this device provides considering its robust features.

Despite the positive feedback, some users wish for a more consistent bass experience and better integration with non-BRAVIA TVs. A few also expressed that the additional components, like the subwoofer, should be included in the package.

Size and Placement Flexibility

79%

21%

This home theater system's compact size works well for medium to large spaces, and its versatile design allows for flexible placement options, such as mounting on the wall or positioning on a TV stand.

However, some users find the soundbar too large for smaller spaces or tighter setups. Its size can limit placement options for those with space constraints or those looking for a more discreet audio solution.

Suitable for:

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar is an excellent choice for movie enthusiasts and gamers who prioritize an immersive, cinematic experience. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, this soundbar delivers rich, dynamic audio that enhances movies, TV shows, and video games. It is particularly beneficial for users with BRAVIA TVs or PS5 consoles, as it integrates seamlessly for a more streamlined entertainment experience. Additionally, its customizable audio setup, including optional rear speakers and a subwoofer, is ideal for those who enjoy fine-tuning their home theater system for optimal sound. Wireless streaming capabilities, such as Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, make it a great fit for people who enjoy convenient, cable-free music and media streaming in their living room.

Not suitable for:

However, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar may not be the best fit for users with limited space or those seeking a more compact audio solution. Its relatively large size and optional add-ons like a subwoofer may be impractical for smaller living spaces or for users looking for a minimalist setup. Furthermore, while the sound quality is impressive overall, some users felt that the bass could be more robust without the subwoofer, which may leave some individuals unsatisfied if they prefer deep, rumbling low frequencies. Additionally, people without a BRAVIA TV or PS5 may not fully appreciate the seamless integration and might find the soundbar less beneficial without these compatible devices.

Specifications

Speakers: Equipped with 11 speakers for enhanced, immersive sound.
Audio Formats: Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for cinematic surround sound.
Spatial Sound: Features 360 Spatial Sound Mapping for an expansive audio experience.
Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI for versatile connections.
Subwoofer: Optional subwoofer for customizable bass enhancement.
Rear Speakers: Supports optional rear speakers to expand surround sound.
TV Integration: Seamless integration with BRAVIA TVs for simplified control and setup.
Gaming Compatibility: Designed for optimized audio performance with PS5 for gaming.
Voice Zoom: Voice Zoom 3 enhances dialogue clarity in movies and games.
HDR Passthrough: Supports 4K HDR passthrough for high-quality visual output.
HDMI Compatibility: Compatible with HDMI 2.1 for high-definition video and audio.
Streaming Services: Supports wireless streaming via Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2.
Dimensions: Measures 43.3″ W x 2.6″ H x 4.3″ D for a sleek, compact design.
Weight: Weighs 10.4 lbs for a balanced, sturdy build.
Color: Available in black to complement a wide range of home decor.
Power: Operates via AC power for reliable performance.
Compatibility: Works with any TV supporting HDMI ARC or Optical inputs.
Control Options: Can be controlled via the BRAVIA TV remote or included remote.
Audio Control: Acoustic Center Sync allows precise audio adjustments through TV menu.
Bluetooth Streaming: Supports Bluetooth for easy wireless audio streaming from mobile devices.

FAQ

Setting up this soundbar is easy if you have a BRAVIA TV. Simply connect it to the TV using an HDMI cable and enable HDMI ARC or eARC. If you have a PS5, you can also connect that directly for enhanced gaming audio. Once connected, the soundbar will automatically integrate with your TV’s sound settings for quick control.

360 Spatial Sound Mapping is a technology that creates a more immersive and enveloping soundstage by using the multiple speakers in the system to deliver sound from all around you. This allows for a more cinematic audio experience, especially when watching movies or playing games that support this feature.

While this soundbar integrates seamlessly with BRAVIA TVs for the best performance, it is also compatible with most other TVs via HDMI ARC, Optical, or Bluetooth. However, certain advanced features, like Acoustic Center Sync, are optimized for use with BRAVIA models.

Yes, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 allows you to customize your audio setup by adding an optional subwoofer and rear speakers. This helps enhance the bass and surround sound effects for a more complete home theater experience.

The sound quality is exceptional for both movies and gaming, with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. These technologies provide cinematic surround sound, bringing movies to life and giving games more depth, particularly with PS5 integration.

Yes, this device supports wireless streaming from services like Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. You can easily stream your favorite music from your phone or tablet to the soundbar without needing any physical connections.

If you feel the bass is lacking, you can consider purchasing the optional subwoofer for a deeper sound experience. Alternatively, adjust the soundbar’s bass settings in the TV or soundbar menu to find a balance that suits your preferences.

Yes, if you have a BRAVIA TV, you can control the soundbar directly through the TV remote via HDMI-CEC or Acoustic Center Sync. This feature makes it easier to adjust volume and settings without needing to use multiple remotes.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar requires minimal maintenance. Keep the speaker grills clean by wiping them gently with a soft cloth. It’s also a good idea to ensure the HDMI ports are free from dust or debris to maintain optimal connection quality.

Yes, this soundbar is compatible with other devices like Blu-ray players, laptops, and gaming consoles through HDMI, Optical, or Bluetooth connections. However, certain features, like Acoustic Center Sync, work best with BRAVIA TVs and PS5.