FOR 360 Spatial Audio Mapping really works, easy to place, consistent sound
AGAINST Can get sibilant in some modes, could do with more transparency, subwoofer is essential
When Sony stumbles on liquid gold, it digs deep enough to leave a mark. The brand is no stranger to history-making tech and they’ve done it in recent times with their ANC headphones, OLED TVs and to a lesser extent, 360 Reality Audio. Finding traction on the same treadmill as Dolby may be hard, but Sony is determined to nudge its way into the Dolby Atmos ecosystem any which way. Enter the HT-A9 home theatre system. It’s a unique system where four identical satellite speakers talk to a control unit wirelessly and aims to drench you in immersive sound. How does Sony achieve this? Thought you’d never wonder…
Just about qualifying as a HTiB (Home-Theatre in a Box) system, the HT-A9 isn’t the most compact, with speakers that are giants by usual satellite speaker standards.
Although the satellite speakers are “wireless”, they still need power, so ensure you have enough power outlets around your room. A total of six outlets will be required to power the speakers along with the subwoofer and the control unit so yes, it’s a bit of an ask if you thought this system is similar to a Bluetooth speaker. No sir. Thankfully, the setup process is very user-friendly, guided by on-screen instructions. The satellites are identical in size, design and driver configuration, but they’re still marked for their intended positions. So you get a FL (Front Left), FR (Front Right), SR (Surround Right) and SL (Surround Left). Messing this up will be flagged during the set-up process, so don’t sweat the little things.
この記事は What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision の May 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision の May 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
The slim, not shady soundbar
Shaking up the category and its nomenclature, Sony is pulling no punches with the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9.
New world charm
The Music System (Gen 2) doesn't mince words, does it? It does exactly what it says on the wrapper play music. Simple.
Singing the verse
One of the most hallowed Indian hi-fi brands, Sonodyne has been making speakers for virtually every kind of application for decades now.
Radio Ga Ga
FOR Build quality, retro design, natural sound, simple controls
Maximizing on Mini
FOR Bright panel, calibrated modes, great picture quality
Vertere Dark Sabre
Details matter in audio design.
INDOOR PLANTS IN FULL BOOM
These premium wireless speakers are designed for use in the home - where they will raise the roof
RAISING THE BAR
Elevate your home cinema sound with this trio of convenient soundbar packages
I SPENT 24 HOURS IMMERSED IN DOLBY ATMOS MUSIC - THESE ARE 8 KEY THINGS I LEARNED
What Hi-Fi? UK deputy editor Andy Madden gained some interesting insights from the world of immersive audio on a visit to a Dolby Atmos studio
TAKE TO THE FLOOR
From pumping dance music to grand orchestral heft, these pillars of strength will deliver in spades