Sony’s new Dolby Atmos soundbar arrives with two significant upgrades designed to challenge Sonos Arc Ultra’s position as the premium soundbar standard. The latest Sony models, including the BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and System 6, bring enhanced immersive audio and broader codec support that could finally make a dent in Sonos’s market dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 features a 13-speaker array with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive soundscapes.
- System 6 delivers a 5.1-channel setup with wireless rear connectivity and tunable subwoofer performance.
- DTS:X support across new models gives Sony an advantage over Sonos Arc Ultra’s Dolby-only approach.
- Sony ecosystem integration appeals to BRAVIA TV owners seeking seamless connectivity.
- Pricing remains competitive with premium rivals while offering stronger spatial audio performance.
Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar: Architecture and Speaker Setup
The BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 packs a 13-speaker array that creates a more expansive soundstage than most competitors in its class. This architecture matters because more drivers mean better height channel separation—critical for Dolby Atmos content where sound needs to move convincingly above your head. Unlike the Sonos Arc Ultra, which relies on passive upfiring to simulate height, Sony’s multi-speaker approach delivers dedicated vertical channels.
The System 6 takes a different approach with its 5.1-channel configuration, pairing a wireless subwoofer that What Hi-Fi reviewers praised for delivering deep bass without sacrificing clarity. According to the testing, the subwoofer produces weighty low-end while remaining articulate at volume, a balance many competitors struggle to achieve. This matters for movie watchers who want explosions to feel impactful without dialogue getting muddied.
The Two Key Upgrades: DTS:X and Spatial Mapping
Sony’s real competitive advantage sits in DTS:X support—something Sonos Arc Ultra doesn’t offer. While Dolby Atmos dominates cinema, DTS:X is gaining traction in streaming services and Blu-ray releases. Having both codecs means Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar owners won’t miss immersive audio on DTS-encoded content. That’s not a minor feature; it’s a practical edge.
The second upgrade involves Sony’s spatial sound mapping technology. The HT-A7000 flagship uses 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Vertical Surround Engine to adapt audio to your room’s acoustics. Newer models inherit these room-correction smarts, meaning the soundbar automatically adjusts how Atmos objects move through your space. Sonos requires manual EQ adjustments and lacks comparable room-mapping intelligence.
Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar vs. Sonos Arc Ultra: Where Each Excels
Sonos Arc Ultra dominates the multi-room ecosystem. If you own Era 100 speakers and a Sub Mini subwoofer, the Arc integrates into a cohesive wireless network. Sony soundbars don’t offer that ecosystem depth—they’re designed primarily for TV-centric listening.
But Sony’s advantage lies in DTS:X codec support and room adaptation. If you watch streaming services that favor DTS audio or own a BRAVIA TV, Sony’s ecosystem integration feels more native. The System 6’s wireless rear speakers eliminate cable runs that plague traditional 5.1 setups, though they still require power outlets.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) undercuts both on price at £449 RRP, making it the sensible choice for small rooms where full Atmos immersion matters less. But for living rooms where soundbar performance is non-negotiable, Sony’s new models occupy the sweet spot between Sonos’s ecosystem premium and budget-tier compromises.
Practical Considerations: Setup and Connectivity
Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar models support HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth connectivity. This matters because not every TV has identical port layouts. The S2000 compact model, for instance, includes HDMI eARC and optical alongside Bluetooth 5.2, giving you flexibility. Sonos Ray lacks HDMI eARC entirely, forcing optical-only users into a corner.
The System 6 pairs wireless rear satellites with a wired subwoofer—an old-fashioned approach compared to Sonos’s all-wireless philosophy, but it solves a real problem: rear speaker placement rarely has convenient power outlets in living rooms. Wireless rears still need AC, so the hybrid approach feels like a practical compromise.
Does Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar finally dethrone Sonos?
Not entirely. Sonos Arc Ultra remains the better choice if multi-room audio, voice control integration, and ecosystem depth matter more than pure Atmos performance. But Sony’s new models narrow the gap significantly. For TV-first listeners who value DTS:X support and room-adapting spatial audio, Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar delivers more immersion per dollar than Sonos charges for Arc Ultra. The choice depends on whether you’re building a whole-home audio system (Sonos wins) or optimizing your TV’s soundscape (Sony competes).
What makes Sony’s new soundbars different from the HT-A7000?
The HT-A7000 remains Sony’s flagship 7.1.2-channel powerhouse with built-in subwoofers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. Newer models like the BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offer similar spatial smarts in a more compact form factor with 13 speakers instead of integrated drivers. The System 6 targets mid-range buyers who want 5.1 immersion without the HT-A7000’s bulk or premium pricing.
Which Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar should you buy?
Buy the BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 if you own a BRAVIA TV and want the strongest immersive performance in a single bar. Choose the System 6 if you need wireless rear speakers and a tunable subwoofer without breaking budget. The S2000 compact model suits small rooms where space matters more than surround channels. All three support DTS:X, giving you an advantage Sonos Arc Ultra can’t match.
Sony’s new Dolby Atmos soundbar lineup doesn’t fully dethrone Sonos—ecosystem depth and multi-room flexibility still favor the Arc Ultra. But for pure TV audio performance, room adaptation, and codec versatility, Sony’s upgrades finally make the competition feel like a real choice rather than a foregone conclusion.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
