Sonos Arc vs Sony HT-A5000

Sonos Arc review

The Sonos Arc is a game changer in the soundbar market, offering effective Dolby Atmos sound. It has a sleek design and can be wall-mounted. The Arc supports eARC and can handle higher-quality Dolby Atmos signals. It uses 11 custom drivers to create a 3D audio effect and has impressive dynamic range. The bass performance is well-balanced and the treble is clean. The Arc can also be used as a wireless speaker and can be combined with other Sonos speakers for a surround sound setup. Overall, the Sonos Arc is a superb and versatile soundbar.

Sonos Arc review: The all-in-one Atmos soundbar to beat

The Sonos Arc is a top-notch soundbar that offers excellent sound quality for movies and music. It doesn't require a subwoofer and comes with features like voice assistant and multiroom music. However, it has limitations like a single HDMI eARC port and no Bluetooth streaming. It is more expensive than some competitors but offers compatibility with Sonos' multiroom music system. The Arc has a sleek design, touch-based controls, and a four far-field microphone array. It uses HDMI ARC for audio connection and supports Dolby Atmos, but its Atmos capability is limited by the TV. The soundbar delivers impressive sound and deep bass, making a subwoofer unnecessary. Overall, the Sonos Arc is a great option for those looking for a feature-packed soundbar without the need for a subwoofer.

Sonos Arc review

The Sonos Arc is a flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar that delivers high-impact 5.0.2-channel sound. It can bounce sounds off the walls to create a 3D audio experience. The setup is simple, with minimal cable connections and an all-in-one design. The soundbar is taller than most and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop. It has one HDMI port and is available in black or white. The audio performance is excellent, with solid bass and crisp highs. The Arc is best suited for rooms with the right shape for optimal surround sound.

Sony HT-A5000 Soundbar Review

The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar impresses with outstanding detailing, a large and cohesive sound stage, and precise Dolby Atmos height effects. It delivers impactful bass and handles action movie moments with excellent timing. The Sound Field feature enhances the scale and impact of the sound. However, the up-firing drivers lack forward projection for an accurate overhead Dolby Atmos effect, and some sounds can become compressed or shrill. Adding optional subwoofers and rear speakers can improve the sound, but they are expensive. The soundbar performs well with music, offering lively bass and impressive clarity. The Sound Field Effect enlarges the soundstage but can make some tracks sound unbalanced.

Sony HT-A5000 review: Good-looking, powerful and superbly detailed

The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar offers extensive sound format support, including DSD, Wav, Flac, ALAC, and more. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with additional Sony processing enhancements. The soundbar has various connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and optical audio inputs. It supports 4K/120Hz gaming feeds and HDR formats. The HDMI passthrough supports eARC for lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks.

Sony HT-A5000 Soundbar Review: Atmos sweet spot

The Sony HT-A5000 Soundbar is a feature-packed option for gamers and A/V enthusiasts. It offers clear and immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support. The soundbar has a plain design and lacks user-friendly features like an app or EQ. However, it compensates with next-gen connectivity options, hi-res audio support, and various sound formats. Overall, it provides excellent value and performance for its price.

Sony HT-A5000 Review

The Sony HT-A5000 is a powerful soundbar that delivers clear and detailed sound. It performs well with TV, music, and movies, making it a versatile option. The soundbar has a large footprint and is on the expensive side. The built-in Chromecast performance is disappointing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive audio. The design is distinctive with a transparent grille and LED display. It has various connectivity options including HDMI, optical, USB, and wireless. The sound quality is punchy with powerful bass and a good soundstage. The Soundfield function expands the soundstage but can sound artificial at times. The soundbar is a good option for those looking for a powerful and immersive audio experience.

Sony HT-A5000 Review: A Dolby Atmos Soundbar For Hi-Res Fans

The Sony HT-A5000 is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that offers excellent movie and music sound. It has an 8K-ready HDMI input, easy on-screen setup, and a wide range of connection options. The soundbar supports hi-res audio, Sony 360RA, and DTS:X. It lacks EQ adjustments and has poor integration with music services. The design is basic but functional, and the size is suitable for most TVs. The soundbar has multiple HDMI inputs, including one that can handle 8K and Dolby Vision. It also has various wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. The sound quality is impressive, with clear and balanced stereo sound in basic mode and immersive 3D sound in Sound Field mode. The built-in subwoofer is powerful, but additional subwoofers can be added for a more immersive experience. Overall, the Sony HT-A5000 is a premium soundbar that delivers a premium sound experience for both music and movies.

Sony HT-A5000 Soundbar Review & Discussion

The reviewer finds that Sony soundbars, including the Sony HT-A5000, do not perform well without subwoofers. They compared it to a Sonos soundbar and found both to be underwhelming. The reviewer prefers their Samsung soundbar, despite its overblown bass, as it is a better match for their old Yamaha YSP4100.

Sony HT-A5000 review

The Sony HT-A5000 is a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar that offers 5.1.2 channels of sound. It is priced at £899 / $998 / AU$1299 and is comparable to the Sonos Arc. The soundbar has a sleek design and features two up-firing speakers, three front speakers, and two side-firing beam tweeters. It offers various connectivity options including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony's 360 Reality Audio. While it delivers a powerful soundstage and robust low-end, the voices can sound slightly boxy and the height effects are not as precise as the Sonos Arc. Overall, it is a solid single-box sound solution but faces tough competition in its price range.