The Product Analyst: Sony HT-A7000 Review: Is This is Best Atmos Soundbar from Sony? (2022)

There’s an increase in Dolby Atmos-ready models and configurations, and the Sony HT-A7000 speaker is right up the trend. But with this latest technology comes a hefty price tag.

If you don’t want to splurge on an upgrade with average or disappointing new features, allow our pro audiophiles to break down the unit in this Sony HT-A7000 review.

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Design and Build

The design of the Sony HT-A7000 has changed dramatically from its predecessor flagship unit, the HT-ST5000.

Unlike several of the drivers in the latter model, the 11 speakers drivers in this soundbar are all located behind a metal grille. It has grilles on both sides and the top surface at the end of the soundbar.

However, at 3.25 x 5.7 inches, it is just as attractive. Along with the TV, its simple design is slender enough to avoid fouling the bottom of the TV screen.

You may also need a wider TV stand because the Sony A7000 is 51-inch long, making it suitable for bigger TV screens.

Regarding its build quality, Sony doesn’t skimp, and the HT-A7000 model feels top-notch due to its luxurious finish. In addition, the soundbar is also wall-mountable.

Sony HT-A7000 Features

Overview of Specifications

Color/s	Black Only
Ports	Ethernet, USB-A, Analog Audio Jack In (3.5mm), Digital Optical, 1x HDMI Out (ARC/eARC), & 2x HDMI In
Audio Channels	7.1.2
Audio Formats Supported	Dolby TrueHD, DTS X, DTS, Dolby Atmos, & Dolby Digital
Power Cable Output	500 Watts
Connections	Wireless (Spotify Connect, Airplay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth CBC, LDAC, & AAC)
Voice Assistance	Google Assistant & Alexa
Subwoofer	Integrated
Size	51 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 5 5/8 in
Weight	19.2 lbs.
Mounting Option/s	Yes

Sound Quality

This soundbar is suitable for a variety of uses. It suits various types of audio content thanks to its neutral sound profile that is balanced, together with rich bass.

It struggles, however, to recreate deep thumps within its low bass. However, you can always upgrade this setup by adding a dedicated subwoofer and satellites.

Configuration

The size of the soundbar features 11 drivers, which include two beam tweeters, two subwoofers, and five mid-range drivers for bigger and brighter sound.

Also, the couple of upward-playing units on the upper part add height details to DTS:X and Dolby Atmos music tracks.

Frequency Response

The stereo frequency response of the Sony HT-A7000 is adequate. It has a fairly neutral frequency response, with an extra knack in the bass range.

Its frequency response is enough for most audio content types, though its capacity to reproduce the rumbling, thumpy low-bass usually found in action-packed movies or heavy bass music is average.

Soundstage

This Sony HT-A7000 features an excellent stereo soundstage. Its soundstage is discerned to be impressively wide due to its Surround technology (S-Front Pro), reproducing the field of sound using front-playing surround speakers.

But its focus is average, and the sound objects appear to be from a broader location rather than a specific, pinpoint frequency.

Dynamics

The HT-A7000 provides a satisfactory stereo dynamics surround performance. However, it does not provide a room-filling sound as it doesn’t volume much–unsuitable for parties or crowded places. You’ll notice some compression when you turn it all the way up.

Distortion

The HT-A7000 performs well in terms of stereo THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) [1]. The distortion amount is within acceptable limits at normal listening volumes, resulting in pure and clean audio reproduction.

When you set the volume bar to its maximum, THD increases. But, you might not notice it in the actual content.

Surround Sound 5.1

The surround sound performance on the Sony HT-A7000 is average. It represents the surround objects with front-playing speakers within the bar, but it doesn’t sound as natural and clear as discrete speakers. It also has a bass-heavy frequency response – maybe too much for some.

When you listen to surround content, you can utilize the ‘Immersive Sound AE’ button to operate the up-playing drivers with the side-playing drivers. However, we ran this test set with this feature disabled. Note that you cannot modify this feature when you’re listening to any Atmos content.

Atmos

The Sony HT-A7000’s Atmos performance is average. To simulate height, the bar’s up-playing drivers fire bounce off the ceiling and then sounds down towards you. These channels, however, do not provide that much volume, and the frequency response can be a little bright.

We ran the sound tests setting the bar to the ‘Standard Surround’ setting. During the listening test, we discovered that when you listen to Atmos content, the ‘Cinema’ setting adds height.

However, the performance of the bar isn’t as exceptional as some of the other soundbars we have tried before as some important details are lacking. So when you listen to Atmos content set in the ‘Standard Surround’ setting, you cannot modify the Immersive AE setting.

Sound Adjustments

The Sony HT-A7000 comes equipped with great sound adjustment features. You can customize the sounds using the EQ presets, such as ‘Music,’ ‘Standard Surround,’ ‘Auto Sound,’ and ‘Cinema.’ You can tweak the preset in order to match the content you’re listening to based on the subjective listening tests we’ve conducted.

Audio Formats Supported

This HT-A7000 soundbar supports a wide range of audio format via ARC. You have both standard and virtual surround sound formats (Dolby Digital) as well as lossless and object-based formats (Dolby Atmos).

It also supports a wide breadth of formats using the Full HDMI inputs. HT-A7000 supports all the sound formats we’ve tested, including the lossless and object-based formats such as DTS: X and Dolby Atmos.

Dolby Digital and DTS content is supported by the HT-A7000 using the Optical. These sound formats are usually found on a streaming music service or Blu-ray disc.

Performance With Subwoofers

The Sony HT-A7000 has a built-in subwoofer in the bar – placed on the left and right sides of the center speaker. You can add a dedicated subwoofer, which you need to purchase separately.

The double woofers on the bat’s front provide some oomph, especially when the volume is turned up above 60%, but they are no substitute for a discrete subwoofer.

Actually, we agree with some Sony HT-A7000 reviews online, and we can say the same for the up-playing speakers and surround drivers, which appear a little weaker.

It can produce 7.1.2-channel sound on its own. While that appears to provide more sound output, it’s mainly focused in the mid-range if you don’t butt in and adjust the EQ manually.

What you’ll hear right out of the box, without additional hardware, is a clear and solid dialogue.

Throughout our testing process, regardless of the source, we could clearly hear the dialogue, even though we changed the TV’s sound mode to a more dynamic setting, like the Sony TV’s ‘Cinema’ sound mode.

Connectivity Options

The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar has two HDMI 2.1 inputs and one eARC/HDMI output port on the recessed side for hardwired connectivity. It can handle Dolby Vision HDR, 4K @120Hz, and 8K @60Hz signals.

You can also find a digital optical port, analog input via a 3.5mm jack socket, USB Port Audio, and analog output for converting a compatible Sony Bravia TV into the center channel using the supplied cable.

Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.

Interface and Controls

The Sony A7000 features a small interface displaying your current settings and inputs. You can find touch-capacitive buttons located on the bar’s top.

These buttons enable you to turn on/off the bar, activate Bluetooth, change the input, set the volume, and open music services.

App

You can navigate all of the soundbar’s features within the Sony Music Center app. What’s disappointing here is the Sound Field Optimization features is available only when you connect it to your TV.

The app serves as your remote control to navigate the bar’s features. It allows you to modify the sound settings and input and listen to music from your smartphone via Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, or any music streaming service.

It also comes with a remote similar to those found with Sony’s other soundbars and Sony TV speakers. It’s big and has a lot of buttons for controlling its features.

Bonus Features

This HT-A7000 soundbar features a standby mode, turning off when inactive. Also, it supports the HDMI Cable CEC, which means you can use your TV remote to navigate to the main features.

Quality high passthrough, which includes the Dolby Vision Passthrough, is supported. When you connect your TV or PC, the text on the TV screen appears clear and crisp.

The latency performance of the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar is excellent. Because of the auto-low latency mode, you’ll hear the audio properly synced with the video or content you see. As a result, it is appropriate for streaming movies and videos over these connections.

Additionally, the Sony is loaded with setup wizardry, and the calibration system is simple. There are onscreen menus you to tinker with.

The soundbar includes DSEE Extreme upscaling technology, which helps restore lost audio details during low data streams. Actually, you can find this commonly on the company’s flagship WH-1000M5 Bluetooth headphones, for example.

Price and Warranty

We cannot complete this Sony HT-A7000 review without mentioning its price range and warranty. So far, this standalone subwoofer is available in black with a hefty price tag.

But as of this posting, it is discounted on Sony’s official website or through online retailers and websites such as Walmart, Amazon, Walmart, B&H, and Best Buy.

But given its price range, the Sony A7000 seems overpriced compared to other leading digital publisher and competitors like the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 and Sonos Arc.

So, it undercuts Sony’s flagship by significant margins. Furthermore, adding wireless surround speakers or any wireless subwoofer increases the overall cost.

Regarding of the warranty, Sony provides a 1-year limited warranty to all their products purchased from the US and Canada only.

Sony HT-A7000 vs. Other Soundbars

Sony HT-A5000

The HT-A7000 outperforms the Sony A5000. When it comes to the built, you can rely more on the HT-A7000 with 7.1.2 setup. It has improved soundstage and sound mode performance. Also, it features an extra HDMI input.

But when you set them both on the max volume, the Sony HT-A5000, with the 5.1.2 setup, is slightly louder and gives less compression.

Sonos Arc

The Sonos Arc standalone is much better than the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The Sonos system is a 5.0.2 configuration – featuring an improved center, Atmos performance, soundstage, and surround. It also has a slightly more extended low-bass reproduction.

The Sony, on the other hand, is more solidly built. It features a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos, to which you can expect a high-quality passthrough.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

When it comes to mixed-use, you can rely on the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 performance better than the HT-A7000. The Bose performs better in terms of soundstage, Atmos, and surround – which uses vertical surround engine technologies.

At maximum volume, it sounds louder with slightly more compression. However, Sony only supports any DTS content with a Full HDMI port.

FAQ

When was the Sony HT-A7000 released?

The Sony HT-A7000 with the 7.1.2 setup configuration was released in 2021. During its release, it promised a full-featured soundbar, which would deliver phenomenal direct audio quality.

Do I need a subwoofer with HT-A7000?

Using a subwoofer with the HT-A7000 is completely optional. But if you’re willing to spend extra costs on purchasing an additional subwoofer, go for it. You can enhance the sound quality more, if ever.

How many speakers does the Sony HT-A7000 have?

The Sony HT-A7000 has two up-playing stereo speakers for the overhead sound and two beam tweeters. Also, its five front surround speakers allow a more immersive surround experience, and its built-in dual subwoofer provides deep bass.

Review Conclusion: Sony HT-A7000

Our Sony HT-A7000 reviews and tests proved that the soundbar is a sophisticated television speaker solution. It offers impressive sound, improving the performance of your TV – achieving a completely cinematic effect.

To further amp up its true movie-like performance and accuracy, we highly recommend connecting it to wireless subwoofers.

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from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/sony-ht-a7000-review/

The Product Analyst

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Sony HT-A7000 Review: Is This is Best Atmos Soundbar from Sony? (2022)