Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- HTZ9F
- SKU:
- 6201448
Rating by feature
- Value
Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Quality
Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Ease of Use
Rating 4.4 out of 5 stars
Customers are saying
Customers often highlight the HT-Z9F soundbar's exceptional sound quality, praising its immersive and impressive audio performance. The easy setup process is also widely appreciated, with users commending its simplicity and convenience. While some users have concerns about its relatively high price, many find that its features and performance justify the investment.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Underwhelming
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.DO NOT BUY THIS. Audio was muffled and sounded like I was listening through a wall. Would not recommend this
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi ijackson,
Thank you for your time writing this review. We're sorry to hear some issues that you are having with your Z9F soundbar. This is definitely not the experience we want you to have. Allow us to help troubleshoot and resolve this issue. May we know how your devices are connected to the soundbar? Is the issue happening on all sources? Sound quality may vary depending on the source, connection and music you are playing. Please make sure that the software is updated as as it includes key features, applications, bug fixes, and feature improvements. Please check the following below if sound skips or has noise:
- If there is a device nearby that generates electromagnetic waves, such as a wireless LAN or a
microwave oven in use, locate the system apart from it.
- If there is an obstacle between the main unit and the subwoofer, move or remove it.
- Locate the main unit and the subwoofer as close as possible
- Change the [RF Channel] setting
- Switch the network connection of the TV or Blu-ray Disc player from wireless to wired.
You may also check this link on how to adjust the sound quality or set the sound effect that is tailored to different kinds of sound sources: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4727/d3668cdaf4f83107b52ee9bdb84fa5a0/47275331M.pdf (pages 48-50)
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. We appreciate you and thanks again for shopping Sony. - Kris
DO NOT BUY
||Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Talked into this set with a my new TV purchase. After about a week the speakers began cutting in and out. I’ve called both Sony and checked with the folks at this location for help. Nothing has permanently fixed the issue. After this happening multiple times and not getting help I tried to return this and was turned down. This hasn’t worked from the start and come to find out the reviews for this are TERRIBLE. Save your money; this is a pile of junk.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Dissatisfied,
Thank you reaching out to us. We're sorry to hear the issue that you are experiencing where the speakers is cutting in and out. This is definitely not the experience we want you to have with us. We'd like to help and do the best possible for you. Are you using a Sony TV or a different brand? Make sure that both the TV and soundbar have the latest firmware update. You may use this link to troubleshoot soundbar issues: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars/ht-z9f/articles/00223961. May we also know the case number so we can review the file in our system?
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter.
Sincerely,
Kris
Not Worth it
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.First, I paid for a professional install. Second, the thing can't seem to work more than 15 minutes at a time. The only fix - turn it off and on again. So, if you want to roll the dice and buy a $600 sound bar that cuts out and mutes on its own every fifteen minutes this is the product for you. The solution for me so far? Keep the worthless device on my wall collecting dust and use the television sound instead.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi TheMuteBar,
We sincerely regret to hear our product did not meet your expectations. Let's try to isolate the problem by performing some troubleshooting steps. First, verify the HDMI cables you are using are rated for high speed and are at least 18 Gbps cables. Try replacing them if you have not. Next, ensure CEC control is enabled on the soundbar and your TV. You’ll need to refer to the manual of your TV, and for the soundbar, it’s on page 64.
What model and brand of TV is the soundbar connected to? We will be able to provide some additional support if we know the model and brand. Please ensure both are on the latest firmware. You can also try this procedure in case the drop off is being caused by wireless interference within your home: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-theater-sound-bars-home-theater-systems/ht-z9f/articles/00200429.
If this does not help, please email us at [email protected] with the following details:
Name:
BestBuy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Romeo Sony Social Support
Sound cuts in and out. Do not buy.
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Like most of the 1 star reviews. The sub will cut in and out every few seconds or so. Makes watching anything unbearable. Also if you bought the rear speakers you’ll experience the same issues. Moved all radio devices like the router etc and nothing worked. I’m out of the return window and the warranty window so I guess I’ll just throw it out the window. Also don’t rely on Sony to help you. You get a canned response that doesn’t fix the issue. Buy a Samsung or Bose. Please skip this.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Yerrrrrrrrrrr,
Thank you for sharing your experience with the HTZ9F. We regret to hear the audio issues that you are having with the soundbar. This is definitely not the experience we want you to have. Let us help and make this a better experience. You may try these solutions below that may resolved the audio issues.
Don't block the soundbar and the connected device.
Place your soundbar near the connected device.
Try a wired connection instead of wireless connection.
If using wireless connection, make sure there are no other devices near the soundbar.
Devices such as microwave oven and routers produce electromagnetic waves may that interfere with your soundbar.
Turn on the RF Channel
For reference, please open this link: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-theater-sound-bars-home-theater-systems/ht-z9f/articles/00200429
May we contact for help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Full Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Kris
Only for die hard Sony fans
||Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.These have connection issues where the sound cuts in and out. Combine this with uninspiring sound, and only die hard Sony fans should consider this product.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi PEKKA,
Thank you for your feedback on the Z9F Dolby Atmos soundbar. We regret to hear we were not able to meet your expectation with the sound quality and issues that you are experiencing where sound is cutting out. We'd like to help and turn this experience around.
Check the following if the sound cuts out or noise is heard from the subwoofer or rear speaker of your HT-Z9F 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Soundbar:
Don't block the soundbar and the connected device.
Place your soundbar near the connected device.
Try a wired connection instead of wireless connection.
If using wireless connection, make sure there are no other devices near the soundbar.
Devices such as microwave oven and routers produce electromagnetic waves may that interfere with your soundbar.
Turn on the RF Channel.
On the supplied soundbar remote control, press the HOME button.
Select Setup.
Select Advanced Settings.
Select Speaker Settings.
Select Wireless Speaker Settings.
Select RF Channel.
Select On.
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Full Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Kris
- Cons mentioned:Connectivity
No working
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It’s not connecting to my 65xbr90h. The open box was not complete. Just bubble wrapped
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Gibbon,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We do apologize for the inconvenience. May we know what is missing on the unit? Have you tried to contact your dealer/Bestbuy regarding your concern? May we also know the connection of the soundbar to the TV and the exact model of your TV for better assistance? For the meantime, please refer to this link if you can't hear TV sound from your soundbar: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-z9f/articles/00137387
May we contact you to help and get more information? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com. Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. We appreciate you and thanks again for shopping Sony! - Kris
VALIANT EFFORT
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I HAD TO RETURN THIS ITEM AS I WASN'T ABLE TO INTEGRATE IT WITH MY NEW SONY RECEIVER DESPITE NUMEROUS CALLS TO SONY TECH SUPPORT
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi TELEVISIONMAN, We regret to hear that the unit had to be returned. Unfortunately, this soundbar or any of our soundbar cannot be connected to an AV receiver. A soundbar is an alternative to an AV receiver and not something you use in conjunction with one another. If you have a new Sony AV receiver, we recommend connecting passive speakers. Regards, Sam
Do not buy this
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Do NOT buy this if you live in an apartment. The wireless connection between the sound bar and the subwoofer have a weak connection less than two feet from eachother cuts in and out non stop making it useless. Spent way too much on this and it's absolutely worthless to me.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi samtheman, We're sorry to hear about your issue with the HT-Z9F 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® / DTS:X™ Soundbar with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth® technology. In this case, please refer to this link to resolve the issue: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-z9f/articles/00246877.
If you are unable to resolve your concern, , please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com or chat with us from Sony’s e-support webpage. I hope this helps! Jay
Only buy if you want a brick
||Posted . Owned for 9 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.So frustrated with this Soundbar. I pair with a gorgeous Sony TV. When first delivered it was a great combo. Terrific sound. Fast forward 2 month ms and a software upgrade. Now it won’t send the sound to the sound bar for almost every method of viewing, Netflix, cable etc. only work for antenna viewing. It’s makes me crazy thst I spent this much money on technology and ended up with crap.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Movie45454,
Thank you for reaching out Sony! We're sorry to hear the issues that you are having with the soundbar. We'll have it checked and do the best possible for you. May we know how your devices connected to the soundbar? In the meantime, please open this link on how to troubleshoot if sound is not heard from the soundbar on pages 70-73 of the manual. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4727/d3668cdaf4f83107b52ee9bdb84fa5a0/47275331M.pdf
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Kris
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
The Sony HT-Z9F is an excellent sound bar with eas
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.To start, set up is extremely simple, with the HDMI connectivity capabilities as well as Bluetooth, WiFi, USB and optical connections, it has the means to make connections to the vast majority of modern A/V and digital equipment. It comes with a subwoofer that is wireless except for a power cord. In addition to those connectivity options, it also has a built-in Chromecast to allow for streaming from your PC or mobile device. If you choose, you can even add wireless rear speakers for a true 5.1 surround experience (this is uncommon for most sound bars). Adding those speakers is seamless as the soundbar found them without even having to complete the setup process. The audio is phenomenal and room-filling, the bass is powerful and adds dimension rather than noise as small subwoofers tend to. It is Dolby Atmos DTS:X capable and it shows. The soundbar itself is slim and unobtrusive, with a clean look. It even has a magnetically attachable speaker grill should you choose to use it, and an LCD that can be seen with or without the grill. When hooking up via HDMI it took no effort to get optimal sound quality and 5.1 capabilities (provided the source supports it). It has two HDMI inputs so you will want to limit your HDMI inputs to the ones that can truly benefit from the capabilities of the connection, the rest you may choose to send to it via optical as I have (I have dramatically more HDMI devices than just two). This is an issue I’ve had in the past with HDMI capable sound bars, however with it being able to also connect optically, it does not become a limitation here. My only complaint about this sound bar is that it seems to overpower spoken words when set to most of the audio options, and there is no independent control of the volume for the rear speakers. I have also run into one oddity with the use, although it's purely cosmetic - when changing the volume on the soundbar while connected via HDMI, I see 2 volume gauges on the screen. I tested it and they are definitely both coming from the sound bar, as they both show up when changing the volume via the button on the bar itself rather than with the remote. Pros: Room-filling dynamic fully-realized sound Plethora of connectivity options Capability for true 5.1 speaker setup Wireless connections to both the subwoofer and speakers Cons: Voice can be drowned out in certain scenarios at lower volumes, where background seems to be overpowering No independent control of the volume for the satellites Price If you’re looking for an unobtrusive but fully capable sound option without having to run speaker wire all over your house, then this is it. The capability to have a true surround experience if you choose as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capability and 4K HDMI passthrough are significant strengths. The price may be a little high, but the truly wireless connectivity of the system offers capabilities that many more expensive and less able options can supply.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Beradon, Sony takes into consideration all feedback to improve the performance and quality of our products and services. We're always looking to make Sony better. We appreciate your time sharing this feedback. Regards, ^Ron
Can’t sync sound
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Purchased this sound bar with a 75” Sony Bravia X950H. The sound would not sync with the visuals. Tried adjust from both the sound bar and TV and couldn't get it. Sound bar only allowed sound to be further delayed but since the image was preceding the sound, this option was worthless. The TV’s sound is fine and even if this sound bar could marry perfectly with the visuals, the improvement of the sound isn’t worth the cost.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Cheabs33, we regret to hear that the sound is delayed behind the
picture. This is definitely not the listening experience we'd like you to have. If the Soundbar is connected to the TV with an HDMI cable, you may try the steps below to fix the issue:
-Set the adjustment value of the delay between the picture and sound to 0 msec if it is set to the range between 25 msec and 300 msec.
-A time gap between the sound and picture may occur depending on the sound source. If your TV has a function that delays the image, use it for adjustment.
-Set the Digital audio out settings of your TV to PCM.
-On the soundbar supplied remote control, press the Music button to set the Sound mode to Music.
For more details, check the link here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00026069
If you are unable to resolve your concern, please email us at [email protected] with the following details:
Name:
Bestbuy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Jess
Sony Social Support
Waste of money
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Plastic trash. Worked fine for several months, now the subwoofer and rear speakers won't connect no matter what combination of resetting the unit and changing the settings. Sony support and troubleshooting is worthless. You'd be better off listening to the sound of a thousand dollars cash burning.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Nate,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We're sorry to hear some issues that you are having with your Z9F soundbar. May we know the case number so we can review your file and do the best possible for you?
For the meantime, please follow these steps below to troubleshoot if the HT-Z9F subwoofer or wireless rear speakers are not connecting:
Make sure your soundbar has the latest update.
Perform a reset on the system.
Change the Wireless Playback Quality from Sound Quality to Connection.
Changing the RF Channel setting to [OFF].
For detailed instructions, please check this link: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-z9f/articles/00261630
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Case number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. - Kris
- Cons mentioned:Connectivity
Money back please!
||Posted . Owned for 11 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Keeps cutting out. Tried everything but nothing works.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Poor,
We 're sorry to hear the issue that you are having with your Z9F soundbar. This is definitely not the experience we want you to have. Allow us to help and turn this experience around. May we know the connection method of your devices to the soundbar? You may try some steps through this link to troubleshoot if the sound skips: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4727/d3668cdaf4f83107b52ee9bdb84fa5a0/47275331M.pdf (page 73)
May we contact you to help and get more information? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. We appreciate you and thanks again for shopping Sony. - Kris
Save your money on the Sony HTZ9F 3.1 Sound Bar
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.For the amount of money I spent for this particular product it’s average quality at best. I don’t hear any significant difference in the quality of this system, compared to my old Samsung surround sound system. I am significantly disappointed in the amount of money I invested on this product for it’s mediocre performance.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi DisappointedCustomer1,
Thank you for purchasing the HTZ9F soundbar. We regret to hear that we're not able to meet your expectation. We'd like to help troubleshoot and make this a better experience. Please email us at [email protected] with the following details: Name: Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number: We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. We appreciate you and thanks again for shopping Sony! Sincerely, Kris
- Pros mentioned:Easy setup, Rear speakers
great sound
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The $1500 4k Tv I bought had horrible built in speakers which just muffled the sound so I needed some sort of sound system to hook up and this Sony HT-ZF9 is perfect. The setup was so easy. Just plug in the soundbar and sub and they connect together. I also bought the rear speakers which give you a very good surround sound experience when watching movies. The option to setup through the HDMI ARC port on my TV is nice. I now have no need for my big bulky home theater receiver nor the speaker wires running all around the room. Hooking up to this port will split the sound for you and send the sound out to the respective speakers. Also when I power up the TV the sound automatically comes out of the HT-ZF9 speaker system but late night when the kids are sleeping I just power off the soundbar and the sound automatically returns to the TV speakers. The Bluetooth option is awesome too. My phone paired up in a matter of seconds and my playlists were able to come through the speakers with great sound. I tried the vertical S button on the remote before I hooked up the rear speakers to get what they call an immersive sound experience but really didn't notice much of a difference. So buy the rear speakers with the system to get that surround sound experience.
I would recommend this to a friend Dead Just After the 1 Year Warranty
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This was a great sound bar until it just completely died just a month after the year warranty from the manufacturer expired.... Not happy.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hello Nickel,
Hello, Nickel!
We regret to hear about this experience, please email us at [email protected] with the following details so we can help you out:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
~Zac
Sound bar
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I like this Sony sound bar & the sound is very good,the only thing is it turns on and off the sound while you’re watching.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Remote,
We appreciate you like the sound quality of our HTZ9F. We're sorry to hear you're having an audio issue when watching a movie or TV show. There are some things we’d like for you to try and see if we can resolve your audio cut off.
First, verify the HDMI cables you are using are rated for high speed and are at least 18 Gbps cables. Try replacing them if you have not. Next, ensure CEC control is enabled on the soundbar and your TV. You’ll need to refer to your TV manual, and for the soundbar, it’s on page 64 of this link https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4727/d3668cdaf4f83107b52ee9bdb84fa5a0/47275331M.pdf. We’re not sure which brand of TV you have your soundbar connected to; however, please ensure both are on the latest firmware. For the soundbar, please follow the steps provided on this link https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-theater-sound-bars-home-theater-systems/ht-z9f/downloads.
You can also try this procedure if the drop-off is caused by wireless interference within your home: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-theater-sound-bars-home-theater-systems/ht-z9f/articles/00200429.
If this does not help, please email us at [email protected] with the following details:
Name:
BestBuy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Romeo
Sony Social Support
Soundbar quality
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The overall appliance is ok but I did not like the quality of the soundbar. Powerless mid-range frequency makes you increase the volume to understand the dialogs or the no low bass frequency sounds. It is a good entry point appliance for a very small room. Unfortunately, I have missed the return policy days to return the product.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Rafael,
Thank you for the feedback on your experience with your HTZ9F. While we're glad you like the soundbar, we regret to hear we were not able to meet your full expectations with the sound quality of the unit. Allow us to help make this a better experience. Please check these links below if no sound or only a very low-level sound of the device connected to the system is heard and if sound from the subwoofer is too low:
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4727/d3668cdaf4f83107b52ee9bdb84fa5a0/47275331M.pdf (pages 72-73)
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-z9f/articles/00246877
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. - Kris
with the setup and intermittent audio. Let's try to isolate and resolve this issue by following the troubleshooting steps on this link: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-z9f/articles/00223961 If you are unable to resolve your concern, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details: Name: Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number: Sincerely, Sam
Not working after one year
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The subwoofer went out in one year. This product is not good.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Cooking,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We're sorry to hear some issues that you are having with the subwoofer of the unit. We'd like to help isolate the problem. If no sound comes out of the subwoofer, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Check that the subwoofer is turned on.
On the remote control, press the + (subwoofer volume) button or BASS button to turn up the volume from the subwoofer.
Check the status of the subwoofer LED indicator
Disconnect the AC power cord of the subwoofer and reconnect it after one minute. After turning on the subwoofer, set the link settings between the Soundbar Speaker and the Subwoofer again.
If the issue is still not resolved, reset the Soundbar.
For more details, please refer to this link: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-z9f/articles/00184821
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. We appreciate you and thanks again for shopping Sony. - Kris
- Pros mentioned:Dolby atmos, Rear speakers, Sound quality
Mind Blowing
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Before purchasing I researched, read many reviews and listened to numerous sound bars from Sony as well as other companies. Most of what's available either lacked rear speaker compatibility or didn't support Dolby Atmos. I got the Z9R rear speakers after reading reviews and this made my system complete. I listened to the sound bar without the rear speakers and it still sounds good but the rear speakers bring the system to life. I found open-box models at a local Best Buy so I was able to get the 5.1 system for $800 total instead of $1200. For some reason the subwoofer and rear speakers didn't sync right away so I did it manually which wasn't too difficult. The remote allows for separate control of the subwoofer and rear speakers although I maxed the volume out for each and it sounds great. What showcases this system is the Dolby Atmos disc that's included and this allows for the audience to hear how a 5.1 system can sound like a 7.1.2. Sony's Vertical Engine Technology makes for an immersive experience so the sounds have depth and height to it. Two hdmi inputs were enough for me and having the hdmi/arc output made it convenient for other devices connected to the tv to communicate with the sound bar. Reviews mentioned there were problems with the angle of input for the hdmi cables but if you start from the rear most input, it's quite easy to set up. The features are simple and easy to use and help to set up the sound bar for the best possible output. It can get loud as needed but sounds good even at low volumes. The dialogue from movies are very crisp and clear and the bass is adequate and not too overpowering. It made sense for me to purchase this after getting a 55" Sony 930E 4K tv and I've never had any issues with a Sony product ever. I considered the Sony 9000F and ST5000 sound bars -- the 9000F was good but a little lacking and the ST5000 was too powerful and neither offered rear speakers compatibility. I also looked at the previous generation of Sony sound bars but there were too many issues from review I read and no future firmware to support Dolby Atmos. I spent many hours talking with Best Buy Sony reps and one selling point was they all mentioned that Sony is in the movie and music industry so they know how to develop technology to produce the best possible picture and sound. I could've got a comparable sound bar for a lot cheaper but this fit my needs and I saved $400 buying a slightly used 2018 product. This is a great compromise for a sound bar that's somewhere in between an actual 7.1.2 system and something that "sounds great for the money" but if you don't plan on getting the rear speakers, another system might be a better fit. I totally recommend this as a 5.1 system and has made my home theater experience that much more enjoyable
I would recommend this to a friend