Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be some mistranslations.
https://www.ecoustics.com/products/sony-bravia-theater-bar-5-7/
https://www.avcesar.com/barre-de-son-sony-bravia-theatre-bar-7-compacte-ambitieuse-et-prete-pour-le-home-cinema-47131
Sony's high-end soundbar has enhanced bass performance. And two types of entry-level models have also been added.
Sony has launched two new soundbars, a new rear speaker, and three new subwoofers. It also introduced a feature that allows you to add a second wired subwoofer to the soundbar system for deep, extended bass.
Today, Sony unveiled new soundbars for its Bravia Theater lineup: the Bravia Theater Bar 5 (HTB-500) and the Bravia Theater Bar 7 (HTA-7100). The Bar 5 is a simple 3.1-channel system consisting of the soundbar main unit and a powered subwoofer, capable of handling Dolby Atmos or DTS:X through virtual surround sound. The Bar 7 is a higher-end model that can be used standalone, with the option to enhance performance by adding one or two rear speakers and a powered subwoofer.
Sony also announced a new wireless surround speaker, the Bravia Theater Rear 9. This model is compatible with the new Bar 7 and existing Bars 8 and 9, as well as Sony's latest generation AV receivers. Along with this, Sony introduced three new subwoofers (Bravia Theater Sub 7, Sub 8, Sub 9) that are compatible with both new and existing soundbar systems and receivers.
But the best news is saved for last. Those who love deep, powerful cinematic bass will be delighted to hear that Sony now supports the use of two subwoofers with its new Bravia Theater Bar 7 and existing Bars 8 and 9. Using two subwoofers allows you to achieve a more uniform and extended bass response even in large, open-plan living rooms. This dual subwoofer feature is standard on the Bravia Theater Bar 7 and will be added to Bars 8 and 9 through a free wireless software update.
In a previous review of the Bravia Theater Bar 9 system, the main complaint was that even with the best subwoofer available at the time, the bass response wasn't as deep or powerful as expected. However, with the introduction of the larger Sub 9 model and the dual subwoofer configuration feature, this criticism appears to have been addressed. A brief listening test of a system using two Sub 9 subwoofers revealed that it should be able to deliver plenty of deep and accurate bass even in large spaces.
The Bravia XR soundbar 7 can be used alone or with rear speakers and a subwoofer to support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio. Adding a subwoofer and rear speakers will result in IMAX Enhanced certification, allowing you to play IMAX Enhanced DTS:X soundtracks available on Disney+, Sony Pictures Core streaming services, and some Blu-ray discs. The soundbar 7 is compatible with Sony's existing rear 8 speakers and new rear 9 speakers. You can connect one or two of the new subwoofers 7, 8, or 9.
According to Sony, the current Bravia XR Quad system will not be offered a dual subwoofer upgrade (at least for now) because it uses a different chipset than the soundbar.
Bravia XR Soundbar 7 – A great choice for medium-sized screens
While smaller than the Bravia XR Soundbar 8 ($999.99) or Soundbar 9 ($1,499.99), the Soundbar 7 ($869.99) still packs a punch. With a total of nine drivers facing forward, upward, and sideways, it creates a 5.1.2-channel system on its own. Adding two subwoofers and a pair of rear 9 speakers expands the system to 7.2.4 channels. You can also use the less expensive rear 8 speakers, but these models lack upward-facing drivers, making it harder to achieve the same distinct height effect as the rear 9.
Like the Soundbar 8 and Soundbar 9, the Soundbar 7 can be controlled with the 'Bravia Connect' mobile app and is fully integrated into the TV settings menu when connected to a compatible Sony Bravia TV. It also supports AI-based Voice Zoom 3, which intelligently boosts voices while minimizing the impact of background noise (compatible Sony TV required).
Rear Support
Sony's new Bravia XR Rear 9 speakers (pair for $749.99) replace the previous SA-RS5. While the cylindrical Rear 9 looks similar to its predecessor, it features a new integrated rotating stand that helps deliver rear channel sound more effectively to your listening area. This is especially useful when seating arrangements or room layouts are not ideal, such as when a sofa is pushed against a back wall. By directing the sound directly, Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping works more effectively, creating an immersive sound dome even with imperfect speaker placement.
Enhanced Bass
Sony's new Bravia Theater Sub 7 ($329), Sub 8 ($499), and Sub 9 ($899) offer three options depending on your budget and size preference. As the size increases, so does the price, along with the depth and output of the bass.
Looking at the driver size and configuration, Sub 7 features a 130mm (5.1-inch) bass driver, while Sub 8 has a single 200mm (7.9-inch) driver. Sub 9 is designed with two 200mm drivers facing each other in a 'vibration canceling dual opposing' configuration, resulting in less distortion and deeper bass extension. With dual subwoofers now an option, you can start with one subwoofer and add a second later if you need more bass.
It's surprising and welcome to see Sony addressing the bass reproduction issue, which has long been a weakness in its soundbar-based systems. While we haven't confirmed all the details of the new subwoofer specifications, the performance of a pair of Sub 9s was incredibly impressive.
A full set of the Bravia Theater Bar 9 with Rear 9 speakers and two Sub 9 woofers will cost around $4,000 (suggested retail price), which is a significant price for a soundbar system. However, for those looking for a simple, elegant, and high-performance solution to pair with a large-screen Bravia TV or projector, it's a worthwhile investment.
Pricing and Availability
All speakers are currently available for pre-order at the following prices:
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 (HTB-500) – $329.99
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 7 (HTA-7100) – $869.00
Sony Bravia Theater Rear 9 (SA-RS9) – $749.99
Sony Bravia Theater Sub 7 (SA-SW7) – $329.99
Sony Bravia Theater Sub 8 (SA-SW8) – $499.99
Sony Bravia Theater Sub 9 (SA-SW9) – $899.99
▶ Source: https://www.ecoustics.com/products/sony-bravia-theater-bar-5-7/
▶ Source: https://www.avcesar.com/barre-de-son-sony-bravia-theatre-bar-7-compacte-ambitieuse-et-prete-pour-le-home-cinema-47131
