Sony will launch two premium home theatre system soundbars, the HT-A9 and HT-A7000, featuring surround sound technologies for an immersive experience, available in mid-September.
The A9 system, SRP $2,299, offers Sony’s unique 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology which creates up to 12 phantom speakers from just four speakers by synthesising sound waves, delivering Sony’s widest ever sound field.
Featured within the speakers are two rectangular X-balanced speaker units for richer bass and sound pressure, while the new wide directivity woofer helps reduce sound diffraction. High Resolution Audio and 360 Reality Audio means music can be enjoyed the way the artist intended, while DSEE Extreme restores the high-range sound of compressed digital music in real-time.
With Sony’s latest Omnidirectional Block Design, the cylindrical shape of the A9 system represents a solid block providing 360 spatial sound. The flat rear surface coupled with its light pearl grey colour means it will seamlessly blend with interiors.
The A7000, SRP $1,699, is a 7.1.2 channel soundbar with two up-firing speakers for overhead sound, two beam tweeters and five front speakers for wider surround and built-in dual subwoofer for deep bass.
Users can enjoy Dolby Atmos and DT:X thanks to the Vertical Surround Engine that creates overhead audio and S-Force Pro Front Surround that reproduces surround sound with audio coming from both horizontal directions.
In addition, Sound Field Optimisation utilises built-in microphones to intelligently measure the height and width of the room, as well as the position of an optional subwoofer and rear speakers to optimise the sound according to the room layout.
The A7000 and optional speakers have been designed under an Omnidirectional Block Concept for a cohesive look with sophisticated rounded edges for wide-spreading sound.
Both the A9 and A7000 soundbar systems provide access to music services including Spotify for users to stream albums and playlists with Bluetooth using Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice activation are incorporated into both models.
The two soundbars also support the latest formats such as 8K HDR, 4K 120fps and Dolby Vision. When paired with compatible Sony Bravia televisions, Acoustic Centre Sync precisely matches where the audio is coming from with what’s on the screen.
For customers looking for even deeper bass, there are optional wireless subwoofers. The built-in subwoofers in the A9 and A7000 soundbars handle bass and vocals with the optional wireless subwoofer focusing on low range sound.
Customers can choose between the SA-SW5 wireless subwoofer for SRP $999 with 300-watts of deep bass from a 180mm driver with passive radiator, or the SA-SW3 wireless subwoofer for SRP $599 with 200-watts of sound from a compact bass reflex subwoofer with a 160mm driver. Alternatively, there is the SA-RS3S wireless rear speakers for SRP $649 with 100-watts for wider surround sound and wall-mount capability.