Dolby Atmos has been a major selling point in flagship soundbars from all of the major names. We have listened to a number of options that we wound up liking quite a bit, coming from everything from Vizio to Creative Labs. Now, Sony has a new model to add to the mix. Not their first, but their latest. It is the HT-A5000 Dolby Atmos Soundbar.
This latest model comes in at just under 48-inches in length and offers a 5.1.2-channel experience without the need for any other speakers.
You get an HDMI 2.1 input, as well as a 2.1 output with eARC/ARC support. It offers optical in for older sources, as well as wireless support via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay. There is also a USB port as well, although you likely won’t be making use of it with everything else it has to offer.
In this round, there are no analog connections. However, you wouldn’t want any anyway since it is meant for a fully digital experience.
If more channels are what you crave (along with better sound), the new model will support optional rear speakers (SA-RS3S – $349) as well as two different wireless sub models (SASW3 – $399, and SASW5 – $699). Allowing you to take up the speaker count to 7.1.2 with a stronger low-end.
The HT-A5000 soundbar will be coming out later this year in the fall with an MSRP of $899.99. A bit expensive for its size (and likely its overall range). However, the more intense Atmos soundbars have all been maintaining a higher value at the moment.
