Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£730N. of audio channels:7.0.2Audio output power:585 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 35 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9
8.1/10

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

8.1

Technical score

5%

8.2

Reviews score ( 18 · 17)

Reviews score 5% · 8.2 · based on 35 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
★Better than 95% of soundbars
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

★Better than 90%
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

7.4

Audio

18%

9.0

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

9.3

Controls

12%

9.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.1

Smart features

5%

4.8

Design

★Better than 95%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (35)
18 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 68%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9

Based on 61 owners sharing their experience in online comments

51%positive11%mixed38%negative

Owners praise immersive, powerful sound, while uneven volume, connection problems, and cheap-feeling materials draw frequent complaints.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report sudden jumps from quiet to very loud, with dialogue too quiet while other sounds are too loud; switching DRC on helps some.7
  • The Sony app often fails to detect the bar during setup, and some owners see dropouts, disconnects or no sound after a few days.6
  • Bravia Sync (HDMI-CEC) sometimes stops working and needs a TV reset, and some owners get no HDMI input or must move Apple TV to the second port.5
  • The fabric cover looks cheap and old, collects dust quickly, and the bar feels disposable next to the HT-A7000.4
  • Owners say music sounds unnatural and underwhelming on the bar, and the music mode sounds particularly poor.3
  • Some owners hear hissing from the TV tweeters when the TV is the centre speaker, and dialogue can sound high-pitched with harsh S sounds.3
  • Owners feel the premium price is hard to justify given the cheap-looking cover, and say the HT-A7000 looks more premium.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #10 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

7.4

Audio

18%

9.0

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

9.3

Controls

12%

9.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.1

Smart features

5%

4.8

Design

8.1
Reviews score
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

7.6
Brand name
Sony
N. of audio channels
7.2
This soundbar offers 7.2 audio channels, more than 95.7% of soundbars.
Audio output power
585 W
This soundbar delivers 585 W of audio output power, more than 98.3% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
52.6 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 52.6 Hz, higher than 50.6% of soundbars and equal to 0.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 89.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 90.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
1
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
no
This soundbar does not have control panel. 91% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2.1
This soundbar uses HDMI 2.1, which is newer than that of 91.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 8.5% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
8K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 8K, which is higher than that of 97.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 2.2% of soundbars.
Also supports 4K/120 pass-through.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
120 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 120 fps, higher than 97.3% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Also supports 8K/60 pass-through.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
1,300 mm
This soundbar is 1,300 mm wide, wider than 98.9% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
64 mm
This soundbar is 64 mm high, shorter than 59.4% of soundbars and equal to 7% of soundbars.
Thickness
113 mm
This soundbar is 113 mm thick, thicker than 79.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
5,500 g
This soundbar weighs 5,500 g, more than 90.4% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Fabric grille or wrap.
Show more

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (7.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    7.0.2 vs 2.0
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (13 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    13 vs 4
  • 13.4% better value for money
    Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.65 vs 6.7).
    7.65 vs 6.75
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (7.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    7.0.2 vs 2.0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (13 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    13 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 8.36x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (585 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    585 W vs 70 W
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 1 more equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers more equalizer bands than the average soundbar (3 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    3 vs 2
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • Supports IMAX Enhanced
    This soundbar supports IMAX Enhanced, the average soundbar does not.
    Requires optional surrounds and subwoofer.
  • 7 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (9 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    9 vs 2
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aac
    2 vs 1
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (120 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    Also supports 8K/60 pass-through.
    120 fps vs none fps
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 8K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports none.
    Also supports 4K/120 pass-through.
    8K vs none
  • Supports ALLM
    This soundbar supports auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the average soundbar does not.
    Via HDMI 2.1 with VRR and SBTM.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Supports VRR
    This soundbar supports variable Refresh Rate (VRR), the average soundbar does not.
    Via HDMI 2.1 passthrough.
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 2.3 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    2.3 vs none
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    AirPlay 2 multi-room support.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
    Advanced Auto Volume.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    2 vs 0
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, app-based, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, app-based, USB vs app-based, USB
  • 3 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2024 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    May 28, 2024
    2,024 vs 2,021
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not for audio playback or input)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 538 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,300 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,300 mm vs 762 mm
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is for service/updates only)
  • 3,500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 1 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (3 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    3 vs 4
  • 7.68x more expensive
    Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£730 vs £95).
    £730 vs £95
  • 1 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (3 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    3 vs 4
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not for audio playback or input)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is for service/updates only)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • 538 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,300 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,300 mm vs 762 mm
  • 3,500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 27 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (113 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    113 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
SXM Audio Picks
≈ estimated
30/01/2026
Hands-on review · Dolby Atmos, music and setup
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 offers precise, immersive Atmos sound for a premium price, though it is not aimed at bass lovers.
9.0
Full Transparency
≈ estimated
06/12/2024
Long-term follow-up · months of use with sub and rear speakers
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is excellent for movies and gaming once calibrated, though bass is not very powerful.
7.0
RTINGS Home Theater
≈ estimated
08/11/2024
Full review · standalone bar and expanded setup tested
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 sounds good for upgrading a living room, but it is pricey, and rival bars offer more for a full home theater.
9.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
23/08/2024
Full review · sound, design and comparison with previous bars
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is slimmer and sounds great on its own, though it lacks the bass and loudness of the previous generation.
6.0
Andrew Robinson
≈ estimated
07/07/2024
Hands-on review · sound, app and comparison tests
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is a decent soundbar, but it does not beat its rivals, especially for music and connectivity.
8.0
Product Impressions
≈ estimated
29/06/2024
Hands-on review · mounting, sound and app tests
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 offers great sound for those who cannot add other speakers, though the app is clumsy and its value is unclear.
9.5
Full Transparency
≈ estimated
07/06/2024
Full review · cinema, sports and music tests
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is impressive for a single bar, and it is recommended as the best soundbar of 2024, though the total cost is high.
8.0
Tech Steve
≈ estimated
03/02/2025
Comparison with HT-A7000 · sound, design and app tests
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 sounds great alone, but the HT-A7000 remains the stronger overall package.
9.0
AllAboutTKK
≈ estimated
06/08/2024
First impressions · unboxing, setup and demo scenes
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is enjoyable and stands out from other bars, but it is expensive and setup depends on the app.
9.0
New Stuff TV
≈ estimated
08/07/2024
First impressions · setup, dialogue and features
Verdict
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is strongly recommended for anyone who struggles to hear dialogue, and it is the soundbar to get.
Brand video
Shop video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9

  • Immersive spatial audio through 360 Spatial Sound Mapping that creates a wide soundstage with clear height effects
  • Exceptional dialogue clarity, especially when paired with Sony TVs using Acoustic Center Sync and Voice Zoom 3
  • Sleek and compact design, being approximately 36% smaller than its predecessor (HT-A7000)
  • Excellent gaming features including support for 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM via HDMI 2.1 passthrough
  • Strong wireless connectivity options including Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and high-quality Bluetooth codecs (LDAC)
  • Room calibration (Sound Field Optimization) effectively tunes the audio to specific room acoustics using a smartphone

What customers don't like about Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9

  • Weak deep bass performance as a standalone unit, often requiring the purchase of an expensive optional subwoofer for true cinematic rumble
  • Premium price point that becomes significantly higher when adding optional rear speakers and subwoofers
  • Lack of a physical LED display on the bar, making it difficult to identify current settings or inputs without the app
  • Connectivity downgrade from previous models, now featuring only one HDMI input instead of two
  • Bravia Connect app can be glitchy, frequently requiring reconnection or suffering from slow performance
  • Limited manual EQ options, with users mostly restricted to basic bass level adjustments

Verdict

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 (HT-A9000) is a flagship 7.0.2-channel soundbar featuring 13 built-in speakers—including up-firing drivers, beam tweeters, and quad woofers—designed for immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance. Main characteristics include Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping for creating phantom speakers and HDMI 2.1 connectivity supporting 8K HDR and 4K/120Hz passthrough for high-end gaming. Pros include exceptional spatial audio imaging, a sleek 130cm wide design that is 36% more compact than its predecessor, and seamless integration with Bravia TVs via Acoustic Center Sync and AI-powered Voice Zoom 3. However, its main cons are the lack of deep, thumpy bass without an optional external subwoofer, a high premium price for a standalone bar, and the reduction to only one HDMI input.

Compare Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 with other soundbars

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