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 HT-A5000 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£880N. of audio channels:5.1.2Audio output power:450 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Sony HT-A5000 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony HT-A5000
8.4/10

Overall score

Score
8.4/ 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%

8.4

Technical score

5%

7.8

Reviews score ( 0 · 20)

Reviews score 5% · 7.8 · based on 20 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 97% 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%

8.4

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

★Better than 90%
8.4

Technical score

Technical score
8.4/ 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%

8.8

Formats

16%

8.7

Connectivity

14%

9.9

Controls

12%

9.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.3

Smart features

5%

4.1

Design

★Better than 97%
7.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.8/ 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 (20)
20 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 50%
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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 HT-A5000

Based on 104 owners sharing their experience in online comments

53%positive10%mixed37%negative

Owners praise immersive movie sound and tuning gains, while quiet rears, weak bass, and persistent hiss frustrate many.

What owners dislike

  • Constant hiss or high-pitched whine, often when the TV is the centre speaker. Some owners fixed it with better cables or a ground loop isolator.10
  • Rear speakers can be almost inaudible at default settings, even at maximum rear volume. Owners say tweaking the sound settings makes them loud and clear.9
  • Owners feel a traditional 5.1 setup or amplifier gives much more for the same money, and say the subwoofer should be included.7
  • Sound is barely audible below about volume 15–25, with little change above 50, so games and music often need volume around 30.7
  • Sound mode is greyed out in the TV's quick settings, so cinema mode can't be picked there, and no on-screen display shows the format.6
  • Owners say the subwoofer sounds weak with little low bass, even at maximum level, and some needed to change settings to balance it.5
  • Owners say the sound feels thin and plastic-like next to a traditional speaker setup or an amplifier.5
  • Without rear speakers, sound never seems to come from behind you, and with them added front channels can lose separation.5
  • The HDMI input works at some times and not others, and on eARC the bar may switch itself to TV or external speaker.4
  • There is no equaliser, so treble, bass and centre channel level can't be adjusted on the soundbar alone.3

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

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #6 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sony HT-A5000

Technical score
Technical score
8.4/ 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%

8.8

Formats

16%

8.7

Connectivity

14%

9.9

Controls

12%

9.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.3

Smart features

5%

4.1

Design

8.4
Reviews score
7.8
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%

8.4

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

7.6
Brand name
Sony
N. of audio channels
5.1.2
This soundbar offers 5.1.2 audio channels, more than 93.1% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
450 W
This soundbar delivers 450 W of audio output power, more than 96% of soundbars and equal to 0.6% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
31.7 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 31.7 Hz, lower than 84.9% 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.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC or direct HDMI input.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 90.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Support depends on the HDMI eARC or direct HDMI input path.
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
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.2% 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
1,210 mm
This soundbar is 1,210 mm wide, wider than 96.3% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
67 mm
This soundbar is 67 mm high, shorter than 49.7% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Thickness
140 mm
This soundbar is 140 mm thick, thicker than 94.7% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
6,100 g
This soundbar weighs 6,100 g, more than 93.6% 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.
Metal grille.
Show more

Sony HT-A5000 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.1.2 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.
    Support depends on the HDMI eARC or direct HDMI input path.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC or direct HDMI input.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 13.2% better value for money
    Sony HT-A5000 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.64 vs 6.7).
    7.64 vs 6.75
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.1.2 vs 2.0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 5 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    9 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 6.43x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (450 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    450 W vs 70 W
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 20.3 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (31.7 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    31.7 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • 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.
    Support depends on the HDMI eARC or direct HDMI input path.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC or direct HDMI input.
  • 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 (HE-AAC, AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, M4A, Monkey's Audio, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    HE-AAC, AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, M4A, Monkey's Audio, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • 10 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (12 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    12 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.
  • NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth pairing via NFC, 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.
    Supported via firmware update.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Supports VRR
    This soundbar supports variable Refresh Rate (VRR), the average soundbar does not.
    Supported via firmware update.
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 2.2 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    2.2 vs none
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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. Chromecast built-in 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.
  • 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, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, USB vs app-based, USB
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    3.5 mm port is S-Center Out only, not a standard AUX input.
  • 448 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,210 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,210 mm vs 762 mm
  • 4,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (6,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    6,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 54 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (140 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    140 mm vs 86 mm
  • 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
  • 9.26x more expensive
    Sony HT-A5000 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£880 vs £95).
    £880 vs £95
  • 100 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 9.26x more expensive
    Sony HT-A5000 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£880 vs £95).
    £880 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
  • 100 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    3.5 mm port is S-Center Out only, not a standard AUX input.
  • No front display
    This soundbar uses LCD for display type, while the average soundbar uses LED.
    Scrolling LCD text display.
    LCD vs LED
  • 448 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,210 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,210 mm vs 762 mm
  • 4,100 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (6,100 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    6,100 g vs 2,000 g
  • 54 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (140 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    140 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

4.0
Ravi Ravi
≈ estimated
24/09/2024
Owner report · boot fault after update and sound check
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 gets stuck at startup after an update, and its sound falls short of expectations.
9.0
New Stuff TV
≈ estimated
20/01/2024
Long-term use · movies, games and projector setup
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 has very good sound and strong Atmos positioning, though it sounds slightly narrow on some films.
9.0
Dave Banter
≈ estimated
19/11/2023
Hands-on review · features, sound modes and build
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 is a great choice for the money, especially with a large Sony Bravia TV.
5.0
Gamerment
≈ estimated
27/11/2022
Hands-on review · unboxing, setup and sound tests
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 has a weak surround effect without rear speakers, and a cheaper soundbar sounded just as good.
8.0
Chris Majestic
≈ estimated
02/07/2022
Hands-on review · sound, setup and value
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 has class-leading features and performance and is still recommended despite its high price and missing subwoofer.
5.0
RTINGS Home Theater
≈ estimated
02/03/2022
Standardised test review · measurements and comparison
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 is not the best value, as the HT-A7000 and rival bars perform better.
7.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
03/02/2022
Hands-on review · sound, ports, app and remote tests
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 is a decent soundbar with lots of bass, but it is not for everyone.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
22/07/2023
Short review · five reasons to buy
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 is a great choice for TV sound, movies and gaming, with easy setup.
8.6
Techi Geek
✓ explicit
29/03/2023
Short review · features, pros and cons
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 is a really powerful home theatre system with a lot to like, though slightly pricey.
9.0
Onespot Tech
≈ estimated
20/01/2023
Unboxing and setup · 360 sound demo
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 is a perfect home entertainment solution, with no problems found in first use.
5.0
ghDmitry
≈ estimated
09/12/2022
Hands-on test · centre speaker mode with a TV
Verdict
Sony HT-A5000 whistles repeatedly in centre speaker mode with this TV, disrupting playback.
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony HT-A5000

  • Immersive 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support with dedicated up-firing drivers
  • Exceptional vocal clarity and dedicated center channel performance
  • Seamless integration and Acoustic Center Sync when paired with Sony BRAVIA TVs
  • Robust wireless connectivity including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast
  • High-speed HDMI passthrough supporting 4K at 120Hz and 8K HDR for gaming
  • Sound Field Optimization automatically calibrates audio to the room's unique acoustics
  • Clear and detailed soundstage for both movies and music

What customers don't like about Sony HT-A5000

  • Built-in subwoofers lack deep, room-shaking rumble without an external unit
  • Significant additional cost required to add optional rear speakers and subwoofers
  • Limited manual EQ and sound customisation options for a premium model
  • Large physical footprint (approx. 4 feet wide) requires substantial space
  • Some users report occasional software freezing or HDMI handshake issues
  • Disappointing height channel impact compared to flagship models or dedicated ceiling speakers
  • Lacks an Ethernet port, relying entirely on Wi-Fi for network connectivity

Verdict

The Sony HT-A5000 is a high-performance 5.1.2-channel soundbar delivering 450W of power through nine digital amplifier channels, featuring X-Balanced drivers, two up-firing speakers, and side-firing beam tweeters for immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio. It offers advanced connectivity including HDMI 2.1 with 4K/120Hz and 8K passthrough, eARC, Bluetooth 5.0 (LDAC), and Wi-Fi streaming via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. Main pros include its 'Sound Field Optimization' for easy room calibration, Acoustic Center Sync for compatible Bravia TVs, and a wide soundstage with punchy bass from the dual built-in subwoofers. However, notable cons include a slightly boxy vocal quality, limited on-bar sound customization without the on-screen menu, and the high additional cost required to achieve true surround sound with optional external speakers.

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