In Brief: Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 HT-A9000
With its new Bravia Theatre Bar 9, Sony takes a significant leap forward in its premium soundbar range. More refined than its predecessors, this model harnesses vertical sound and an innovative spatialisation design—bundled in an elegant form factor—to redefine the home-cinema experience.
Pros
- Impressive vertical sound placement
- Clear, intelligible voices
- Premium design and meticulous finish
- Strong integration with Sony TVs
- Modern connectivity
- Effective acoustic calibration
Cons
- Optional but almost essential wireless subwoofer
- No Chromecast support
Technical Specifications
- Product Name: Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000)
- Driver Array: 13 active drivers plus passive radiators
- Supported Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio (via HDMI)
- Connectivity: 2× HDMI 2.1 (eARC/ARC, 4K 120 Hz, VRR, ALLM), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, S-Center OUT
- Optional Extras: Wireless subwoofers (SA-SW3 or SA-SW5), wireless surround speakers (SA-RS3S or SA-RS5)
- Price: Approx. £1,399 (RRP)
This review was conducted using a Bravia Theatre Bar 9 loaned by Sony.
Elegant, Discreet Design
Measuring 1.30 m wide, 6 cm tall, and 11 cm deep, Sony’s Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is noticeably large but surprisingly discreet. Its refined lines and premium finish mark a departure from older Sony models. Acoustically transparent fabric dominates the exterior, with gently rounded corners that help the soundbar blend seamlessly into your living space.
No buttons are visible, save for a tiny power control tucked beneath the right-hand side. A subtle LED indicates powering up but stays out of sight during films or TV shows. Connectivity is split between two recessed compartments: one for video input ports, another for the power cable.
Connectivity: The Essentials Covered
Sony focuses on modern features over legacy inputs. There are only two HDMI ports:
- HDMI In – For external sources like a Blu-ray player, Apple TV, or streaming stick
- HDMI Out (eARC/ARC) – To connect back to the TV
The eARC/ARC link can handle high-resolution audio and immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Gamers will be pleased to know that the HDMI input supports 4K at 120 Hz, along with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Automatic Low Latency Mode). Additionally, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision passthrough are supported.
A proprietary S-Centre OUT connection lets compatible Sony Bravia TVs deliver the centre channel audio through the TV panel itself—especially beneficial on sets equipped with Acoustic Surface technology. While it eliminates an optical (Toslink) port, the bar does include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect. Chromecast is absent, so Android device owners will likely use Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
Internal Architecture for Immersive Sound
Inside, thirteen active drivers are positioned across the front, sides, and top. They include:
- Four woofers (front) supporting left, centre, and right channels, with an extra woofer dedicated to the centre channel
- Three dedicated tweeters (front) for higher frequencies
- Two additional front-facing tweeters mounted in waveguides to “beam” overhead effects
- Side and top drivers for creating a sense of height and spatial wrap-around
Passive radiators accompany the woofers, boosting upper bass frequencies. However, the low-end under 100 Hz is somewhat lacking, so a separate wireless subwoofer is advisable for a complete cinematic experience.
Remote Control and Sony Bravia Connect App
A more compact remote than previous Sony designs comes in the box, featuring all key controls (volume, immersive sound toggles, night mode, and source selection). For deeper customisation, the Sony Bravia Connect mobile app offers a user-friendly interface with advanced adjustments—such as vertical effect levels and dialogue clarity for DTS content.
The “Phantom Speakers” Concept
Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping manipulates phase and frequency to trick the ear into perceiving speakers overhead and behind the listening position—even when there are none physically present. This approach goes beyond mere sound reflection, relying on precise calibration to your room’s acoustic profile.
Convincing Calibration
The Bravia Theatre Bar 9 performs a two-stage calibration process:
- First: The soundbar emits test signals, analyses reflections, and compensates for the room’s shape and surfaces.
- Second: It prompts you to hold your smartphone (with the app open) at your seated position, where the inbuilt microphone measures timing and phase shifts.
The result is a refined acoustic correction that effectively places key audio cues above and around you. Dolby Atmos content, in particular, benefits greatly from this approach.
Optional Wireless Speakers
Although the bar can simulate surround channels, physical rears make a significant impact if you want stronger rear effects. Sony sells optional wireless rear speakers (SA-RS3S or SA-RS5) and two subwoofer models (SA-SW3 or SA-SW5). The latter is nearly essential if you want substantial bass response, as the built-in lower frequencies on the bar alone do not deliver the immersive rumble of action films.
Immersion First and Foremost
Compared to Sony’s prior HT-Axxx range, the Bravia Theatre Bar 9 dramatically increases the sense of spaciousness. Using its upward-firing and side-firing drivers—and the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping system—the sound envelops you more convincingly, creating a palpable surround bubble. Whether it’s a Dolby Atmos film or simply a standard broadcast being upmixed, audio gains a genuine sense of height.
Solid Home-Cinema Performance
For content encoded in Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, the soundbar’s dynamic imaging becomes especially noteworthy. Scenes such as planes flying overhead (1917), debris whizzing above in Gravity, King Kong pounding the racetrack in Ready Player One, or the sandstorm in Mad Max: Fury Road are genuinely satisfying. The exact overhead precision might be more generalised than pinpoint, but the effect is still immersive.
Dialogue intelligibility remains strong, aided by a mild emphasis in the 300–400 Hz region. Even without enabling the dedicated dialogue-enhancement feature, spoken vocals come through clearly, and the overall treble is balanced with no obvious harshness. At moderate volume, you can expect about 90 dB SPL at 1 metre—enough to fill living spaces up to approximately 30 m². For bigger rooms or higher volumes, the optional rear speakers can help.
Subwoofer Strongly Recommended
Despite its many strengths, the bar’s integrated bass performance rolls off sharply under 100 Hz. You’ll notice a lack of impact in deep rumble-heavy scenes—leading to a somewhat thin-sounding experience when the action intensifies. Investing in a wireless subwoofer (SA-SW3 or SA-SW5) substantially enriches low-frequency effects and intensifies the cinematic feel.
Music Playback
Though it handles cinematic material very well, the Theatre Bar 9 is evidently home-cinema-focused. It can reproduce large-scale dynamic shifts but reveals less nuance in fine musical details. Without a subwoofer, the bass is noticeably lacking, leaving the overall sound somewhat clinical. It can handle background music decently but isn’t the best choice if you’re seeking critical stereo listening.
Price and Release Date
In the UK, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 (HT-A9000) retails at around £1,399. This competes with the Sonos Arc Ultra (£999) or the Samsung HW-Q995D (£1,499), both of which offer advanced immersive audio and—particularly in Samsung’s case—include a dedicated subwoofer and wireless rear speakers in the box. Choosing Sony’s optional sub (SA-SW3 or SA-SW5) can push the total cost to roughly £1,800, positioning it alongside premium multi-speaker systems from rival brands.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 8/10
Design (10/10)
The Theatre Bar 9’s discreet, refined styling blends seamlessly into modern interiors. Smooth lines, quality fabric, and rounded corners contribute to a classy yet understated profile.
Connectivity (8/10)
Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120 Hz, eARC, VRR, and ALLM tick the right boxes for home cinema and gaming setups. Sony’s proprietary S-Centre OUT fosters closer integration with Bravia TVs. However, some users may bemoan the lack of a Toslink optical input or Chromecast support.
Software (9/10)
The Sony Bravia Connect app is polished, intuitive, and logically organised. It provides easy access to essential features and deeper customisation, making daily operation straightforward.
Audio (8/10)
Immersive 360 Spatial Sound Mapping does a brilliant job projecting audio overhead and around the listener, especially with Dolby Atmos content. Still, the bar lacks deep, resonant bass without adding a wireless sub. Music playback is serviceable but not stellar.
Final Verdict
Sony’s Bravia Theatre Bar 9 represents a premium offering that significantly improves on the brand’s previous models. Its sophisticated 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and convincing vertical effects will please home-cinema enthusiasts. The sleek styling, modular upgrade options, and integration with Sony TVs further strengthen its appeal.
Nevertheless, with competitors such as Sonos and Samsung delivering equally compelling (and sometimes more cost-effective) choices, the Theatre Bar 9’s success may hinge on how well it slots into your existing Sony ecosystem. If you already own a Sony TV or value the brand synergy, this soundbar offers an impressive, modern audio experience. However, be prepared to factor in a subwoofer purchase for genuine low-end impact.
