What are the best soundbars for a new Sony TV?

Question

Hey everyone! I just finally upgraded my living room setup with a brand new 65-inch Sony X90L. I am absolutely loving the picture quality so far, but I have to be honest, the built-in speakers are leaving a lot to be desired when it comes to watching action movies or even just hearing dialogue clearly. I really want to get a soundbar that complements the TV without being overly complicated to set up.

I have been looking into a few options, but I am a bit overwhelmed by all the technical specs. I have heard that staying within the Sony ecosystem might be better because of features like Acoustic Center Sync, which lets the TV act as the center channel. Does that actually make a big difference in person? I am also wondering about:

Compatibility with HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos

Whether a dedicated subwoofer is necessary for a medium-sized apartment living room

If third-party brands like Sonos or Samsung play nice with the Sony Bravia interface

My budget is somewhere in the $500 to $800 range. I want something that sounds full and immersive but won't take over the entire TV stand. If you have a newer Sony TV, what soundbar are you currently using and would you recommend it?

avapeusy · Accepted Answer

Congrats on the X90L! Honestly, that's such a solid choice for a TV. I have a similar setup and went with the Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar and it's been fantastic. Regarding Acoustic Center Sync, it actually makes a big difference. It basically lifts the dialogue so it feels like it's coming from the screen itself rather than from underneath. It really helps with immersion during movies. For a medium apartment, the A5000 is great because it has built-in subwoofers that give enough kick without vibrating the floor too much. Plus, using eARC with a Sony bar means all your settings show up right in the TV menu. If you want something smaller, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Compact Smart Soundbar is also great for dialogue, but you lose that specific Sony integration. I'd stick with the Sony bar if I were you tbh.

Frercluts · Answer

Quick tip: prioritize HDMI eARC for uncompressed Atmos. For an apartment, the Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is great for dialogue without a bulky sub. If you want better technical performance, the Samsung HW-Q800C 5.1.2ch Soundbar with Subwoofer is awesome for the price, though you'll lose the Sony-specific on-screen menus. Both work fine with your TV remote for volume tho.

BoincRic · Answer

Saved for later, ty!