If you're trying to stay around that $1000 mark, the Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar is probably your best bet over the higher-end models. It still supports that Acoustic Center Sync you mentioned and frankly, the difference in the side-firing drivers isnt always worth the extra cash unless you have a massive open-concept room. Technical stuff to keep in mind:

• HDMI 2.1 Passthrough: This is huge. The Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar supports 4K/120 and VRR. Sonos Arc doesnt do this at all. If you have a PS5 or Xbox, plugging directly into the bar saves you from using up the limited HDMI 2.1 ports on the A95L.
• Sound Mapping: Sony uses 360 Spatial Sound Mapping which basically calibrates the sound to your specific room layout using mics. Its a bit more automated than Sonos Trueplay and feels more immersive for movies imo.
• Ecosystem perks: The UI integration is seamless. You can adjust the subwoofer volume or sound modes directly through the Sony TV remote settings menu without opening an app on your phone. Honestly, for movies, having that center sync makes a difference because it uses the A95Ls actual screen as a speaker. It solves that weird voice coming from the floor issue some soundbars have. If you can find a deal, pairing it with the Sony SA-SW3 200W Wireless Subwoofer is basically mandatory for movies tho. The bar alone is good, but you need that dedicated low end for the full experience.

Honestly, I went through this exact same internal debate when I grabbed my Sony set. Acoustic Center Sync is actually pretty sweet because it lifts the dialogue up so it sounds like it is coming from the screen rather than below it. If you go with the Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar, you get that tight ecosystem integration that basically makes the TV speakers act as a center channel. It works really well and I am super satisfied with how the soundstage widens out. The HT-A7000 has 7.1.2 channels and supports eARC plus HDMI 2.1 pass-through, which is nice if you game at all. While the Sonos Arc Premium Smart Soundbar with Dolby Atmos is a beast, you lose that specific Sony-to-Sony synergy. Tbh, if you are already spending for the A95L, staying in the family just feels right and the results are honestly impressive for movie nights.

Whoa, just saw this thread and had to jump in because I am absolutely obsessed with my A95L too! It is such a beast of a screen. Before you drop the cash tho, I gotta ask—is your seating area right up against a wall or do you have some space behind the couch? Room layout matters a ton for how the sound bounces around. If you want something fresh that fits the budget better than the older flagships, you seriously need to look at the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 11 Speaker System. It just came out and basically replaces the older mid-range models with way better processing. Honestly, it is amazing for movies because it handles those heavy action scenes without getting muddy at all. Since you are worried about the ecosystem, this one uses the new BRAVIA Connect app which makes setup a breeze compared to the old menus. It still lets the TV work with the bar to keep the voices centered on the screen too. Total game changer!

Ngl, I was pretty let down by the whole Sony ecosystem thing. I had some annoying handshake issues with the eARC on my unit which is just a pain when you just want to relax. Honestly, I think the Acoustic Center Sync is kinda disappointing... it made the dialogue sound a bit thin compared to the rich sound of a dedicated bar. Safety first, so I'd prioritize a stable connection over those fancy sync features. A couple of quick tips for ya:

• Focus on bars with solid firmware track records
• Dont ignore the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos for clarity
• Check out the Samsung HW-Q930D 9.1.4 ch Soundbar System for better immersion Tbh, Id rather have a system that connects every time than one that uses my TV speakers as a center channel. I've been burned by firmware bugs before, so sticking with what's reliable is usually the safer bet.