Sony's Atmos-compatible soundbar sounds surprisingly well
Trusted Reviews has been evaluated Sony's HT-ZF9 soundbar compatible with Dolby Atmos. Released earlier this year, the soundbar promises virtual 5.1.2 channel sound from 3.1 speakers and Atmos speakers that project sound into the ceiling. It comes with a small subwoofer to enhance the sound. The recommended price for the soundbar and subwoofer in Finland is 800 euros. Z-9R rear speakers are also available, which can be used to build a 5.1 configuration.
The connections are versatile, as the device features two HDMI inputs, an HDMI output with ARC, a USB port, a mini-plug input, and an optical input. The device supports wireless Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth with Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, and Google Assistant voice control. Bluetooth also transmits audio, so you can connect wireless headphones to it. It also supports high-resolution audio via USB and the network, and upscales lower-resolution audio files.
The Soundbar can be set to manually adjust the listening distance and volume for both the Soundbar and the Subwoofer. The Vertical Sound Engine mode is automatically turned on when the device detects a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X signal. You can also use Dolby Speaker Virtualizer if desired. Additionally, ready-made audio modes and a compressor that limits dynamics are available.
The user experience is criticized as being difficult, but the repetition is particularly praised as being surprisingly good in movie use. In terms of height, the sound does not compare to the genuine Atmos, but the spacious effect is wide and high. According to the assessment, Dolby Speaker Virtualizer works better in movies, but not in music.
According to Trusted Review, the soundbar should be installed as high as possible to achieve a tight and accurate reproduction. The subwoofer is described in the review as seamlessly integrating with the audio signal. The dialogue is also reproduced with precision and no distortion.
Overall, according to Trusted Review, the device offers captivating Atmos-like playback, despite its clumsiness in use.
The full Trusted Review review can be read here from here.
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