Customer reviews from sony.com
Sony - 7.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Average customer rating
3.9
(35 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 35 reviews
5 Stars
12
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
2
1 Star
2
69%of customers recommend this product.
(
20 out of
29)
Customer Reviews for Sony - 7.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Customer Rating
4
Excellent + stylish upgrade from previous setup
on September 2, 2014
Posted by: DianaElizabeth
Previous surround sound set up (might be similar to yours): Power plug from wall to Subwoofer --> Subwoofer cable to Receiver (Disc player/Radio) AND small speakers with thin wires --> Receiver cable to TV. Lots of cables everywhere, all nestled by the TV as all must be connected.
For reference - my TV is 46" and it is perfect size where it matches the length of the sound bar.
POSITIVES:
> Less wires. Sound Bar cables - (1) optical out to TV, (2) HDMI cable to Receiver (disc player/etc), (3) power outlet. Much simpler, I was looking for a better solution.
> Subwoofer plugged in anywhere in the room (can be hidden) and is wireless.
> Different settings for what you are watching - game, movie, football, etc. A
> Less wires. Sound Bar cables - (1) optical out to TV, (2) HDMI cable to Receiver (disc player/etc), (3) power outlet. Much simpler, I was looking for a better solution.
> Subwoofer plugged in anywhere in the room (can be hidden) and is wireless.
> Different settings for what you are watching - game, movie, football, etc. A
TO NOTE:
> If updating from something similar to my previous surround sound set up, you will need a new DVD/Radio Receiver since mine was ancient and had no HDMI or power outlet.
> Connecting from a smartphone/tablet, you switch on Bluetooth - setting BT AU to sync. Will prompt you to download a free App (instructions in manual). Once set up I didn't know how to play the music, hitting all kinds of buttons, essentially the App just allows you to use your smartphone as a remote (but couldn't make it play from my iTunes). Use the hand remote and hit "BT AU" once again for the speakers and it will play. Careful on sound settings on your iPhone and speakers, I almost blew my ear drums out.
> In future to play songs from smart phone/tablet turn on sound bar "BT AU" so it's on, and connect bluetooth (select device) and play iTunes.
> If updating from something similar to my previous surround sound set up, you will need a new DVD/Radio Receiver since mine was ancient and had no HDMI or power outlet.
> Connecting from a smartphone/tablet, you switch on Bluetooth - setting BT AU to sync. Will prompt you to download a free App (instructions in manual). Once set up I didn't know how to play the music, hitting all kinds of buttons, essentially the App just allows you to use your smartphone as a remote (but couldn't make it play from my iTunes). Use the hand remote and hit "BT AU" once again for the speakers and it will play. Careful on sound settings on your iPhone and speakers, I almost blew my ear drums out.
> In future to play songs from smart phone/tablet turn on sound bar "BT AU" so it's on, and connect bluetooth (select device) and play iTunes.
This is my first experience with a sound bar. I do enjoy that subwoofer no longer needs to sit by the TV (again, my previous set up was probably 6+ years old).
The only reason for 4 instead of 5 would be the size (and , but again, I'm not sure if it would be possible for a sound bar to be slimmer. I enjoy this view better than all the dated speakers I had before.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: Rambocat
Verified Purchase:Yes
You need to play with the unit to find the appropriate settings for your taste. I have a large room two story ceiling and keeps going into an open kitchen. So simulated surround sound probably does not have the necessary walls to perform. It is plenty loud depending on your feed. Base is good, but not teenage dish shaking. Very good "Movie 1" mode for a full room of sound when watching TV. Music needs to be on music mode. May lack real deep base, but it is plenty loud. If you have Direct TV try music channel 851. Even if not a Jazz fan gives you the crisp sound quality.
Nice piece of equipment for what it is intended to be used for.
Nice piece of equipment for what it is intended to be used for.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
HIGH TIME WE UPGRADED OUR SOUND
on August 31, 2014
Posted by: BeJay2
Over the years we’d gotten comfortable with what we had in place — know what I mean? Our living room has an L-shaped sectional couch at its focal point so that’s where we had placed an antique armoire – to hold and to hide our entertainment components.
Then two years ago we swapped our older technology TV for a 46-inch Full HD 3D-capable LED unit and a new Blue-ray 3D DVD player. They fit inside that armoire along with our old sound system, which was a circa-2000 Amplifier/6-CD/AM&FM Radio music center with a wired subwoofer and pair of duplexed micro cube speakers….
After a while our new components revealed how outdated our sound system actually was; besides, it didn’t do surround sound, etc.… The question then became what to replace it with that had: quality sound; was flexible enough to connect with many devices; and looked good in our living room (that is, fit without showing). We were drawn toward the compactness and ease of installation of a high-quality sound bar rather than discrete components.
We had looked at several models, including Sony’s top-of-the-line HT-ST7 Sound Bar and we had liked its premium sound and capabilities. So, when Sony’s brand new HT-ST5 Sound Bar recently became available it gave consumers like us the option of a premium device at a lower price point but still delivered ST7-like sound quality and features. Frankly, we couldn’t hear the difference.
Checking the HT-ST5’s specs, it had more than enough power (380W) for our 13ft x 23ft living room with 8ft ceiling; 7.1 channel surround sound; 7 mid-range, 2 tweeters and a sealed subwoofer; and several HDMI 2.0 inputs for our LED TV, Verizon FIOS cable box, and our Blue-ray DVD player. Perfect!
The HT-ST5 arrived in a sturdy L-shaped foam-padded carton. Installation was as straightforward as expected using an included optical cable and two HDMI cables that we already had. The HT-ST5 fit neatly into our armoire two shelves below the HD LED TV (see photo), so we don’t need to use the built-in IR repeater. The unit has removable rubber feet that tilt it upwards about 30 degrees, which seems to maximize the sound path for our particular layout. And the subwoofer, being wireless, was easily stashed out of sight behind our couch. The sound bar and the subwoofer paired automatically – no muss, no fuss. The HT-ST5 installation actually took less time than it took to dismantle and set aside our old equipment and cabling!
We’ve been enjoying the HT-ST5 and we don’t miss our old component system. In fact, we are astonished by the presence and clarity of Sony’s theater-like surround sound in our space. [We’ll leave it for technical reviewers to compare arcane specs like S Force Pro Front Surround, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, aptX and AAC codecs, and stuff like that.]
We can hear the difference compared with our old system: cable channels, streamed movies, DVDs, and even our legacy collection of classical music CDs are more satisfying and enjoyable now – it’s as if our entertainment center has, well, come alive!
Speaking of “hearing”, one feature that we had under-estimated on the HT-ST5 is Sony’s three Voice settings for dialogue clarity – it really does help eliminate those dreaded “Honey, what did they just say?” They are in addition to seven levels of Sound Field settings (Standard, Movie1, Movie2, Music, Game, Football, and Clear Audio+), which are convenient presets of equalizer and other settings.
The HT-ST5 is now the hub of our entertainment system. We’re still trying out the HT-ST5’s many settings and exploring all the options so our listening experience is actually getting even better as we learn to tweak it. That said, if there is anything we wished Sony had done differently with this product it would be around the Startup Guide and User Manual – they ought to be more user friendly and in-depth. Perhaps coupled with a set-up video?
Sony’s engineers also included NFC (Near Field Connectivity) for devices with that level of Bluetooth technology. I’m a fan of NFC, I already use NFC to pair my Xperia Tablet Z with my RX100/II Cyber-shot digital camera, so connecting this sound bar with my tablet was a snap – just press the unit’s Pairing button and “tap” their NFC logos together to connect. Also installed Sony’s free SongPal™ app on the Tablet Z to navigate content, control the Sound Bar (see photo), and stream the tablet’s audio output.
However, we are quite comfortable using the neat little remote and its “hidden” buttons. There’s even a button to dim/turn-off the HT-ST5’s front panel display to enhance the mood – I kid you not.
So, if you are also looking for a premium sound bar in the $1K price band, I can heartily recommend purchasing an HT-ST5. Then pour a glass of your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy the thrilling sound of this remarkable new sound bar. Cheers, Sony.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: SBC1
Verified Purchase:Yes
The sound is terrific. I am enjoying the different settings and the Blue tooth option is nice bonus.
The set up was not as easy. As there are no instructions if you have to connect through your cable box and if your TV does not have an ARC connection.
The other issues I cannot solve is that the sound is automatically muted when I turn on the TV. There seems to be delay with sound catching up with the picture when the system is powered on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Joffrey, SonySupport, April 27, 2015
HI SBC1,
We're really glad to hear that you are already having a good time with your soundbar! Thank you for choosing Sony!
We're really glad to hear that you are already having a good time with your soundbar! Thank you for choosing Sony!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
not impressed
on December 9, 2014
Posted by: mfe1
not easy to understand the control bar , the bass may as well not even be there
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Choice for Me.
on December 1, 2014
Posted by: Itsasuma
Purchased SONY 27-HTST5 Internet. Sony had great communication via email after order. Good follow up on delivery advice. Extremely fast delivery under standard delivery. Arrived in Perfect condition. Unit installed with one optical cable connection to my Sony Smart TV. Woofer is wireless except for 110 V electrical outlet. Sounds great for our room which is high ceiling.
Guests have commented favorably as well. You may spend more but this model was my choice and I am extremely pleased start to finish.
Guests have commented favorably as well. You may spend more but this model was my choice and I am extremely pleased start to finish.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Sony ht-st 5
on December 27, 2014
Posted by: JCNY
This sound bar has it's good and bad points - the good: streaming music through this sounds amazing, movies sound full - The not so good: watching tv shows on this sounds thin and flat - you really notice this when using the sound bar at low volumes - this sound bar is well made, but don't be fooled, it does not create a true 7.1 surround sound like a real 7.1 system would.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: Carnaz
Verified Purchase:Yes
It takes 20 sec. to hear it, after you turn the TV on. I even paid SONY to have it installed.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Joffrey, SonySupport, January 12, 2015
Hi Carnaz,
Please try to connect the SoundBar from another source like music players and check if you're having the same result. You may also try different connection because this SoundBar can support HDMI, DIGITAL OPTICAL and ANALOG connections. Thanks.
Please try to connect the SoundBar from another source like music players and check if you're having the same result. You may also try different connection because this SoundBar can support HDMI, DIGITAL OPTICAL and ANALOG connections. Thanks.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com