Sony has just released its premium Home Theater System <strong>HT-A9</strong> and flagship <strong>HT-A7000</strong> soundbar, along with optional <strong>SA-SW5</strong> and <strong>SA-SW3</strong> wireless subwoofers and <strong>SA-RS3S</strong> wireless rear speakers if you want to go the whole shebang.
The A9 and A7000 feature the latest Sony tech for easy setup and an immersive surround sound experience. Both support all the latest video formats, including 8K HDR, 4K 120fps and Dolby Vision. The new systems can also decode High-resolution Audio and feature DSEE Extreme upscaling for audio files, invigorating your music files with lossy compression. The A9 and A7000 support Bluetooth connections along with the usual suspects, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. Also, the A9 works with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
HT-A9
The HT-A9 is built around its 360 Spatial Sound and Sound Field Optimisation tech. They take away the hassle of having to optimise the position of the speakers for the best possible sound. The A9 was designed to be plug and play, but you’ll need to perform an Easy Setup when you first lay out the speakers, of course.
The four speakers feature Sony’s latest Omnidirectional Block Design and fit perfectly against the wall thanks to the flat rear surface. The X-Balanced Speaker Units are rectangular to maximise the diaphragm area for richer bass and sound pressure while the new Wide Directivity Woofer has a minimised concave shape to reduce the cavity effect.
Each speaker is equipped with two microphones, which are used to figure out their relative height and position. From that information, the system will then virtualise twelve ‘phantom speakers’ through the four wireless speakers.
These twelve ‘speakers’ encircle the room to create an immersive spatial sound environment. The added benefit is that it is not positionally sensitive and you will get the same experience regardless of where you are in the room. Sony says his works particularly well with the Acoustic Centre Sync feature on supported BRAVIA TVs, as it will match where the audio is coming from with what’s on the screen.
HT-A7000 Soundbar
If you prefer a simpler setup, the Dolby Atmos-capable (DTS:X as well) HT-A7000 has you covered. It’s a 7.1.2-channel soundbar that features two up-firing speakers for overhead sound, two beam tweeters and five front speakers for wide surround and a built-in dual subwoofer for deep bass. Its speakers were also designed with the Omnidirectional Block Concept.
Coupled with Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround, the A7000 positions audio in the overhead with the former, and creates a virtual surround sound with the latter. Like the A9, the A7000 also features Sound Field Optimisation to tune your sound perfectly to your room.
Optional Subwoofer and Rear Speaker
Sony offers a choice of two wireless subwoofers to extend the low-end response of the system. The 300W SA-SW5 wireless subwoofer uses a 180mm driver with a passive radiator, while the 200W SA-SW3 wireless subwoofer is more compact and features a 160mm driver. To expand on the surround sound, Sony offers wall-mountable, 100W SA-RS3S wireless rear speakers.
Pricing and Availability
All models will be available in Singapore from September. From 10 August to 29 August 2021, there will be a pre-order exercise.
HT-A9 ($ 2,699) Perks
- Purchase any 55-inch and above BRAVIA TV and receive $200 cashback off the price of the HT-A9.
- Exclusive concierge service entailing installation and calibration service.
- Purchase the HT-A9 together with SA-SW5 subwoofer for $3398 (U.P. $3,698).
- Purchase the HT-A9 together with SA-SW3 subwoofer for $2998 (U.P. $3,198).
HT-A7000 ($ 2,499)
- Purchase any 55-inch and above BRAVIA TV and receive $200 cashback off the price of the HT-A7000.
- Free of Charge: SA-SW3 subwoofer
Demo locations
You can also try out the new systems in various configurations at the following locations below.
Sony Store 313@Somerset (16 – 22 Aug)
- HT-A7000 with SA-SW3
- HT-A9
Harvey Norman at Millenia Walk (16 – 22 Aug)
- HT-A7000 with SA-SW3 + SA-RS3S
- HT-A9 with SA-SW5
Courts Tampines Megastore (23 – 29 Aug)
- HT-A7000 with SA-SW3
- HT-A9
Best Denki Takashimaya (23 Aug – 19 Sep)
- HT-A7000 with SA-SW3 + SA-RS3S
- HT-A9 with SA-SW5
Gain City Sungei Kadut (30 Aug – 5 Sep)
- HT-A7000 with SA-SW3
- HT-A9
