Sony BRAVIA Theatre Quad Official In-Depth Review
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
- This video is sponsored by Crutchfield! It's Dads and Grads Season and sales are in full swing! Get your loved ones what they've been yearning for with 1-3 day delivery to the continental U.S. with all orders over $35! Visit the link below to check out all the deals!
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Get your BRAVIA Theatre Quad today by clicking on the affiliate links below which helps support this channel AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU! YAY!
BRAVIA Theatre Quad - howl.me/cmgtYJ5LxZE
SW3 Wireless Subwoofer - howl.me/cmmvsyChSvo
SW5 Wireless Subwoofer - howl.me/cmgtYKbrjXC
BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 - howl.me/cmmvwl6kvrB
BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 - howl.me/cmmvwk6ahaZ
75" BRAVIA 7 MiniLED TV - howl.me/cmmvwliwt3E
77" BRAVIA 8 OLED TV - howl.me/cmmvwl57Evm
Sanus SF34 Speaker Stands - howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
NEEWER Photography Light Stands - amzn.to/3Vl6jRA
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CHAPTERS
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0:00 Intro
0:43 Sponsorship
1:20 Some Housekeeping
3:41 Specs & Highlights
5:26 Controlling the System
7:24 Experiments with Speaker Placement
19:49 Virtual vs Discrete
22:52 Subwoofer Talk
26:27 Dialog & Soundfield Setting
28:06 Audio Dropouts?
29:10 Height Speaker Talk
31:40 Music Talk
34:40 Night Mode
35:50 Nakamichi Dragon Comparison
38:08 Final Thoughts & Wishes
40:25 Outro
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MY HOME THEATER SETUP
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Valencia Oslo Luxury Home Theater Seating
us.valenciatheaterseating.com...
65” LG C1 OLED TV
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9ONsB1Q
Amazon - amzn.to/3lTcHMQ
Marantz SR7015
Crutchfield - howl.me/chNr9OFKp3N
Amazon - amzn.to/3F1VmcZ
IOTA AVX17 Preamp Processor
www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
Outlaw Audio Model 7000x Amplifier
Amazon - amzn.to/3NO6oGZ
Aperion Audio E7 Energy External Amp
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
Peachtree Nova300 Stereo Integrated Amp
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
Emotiva BasX A3 Amplifier
emotiva.com/collections/amps/...
FRONT LCR
Aperion Audio Theatrus T80 Cinema/Studio Monitors
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
Aperion Audio Verus Theatrus T65S Slim Design Cinema/Studio Monitor
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
FRONT WIDES & VOICE OF GOD
Aperion Audio Novus Slim N6SC LCR
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
SURROUNDS
Aperion Audio Theatrus T65 Cinema/Studio Monitor
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
SURROUND BACKS
Aperion Audio Novus N6T Tower Speakers
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
ATMOS HEIGHT SPEAKERS
Aperion Audio A5 Height Module
www.aperionaudio.com/collecti...
LG UBK90 4K Blu-ray Player
Crutchfield - howl.me/cjaQUPGzaYc
Amazon - amzn.to/2UtSnZ0
2022 AppleTV 4K WiFI + Ethernet (3rd Gen)
Target - howl.me/cisDkXbJlob
Best Buy - howl.me/cisDm1Yyj9T
Amazon - amzn.to/3TeNTOl
Nintendo Switch
Best Buy - howl.me/cjyeWi0jQDR
Target - howl.me/chNr9OyO7uf
Amazon - amzn.to/2Tqra96
14 AWG Copper Speaker Wire
Amazon - amzn.to/3cmGoCP
Monoprice Low Profile 22 Lb Capacity Speaker Mounts
Amazon - amzn.to/3ckelDM
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MY VIDEO GEAR
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Sennheiser MKE600
Amazon - amzn.to/3slMidQ
B&H Photo - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Sony A7 II Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Adorama - howl.me/cjyeYXlgb82
Best Buy - howl.me/chNr9OV8FEQ
Amazon - amzn.to/3GJqFty
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LINKS
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Everything you need can be found at the link below! Woohoo!
linktr.ee/ealanosborne
#sony #wireless #hometheater
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DISCLAIMERS
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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites - Наука та технологія
Appreciate the thorough review and Toolkit shout outs!
Hell yeah, dude!
Nice. Legoooo! Would love to own this set
Great review!! Thanks for your sharing thoughts on this set
You’re very welcome! 😊🎉
My Sony a95l speakers sounded so great I retired my pair of Apple HomePods, considering that they’ve made the Bravia range even better, you should be in for a treat!! I can vouch for their tv speakers at the high end (and I was VERY skeptical about that) I have hearing problems & this is great for me
Thanks for the hard work!
Sweet! Thanks for the vote of confidence! 😊🎉
Funny, I have similar setup with the OG Apple speakers. My wife and I both love how they sound. However, when using them for the TV they do disconnect a lot. I’ve contacted Apple about this many times and there a very little help. Wonder if the newer version fixed this issue. Like if I’m using an app such as Disney or Plex the sound just drops then I have to back out of it and then restart the program. It’s very frustrating. From what I understand the sound on the a95L is incredibly good for tv speakers. Too bad you couldn’t connect the Sony sub and perhaps a pair of Sony wireless surround speakers that would be a nice little set up, without full-blown sound bar and all the other accessories.
@@michael-4k4000 happy to report that the 2nd gen didn’t have this problem (for me)
It’s not all rosy though
Playing Atmos through the ATV 4k on the Sony can sometimes have a slight crackle (in Dolby Atmos) and requires a tv reboot…
Annoyingly, they are both aware of this & am waiting to see it solved in a future update, it never happens on anything else, tv normal channels, Sony Bravia Core app or music etc, bit weird but still worth the trade-up in general
Thanks for the review, always appreciated the dedication :) While i already own the system, it's nice to see other people's take on it. One thing i can confirm, having the system in a more dedicated room, rather than open plan really does enhance it a lot more (tried and tested in my mates room who is similar to yours as he was on the fence buying it). Sounded much more alive in my closed off one and definitely bests some traditional wired systems.
Ok thanks and
Last question is the subwoofer. I already have a 15 inch subwoofer is there anyway I could modify the Sony subwoofer to make it work with mine?
@@HPMIKE55 Not a clue sadly. I sold my Kef KC62 sub when I moved over. Would have loved to have kept it. They seem to have sorted the bass response out a bit better though. Sony subs used to always sound boomy but seem to be a lot better with them getting the IMAX enhanced certification.
@@S1mmz ok thanks for your honesty and with that said I’ll see over the weekend if I could pick it up. 😎👍🏻
Only Sony wireless subs will work with Sony speaker systems like this. They have their own unique tech to make them talk to one another. Only the Sennheiser AMBEO Max has a wired subwoofer connection, so you can use whatever sub you want with that one. 👍
@@ealanosborne I have the max i’m not sure if it’s gonna sound a little bit better or the same. that was the question I was trying to ask you guys. lol 😂
Wow. I feel like you covered everything I had commented on in previous videos! 🎉 thank you! Awesome review!! Seriously! Top notch!
Can’t wait for you to get the Bravia 7/8 in to find out how it compares to the Q-Symphony!
Ps. Loved your comparo with dragon! 🎉
Thank you very much!!! 🎉
Nice in depth review Ealan! Quick question: what speaker stands did you use for the satellite speakers?
Sanus SF34 stands. 👇👇🎉
howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
The fact that you spend so much money and have to use sw3 or sw5 is a mistake from Sony. They should have launched a new 8”-12” sub along with the quad for extra power.
It will probably be updated next year. With the quads, then the Bravia 8/9 bars just out, most will buy a sub which is money in their pockets. BAM, next year a new sub comes out, we all upgrade, even more money in their pockets. Well played Sony, unlucky us suckers. 🤣
@JL careful there, you're risking getting heavily trolled for saying that, haha. Well, I was when I made essentially same remark at some other reviewer's den ( hint: Ealan referenced him in this review many times 😉 ).
@@Sas-wk9ljGiven a few more weeks of reviews by the rest of the on-line community, I suspect there’ll be more consensus with the numerous critiques Andrew and Kristi delivered in their review. I’ve owned numerous pieces of Sony gear in my over 50 years in the audio / video hobby, and while I could never complain about the build quality or performance in the various price categories, sometimes they definitely miss the target in terms of features, etc.
And you can only use 1.😂
For this price it should include a sub…
Great review as always. That price tag has me looking at other options, however the partner hats the way most surround sound systems look.
Thank you so much for this, and thank you for spending the time to study the tech, rather then just pop out a video to be first. It pays off, trust me. Your reviews are far superior to others.
Thank you so much for those kind words! 😊
@@ealanosborne I had bought the original A9, I loved it, except one issue. The dialogue was difficult to understand at times with certain content. Tried everything I could find, I am not sure if this was a drop out issue or what. But it was a distraction and the dialogue is the most important part of any sound system. Contacted Sony and they were not much help either, they just had me reset everything. Hopefully this new A9 two will correct those issues. When the A9 was working properly I was very impressed and the sound was like a movie theater. One complaint about the new system, it’s ugly (I know that’s subjective) but the original looked much better.
Quad sounds interesting. Dragon sounds fun.
Very thorough review, thanks. I am now considering Sony Quad as opposed uo upgrading my AVR and front L & R speakers in my 5.1.2 HT system
Cool! 🎉
I forgot to say that you’re 100% right about what sony needs to fix and add. lol 😂
Keep up the great job! 😎👍🏻
Thank yooouuu! 😊
Looking forward to those imax enhanced reviews
Not that I would ever replace my dedicated HT AVR/speaker system with them, but I have the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 AND 9 Sound Bars en route for product testing. Now if they'd only send me a TV haha :)
Oh another question. If i put rear speakers at ear level then the distance from the upfiring speakers to the ceiling is 5.5 feet. Do you think thats a deal breaker?
Good job adding value in areas Andrew did not cover.
Thanks! I hope others who review this system cover things I might’ve missed too! 😊
My only ask of Sony is the option to add multiple Subs designed to be stacked for more low end SPL or spread out for even bass!
I know, right? Sennheiser and Nakamichi are already doing that, and they’re the direct competitors in this price range.
I like to add the that the ht a9 and a Sony a80j the center channel sync works well for my situation. I think it does a good job with voice clarity.
Nice! 🎉
I have same tv and setup. I still have occasional difficulty with center channel voice (with in and off). Thinking of disconnecting the s-channel. Overall I’m pretty happy with the results
Expanse mention makes me happy
Remember the Cant! 🤘😊
When will you be reviewing the Sony Bar 9? Cant wait for it!
Not sure! 🤔 Sony has yet to send it to me. 🤞🤞
Perfect!
Thanks, man! That means a lot coming from you! 😎🎉
So which do u choose? Dragon or sony quad?
Thanks Ealan, loved the review!! Quick thought if you still have the Quad, do you think it would perform even better in your dedicated listening space as compared to your living room, and if so, how much further does that bridge the gap between a traditional home theater and the Bravia quad? Thanks!!
That’s what I want to do in my supplemental review once I get a Sony TV in there. Stay tuned! 🎉
@@ealanosborne awesome, can’t wait!!
@@ealanosborneif you do experiment with it a bit, please make sure you try the soundtrack of the movie Dune part 1. I get a feeling for specific audio tracks, these systems are tuned well but doesn't quite so work well with just any 10 years older movie soundtracks.
Hmm light stands for sound / height speaker could look OK.
Just got a sr7015 set up in a 3 x 3 metre room .
7.1.4 might be pushing it 😆
Amazing job once again so to ask one last time do you think I should invest in this Sony wireless or wait to see if Sennheiser come out with rear speakers?
See the only issue I have with the Sony is my couch that we sit in does not have enough space in the back for enough distance for those rear speakers. so that means the speakers would be at least 4 feet away from our ears.😢
You might be waiting a long time haha. If they don't announce in September (when they always announce their Ambeo stuff) I don't personally think it will happen. That being said, the amount of people having drop out issues with their wireless subwoofer, doesn't bode well for the rears not doing the same.
@@S1mmz yes i know your right!
@@HPMIKE55 Can you place them to the side of your seating position rather than directly behind as the mapping works wonders and still will sound great in that position.
@@S1mmz ok thanks ill try it over the weekend! 😎👍🏻
Great review!!! Can you please provide links to the speaker and light stands for the quad. Thanks!!!
Thank you! Here are the links:
Sanus SF34 Speaker Stands - howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
NEEWER Photography Light Stands - amzn.to/3Vl6jRA
Well my friend in the UK has the Quad theater and I have the dragon, we are both very satisfied with our purchase
Heyyyy, best of both worlds! 😄🎉
He has both? Wow. I think the Sony is more wife friendly. My wife would kill me if I bought the Dragon home.
@@michael-4k4000 his friend in the UK has the theater quad and he himself has the dragon. they're both satisfied
Sonos sells a separate HDMI to SPDIF adapter…so they support non eARC setups at the cost of some features.
FYI, the timbre of my X95L acoustic center sync matches great with the HT-A9
Nice! 🎉
I think your TV is in the perfect spot!
I find it easier to watch TV like that. 👍
Haha! You’re one of the few on my side! Thanks! 😄🎉
I wonder if a.i can make atmos sound better from fewer smaller speakers? I hope they are working on that rather than the other destructive crap you read about.
Hi, and thanks for your neat review. What I'm wondering is this: In their manual, Sony suggest that the rear speakers are either flat on a wall behind the listening position or behind the listening position with just a little bit of tow-in. In my case, there's a window behind the listening position, and if I want to be able to open the window, I cant have the rear left speaker behind the listening position (lined up parallel to to back of the sofa or with just a bit of tow-in). The only spot feasible spot is the wall left to the listening position - which means lining up the speaker of perpendicular or -depending on the bracket - almost perpendicular to the back of the sofa. Can you tell me how this would affect the quality of the sound bubble? Does this system recognize that the fronts and rears are not facing each other or that they are not towed in ideally, and can they effectively mitigate the issue? Thanks in advance for your input on this.
True, ideally you’ll want the surrounds a little behind, but that’s the whole idea behind Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, so accommodate some less-than-ideal scenarios and still making the bubble sound decent. I think in your situation, it isn’t TOO bizarre, so I think it’ll still be an effective bubble. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thank you! 😉
Hey, you recommended keeping the sub level between -3 & -5. Andrew Robinson also recommended this with the SW3. At that sub level what would be the difference between the SA-SW3 & the SA-SW5 & would you recommend one over the other as this will be my first home theater set up with the Quad? Cheers and awesome review.
It depends on your personal preference of bass response. Obviously the SW5 will give you more bass/higher output power if you tend to lean into more bass, or if you have a fairly large living room. I felt the SW5 gave me a more cinematic vibe than the SW3, being larger and more powerful. But if you just want some added bass that fills in the low frequencies well, the SW3 is probably good for you.
Thanks for talking about the audio drop outs. That's one of those things where if it happens even once, i'm ripping out the system and selling everything. Going wireless would be a dream, but i've had experiences of a back right speaker that stops working haflway through a movie, and will only work after a power reset, and I refuse to do that again.
Yep! Never dropped out in the middle of a movie or TV show. That would be a deal breaker for me too.
Great and what's very rare to find, honest review. I get your PoV 100%. It's a no for my taste. Appreciate your diligence btw.
I own HT-A9+ SW5 but don't listen to it for about a year now. They are shelved somewhere at the corner of my store room.
Reason? except for very latest audio codecs ( Dune 1 Dolby Atmos track) they aren't any impressive to my taste. I mostly watch SDR movies between 80's and 2015. Non Dolby Atmos or DTS-X tracks feel anemic to me on A9's. I'm coming from traditional HT setup with custom Sub so I know I can't do with the SW5, which feels rather weak and muddy, sometimes boomy ( missing clarity or that agile, tight bass).
I can bet, if you ever get to review Samsung Q990 series SB, you'll be able to clearly distinguish the overall, all rounder performance and particularly the superiority of Samsung's Atmos height effects and bass response. Be it latest Atmos or DTS-X track, or 90's audio codecs, Q990B handles everything so well, and yes with exceptional dialogue clarity. ( I can't forget the fulfillment of real Atmos experience from the movie 10 Cloverfield lane. You must review the Q990D once to see if your 10 feet celing is falling short for Atmos.
I acknowledge that if you want tha room filling enveloping dome experience in audio, HT-A9 or its next generation quad system can be probably next to none in getting you those nuances as well as good rumbling bass when you are watching Dune for instance ( please try it once on the quad), but that's it. You try something from 10 years ago, it'd feel anemic (at least to me).
Hey Ealan, can we assume that this system will not work well with a textured ceiling or has Sony overcome that?
My ceiling isn’t like a popcorn ceiling, but it does have SOME texture to it, and it performed well! I don’t think it would cause much of a problem.
Great in-depth review, especially your comparison with the Dragon. I'm still confused about which is the best for Dolby Atmos on the two systems.
I believe the Dragon cost more than the Sony Quad, and I already have the Sony previous gen A9, which, honestly speaking, I am not too impressed but content. If I consider upgrading, which of the two would I get for apparent Dolby Atmos effects and music sounds?
I was leaning towards Dragon, but is it a huge difference against the Quad?
Do you have any thoughts on further persuading me in the right direction?
Thank you!
I think the deciding factor is music. The Quad sounded spectacular with music. So if you listen to a lot of music through your HT system, the Quad is probably what you should lean towards. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thank you for your response! I don't listen to music much; however, at certain times, I do. I mostly use the A9s to watch movies in 4k HDR with Dolby Atmos.
What would you suggest between sony theatre quads or a proper 5.1 ch bookshelf home theatre system (same price of quads )for a bedroom of 15x17
I personally think it comes down to your future plans for your home theater. Traditional setups are much easier to upgrade piece by piece over time, and I think will sound better in the end, once properly dialed in and calibrated, with its larger woofers and speaker cabinets.
But I totally understand the appeal of the easy setup of a system like the Quad. It really does sound good for what it’s worth, but can’t be upgraded.
So it comes down to this: Would you rather be able to upgrade piece by piece? Or have a one-and-done system that you would have to replace the entire thing when you wanted something better down the road? 🤔
Thank you sir 😇🙏🏻
In the older hta7000 bars at the back there is a panel if you remove you can hard wire rear speakers and subwoofer though i don't know if it works
Whoa! Interesting! 🤔
Is WISA still around? Or is Dolby Flex taking over? WISA seems like such a smart and convenient way to get great sound
Yeah, they’re still alive and kicking. Just not enough people have really latched onto their tech as a necessity. Everyone favors convenience over audio quality, mostly, so their claim to have hi-res 24 bit wireless audio doesn’t resonate with the vast majority of consumers. Bummer.
Do I have to turn on my tv to play music on this? Can I connect it (for example) to a streamer so the tv doesn’t have to be on? Seems not doable since there is only one input.
Technically, no. Since it was connected to the TV, if I started playing music via Bluetooth, it would turn the TV on for a few minutes, but then would turn off due to inactivity. So not bad, I’d say. 👍
Ah looking for something lossless/wired not Bluetooth
Sensational review Ealan! We thank you for it! I’ve spent an entire 12 months running wires throughout the walls & ceilings for my 7.2.4 system… yet now I’m fixated on the idea of Accuracy (over power)… ie Sony 360SSM (over anything else!). So can you confirm for me please Ealan… purchasing a Sony 7000ES receiver with very good speakers 7.2.4 (360SSM calibrated & engaged) WILL give me a comparable, if not better surround sound bubble experience vs the Theatre Quad correct? I don’t investing countless more hours & $$$ for something special… but if the Quad simply beats Sony ES Receiver home cinemas for accuracy, I’m happy to start again with the QUAD. Thank you for your insights!!!
Nah, a system like you’re describing with the 7000ES and discrete height speakers will still be superior to the Quad. It does VERY well for what it’s worth, but still needs some improvements to best a traditional system powered by an AVR.
@@ealanosborne Lifesaver Ealan! Thank you!
I have a question I have a 5.1 system that was working fine at my previous house I set it up in the new house and my rear satellite speaks crackle a little when I first start a show or movie but it cleans up after 1 minutes or 2 it all so does it if a pause or extended time the only thing I've change in the system is the two rear speaker wires are from a new wire roll that a thicker gauge wire.
The first thing I would try is to disconnect the speaker cables and reconnect them.
hey, you should definitely get your hands on the ht-a9 and then compare the theatre quad to that.
The quads are a lot better. I had the original but it went back after a few weeks. Sound was just too tinny and the center wasn't that great alongside voices. The introduction of the midrange driver has made a big difference. Sound quality is much more refined and powerful, voices are absolutely incredible and the center more pronounced, alongside all the drop out issues being fixed, although I never had that issue.
Two things: 1. Why does the remote not have a pause/play button? For Spotify listening, I'd quickly like to pause music if, say, I get a visitor. 2. Are there modes where you can save your bass/treble settings to? As you said for music you reduced the bass. I would not like to do this everytime when switching from movies to music.
I have these speakers no subwoofer necessary. 😳
How do you watch your TV being so high and not have a broken neck.
What speaker stands did you use? They look similar to the ones Andrew used in his review.
Sanus SF34 stands
howl.me/cmmNMjbP2SY
@@ealanosborne thank you
I love my quads, especially after testing out ATMOS and DTS watching Bad Boys 3. My quads and SW-5 are paired with an 83 inch Sony OLED (A90J).
I'm using a Harmony remote. So I can use it or my Sony tv remote to make audio adjustments.
Since my quads are on Sanus stands and I have a Sony tv. The app never asked where my speakers are located in relation to my tv. Interesting 🤔.
With the latest update the TV gets calibrated with the speakers. You should get a prompt saying "Experience the enhanced acoustic center sync" then you can do the optimisation. Quads have been updated for it but might not have reached your TV model yet as they pushing them out via firmware updates at the moment.
@@S1mmz I have a Sony tv as my center channel. That's why it already knows where my speakers and subwoofer are located. It has nothing to do with firmware.
@@Slick1020 I didn't say it didn't. I said on the new firmware update that was released for the Quads the TV now gets calibrated with the speakers. As an example before the update and on the original HT-A9 speakers, the TV and speakers would play together but they would play independently which is why some people preferred to just use the phantom center. With the new update the TV and speakers now play in unison and will sound miles better. This was a recent update on the Quad speakers and your TV will also need the firmware update.
Did you find if you didn't sit centre to the 2 front speaker's the phantom centre wouldn't perform and you would hear the speaker you were closer to more for vocals
?
It actually performed better than I thought it would. Sure, the closer I got to one speaker, the more it sounded like dialog was coming from one speaker, but slightly off center wasn’t bad. 👍
@@ealanosborne Having the ht A9 I'm lucky I have a Sony OLED to make the Centre channel more Centre as when I used it without I found it annoying sitting on the couch closest to one speaker , the Phantom Centre was lost .
Totally agree with the fact the speaker drivers and sub should be bigger, the 360 performance is there but not the shears Power and grunt .
Could you compare two soundbars : JBL Bar 1300 and SONY Bravia Theatre Quad, and which one is better?
My best guess is the Theater Quad is better. But I don’t currently have any contacts at JBL, so it’s difficult to obtain any of their products…yet. 🤞
Hi there! A general question, please. I have a 2020 TV with ARC (not eARC). I use Xbox Series X as the source for everything I watch on the TV. If I were to plug the console in a pass through Atmos capable soundbar, will I receive Dolby Atmos signal?
That’s correct. That’s why the Theatre Quad in particular has that one HDMI input for situations like yours. 👍
@@ealanosborne thank you very much!
So would you recommend this Sony setup or the Sonos Arc with the Era 300’s for surrounds for height effects?
I haven’t been fortunate to review a flagship Sonos system like that, but Andrew Robinson said this system bested even the Arc + Era 300’s. 🤷♂️
If Sonos releases a new soundbar this year (according to the rumors) it will be an interesting challenge 😊. Personally i don't like the look of this system and Sony has terrible aftersales. Plus the price is way too high.
@@remco3819 I think the theater quad will always have an advantage at least in soundstage and imaging since you can place the left and right as wide as you want. They'd have ot make a ridiculously loooong soundbar to match that
@@chibbyylol i agree , you can have some atmos effects in the back but not as effective in the front. Unless Sonos makes it possible to use two era's in the front but i don't think that is going to happen.
Im still a little torn. Theatre quad with sub or sony avr taan1000 5.1.2 with 2 ceiling speakers. Is there much difference compared to easy setup. Great review
It's honestly 2 schools of thought, really. Have a more difficult setup process, but more control over fine tuning and more easily upgrade pieces over time? Or go with a one-and-done system that performs well for what it's worth, super easy setup process, but can't be upgraded? The choice...is yours. :)
I may have replied to your same question on Andrew Robinson's video. You have the Monitor Audio speakers, is that right? Anyways, Ealan's response sums it up well. I'll add (if you do have the monitor audio speakers): it also depends what you want to get out of the system visually. The Quads look like they will blend in to the room better. The Monitor Audio is going to be more of a visual statement. Neither option is right or wrong.
And in case there is any hesitation about tech-know-how regarding the setup, I'd just call Crutchfield customer support. They are super nice people in my experience.
Thank-you so much for the reply. Great to hear
Can I place the bravia quad rear speakers on the wall above my couch or should i place them on a stand to the side of my couch. Lastly since im implying that my couch is against the wall which it indeed is, would that make this system obscelete for me? My room is tiny btw so also very close to the TV.
If your room is as tiny as you say it is, the Quad may even be a little overkill, TBH. But you could get by with the surrounds being on either side of your couch, regarding the layout.
@@ealanosborne I currently have the samsung Q990C. Just been trying to figure out if the samsung is technically more overkill than the Sony quad system or not.
Can you tell me where you got the "light" stands from? I didn't know you can mount speakers with these! I like the fact that they are height and angle adjustable.
Honestly, I did have to get creative to rig the speakers to the light stands, needing to use adapters, washers and nuts that fit around the bolts that come with the Quad. But it worked! And I just used light stands that came with a lighting kit that I use for a lot of my videos.
Since you sit about 13 feet away from the system. What is the volume setting at this distance? I have my HT-A9 at 58-60 range about 9 feet away. I wonder how far it will push before the limiter kicks in. Also the QUAD has a larger LCD display on the main receiver unit so maybe you can still make out the text.
@@richlandzee8686 I find I have the volume typically somewhere around 30-35.
@ealanosborne - Wow that is very low. I wonder if its because of the larger 3 way speakers. Could be the built-in woofer.
@@richlandzee8686 Quite possibly!
It's my understanding that systems like this don't do well with call outs, same with the Sennheiser Ambeo, due to how they process the information. Don't quote me but I think Chana's call outs are channel based, not object based, which is why it doesn't "place" the sounds properly.
As for subs, if you could pair a pair of subs or if it had a dedicated subwoofer out I'd be more interested
Yeah, it is the case due to their algorithms and I've owned the Sennheiser Ambeo plus and I now have the quads. Should have tested it with an actual movie rather than call outs and pink noise and would have been a better test.
It's object-based.
Great review. Any chance of doing a roku streambar pro 5.1 review? Its a true 5.1 (front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right, and sub) wireless system with a sealed 10 inch sub. It doesn't have atmos, but its only $700 for the whole system. I'm really interested in your opinion of how a true 5.1 compares to a faux atmos system (upfiring speakers instead of ceiling mounted) Thanks.
I’m not sure if I’ll get that one in since I don’t have any connections with Roku (yet), but that does sound like a solid system!
@@ealanosborne Thanks for the reply. Few youtubers take the time to reply. Im looking forward to the review of the Quad with a Bravia 7/9 as a center channel.
I'm waiting for more reviews before making any decision. I do expect some companies to make advancements in the future as it pertains to wireless offerings as wires in your home suck. In a dedicated display/theater room, the sky is the limit. I presently have a Sennheiser Ambeo Plus which I'm pleased with. Admittedly, I purchased this fully expecting that they'd at some point introduce rears or true wireless height speakers as the system allows a connection for up to 4 wireless subs. Who on the planet would need that? None the less, the sony offering has me a bit intrigued. The Sennheiser is phenominal less no rear channel, but voice clarity at low volume on the newer tracks is unappreciated. Things need to be at 16 to 18 to be able to hear everything at all times and also, volume increments by 2. I am not totally satisfied with the sennheiser and anxiously await Bose, Sony or one of the other top contenders to bring forth a wireless solution with true wireless height channels, multiple subs and the like. If I get to hear the sony, I could be influenced to upgrade sooner.
How does it compare with a Sonos Arc + 2 Era 300 + dual Sub system?
🤷♂️ Although Andrew Robinson commented that the Quad bested an Arc + Era 300’s + Sub system. Although 2 Sonos subs I imagine would win in the LFE department…
I had the Dragon for a few weeks but ended up returning it. The sound was loud, but I felt it was brittle and shrill no matter what I did with the settings. This was particularly true on non-Atmos content, like classic movies that only have mono or stereo tracks (I don’t do upmixing, I like to hear the sound as it was originally intended). With that in mind, since the Quad is neck and neck with the Dragon as depicted here (more “accurate”), would that maybe be the superior pick for someone like myself? And what about the Bravia Theater Bar 9?
Can’t say for the Bravia 9 Bar, but I believe I’m having one sent to me eventually for review. But yes, I believe the Bravia Qaud would be more up your alley with the preferences you’ve mentioned. 👍
@@ealanosborne Thanks!
what speaker stands are you using?
Sanus SF34! Link is in the video’s description! 😊
1) So the Quad does not have couch to rear surround adjustment found on HT-A9 because its replaced by the Phone's mic. 2) The rear surrounds will always be subdued even at max levels hence the 3 to 6-foot rear placement recommendation? Are you also saying that the atmos speakers are at different angles between the front and rears? 3) I thought receivers have a setting for true surround with equal volume speaker outputs when it comes to music? That is the problem that I have with HT-A9. 4) I'm surprised by your comment on height adjustment is only related to higher phantom center. I thought it is to boost the Atmos effects. Did you confirm this with Sony? I think this will change with Bravia 7 or 8. I would like to know if theres a huge difference between Acoustic Multi Audio and Acoustic Surface Audio+.
It's always been that way even on the original. The height just effects the center. It's designed if your TV is like on a lower stand or up high so that you can still keep the sound like it's coming from the center of the TV.
Had the system for 2 weeks - did you notice that the higher sound field produces more bass? I'm certain of this - played with this a lot
Huh...I'll test that out when I get the Sony TV in my dedicated theater. 👍
Using the Sony center only sounds good with the sony acoustic surface as center speaker. Which was only available on the OLED models. I haven’t checked this years TVs to see which use it.
Yeah, exactly. I believe that same tech is built into the new 2024 TVs, and even more speakers in the Bravia 9 TVs. That’s why I want to still test it out once that Sony TV arrives. 🤘🎉
@@ealanosborneThe Bravia 9 uses side and top beam tweeters, however, the OLED acoustic surface audio is still much better. The mini led can't use this technology unfortunately. So if want the best center TV experience you will need to test with either the A95L or the Bravia 8.
(( important ))
Hello
congrats on your channel,
I have a problem I have the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar together with SA-SW5 subwoofer, and SA-RS5 surround speakers,
The problem is when I select 360 Spatial Sound Mapping the front speakers of the sound bar play monophonically, it does not switch the sound left to right,
Why is this happening???
I have no idea, sorry. I would try and perform a factory reset to start off troubleshooting, or perhaps double check that you have the latest firmware.
Wish Sonos would make a system of 5 Era300 speakers and call it a day.
If both systems were the same price, would you recommend "The Quad" or "The Dragon"?
QUAD
Very detailed review. I really appreciate the amount of work and thought that went into it. Minor quibble: Too bad you didn’t audition the system in a room with an average ceiling height. I feel like maybe you could have gotten a truer sense of the system’s capabilities wrt to height effects.
That’s what I’ll be doing with the supplemental review when I get a Sony TV in my theater room. 👍
@@ealanosborne All right! You rock Ealan!
No drop outs for this guy when starting movies or shows. Like you said, it could be your tv.
FYI: Sony had the SW-5 on sale from $699, down to $599. If you bundle it with the quads you'll save $100 exta so $200 in savings.
I hope I'm never in a position where I have to mount my TV above a fire place.
I was wondering if the app will work with HT A9?
I don't think so, but I'm not 100% sure. I believe it only works with the products that have come out within the last couple of years
Thanks
2024 products and the A95L as an exception.
Most of the reviews I’ve seen said a sub is necessary to truly optimize what the system can do
Yes get the SW5 subwoofer. Will it sound better than your tv without the subwoofer, Yes. But you need the subwoofer to get the lower end frequencies. So the system with the subwoofer cost more like $3200, and that’s a lot of cash for a home theater in a box. The system should really come with the subwoofer for $2500.
There's a cute intruder at 16:48 😄
I know, right? 😆
I pickedup this system today watching Jurassic Park now replacing Klipsch RP 8000F's, their newer 1200 sub, PD240 slims for rears and a Denon AVRX-4300H. I cannot believe this system is real. It's at least as good, maybe better in some ways at actually giving a great movie experience. I was afraid that it wasn't going to be 'loud' or fill the room enough based on past 'soundbar' experiences. Completely wrong. I don't think for one minute you're wrong that these kinds of systems with great positional software are the future for most home Theater setups . It even used my cellphone microphone instead of a stand-alone which was super fun .It's definitely replacing my Klipsch reference system without question. My only gripe is the last of HDMI ports but I can sort of see Sony's position on this that their A/V receivers fill that need and, if pairing with a TV, the idea should be to use the TV as the 'receiver' . For me, I just use 1 Apple TV and a Blu-ray player so it wasn't a big deal.
Hell yeah! Congrats on the upgrade! 😎🎉
If you have a calibrated mic, plug that into your phone and try the calibration again.
It would be nice if Chromecast was supported and not just Airplay, Spotify connect and BT.
Having the TV on, when you just wanna play music is pretty dumb.
Your wishes may come true as sony hasn't updated there home theatre speakers in a while they might replace those with wireless speakers soon
I hope so!! 🤞🤞
Man your TV looks like above the eye level and on the ceiling. Just place your TV at some more comfortable position.
Where is that fashion that TV is put so hight? America I quess 😂 I wouldn't never like watch tv like that hight. Welcome to learn things in Scandinavia and Europa 😉 of course u have fireplace what doesn't even warm that house, I think.
Sony redesign SUB so old at least down to 20 Hertz
I'd like to see a subwoofer shootout with these systems. I've seen people do it for the soundbars but specifically for the subs. Like sonos, samsung, sony, and dragon.
That would be interesting! 🎉
Your tv is way too high mate. The actual review is great tho
That horse has been beaten to the death, mate. But thanks for watching! 🙌🎉
@@ealanosborne can’t say I disagree with that call!
The Dragon .. if set up properly in the right room .. is way more accurate than the Sony .. hands down
Horrible sound quality and very difficult to manage speakers unless you wall mount or use floor stand. The 360 sound envelope feels artificial and incapable. I still feel my Bose lifestyle 650 is the best speaker to date. I am stuck with this sony quad system feels like I wasted my money.
A9 is THE MUCH better value
SONY is technically advanced but more for Audio-Visual Profit Hungry HearFlation !!!
Sw3 is a joke, sw5 is barely doing it's only job if you have a medium or large living room. They are best for apartment dwellers ( which everyone will be within 10 yrs. ) but who rents and has an extra $3,500 for some special effects speakers? Very niche product, oh and it is HIDEOUS! not putting something that estheticly vulgar in my Living room.