BEST Home Theater System? - Sony HT-A9 Review

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Dolby Atmos Explained:
• BEST Home Theater Syst...
Sony HT-A7000 Review Video:
• Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Design and Features
01:47 TIDAL
03:16 Setup Process
04:19 Movie/TV Sound Quality
08:25 Music Sound Quality
10:31 User Friendly
12:34 Is It Worth It?
My Website: thehometheaterdiy.com
#tidal #tidalmusic @tidal
@MagicLinks #Magiclinks
#sponsored

[@JonahMatthes]

Sign up for TIDAL's limited-time offer! go.magik.ly/ml/1eykd/ Over 90% off on 3 months of TIDAL $2 for 90 days of HiFi Plus $1 for 90 days of HiFi All plans - Standard, Family (up to 6 accounts), Student, First Responder (US), Military (US) All global regions

[@itsnavroon]

I am from India. Unfortunately I don't know why Tidal is not available in my country 😭😭

[@iqfiskhora]

I took the offer, gona be fun trying the quality on my HT-A9 that is arriving this weekend 😎

[@andreasf83]

Thanks for the offer! It sounds amazing on my HT A9!

[@ong55663]

I CAN'T this offer. Is this offer only for new subscriber? I've already had an tidal account

[@ydorni5923]

Where exactly is the big difference to Apple Music?

[@ebtihali]

Finding this right now anywhere is harder than PS5 .. Sony must have underestimated the demand

[@ButterMyWafflez]

Went in to Best Buy and they said they can only order it on there end when it said out of stock on the website and just about everywhere else I looked. Super stoked to get mine to try it out!

[@TravionMusic]

Omg, been searching for newer reviews all week. So glad to see that you have one. I love your reviews!

[@ChrisLeiter]

We have absolutely LOVED having this in our family room. We have a dedicated discrete theater system in a custom designed room - 7.2.4 Atmos with in-ceiling Atmos speakers, 135” screen, etc etc. but we use the family room 10-20x as often and this system is worth every penny IMO.

[@Riceordie]

Is the Atmos decent on this? I was about to get this.

[@abishkarthi]

DEDICATED home theatre system vs HT A9 with sw5 sub....which is better for movies ?????

[@gb3496]

Waiting for your update review of the A7000 - when the new rear speakers with up-firing drivers and 360 spacial sound mapping become available!

[@rampyrs]

Great Review! Been waiting for this one for so long! You did a great job! Loved it!

[@ninjabic]

Ha! You finally got your hands on one! Grats bud. Lookin forward to watching this review.

[@tedtitmus8900]

I love your enthusiasm in describing the product and the way you go about how fabulous it sounds. I will say, when I first saw the picture of the system I thought how cheap it looked. Then when I saw the price I had to be takin to the ER at my local hospital. So much for looking cheap. Again, excellent video of the product. I signed up. Ted

[@redron6327]

I put in a backorder for this system at Crutchfield on Black Friday hope it won't take too much longer to come in seems like a great system

[@theglovelock1752]

Thank you for making the video… I know you’re a big fan of the Sonos system so I would have liked to hear a more direct “beat by beat” break down of what you feel is better… Thank you.

[@ealanosborne]

My mother-in-law wants to get this system after I convinced her of its awesome-ness. Just wish it was in stock, haha! Thanks for the review, man! Glad you finally got your hands on one!

[@hectorliriano1953]

After years of neglecting my HT. I finally got my perfect setup. Sony A80j 77 Oled ,HTA9 with SW5 Sub and Panasonic Ub820. Just received everything today , right on time for the Super Bowl. Jonah, Thanks for all your insight and excellent reviews.

[@JonahMatthes]

Sounds like an Amazing setup! Congrats!

[@chrisrogers1092]

Where did you buy your HTA9 from?

[@hectorliriano1953]

@@chrisrogers1092 I work overnight, I was on Amazon last week around 4am and they had 3 Hta9’s available. I jumped on it immediately. By the time I checked out,they only had 1 left. But the price is 2000 now as opposed to 1800 originally. And the sub is usually always in stock.

[@anhy10ful]

I just received the HTA9 last night. I still need A80J and SW5 to hook up.

[@camejko]

Nice review!Would you prefer this with bass system over any soundbar system around the same price? Also do these work at above ear level?

[@GlennEdell]

I own the exact same setup as you're reviewing. Amazing! The best home theatre system by far. I have owned a dedicated 9.1.2 theatre system when I lived in a house with a Marantz flag ship reciever. When we moved to an apartment I sold my beloved home theatre and bought a soundbar. It didn't do it for me at all. Soundbars are really REALLY overpriced for what you're getting. They can never replace a real home theatre. This system though... oh my god. It's perfect in every way. It really sounds like a complete system with real speakers all around. AND IT'S ONLY 4 SPEAKERS...! Amazing! And even though it has no center channel it has never bothered me. The virtual center channel is really good. That was my biggest concern buying the system, but it's a non issue actually. It works. HTA9 is expensive but all worth it if sound is a thing for you. Movies, music, tv-shows all sound so good. TIP... Try the system with Hans Zimmer live in Prague with Dolby Atmos. Oh my holy lord!

[@Riceordie]

Where is the Hans Zimmer live in prague with Dolby atmos. And can you really hear the atmos well? I was about to get it. Also our ceiling is white cement with wooden sticks under it, for aesthetic purposes. Do you think it will still give a decent atmos sound?

[@flow685]

Great review Jonah!!! Yeah that price needs to drop a little. Glad you reviewed it and sounds like this may be the best system to shoot for.

[@Sabundy]

SONY really did a great job with these. An Innovative and well executed product 👍👍

[@kingkobra1956]

I plan on getting a A95K and I may as well go all in and get a HT-A9 too

[@michaelcrisis2877]

I have a LOVE SAC couch with Harman and Kardon Stealth Tech sound system in side the couch. It's an amazing 360 experience on the couch but anyone not sitting on the couch doesnt get the same experience. So I am looking for ways to improve or add to my system and I was wondering, do you think that the Sony HT-A9 could be used as the main from the TV Earc to the HDMI IN , then use the Earc TV out to goto my couches HDMI ARC IN?

[@julioirizarry4262]

Great vid!!! How would you rate this system in comparison with the Sonos with TWO subs??? Thanks...

[@HuntingtonPinney]

@Jonah, will you be doing a comparison video between this system and the A7000? I've watched your review of that and have been highly considering buying that lately, but I'm curious how this one compares to that, especially when you take into consideration the new SA-RS5's that will be coming out in a few months. I was going to buy those with the A7000/subwoofer, but with this out, I'm curious which one is better sounding overall, because the price point of both systems (including future SA-RS5's) will be roughly the same. Also, can you clarify your note about the Sony interface? Does the Sony interface pop up if I'm, say, streaming Netflix from my built in TV app, or do I have to go to the HDMI arc input on the TV to be able to see the interface? Lastly, does the A9 set come in a black option?

[@rockyAQ04]

I’m hoping other manufacturers take note on how popular these are. I would love to see more powered and wireless separates options. Klipsch, JBL. You can do that with Kef LS50 wireless and B&W duos but those are a completely different price range (and no height speakers).

[@edg9697]

Great review my man..

[@Pianoman999]

Looking forward to adding the similar 360 speakers to my ht-a7000 setup

[@JonahMatthes]

Very excited to try them out! No idea when they’ll be released though

[@ARIN4UK]

@@JonahMatthes hopefully by May!! PLEASE

[@Zoranurai13]

@@JonahMatthes they will be released in h2 2022

[@jdmgsr05]

Got mine today! Which rotating mounts you recommend?

[@PretentiousD]

Sony look to be really kicking goals lately. Great TV reviews and great sound reviews.

[@TheBestofMediocrity]

Can you plug in an AV receiver as the input to expand the number of inputs that can be used/to add third party subs? I.e., sub, game console, blu ray player -> AV receiver -> input of the HT-a9 receiver -> output to TV and then just control what the HT plays by controlling the AV receiver

[@Steve-cf3dt]

Great review Jonas. The words "blown away" are getting common with the Sony HT-A9. I've had this for several months now and I'm just so happy with the way it performs. Suggest movie: A Quiet Place 2. The scene with the Dad and daughter in the bar (when the aliens first attack) is incredible and the system really shines.

[@kayodefashola9226]

What is it like with music? Can you listen to music without the TV on?

[@claudiocasiello78]

Hi do you have sub or sony tv? I have a9 but I amnnot impressed with soundstage

[@patrickl.654]

Great review ! After a year what do you think on getting one ?!

[@arnulfoluna1192]

Great Video Jonah. I have a few questions though. Does this wireless speaker system/sound bar truly support high resolution audio. Many has stated that in order to obtain Hi Res audio components must be wired via HDMI 2.1 . Also, Many have complained about volume level , stating it does not get loud. Please give me your opinion on these two factors. Thanks in advance !

[@JonahMatthes]

It definitely gets loud! You do have to turn the volume up a bit, but it got plenty loud for us. Not sure if people are trying to bust their ear drums out or what. Then for Hi Res audio, you don’t need to use HDMI 2.1. The only different between HDMI 2.0b and 2.1 as of right now is 4K 120Hz / 8K 60 Hz support and overall better connectivity. 2.0b supports all audio formats at 4K, so there shouldn’t be any difference in terms of audio.

[@astericks2806]

@jonah, a LOT of folks are complaining about sound drops and having to reset the system half way through a movie etc. Did you notice any of these? There's a lot of comments along the lines of "Be prepared for frequent trips into the setup menu to re-calibrate the wireless connection between the speakers". if you had to pick between this and the ht-a7000, both with subs. which one would you go for?

[@tiagoj8020]

So what room did you test it in? The mismatch placement or the one where it's in front of TV?

[@mountain.spider]

Nice video. Does the subwoofer have a noticeable delay in surround sound mode? Been years since I tested one. I'm sure the techs been improved

[@JonahMatthes]

Nope! No noticeable delay at all

[@HPMIKE55]

Great job & how would I add my subwoofer or you can’t? 😎👍

[@irambler4791]

ABT Electronics is running a sale on this right now. It was $2552.37 out the door including shipping. It’s arriving tomorrow!

[@jgracie22]

Great review! Thank you! I’m considering buying this system. I’ve read many reviews with complaints of audio dropping. Have you experienced a similar issue? Tia

[@workgmail2375]

hey there! awesome review. Question for you, i have the Sony a1e oled, can i use the acoustic feature with these?

[@miked4147]

I've been waiting for these to come in stock for so long. But sadly the reviews seem a bit mixed because most are noting rear speaker issues.

[@n25992]

please, would u recommend it over the BOSE 900 with surround and sub?

[@marvinabugov4579]

Thx for the very quick responses! What options are there in the system to deal with unequal ceiling heights due to HVAC ceiling intrusions? I have a couple that partially affect the area: 1 ft. drop then extending to a partial 2 ft. drop in one corner of the room. So I am wondering if the system could deal with that, or would that throw the upward firing speakers haywire?

[@ChrisLeiter]

Our family room has really ornate ceiling tray treatments and the HT-A9 handles it just fine. Don’t worry!

[@ronaldosecreto4069]

@jonah matthes: which one is better sony ht-a9 or sonos arc? I’ve watch both your reviews and both of them were good. But now, I’m confused which one to buy. 😅 which one would you recommend? thanks

[@MrUpscaleman]

I've had this system for a few months now, it's the best thing you can buy before stepping up to a full separate system.

[@pinballguru]

cant find it anywhere

[@MrUpscaleman]

@@pinballguru darn shame, isn't it?

[@pinballguru]

@@MrUpscaleman maybe they are tweaking the issues and thats the delay.

[@MrUpscaleman]

@@pinballguru what issues?

[@kayodefashola9226]

@@MrUpscaleman drop outs

[@CrashCarson14]

And a receiver and 5.0 system can be had for $1k on the low end (all new)

[@vikrantl1824]

One big limitation I see is that even with SW500, I am not able to pump up all the wattage at 80% volume. I have many songs with good lower base, and i am also using the equaliser in the Amazon music to max the base. But even then, I can see max 30% utilisation of the woofer. I think in the next firmware update, the amplification factor for the base should be increased by 3x.

[@jeffvanstone]

Totally agree. The SW is massively underutilized with this setup, even at "max" output.

[@jpaart8342]

I LOVE MY SONY HT-Z9F IS IT WORTH UPGRADING TO THE HT-A9

[@mizzoustud73172309]

Can the main hub be hidden behind a wall mounted tv or do the speakers need direct line of sight?

[@thegolflife7565]

What kind of speaker stands do you recommend that have that adjustment you mentioned?

[@joshuvaantonio]

This review made my decision to buy them. Thanks a lot. Just a suggestion needed.. is this Ht-A9 better than traditional setup like klipsh or kef speakers installed with reciever and stuff ? Love from India 🇮🇳

[@SD-oe6vv]

Jonah, Any comparison between Sen Ambeo and HT A9?

[@Riceordie]

How good would the ATMOS work with a ceiling with wooden beams (so not flat) and is there a sound quality loss over bluetooth compared to wired?

[@dan-er6vv]

Great review! Does the control box display the type of audio (Dolbay Atmos, DTS X, etc.) it's receiving from the source?

[@JonahMatthes]

It doesn’t show it on the display itself, but you can press the “Display” button on the remote and it’ll show what the audio source is and some other information.

[@dan-er6vv]

thank you!

[@TravionMusic]

Just put my order in for Best Buy earlier today, I’m so happy to be getting them back. I immediately noticed the thinner soundstage after hooking my Sonos back up. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sonos, but it’s going in the bedroom

[@kayodefashola9226]

Is it worth getting the Sony over sonos has a home cinema system?

[@TravionMusic]

@@kayodefashola9226 if you like a wider soundstage yeah. But to be completely honest. The Sonos has a better Atmos effect with streaming content, the HT-A9 has better Atmos with physical content. The HT-A9 just envelops you more!

[@kayodefashola9226]

@TravionMusic I have a Yamaha y209 sound bar and was wondering if it worth purchasing this system. How does perfom with music?

[@TravionMusic]

@@kayodefashola9226 it does a good job with music, especially through chrome cast. But the Sonos products are better with music for sure

[@Joolz1982]

Nice impressions, still not sure why they did not make a small centre Chanel speaker.

[@JonahMatthes]

I know, an optional center channel would’ve been nice, but I think it’s their way to push people to buy Sony TVs.

[@augustinesob4476]

Is this better than the sonos?

[@thegolflife7565]

Will the A95L act as a good center channel with its acoustic surface?

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks for the video review

[@vikieinstein]

Ordered it, but has a demand, hope to get it before end of this month

[@Alberto-rm9rl]

Hello, Greetings. I would like to know from your experience of use if this device is good for listening to music with an excellent sound experience.

[@polvorin15764]

Question, can I sync any wireless sony subwoofer of older gen and setups to this new setup?

[@rickworld1251]

Hey jonah plz just do a comparison between the sony a7000 with sw5 nd with the new SARS5 vs ht 9 with sw5 plz..

[@ashokchaturvedi9225]

What do you think is it better than avr and separate speaker system

[@kyllllllllle]

🤔 I wonder if I could connect my Vizio subwoofer (currently paired with a Vizio sound bar) to these Sony speakers? These look AMAZING.

[@JonahMatthes]

Unfortunately, no. You can only connect the 2 Sony subwoofers (SA-SW3 & SA-SW5) to this system.

[@kdm313]

Great review thank you. But three Tidal plugs was pushing it.

[@adamobrien1945]

Good stuff. It seems like you like everything but the price.......and availability. Any secrets or channels you know to maybe obtain a set?

[@JonahMatthes]

Unfortunately no 😕. Your best bet is to order one ahead of time from one of the retailers that offers that, but we likely won’t see any discounts for it until either Amazon Prime Day or end of the year holidays.

[@luiserazo2377]

Can you mount 2 speakers upside down close to ceiling?

[@hailongnguyenngoc3339]

what is your opinion comparing this to Bose Lifestyle 650. Please tell me what you think ;) thanks

[@swoop2102]

Hi, Today i have sonos Arc, sub and 2 SL. Is it worth to upgrade to Sony HT-A9 or do u think sonos i equal good?

[@Ali-M2]

Just imagine sony makes their link boxes into av receivers and starts selling individual speakers of different shapes and sizes it could replace old dedicated setups as well as soundbars

[@ShortFunnyTales]

Hi. I am looking to get decent surround system for listening to house music and occasionally watching movies. Choosing between this one sony а7000, bose 900 and samsung q950a ? Which one would you recommend for higher quality audio? Thanks

[@BenHauMusic]

So how does it compare with the HT-A7000?

[@creounity]

Problem is that Tidal is NOT available on iPhone in Russia. :(

[@F-MK96]

I am a hard core AVR user and do not like soundbars my self but this id like if I had money I would go for it.... Can you try the LG eclair? thank you for amazing reviews

[@chrisgali2243]

Where can I find this system? Seems like out-of-stock everywhere!

[@vagjagan]

Jonah , my tv doesn't have earc , is it not worth to buy HTA9 buddy?

[@modernliving3]

How’d you get your hands on one? I’ve been trying for months! Great review. I’ll have to check out the 360 Reality Audio on Tidal. Right now I enjoy Dolby Atmos on a pair of Apple HomePods - I can’t wait to hear it on this system.

[@sidharthakaushik6677]

Can you advise which is better ht a9 or q950a

[@WaveOne11]

how did you connect them to the wall?

[@sonnyc.1994]

Can I hook up the HT-A9 High Performance Home Theater System with my HT A7000 soundbar together?

[@sulemanmullah9235]

Hi i wanna know if my tv supports dolby digital but the sound bar doesn't. Can i do something by which my tv can send dolby to soundbar to decode

[@JayPatrol]

Can you use this system with other kinds of tvs other than a sony tv

[@sharmakarthik8]

How does this work with a projector setup.?

[@vikrantl1824]

Guru, could you please comment in the Dolby features when connected to a 2016 4k TV with ARC, 2020 with no XR and 2021 TV with XR?? Thank you

[@christophergould2466]

So now you have to give us an opinion on at9 or at7000 with the new speakers that look like the at9.

[@JonahMatthes]

Absolutely! I’m on top of it this time. Getting them as soon as I can haha

[@jerkol4146]

As i dont own a tv is there a chance to listen to those on my laptop without losing sourround sound??

[@scottb6430]

Any way to combine sony 7000 soundbar with these speakers??

[@whitecrowuk575]

Samsung is quite good and can be had for closer to 1k which is a steal and not far off htA9 in terms of performance. But if you want the best you need to pay still cheaper than regular HT setup

[@drsatyam29]

can we put hta9 box in rear near projector.... will it connect wirelessly with front speakers placed 20 feet away near projection screen

[@AbhishekGupta-uu3uy]

can i use a big bluetooth speaker with aux input as center channel by connecting it to the S-center out port on the A9 control module??

[@ArshadKhan-bh7il]

I've Sony HT-Z9F with additional surround speakers, it was really great sound bar but after 3 years the rear wireless speakers and subwoofer keep on cut off all of sudden I tried all possible solutions but it keep on cut off, now I cannot believe on wireless connectivity.

[@Trumpet1ification]

How does this compare to the q950a?

[@claudiocasiello78]

Hi Jonah, is there any significant differences with or without a Sony Tv for center channel? Will soundbar perfom better? I have it but I am not that impressed for now. Thank you

[@JonahMatthes]

If the Sony TV has the acoustic surface audio (where the speakers are behind the screen), then yes. If not, then it's not a drastic difference.

[@alanwoods8]

I purchased a Samsung Q950A Soundbar in August 2020, but it developed an issue that Samsung was unable to rectify or replace. I chose to get a full refund, which Samsung obliged; now, I am in the market for a new home theatre/ soundbar. With cost not being a constraint for me, would you recommend me to pick up the Sony HT A9 with the Subwoofer SW5 or go in for the same Samsung Q950A Soundbar? Unfortunately, I'm not much of a fan of your favourite Sonnos arc with the subwoofer and rear speakers. Which is a better choice pound for pound. I would certainly value your opinion. My room size is large and rectangular, with the ceiling height at 9 feet. Ps I am from India

[@sinhnguyen8135]

Do you think Sonos arc with 2 fives and 2 sub are better than these HT-A9 with sub? Anyone had experience with both setup. Thank you for your input.

[@randelldavis578]

Just got the HT A9 for Christmas replacing the Roku sound bar pro with sub and 4 surround speakers (5.1.4) which the verdict is still out on if I think the a9 is better, just wanted to throw this out there, are there any one still experiencing drop outs. Most reviews are saying that the problem is fixed but I'm still seeing some saying that they still are. Although I feel like it might be a small upgrade but I haven't gotten that WOW factor yet. As it stands right now is, I'll probably keep the system since I have it but,if I get one drop out that I didn't cause, it'll be going back unless I get that WOW factor. I'm doing speaker and sub placement until I realize that the WOW factor isn't coming. Lol

[@davidthanos]

Were there any connection drops

[@paulodekkers5075]

Can you listen to music without the TV (or Projector in my case) on?

[@hdhdu7634]

Yes

[@MRSTEEL15]

This one or the Bose 650 Lifestyle? TY

[@johncapone8843]

AT9 or Samsung q990b?

[@bobbob8974]

Would this system sound good with the front two speakers sitting on top of 7 foot high bookcases sitting next to the TV? Ceiling height above the bookcases is 11 feet, peaking at 12 feet directly above the TV. Thank you for any input.

[@S1mmz]

Yeah will work fine. You can literally place them anywhere and it makes no difference. I tried mine in some funky positions as a test and it still sounded good. The Sony engineers have done some Harry Potter wizard **** with these 😅

[@tariqabdelaziz7364]

@Blazin Reviews I got my hta9 along with sw3 but tbh either I am missing something on setup or i have a very large living room but sound is average at best, also no rear speakers when i bluetooth stream audio from my phone, any tips will be appreciated! Thanks man

[@S1mmz]

Try my settings. I've had a play around with it and found these to be the best: Remote modes: Sound: Auto Voice: On Immersive AI: On Modes changed in advanced options: Audio DRC: Off Sound effect: Sound mode On Advanced auto volume: On Rear volume: 10

[@shiites]

Ok the connectivity issue concerns me a bit. I have the Samsung Q990B system (which sounds PHENOMINAL) but also can experience connectivity problems. Was thinking about selling it and getting Sony in its' place. Now, not so sure. Does anyone else have a connectivity problem with the Sony. Any input would be most welcome!