Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar REVIEW : Including SW5 wireless subwoofer & RS3S wireless rears

[@Azeria]

Someone in the camera division at Sony is going to be annoyed at the speaker people for naming their soundbar A7000 one day

[@hoilst]

Ah, alas, Sony: they're back to the city-states...

[@Mazzeltoph]

I don't think so because they always stuck to their original 'alpha' prefix which the consumers keep calling 'A' so i guess it will confuse the users but the camera people will just keep on trucking. If there ever will be another 1000 series camera even since most users are switched to the single-digit camera's and nothing is heard about new 1000 series camera's

[@bleepbloopblahp]

@@Mazzeltoph "Stuck" not "sticked", sorry but that really stuck out like a sore thumb

[@KevKlopper]

@@Mazzeltoph the professional fx6 has the alpha badge, so it's not fully correct what you said

[@Mazzeltoph]

@@bleepbloopblahp woops, you are right. English is not my first language so sometimes i overlook these common sayings 👍

[@skyewarper]

Hahaha love the "why do I have to rush? You're the one in control here"

[@Shaun.Stephens]

Heh! Yep. I checked the time and set the video to 1.5 x speed. Still followed and understood everything.

[@Rastamanas]

Spoiler alert

[@RacATheFurious]

Just brilliant, I've had a good laugh and needless to say, did not rewind :D

[@mgabrysSF]

KZbin algorithm has entered the chat.

[@RadolusRex]

Was gonna post this. Fantastic 4th wall break

[@37racso]

I’m actually glad you took your time with this one - if I’m being honest I find great entertainment value in your rants and rambles - they’re so relatable great to listen to. With this one, as a person who didn’t give in to the whole Atmos rave with my home cinema, I was glad to hear it really was somewhat overhyped. As a long time viewer I’ll easily tune in for an hour long video, when it’s you giving your honest point of view on something or heck, even telling a good story! Keep it up!

[@oetproductions8101]

Same it’s so much more chill. More mellow Techmoan!

[@philippkemptner4604]

Yeah, just can't have Atmos without speakers on the cieling, and I guess this is the one thing most wifes just won't approve. But you can have so much fun with a proper 7.1 Setup, so...

[@oetproductions8101]

@@philippkemptner4604 but like fuck Atmos then. Right?

[@roboconker]

@@philippkemptner4604 Even having ceiling speakers on top of you it doesn't sound that great, but if you set your speakers on the wall close to the ceiling (like height speakers) and them aim it you ( or around 30 degrees) it would sound a lot better and have a wider soundstage than speakers on top of you.

[@prestonrenify]

Me too!

[@Tajemni3]

I like the bit where Techmoan realised that he can take as much time as possible talking about stuff, and immediatelly got much more relaxed

[@Mister_Brown]

and then sped up to infomercial speed at one point after that

[@prestonrenify]

I like that he's authentically human!

[@garthbridges6924]

"I've slowed that down enough to get rid of everyone now." 😂 Your videos are honestly the highlights of my Saturdays.

[@recklessroges]

Same.

[@dougwagner4902]

Totally agree. I live on the east coast of the US so these are like a Saturday morning cartoon for grown-ups to me! Wake up, grab a bowl of cereal and watch the newest of Mat's adventures.

[@Quitenice]

Love the longer detailed videos ❤️😊

[@studiograham]

As do I, with yours ❤️

[@ChrisSPCs]

The extra video linked in the description is also interesting. Very nice. Check it out

[@AboveEmAllProduction]

If you like long video there are brown noise video that are a lazing on KZbin

[@butcharmstrong9645]

I am 100% with you there sir! This was very informative as well as entertaining.

[@reggietheporpoise]

Quite nice. Check it out 😊

[@l80sman104]

Wow!!! I have been subscribed since you did 808 camera reviews. So glad your channel has over a million subs years later! You deserve it, good job!

[@Space_Emperor]

These videos are the equivalent to watching James May talk about cars. Simply excellent

[@helloimash]

Cracked up laughing at the "I'm gonna take as long as I want."

[@gummboote]

Someone making a post-disaster dystopian movie should include a bit where people use a top-of-the-range soundbar as a battering ram.

[@PiddeBas]

This made me chuckle

[@dominateeye]

I immediately thought of him just tossing the soundbar off-screen once he moved on from unboxing it, and then realized how stupid that would be because it was so expensive, and then immediately imagined someone not caring how expensive it was and using it to defend themselves like a baseball bat.

[@StevenOBrien]

19:12 Ah yes, the calibrate button, otherwise known as the "traumatize your pets" button.

[@joshuascholar3220]

I suspect that other than better frequency response, which could be had with any stereo speakers and subwoofer, the calibrate button is responsible for any improvement over the old system. And to be honest, a few digital effects for approximated placement and same two good speakers and subwoofer you'd use for music are more than good enough for watching movies. Your home isn't a theater and you're probably not trying to create a sound stage that works over rows of chairs for a thousand people.

[@LoneWolf-wp9dn]

your pets should harden the fuck up

[@bagofnails6692]

I like that I just happily watched a forty minute review of the sort of audio system that I am never going to purchase and am not really interested in acquiring at all. You have a talent in making these sort of subjects interesting to a ambivalent viewer.

[@burner8959]

Same here....Expensive easy to use with great sound...nothing I'm interested in lol. Techmoan makes it worth watching though.

[@StreetPreacherr]

I have in ceiling speakers at the front AND back of my room, and if forced to choose, I'd prefer to have only REAR CELING speakers, since that's where I sit, and get the most effect of overhead sound features, like rain or helicopters. My Atmos setup has also made me love ANY movie that includes lots of HELICOPTERS! ;)

[@ethancooper1056]

Puppet one: “I’ve got A7000 in my living room.” Puppet two: “Which 7000?” 1: “A7000” 2: “But which 7000 have you got?” 1: “I told you, I’ve got A7000” Etcetera etcetera

[@TheStanHill]

Flippin’ ‘eck

[@dominateeye]

Don't forget Alan down the pub getting into a grievous accident!

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

My A7000 had RISC OS 3.7 ROMs installed

[@eekee6034]

I've got two A7000s in my living room! (Not really.)

[@junkaholic95]

I just realized why I love this channel so much. Mat reminds me of my uncle. Always has to have the latest and best technology and loves to show it off but also has a fondness for the older stuff. It's a shame I'm in the US and Mat's in the UK with the state of the world right now because I'd love to meet up one day.

[@glitchedoom]

These "show and tell" videos are my favorite type of content you make. It's like hanging out with an old friend who's showing you a cool piece of tech he's excited about.

[@merlyworm]

Dont let people bully you into rushing. I have always loved your videos and how detailed you get. and the rambling you do sometimes is charming.

[@MysteryMii]

Given the recent push for Dolby Atmos music, I would love to see a video on the history of multichannel music.

[@ArthAttack]

GREAT IDEA!

[@MysteryMii]

@John Dillermand Yeah, but I want to see the history beyond quadraphonic.

[@TomCamies]

Mono>Stereo>5.1.4

[@JesterDyne]

When i begun Audio Engineering everyone says 5.1 Mixing is the Future in Music. Now People compare their Phones internal speaker and the Dynamic Range of an Album is under 10dB. And Engineer mix their Stuff on 2 Speakers and for the most Time in Mono Nobody cares about Atmos... it is like that 3D TV Thing a few years ago.

[@JesterDyne]

@John Dillermand Music almost never be produced in 5.1 in the first place. There are only a few exceptions for Movie Soundtracks or Live Concerts. In Those Cases the Rear/Surround Channels are mixed for the Audience and the Room and Reverb. Its not the case that nobody has it, it is more the case that music gains no real benefit. It just doesn't help the songs if somewhere from behind suddentliy joins a Rapper to Singer Songwriter song *lol*... (maybe Gunshots from behind in a Rapsong? Nevermind they only rap about Butts these days....)

[@TechDeals]

5:13 - I like long intros... Carry on, I'm watching all of it. It's fun to hang out with someone who appreciates this stuff

[@shamarlawrence9429]

Nice, thorough review of Sony HT-A7000 with Sony SW5 & Sony RS35, I own Sony HT-ST5000, I love it yet I've wanted an upgrade for awhile, this is that system, thank you for sharing, take care & enjoy for many years to come!

[@junkrazor8048]

When your sound level is so high that the RAF sends Spitfres to intercept it... "[...] we shall listen on the beaches, we shall listen on the landing grounds, we shall listen in the fields and in the streets, we shall listen in the hills [...]"

[@MrSatyre1]

When I was with Pioneer, I was invited to visit the Dolby Labs offices and theater in Burbank, CA. While there, I got to talk with one of the sound engineers who worked on both the theatrical and home releases of Captain America: Winter Soldier. One of the interesting tidbits from him was that film studio engineers prefer reflected object-based sound effects over direct firing overhead speakers. When down-mixing an Atmos mix of 30+ channels for a massive commercial cinema for a much, much smaller home theater space, ceiling-mounted speakers tend to sound too directional, and not as natural as reflected sound (obviously, if the latter is done correctly, which admittedly can be tricky). We at Pioneer were very proud that Dolby chose our Dolby-enabled reflecting speakers for their home theater testing lab. 😀

[@firesurfer]

When I used to work for Macys in the 70s a Pioneer rep came in and offered us a 50% discount on anything in their catalog. I was quite young then so I could only afford the Tx-9500 tuner. I desperately wanted the floor standing speakers that were 3' on a side. Too bad, it would have taken up half my living room and needed a massive amp to drive them.

[@bisowned13]

Just picked this whole system up and holy crap! What a difference from the screen speaker in my A8H65! Thank you so much for mentioning the “immersive AE” button recommendation! Changes the whole game for music! Worth every penny! Rock beasty boys slow and low with SW at max and you’ll be thankful for your purchase!

[@Zero1Zero1]

My initial reaction was "God that's minty for what it is", but then I remembered that each speaker has its own internal amplifier and wireless tech, so not really a direct comparison to a standard speaker which is driven from a main decoder/amp. I think it would be good if the rear speakers had a battery/built in rechargable option. In my particular situation, finding a place to plug the rears into power would be a pain. It's easier for me to run speaker cable round the room A couple of years back I bought a Sony STR DN1080 amp, 4x Yamaha NSF51 floor standers, SW300 sub and the NSP51 centre/rear speaker package. I used the extra floor standers as rears and used the bookshelf size rears as atmos speakers mouted above the fronts, just below the ceiling on brackets. Sounds pretty good despite being a lower end speaker setup (I think the amp and EQ is to than for that). Total was just under £1200. Now I wonder about upgrading and whether it'd make any real difference, because I don't find the sound is lacking at all. 99% of what I listen to is on my Nintendo Switch which is basically just mp3 quality anyway, so this setup is probably good enough One thing I like about the soundbar setup is that you don't have a big massive amp taking up space in an AV cabinet (mine barely fits and would rather have the space for more consoles). Actually that made me wonder, why don't they just make an amp in sound bar form factor?

[@hatmeow]

Love that attitude....Relaxed, authentic,. Just feels like a friend....

[@RossMitchellsProfile]

On the point with the remote, really hate how much modern "high end" AV equipment there is with shit, uninspired, featureless remotes. Completely ruins the experience controling a premium device with a remote that feels like it's from an ASDA own brand TV. You rarely see anything intresting on TV remotes anymore, I'd love to see a modern one with a jog suttle wheel or something similar. Part of the reason I invested in Logitech Harmony was just so I had a fairly nice remote to control my devices, sadly Logitech are killing that off soon leaving me back to square one with low quality remotes.

[@SBBUK]

There's the sofabaton remote which basically attempts to replace harmony but imo it's not quite there yet... Also a bit worried not having a big company like Logitech behind it... Clutching on to my harmony hub and remote setup for now!

[@aussie8114]

Modern higher end AV amps hardly even need a remote. Everything is automatic once you set it up. My Denon works everything out itself, it knows what to switch itself to based on the source input and the speaker configuration. My system is high end and I haven’t needed to tell the amp what to do for years. Just input select and volume.

[@wendyokoopa7048]

I invested in a Logitech after my "loving bf(now ex)" decided I lacked the proper equipment to make rules and operate a remote. In a scuffle he knocked a hard to setup remote into his drink.

[@wendyokoopa7048]

@@SBBUK Logitech are idiots to discontinue it.

[@turntheblueiris4626]

Speaking of jog shuttle, why isn't that a thing with Bluray & 4K? It was a feature of VHS & Laserdisc, but wasn't carried through to DVD & beyond...As far as I know...Or was it?

[@HANK_SCORPI0]

I stumbled on your site looking for a review of these devices. Its fantastic...Subbed!

[@225Perfect]

The intro bit was great. Personally I enjoy the details and longer format videos. Thanks again for all the great informative and entertaining content.

[@devolutionary]

There was a period in the 2000s where Sony fell on dark times with their audio equipment, but their elite gear in the home audio and headphone division is capable of being very impressive. Nice to see that they haven't forgotten that. Nice video!

[@davidpinfold852]

Matt, If you want to stop those rears moving around 3 or 4 small blobs of Blu-tack. Been doing that for years fixing speakers to stands etc. Shouldn't leave any marks behind on your furniture either.

[@lordpitnolen2196]

Recently I found a black version on ebay, possibly neater?

[@poulx]

@@lordpitnolen2196 How do you place Blue Tack? On the table watching it when you feel like it?

[@SeanSMST]

@@poulx on corners, and it's usually a long term thing, nothing portable.

[@BlokeOzzie]

Another thumbs-up for Blu-Tack. I actually have a full 7.2.4 Atmos in a dedicated theater room, installed by an AV professional, who checks the whole room for the tiniest of resonances that could ruin the audio experiences, especially due to the large subs I'm using. His solution for the smaller rattles that come from here, there, and everywhere due to resonance? Yep, Blu-Tack. I was a little dubious, but he explained because of the flexible nature of it, he's never had to re-do a particular resonant rattle with it due to cables vibrating against speaker boxes. And, it works.

[@kbhasi]

That's what I would've done! I knew it!

[@ageary]

28:20 trying to tell the difference while using 1inch laptop speakers....hmmmmmmmm

[@joshuascholar3220]

And I'm listening top of the line headphones and thinking two tiny speakers on my head beats however many he's got...

[@johnjones4825]

Ten years ago we bought our new LED TV, and shortly after a matching (?) LG sound bar. Best decision, at the time, I am (was?) entirely happy with the sound experience. Matt, you've moved the bar (so to speak) with this review. I have retired in the interim and, being on limited income now, I really can't afford the 40 thousand South African pesos that system would set me back...I'll just sit here and be green, and be grateful to have some semblance of reasonable sound from my TV. Of course, I still have, as do you, my proper music system in the other lounge to disturb the neighbours with! Great review, and a great little video, thank you!

[@solarwind3656]

My thing with soundbars is that they claim to be like 7.1.2 but soundbars are only like 6 feet wide at best and I have a 20 foot wide living room, A soundbar isn't going to give you a very wide listening zone in terms of the stereo plane. The more separated speakers are, the larger the stereo plane.

[@ironopps661]

Excellent Review, Really enjoyed it.

[@chinnyvision]

Cripes, that box is so wide you could almost get a CPC 464 in it.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

You've convinced me to forever be satisfied listening to my Sharp unit. AM/FM with a CD player and Bluetooth reception.

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I had immersive audio with my amp and I loved playing "Terminator 2" with it on where the orchestra really popped during the canal chase scene.

[@Tigermoto]

We always tested subs with the skull crush on T2

[@megamond]

Is there a lot of dynamic range compression with these tiny drivers? The remind me of the drivers in my (pair) of SBX-30 Bluetooth speakers, that are flat to 50Hz using passive radiators, but presumably don't have much dynamic range. I note that Sony have just come out with a new wireless surround sound system, the HT-A9, reviewed by Andrew Robinson: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3nGm6mafMeUl5I

[@pomonabill220]

i, for one, ENJOY your 'long winded" video with all your explanations! So many other people don't give any description or explanation as to what they have, but I really enjoyed your video! Thank you for the detail and your opinion.

[@PJD_55]

Take as long as you like with your videos Matt. Thoroughly enjoy each and every one you put out. I for one have never fast forwarded or skipped any of them. Keep up the great work.

[@dsr0116]

When it comes to immersive audio with pieced out equipment: I have found that having surround speakers that are voice matched with your mains/center are pretty important. The first surround system I had was larger DCM brand bookshelves in front and smaller Infinity speakers in back. When I first got a blu-ray setup with HDMI receiver, I got matched 7 speakers (two towers, a center channel, 4 bi-poles). It was an investment, but I could immediately hear a difference of hearing seamless transitions of audio panning. My subwoofer is a large DIY one, and being that it fills low end, it doesn't have to be the same brand. One advantage of investing in loudspeakers is that they last a long time and don't have to be replaced. When I got an OLED TV, I also then upgraded my receiver to a 7.1.4. My original 7 speakers are no longer made, so I picked a brand that had similar specs when it came to sensitivity and FR range of bookshelves (SVS). I suppose height channels also don't have to be voice matched as much, since above sounds usually aren't dominant. I also have ceilings that would be a pain to try to have in ceiling speakers....so instead I got SVSs Prime Elevations (which you mount on top of your wall and you can angle it down to your listening position). I have been quite impressed with some height effects. Master and Commander blu-ray (which doesn't even have a 3-D audio track), I can hear action going on above me while underneath decks (and the receiver is mixing the original 5.1 mix to DTS:Neural 7.1.4).

[@heldercruz230]

Excellent video and review. Also wanted to mention that there are HDMI 90 degree angled adapters that help in situations like your soundbar being too deep and pinching the wires when it's pushed back into position. Cheers!

[@RoGamg]

I just bought the exact setup for my London house in crescendo street and this setup is bang for buck 💥

[@Maxxeine]

Love how you still refer to it as "The Event", lol. Great video too, I always appreciate the long reviews you make.

[@bobbobson4069]

I also like the longer videos. Take all the time you need! I love every second of it!

[@simplyhard]

I like how thorough you are. A well put together review.

[@abodysite]

You will not be disappointed with this kit. I have an sa-ve325 set from 1999, still using it to this day, it STILL sounds fantastic. Everything is still perfect. (I know, Overuse of the word still) I swear Sony makes the greatest speakers. Always did always will.

[@Sharklops]

much like video quality, audio fidelity is quickly approaching (and quite likely has already reached) the point at which I'm unable to resolve the differences between successive generations. So, I've been quite happy to be able to just look a couple generations back when shopping for that sort of tech and I encourage others to honestly assess whether the latest/greatest is really worth it for them.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

It is more about the features nowdays i guess.

[@user-xn3kt6bn5r]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 yeah that auto set-up seems very nifty

[@guyjordan8201]

A great review sir. Your were thorough and engaging.

[@TimLeeSongs]

Ha, jokes on you Techmoan! I love your videos so much I’d happily watch you introducing the video for an hour 😆

[@ChadKapper]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Very much appreciated!!

[@Techmoan]

My pleasure!

[@FerHivore]

12:21 - video compression is having an interesting time with the back of that little speaker.

[@MrAsBBB]

I like your attitude, if you are renting , you cant drill holes in your ceiling. It shows you care and think of the other person. Well done. Brilliant channel. Keep it coming!

[@inverse_of_zero]

"to each their own" - it's not for me, but i can see it being very good for others. you are paying for that minimalist design (whilst still maintaining good sound) and the "plug and play" convenience. for me it's a no-brainer: i can't justify paying the same for a soundbar system as a separates system. the separates can be used with other speakers/amps/equipment, and can be modified, and can theoretically last you for decades to come. my yamaha aventage amp and audiophile speakers in a 5.2.0 setup (4 towers MTWW design, large centre MMTMM design, 2 long-throw subs) cumulatively cost less than this system, though admittedly that was via the second-hand market. my system has a total of 22 drivers, some of which would have a single driver that would be close to the surface area of all the drivers _combined_ in this sony system. i admittedly have never listened to a high-end soundbar system like this, but for (budget) audiophile listening of all content including audiophile music, modern+retro gaming, and cinephile movies, you just can't get the same dynamic range and clarity out of tiny drivers and a comparatively weak amp. however - let's not forget that a separates system is not something that most people want to deal with in terms of the sheer hassle and learning curve. they are an effing pain in the ass to source and match properly and of course the set up is tedious and requires research if you don't know what you're doing. if i were in the market for a high quality audio system that 'just works' (e.g. for my parents) and i had the cash, i would be going for matt's solution too.

[@jamesfield1674]

Great review, fascinating overview

[@bobbobson4069]

There is something really special about TechMoan videos. Not only does it have professional technical recording aspects, but it boasts an excellent monologue that is so endearing. TechMoan combines objectivity with a measured dose of his own idiosyncrasies. I also appreciate that he is fully aware of his responsibility as a popular entertainer/teacher : he understands and makes it clear that a particular piece of tech is not for everyone. I have to say that TechMoan is the highlight of my week! Brilliant work! (fan from Warsaw, Poland)

[@Leahi84]

I loved that you took your time. People who want faster videos can skip through. I'm sad that I live in an apartment. I could never use something like this without pissing off my neighbors.

[@Mooza1]

The passive aggressiveness is increasing. Love it.

[@rorrt]

I loved this video so much I played it at half speed!

[@brookerobertson2951]

Love the part when you tell people that you can skip if you don't like long introduction.. so so true..

[@GGoAwayy]

Its a great trick that also works with CDs, records, cassettes, MiniDiscs, VHS, Beta, DVDs, BluRay, TiVo, iPods... like literally LOTS of things. Life hack!

[@DreadVos]

Was actually debating a new wireless setup to replace a 90's home cinema setup, this was oddly timely! Thank you!

[@10p6]

Nice review. I tried a different Sony sound bar for my 75" Sony TV, but did not like the sound as it has to much computer processing in it, so in the end I made my own sound bar. 67 inches long and designed to match the Sony TV; with 5 inch drivers, 18 bays which can have up to 3 inputs each, 2 large full color graphic equalizers, and a frequency response of 26 hz to 20 Khz, and with full wireless surround sound. This Sony HT-A7000 does seem much nicer though than the Sony Sound bar I tried.

[@rvenden]

Love your work and all the time and effort you put into it. Great fun! I just checked and the setup you bought costs $2,000 here. Not cheap, exactly as you said. Thanks again! Roger in Wisconsin

[@j0hnf_uk]

It's ok, I can deal with the overwhelming envy I get from watching these videos, where gadgets and equipment show are never likely to come into my possession, and even if they did, I wouldn't have the space to install them, anyway.. 🤣🤣 I can dream, though.

[@TheDotBot]

Well really it's all about priorities and of course I could get the necessary cash together and shovel some space free but then you get this and that and you don't really need it, I mean how often do you watch something and think, nah I'm not enjoying this because I'm not listening to it on a £2K sound system, so yeah like I said, who am I kidding I'm dying of envy.

[@426baron]

I don't trust anything wireless and less than 10" for speakers. Yet I do enjoy those reviews too.

[@turokforever007]

my first surround system was a BUSH £60 speaker setup 5 speakers + sub with a sherwood amp and the sound was excellent. Even with VHS films it was excellent the pod race from phantom menace sounded like it was from a setup with a lot more speakers. And on titanic when it snaps in half The sub was amazing I would rather have a good amp then get some speakers.

[@100Underscores]

With that attitude you’ll never get there

[@100Underscores]

@@yanikkunitsin1466 no, I wouldn’t. Because that’s not the same as this

[@laranaarana]

I bought a Vizio 36" 5.1 soundbar with Bluetooth and connections for optical, HDMI, Wi-Fi streaming, and other external sources a few years ago because my wife did not want to see the wires going to the 6 surround speakers all over the living room. It has a 3-way center speaker, a wireless subwoofer, and rear 2-way satellite speakers. Paid about U.S.$230. Not a bad sounding system for the price.

[@cmonkey63]

The whole idea of a system like this, I suppose, is to give a more immersive cinematic experience. Which means dialogue plus sound effects. So I'm not surprised that just music doesn't come across as well. I've got a Sony Bravia television with decent audio, paired with some Dyne Audio stereo speakers. There are times when the dialogue isn't as clear, but I fix that by increasing the volume on the tv. All of this is amazing compared to the single 4 inch speaker in the 23 inch colour tv I grew up with.

[@razerow3391]

From experience Bravia TVs are some of the worst value for money and have the highest return rate. Whilst at Argos they were the most returned. Only for TVs mind you. You can tell Sony aren't so great because they don't really provide panels. And in the world of professional display Sony are not even present. That should tell you something. I would say no TV has decent audio... And I am pretty sure its Dynaudio... I literally am staring at the logo in front of me on PC. If you mean the Danish audio wizards. Personally I would say speakers on old TVs were better. I remember as a kid when we got a LCD TV... Compared to the old Panasonic tube the speakers were awful. I mean on the Panasonic the speakers were front facing and were like proper speakers. Now they are all really poor quality added as an afterthought. It's somewhat annoying cause it means anywhere that is lacking space is no feasible. For me the price of this is just more proof that for the most part Sony have lost their minds. The price is ... Just wow. I mean its over twice the price of a Sonos... And LG's SP8-something something is half the price and I would say is as good and you save £600!

[@SBBUK]

@@razerow3391 there are TVs with good sound like the higher end LGs or Panasonic with technics sound but they are basically a TV with a soundbar glued to the bottom so it's a cheat really...

[@seanmckinnon4612]

The real point of object based audio like Dolby Atmos is that the mixer can place an “object” into any x, y, z coordinate in the room and have it playback from the same location regardless of room size or number of speakers. They accomplish this using real time rendering. So a truly good Atmos won’t have sounds necessarily coming from the exact location of a ceiling speaker but some where where there is no speakers like just above your shoulder.

[@Mr.SneakyShadow]

John wick Dolby atmos soundtrack is definitely a way to test it, The club scene and hearing the music above you and bullets flying everywhere all around you, You won't be disappointed,

[@lars35]

Which John wick movie?

[@evilkidd174]

Matthew lad you take all the time you want. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. I'm here for the thoughts of a real user, not a glossed over fluff piece.

[@RADIOSUICIDIO]

I can picture Techmoan's next week video like this: -Well, I was trying to make a review of the GoPro Hero9, but then a Stuka crash-landend on my backyard and I had a mostly umpleasant exchange with this german pilot. So yes, I get it, I'll stick with the obscure vintage tech content, you can stop recreating the blitz above my property now, please.

[@gregkendall2019]

Hi Matt, just for fun I priced your new system at the Sony Australia store and found it significantly lower priced. A7000 = $1,699, SW5 = $899 and RS3S = $649, total AUD 3,247. Your total converted to AUD at today's rate = 4,480. Who can figure international pricing, maybe Sony believe UK will pay a bit more than than us Aussies. Also in the past, local dealers can sometimes offer better prices than the Sony shop. Can't comment on availability except to say the Sony shop had a buy now button for all items. In any case it sounds like a great system and I always enjoy your videos (I've bought both a DAT and Hi-MD from Japan since I started watching your channel, lol).

[@uriituw]

I couldn’t imagine getting one of these.

[@MartinWillett]

Neither could I, but I watched it.

[@Spaniard47]

Really cool system, it's crazy how far soundbars have come. I seriously can't believe that price tag though. That's over $3300 all in!!

[@namespacetoosmall]

Ten thumbs up for pointing out the youtube playback controls 😆

[@jfmc2581]

Glad to see you so happy with your new speakers! Thanks for the video!

[@dweblinveltz5035]

techmoan: *taking his time* Me: *staring at the sub magically floating off the edge of the sound bar box*

[@atomlib]

He had some other HP box there to support that weight actually. You can see it when he moves stuff.

[@eekee6034]

@@atomlib I saw the HP box but I was amused anyway. :)

[@SBBUK]

Just want to say that I really enjoy the explanations of why you picked certain products - a lot of people are just reviewing products "in isolation" without considering individual requirements of space, appearance etc. With regards to Dolby Atmos holes in ceiling... I've done that in my current house and I'm not sure what to do about it when I come to sell in the next few years as the ceiling is textured.. I'll have to sell the house with ceiling speakers installed I suppose as they aren't very noticeable (white grilles on a white ceiling), much cheaper than trying to fill the holes and then try to march the texture... Or worst replaster the whole ceiling... Basically I think I should've chosen upfirers ;)

[@Techmoan]

I'd leave the speakers in. If I were buying the house I'd see it as a positive because it means that someone else already had that argument and now I can reap the rewards.

[@SBBUK]

Hahaha never thought of it that way, very true, although I think I'll be lucky to sell to a home theatre enthusiast, but here's hoping!

[@Mr.Unacceptable]

What's the movie playing at 30:00?

[@Schnebit13]

Unbroken, from 2014

[@bufbandit39]

I've never seen you so excited in a video! Glad you love your new setup!

[@an3k]

I bought the HT-A7000 as a gift for myself for my birthday. I refunded it the very next day. The problem was that it sounded like a very good 2.1 soundbar and for that price it's not enough. Yes, I didn't got the rear speakers or the subwoofer. I have to admit that I liked the bass of the soundbar, even had to tone it down a bit (yay apartment life). Instead of the soundbar I now got the HT-A9, which costs the same as the soundbar + rear speakers. And that system sounds so damn good. Especially the sound stage it's much wider (since I can place the speakers further away. The speakers are much larger than the RS3S but they're beige and fit much better. And the system offers 7.1.4 and I actually do hear sound coming from all directions, including above - not so with the HT-A7000. I do however need the additional subwoofer for the HT-A9 because while you can hear the lows, you can't feel them.

[@thitinatt]

May I know how high is your ceiling? I pre-ordered HT-A7000 and now I'm lowkey regretted my decision

[@an3k]

@@thitinatt 250 cm or 98,4 inch and the soundbar was at 42 cm or 16,5 inch height. However, even with the A9 (four upfiring speakers) you don't hear the top channels much. I assume, if you really want to hear them you need actual speakers mounted at the ceiling firing downwards. If you are fine with soundbars (and no rear speakers) in general you will love the A7000.

[@thitinatt]

@@an3k Thanks for the reply. To be honest, I'm currently using a computer speaker Logitech Z623 connected to my TV so either system is a welcoming upgrade. I can't really do HT-A9 because the living room is connected to working area (Open space) and I live in an apartment so a soundbar might be more of a fit to my space. My ceiling is 2.7 m and my soundbar will be located at around the same height as yours. I'm not a pro hifi person so I'm getting a lot of mixed review on youtube and websites. Guess I'm just paranoid about my purchase :'D (considering it's quite pricey but I went with Sony because I have a matching sony TV)

[@an3k]

@@thitinatt Going from the Z623 to th HT-A7000 is a really nice upgrade. Even though the speakers of the HT-A9 are really large (compared to what the HT-A7000 is) I think it still would fit into your space. However, coming from a plain 2.1 system and going to the HT-A7000 is definitely a good upgrade and you won't regret it.

[@tripleseven8361]

We had the full HT-A7000 setup as well…sub and rears too, but we’re disappointed with the sound… we sent it all back as well and now have the A9 along with a new sub on their way…Will we be happier with the A9?

[@chia591]

5:20 i felt like the 4th wall just got torn down. never felt so weird.... Love the Video!

[@hcwm2]

The ability to use TV speakers as additional high and midtone speakers is actually great. With my Samsung setup of TV and soundbar it is possible as well and it sounds notacibly better. Plus I like to use my stuff to its full potential. My system is way more affordable and not nearly as powerfull as yours but I think my neighbours are thankful for that. ;-)

[@TWX1138]

Decades ago I had an RCA television from the last of their high quality products after the GE buyout, the TV had pre-outs for a surround sound decoder, additionally with front left and front right speaker jacks on the TV itself. That TV also had numerous composite and S-Video inputs, plus two coaxial connectors if memory serves. It meant that if one got the prologic decoder and set it up right, the TV itself acted as the receiver/amplifier/volume control, allowing good quality surround sound without requiring as many components. In the Laserdisc and early DVD era it was a great setup. Friends were always surprised that I could get surround sound on OTA television. A couple others had that working but they did it by using their VCRs as their turners.

[@hcwm2]

@mipmipmipmipmip that is why the bar synchronizes itself to the tv in the first 1 or 2 seconds after being switched on.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@mipmipmipmipmip HDMI audio has similar or less latency and more bandwidth than USB audio and pros happily use USB to connect their audio converters for their $30k speakers in studios. HDMI is fine

[@MurrayMints]

Great video, this is what people in the market for good TV sound need to know. 👍🏻 Please keep them coming. 👌🏻

[@Scarabus82]

Really wish you'd mentioned anything about latency, since that can be a complete deal breaker for anyone expecting to connect a gaming console to one of those things. I've seen sound bars introduce over a half-second of delay between pressing a button and seeing/hearing the effect and that can completely ruin games. No amount of audio quality could make up for that. Of course, you'd never notice that while watching a movie.

[@Techmoan]

You mean video latency? - I don't have the tools required to measure something like that. But anyone who was really into that kind of thing would just connect their console direct to the TV HDMI and use the EARC for the audio. You wouldn't route a console via anything if latency was a priority.

[@revolutionsinsound8584]

@@Techmoan Hi Matt, I think Scarabus82 may be asking about sound latency between the front channels and the sound from the rear/sub. I returned a surround sound system because of time lag between front/L&R (with a direct HDMI connection) and the rear speakers and sub which were wireless. The delays on the rear & sub made the sound totally unlistenable to my ears. Thanks for the comprehensive review.

[@donglesmyth8711]

@@revolutionsinsound8584 Quite agree with you as I had the same problem. Audio connections over wireless can suffer serious latency errors. A mixed system, with front/centre speakers connected by cables and others fed wirelessly, may sound OK on initial listening, but listening fatigue can become a problem over time. Maybe, in a future video, @Techmoan could comment on any audible delay, if any, he has experienced with the Sony.

[@Techmoan]

The reason I thought it must be about video latency is because I mentioned that I’d had no issues with any wireless audio in the video at around the 34:45 mark.

[@revolutionsinsound8584]

@@Techmoan When I watched the video this morning I was pleased to hear you mention that, but guessed you were talking about general reliability of the wireless connection and not latency. So it sounds good news as maybe Sony have found a clever way round the latency problem that blights so many other wireless systems. Your attention to detail is much appreciated - thanks.

[@eddhick]

Most AV amps from the past few years have the same ARC or eARC capabilities in regards to the TV remote controlling it all without the need for extra remotes. One button to turn it all on/off and volume just passes through etc. So much better than the old method!

[@hesbri]

Does picking up the rears and putting them down in a slightly different place muck up the setup so you have to run it again?

[@tripleseven8361]

Yes… Every time you move the location of a component you should re-initialize.

[@CheshireTomcat68]

Thanks for putting all the hard work into your vids, been watching for years. Glad you are finally dissing the complainers.

[@LeoFunhouse]

This man is littlerally my father figure at this point

[@Anacronian]

Techmoan. "Go clean your room!"

[@LeoFunhouse]

@@Anacronian hahaha! Yes sir

[@TheRealLetharos]

Just came here after watching Tom Hanks at CES where he took the piss out of Sony only to come here and watch some Sony reviews. I love the long play videos btw.

[@dragonmac1234]

I love the rambling intro, I'm guessing Mat has had comments about him talking too much again. As he said people who don't like it can skip forward in the video :-)

[@brookerobertson2951]

%100

[@dougwagner4902]

I'm glad he doesn't listen to their gripes, I love the longer videos especially when they involve a look inside the device or a really detailed history.

[@dragonmac1234]

@@dougwagner4902 Same here, I like the detailed repair videos where he buys an old device and tries to get working again. I think the people who complain should go and watch something else to be honest.

[@modularcarpet]

@@dragonmac1234 yeah, I agree - I love the long repair videos. Very interesting and entertaining. Could easily be twice as long and wouldn’t be boring.

[@hadriangonzalez607]

@@modularcarpet I believe it's because his audience has grown, (which is a good and bad thing) I came in on his retro tech video of the tififion tape player and fell in love with his presentation style and demeanor, not to mention puppets. But I feel most new subscribers probably discovered this channel on his newer videos and were taken aback by his tendency to have long rambles (which I feel is the heart and soul of this channel).

[@robertsteel3563]

I love how the last bit of the intro is like a conversation with the subscribers!

[@whomee2]

It's always behooved me that TV manufacturers will be like: "Crystal clear 256K picture! Eighty gajillion colors! 30th century technology!" "And the speakers? How does it sound?" "Oh, well.... those are shite."

[@o_o-_-8639]

Yh with crts we had really good 2.1 systems built in and soundbars weren’t needed but now 90% of new tvs speakers sound like some cheap pc speakers :/

[@MrLecti]

Do you me "bemused me"...because behooved means in your self interest.

[@MrLecti]

*mean...yes I know, irony...

[@gman3030300]

Them old projection crt TV's had some good bass

[@gman3030300]

Them speakers on them new TV's sound like tin cans to me

[@jamesnurgle6368]

I love the pacing of your videos, it feels much more relaxing than most content

[@katelyn6989]

Nice longform video (: What games do you play on your PS5?

[@Techmoan]

I think the thing I do the most is ‘Download Update’. Unfortunately I don’t get enough time to play - it’s mostly wishful thinking. If I had to add up the hours though it would be Everybody’s Golf (a four year old PS4 game).

[@Tazza81]

@@Techmoan I had a bit of a chuckle at "Downloading Update" being the "game" you play the most as I can entirely relate to that. Really miss the days when you could pop a disk or cartridge in and have a quick game when you had 30 minutes to spare.

[@gman3030300]

@@Techmoan I used play hot shots golf back in the original PS1 days

[@ooHotcooleRoo]

@@Techmoan Haha, that's probably also my most played game on both PS5 and XSX, no time really..

[@vvvictoriav5958]

I vote for longer intros! Ramble away my friend, i could listen to it all day.

[@ThisIsTheRoad]

Please try and use that VOICE-button on "Interstellar". That'll push the system to its limits!

[@PikaStu666]

I changed from an amp and a 5.1 setup with tower speakers to a wireless atmos soundbar and couldn’t be happier. Much more discrete when you walk into the room and still sounds really good.

[@generalgk]

“Click baity… Warren’s brother” That took me a minute 😂

[@durmphoto]

Its been many minutes and I still don't get it.

[@PeteC62]

@@durmphoto Warren Beatty is an actor. His surname is pronounced "baity".

[@zefallafez]

Can you give us some help in figuring it out?

[@Grace_Robbins]

@@durmphoto I think finally got it, now I feel extremely dopy. "Click Beatty" Warren Beatty You do understand click bait?

[@durmphoto]

@@Grace_Robbins Finally YES. I'm just dense!!

[@rmc6935]

I did the same with Sonos. ATMOS sound bar and sub. Back speakers I got the IKEA lamp Sonos speaker as rears and putting a Philip Hue bulb in them are totally fantastic. Love the colours for films and big sound. Also got extra Sonos stuff around the house and it integrates really well I love it.

[@RobertWCrouch]

Techmoan: Uses the word “dinky” to describe speaker. Me: *Like*

[@245thegreat]

Recently invested in a sonos arc with sub gen 3 after trials of many different sound bars. Unfortunately I don't have a dolby atmos enabled device, so I'm getting dolby digital 5.1, which is still pretty impressive. In the early months of next year I will be upgrading the TV so I can play atmos content. Might also add some rears for extra coverage. We'll see.