Sony Ht-X8500 Soundbar –

If the idea of ​​a simplified 3D soundbar sounds absurd to you, you’re not alone. We all identify that Dolby Atmos relies on height to create a genuinely immersive soundstage. Still, like its more expensive HT-ZF9 predecessor, the new Sony HT-X8500 uses advanced DSP audio processing to compensate for the lack of dedicated trigger controllers.

DESIGN

Sony Ht-X8500 Soundbar –

The HT-X8500 is a self-contained audio system. There’s no separate wireless subwoofer, no weird wireless surround speakers. It’s a unique and intelligent soundbar designed to fit almost anywhere.

The subwoofer builds in, but the bar is still pleasantly thin. A modest 89 cm wide, it’s suitable for televisions that measure between 49 and 55 inches.

The cosmetic finish has a wisdom of style. The front assembly is protected by a cleverly rolled grille, while a gunmetal grey finish adds interest. Above are the touch-sensitive buttons for power, input selection, volume, and Bluetooth pairing.

Overall, the HT-X8500’s compact intend is easy to live with, with no separate subwoofer to reclaim floor space. Instead, we have two forward-facing woofers. Perhaps amazingly, there are no trigger drivers for a Dolby Atmos soundbar, and HDMI connectivity is limited.

PERFORMANCE

Sony Ht-X8500 Soundbar –

Every reservation we had about this average ranger’s performance blow away when it turns on – this soundbar is convincingly cinematic.

The key to the HT-X8500’s gritty performance Sony’s patented good sound engine. By working with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X content, it creates a compelling illusion of surround sound that allows Dolby Atmos movies to play with a clear sense of expanded height and width.

Even better, Vertical S doesn’t work with immersive codecs either – it can also use as an up-mixer for two-channel and mainstream 5.1 sound sources, with a similar effect.

But this bar is not perfect. Sony claims that the HT-X8500 approximates a sound field comparable to an Atmos 7.1.2 system, which is somewhat of a stretch.

The HT-X8500 doesn’t produce a convincing superior sound in the same vein as a 7.1.4 system, but it does create a soundstage as tall as it is wide. Parked at the sweet spot (there is one, so be sure to sit on it), we left with the impression that sounds were coming out on either side of our listening position. Everest (Blu-ray, in Dolby Atmos) proves to be chilling. When the big rainstorm hits, the HT-X8500 unleashes ice projectiles left and right. That’s enough to make you shiver and shudder.

In truth, there isn’t a big difference between a proper mix of 3D movies and advanced channel codecs like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD MA once I’ve been through Sony’s Vertical Sound Processor, and that says, a lot about the DSP technology that Sony has developed with this bar.

OTHER SOUNDBARS WORTH CONSIDERING

Sony Ht-X8500 Soundbar –

If you can live exclusive of Dolby Atmos, the Sonos Beam is a viable alternative to the HT-X8500. It’s a similarly compact and high-performance offering, albeit designed for those with (or planning to purchase). It combines musicality with an upbeat performance and can work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

For comparable cinematic thrills, there’s the Panasonic SC-HTB900 (available outside of the United States), a 3.1 system tuned by Technics. Like this Sony, it can decode Dolby Atmos and DTS: X and rely on sound processing to compensate for drivers’ lack of drivers. It comes with a part subwoofer and sounds lovely with most sources, but you’ll pay considerably more for it.

VERDICT

Since rival Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars typically sell twice the price, Sony’s HT-X8500 warrants an easy recommendation. The cost reduction can attribute to connectivity and features, but what’s confusing is how great the HT-X8500 sounds. If you want a home theater sound system that won’t hurt your budget, it’s probably the best option to come this year.