The Sony brand’s latest entry-level model deviates from the trend of other affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar.
The trouble with most of today’s “affordable” Dolby Atmos soundbars is that they come with a significant catch. They lack upward-firing drivers, and while they can employ software methods to produce audio in Dolby Atmos, the results aren’t as convincing. And ultimately, they do not sound as good.
Sony’s latest entry-level soundbar does precisely that.
An entry-level Bravia Bar soundbar
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 — or “Bar 6” for short — is a more affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar than the company’s existing Bravia Theater Bar 9 ($1,400) and Bravia Theater Bar 8 ($850) models.
The Bar 6 is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio. It features two specialized up-firing drivers for immersive virtual height channels, as well as three midrange drivers in the centre channel for clear speech.
The Bar 6 works well with most modern TVs; however, when used with a Sony Bravia TV, it activates Sony’s Voice Zoom feature. This function uses artificial intelligence to detect when individuals are speaking on screen and then amplifies their voices (or decreases background noise) to make dialogue more audible and clear.
Sony has also introduced new rear-channel speakers called the Bravia Theater Rear 8, which connect wirelessly to the soundbar and transform it into a 5.1.2 home theatre system.
(Note: Sony also launched the Bravia Theater System 6, a 5.1-channel system that looks identical and includes wireless rears, but the soundbar lacks up-firing drivers, potentially delivering a more powerful but less immersive surround system.)
Price and availability
Pricing is currently unclear.
Sony has not revealed pricing for the Bravia Theater Bar 6, the Bravia Theater System 6, or the Sony Bravia Theater Rear 8, but all will be available later this spring.
Given the remainder of Sony’s home theatre soundbar series, Bar 6 will cost around $500.
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