Sony announces its new HT-A3000 soundbar. This offers 3.1 (.2) sound and spatialization capable of virtualizing up to 12 speakers in the room.
In the run-up to IFA 2022, many manufacturers are starting to draw their announcements. This Wednesday seems under the sign of sound, and more particularly of sound bars. Sony has unveiled a new product via press release: the HT-A3000 soundbar.
A 3.1 soundbar
For its price, the Sony HT-A3000 is not particularly well equipped technically. It is a 3.1 soundbar which is therefore only equipped with three horizontal front speakers (including a central one dedicated to dialogues), as well as a double integrated subwoofer. This configuration allows it to reach an output power of 250 W.
In this segment, JBL has just announced a 5.1 soundbar. We imagine, however, that the difference will be made on other points.
The Sony HT-A3000 is compatible with streaming via Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2. In addition, it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to launch a playlist from a smartphone or directly from the device.
Finally, we also find on board the two usual voice assistants, namely Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. On the connector side, there is an HDMI port (CEC eARC), an optical input, a USB port.
Virtualization in the spotlight
Where Sony really wants to stand out is in the spatialization of sound to offer more immersion in our content. Compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the HT-A3000 uses technologies Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround to make up for its lack of vertical speakers. This virtualization system therefore emulates vertical speakers in their absence. However, it will be necessary to wait for the first tests to know if the effect is convincing.
However, the biggest asset of this soundbar is its accessories. In particular, you can add a remote subwoofer to improve the bass (the 300 W SA-SW5 or the 200 W SA-SW3), as well as wireless rear speakers: the SA-RS3S or SA-RS5. Note that this latest model of peripheral speaker, unlike the soundbar itself, is equipped with vertical speakers and can therefore provide true Dolby Atmos or DTS:X spatialization.
Both speaker models intelligently adjust by measuring the relative position of each element of the sound system, as well as the height of each speaker. Technology Sound Field Optimization then takes care of creating up to 12 phantom speakers to produce 360-degree sound.
Sony soundbar price and availability
The Sony HT-A3000 will be available in September 2022 at a price of 699 euros. As for the rear speakers, count 499 euros for the SA-RS3S and 799 euros for the SA-RS5.
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