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Sony HT A9 With Bass Module Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:31 AM

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73
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Experts

81
504

Consumers

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The Sony HT-A9 sound setup offers an alternative, more compact solution to the typical soundbar, delivering an immersive soundstage and a satisfying bass response. The setup delivers a strong, room-filling sound, but it doesn’t get as loud as others.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is a premium 4.1.4 channel speaker setup that was launched in late 2021. It consists of a wireless subwoofer, four satellite speakers, and a control box instead of a soundbar.

Compared to how a large majority of the best speakers are set up, this makes it unique, and its soundstage is exceptional courtesy of its use of 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology.

The system also supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus, so owners get to enjoy an immersive listening experience.

The sound system’s bass levels are pretty impressive courtesy of its subwoofer, and like most popular soundbars, its wireless playback options are fantastic since it can stream audio through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast built-in.

Its physical input options are also decent since it comes with three HDMI ports.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module delivers a clear and accurate room-filling sound with a top-tier soundstage that makes sounds feel like they’re coming from a specific direction and the ability to upscale stereo content into surround sound for an immersive experience.

However, vocal and instrumental details are not as clear as that of other high-end options. Still, connectivity is stellar, with reliable WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Unfortunately, the setup doesn’t get very loud. There’s also no graphic Eq for sound customization, no center channel for more accurate vocals and instrumentals, and the bass output isn’t satisfying

Still, the setup offers several input options, with a Full HDMI In, an Optical Audio In, and an Ethernet port. Latency is also great, tested at 74ms over ARC and 54ms over HDMI.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Reliable, sturdy construction for lasting performance
  • 360° Immersion courtesy of Dolby Atmos
  • Excellent wireless connectivity
  • Simple setup and clutter-free design
  • Aesthetically pleasing for home setups
  • Wide soundstage

Reason to Avoid

  • Vocals and instrumentals aren’t very clear
    • Unfortunately, dialogues aren’t as pristine on the Sony HT-A9, despite it having a wide soundstage. There’s also no Eq for sound customization.

  • Doesn’t get as loud
    • The HT-A9 also doesn’t have a high max volume, so it is not ideal for listening in a large room.

  • Poor bass output

Sony HT A9 With Bass Module Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth5.78"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight12.3"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels4.0.4
SubwooferSubwooferOptional (sold separately)
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS-HD, DTS:X
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantGoogle Assistant
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight30.86 lbs
WidthWidth6.29"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Google Assistant, Remote Control, Wi-Fi

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)55.758
High End Roll Off (Hz)13,279.637
Max Volume Test (db)86.6
Latency (ms)74
THD @ 80dB0.47

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Product Comparison

Sony HT A9 With Bass Module Review

True Score

74
NR
81
88

Ranking

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121

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149

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42

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149

#

1

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149

Market Context

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is a premium 4.1.4 channel speaker setup that was launched in late 2021. It consists of a wireless subwoofer,…

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is a premium 4.1.4 channel speaker setup that was launched in late 2021. It consists of a wireless subwoofer, four satellite speakers, and a control box instead of a soundbar.

Compared to how a large majority of the best speakers are set up, this makes it unique, and its soundstage is exceptional courtesy of its use of 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology.

The system also supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus, so owners get to enjoy an immersive listening experience.

The sound system’s bass levels are pretty impressive courtesy of its subwoofer, and like most popular soundbars, its wireless playback options are fantastic since it can stream audio through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast built-in.

Its physical input options are also decent since it comes with three HDMI ports.

The most significant difference between the Sony HT-A9 and the Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is that the latter ships with a dedicated subwoofer and…

The most significant difference between the Sony HT-A9 and the Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is that the latter ships with a dedicated subwoofer and is, therefore, capable of producing a more profound bass output. Otherwise, not much else sets them apart.

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is a 4.1.4 channel setup with four satellite channels, outnumbering the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with speakers + bass…

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is a 4.1.4 channel setup with four satellite channels, outnumbering the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with speakers + bass module, which only has two satellite speakers. The two are also different in that the A9 is box-shaped while the Bose Smart Soundbar is rectangular-shaped, and lastly, the A9 gets significantly louder than the HT-A9.

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module doesn’t get as loud as the Samsung HW-Q950A, as it peaks at 86.6 decibels, while the Samsung soundbar gets…

The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module doesn’t get as loud as the Samsung HW-Q950A, as it peaks at 86.6 decibels, while the Samsung soundbar gets as loud as 98.8 decibels. Also worth noting is that the Samsung soundbar offers a graphic equalizer plus presets, while the Sony HT-A9 only has presets.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

5.78"

4.21"

5.4"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Height

12.3"

2.29"

2.7"

Number of Audio Channels

4.0.4

5.1.2

11.1.4

Subwoofer

Optional (sold separately)

Optional (sold separately)

Included

Dig Deeper

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 With Speakers + Bass Module Review →

Samsung HW-Q950A Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

73

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

81

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

74

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    74
    The Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is satisfactory for mixed usage. This 4.1.4 setup has… Read More

    By:

    Jake Thauvette