102

Sony HT X9000F Review

True Score

65
69
4

Experts

20
170

Consumers

Expert Rankings

The Sony HT-X9000F’s accurate vocal reproduction and wide port selection justify its mid-range pricing, but buyers will have to contend with its limited wireless connectivity and the lack of a strong low-end bass range. Overall, its value balances out well with its cost.

Overview

First launched in 2018, the Sony HT-X9000F is a mid-range Sony soundbar that renders both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, and ships with a subwoofer that amplifies a low bass output.

However, the soundbar misses out on a wide soundstage since its projections sound like they’re coming from only one side.

Still, owners will be able to customize its sound by switching through its seven EQ presets, and this is a feature that is also common with the best speakers in the industry.

This Sony sound system also has two HDMI ports and a USB port for playing content from older devices, and in terms of wireless connectivity, owners will be able to stream content to it through Bluetooth.

The best soundbars have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but the X9000F still holds its own since it can stream audio content from streaming services such as Spotify and Apple AirPlay.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

our Verdict

While the 2.1 channel Sony HT-X9000F shines with accurate vocal reproduction, it misses out on a strong bass response, even though it offers seven different Eq presets for more personalized sound production.

It is also limited in wireless connectivity, only offering a reliable Bluetooth connection. The soundbar does get quite loud, but the sound distorts at a high volume.

Fortunately, it also renders Atmos and DTS content, even though it does not generate as much of an immersive listening experience

This soundbar offers varied support for a wide range of surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, and it also has an elaborate port selection, consisting of an Optical Audio in, an HDMI ARC port, HDMI Out, Full HDMI In, a 3.5mm AUX, and a USB port.

True Score

65

Reasons to Buy

  • Accurate vocal reproduction
  • Wide port selection
  • Different Eq presets for sound customization
  • Good bass range
  • Simple switching to Bluetooth with the remote
  • Offers great sound quality at a reasonable price

Reasons to Avoid

  • Subwoofer lacks punch and depth
  • Audio distorts at higher volume
  • Limited surround sound immersion
  • Not many wireless connectivity options

Specifications

Bluetooth EnabledYes
Depth3.3"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCYes
Height2.3"
Number of Channels2.1
SubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Dual Mono, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96 / 24, DTS ES, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X
Voice AssistantNo
Wall MountableYes
Weight5.5 lbs
Width36.6"
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

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Product Comparison

Samsung HW-Q70R Review

Samsung HW-Q70R Review

True Score

65
75
NR
NR

Ranking

#

102

/

153

#

38

/

153

#

/

153

#

/

Market Context

First launched in 2018, the Sony HT-X9000F is a mid-range Sony soundbar that renders both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, and ships with a subwoofer…

First launched in 2018, the Sony HT-X9000F is a mid-range Sony soundbar that renders both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, and ships with a subwoofer that amplifies a low bass output.

However, the soundbar misses out on a wide soundstage since its projections sound like they’re coming from only one side.

Still, owners will be able to customize its sound by switching through its seven EQ presets, and this is a feature that is also common with the best speakers in the industry.

This Sony sound system also has two HDMI ports and a USB port for playing content from older devices, and in terms of wireless connectivity, owners will be able to stream content to it through Bluetooth.

The best soundbars have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but the X9000F still holds its own since it can stream audio content from streaming services such as Spotify and Apple AirPlay.

The Sony HT-X9000F supports streaming services such as Apple AirPlay, Amazon Music, and Spotify, while the Sony HT-Z9F cannot stream audio content from these services….

The Sony HT-X9000F supports streaming services such as Apple AirPlay, Amazon Music, and Spotify, while the Sony HT-Z9F cannot stream audio content from these services. However, the Z9F offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which the X9000F does not feature. The Z9F also accepts voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, while the X9000F does not. Find out more about the X9000F by going through our Sony HT-Z9F review.

The Sony HT-X9000F is less capable of enhancing vocal reproduction than the Samsung HW-Q70R, and this is because the HW-Q70R has a center channel that…

The Sony HT-X9000F is less capable of enhancing vocal reproduction than the Samsung HW-Q70R, and this is because the HW-Q70R has a center channel that is dedicated to vocal enhancement, while the X9000F does not. The Samsung soundbar also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, which is missing with the X9000F. However, the X9000F can stream music content through Apple AirPlay, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other streaming services, while the HW-Q70R cannot.

The Sony HT-X9000F is a 2.1-channel speaker, while the Sony HT-G700 is a 3.1-channel system. The X9000F also offers better wireless connectivity since owners can…

The Sony HT-X9000F is a 2.1-channel speaker, while the Sony HT-G700 is a 3.1-channel system. The X9000F also offers better wireless connectivity since owners can stream content from services such as Apple AirPlay, Amazon Music, and Spotify. In contrast, the G700 has two HDMI ports, while the X9000F has only one.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Depth

3.3"

3.9"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Height

2.3"

2.5"

Dig Deeper

Read review →: Sony HT Z9F Review

All Stores

  • $299.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No
  • Save $2
    $599.99
    $598.00

    Availability

    Not available

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

69

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

20

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

65

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

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    A

    Trust Score

    69
    The Sony HT-X9000F is okay for mixed use. While its boxy and bright sound profile… read more

    By:

    Jake Thauvette
  • Consumer Reports
    F

    Trust Score

    NR
    “No bottom line found for this product” read more

    By:

    Unknown
  • What Hifi
    F

    Trust Score

    NR
    With TV and movies Sony’s HT-X9000F soundbar proved at worst inoffensive and at best enjoyable,… read more

    By:

    Unknown
  • Nerd Techy
    F

    Trust Score

    NR
    “No bottom line found for this product” read more

    By:

    Unknown

Customer Score Breakdown

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