96

out of

149

Soundbar

True Score Methodology v2.0

Sony HT Z9F Review

Name: Sony HT Z9F
Brand: Sony

By

Nathan Rizzuti

9/11/2023 6:46 PM

True Score

78

Mixed Reviews

76

4

Experts

84

636

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

(

4

)

The Sony HT-Z9F soundbar gives a wide audio experience with Dolby Atmos support and a compact design that provides operational ease and bass performance. Overall, it’s a great buy despite its lack of dedicated physical speakers, treble, and bass adjustments.

SAVE $17

$125.98

$108.89

See Deal

See all stores

We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot
Overview
Consensus
- {post.0.post_title} Specs
- Test Results
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Customer Score Breakdown
Learn More About Soundbar

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Sony HT-Z9F is a premium 3.1-channel sound system that consists of a soundbar and a subwoofer. First announced in 2018, the sound system comes with the kind of features you would expect from the best speakers in the industry, such as support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, and it also has a booming bass output courtesy of its subwoofer. The only thing that would perhaps edge it out of a list of the best soundbars is its soundstage since it isn’t as wide.
Besides that, its wireless connectivity is impeccable, as owners can stream audio content through Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay. It also boasts a wide range of physical inputs, including two Full HDMI ports and a 3.5mm port for connecting devices such as smartphones. It also compares well to the Sony HT-X9000F, which we’ve covered in our Sony HT-X9000F review.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Sony HT-Z9F soundbar has a wide range of wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay. The latency, tested at 56 ms, is fair and presents few audio and video synching issues.

Soundwise, it fails to produce deep bass and struggles to provide high trebles when the volume is cranked up but is well-balanced with lower volumes. However, the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support create an immersive audio environment. Unfortunately, it falls short of perfect Dolby Atmos overhead effects since it lacks dedicated physical speakers.

Dialogue is clear and enhanced, which compensates for limited equalizer adjustments. The speaker is compact with a premium build quality. It also has a handy interface with responsive controls and a large LED screen. However, it doesn’t support a voice assistant.

Reason to Buy

Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive audio experience
Dedicated center speaker ensures clear dialogue
Vertical Sound technology expands the soundstage effectively
Premium and durable build quality
Decent highs and overall clarity in sound
Dialogue enhancement feature for improved speech clarity
Ability to run speakers wired to eliminate wireless cutouts

Reason to Avoid

Mediocre low-end performance in bass-heavy content
Lack of physical speakers for perfect Dolby Atmos overhead
Limited customization with no treble or bass adjustments
Lack of documented wired capability for rear speakers
Glossy surface prone to fingerprints
Midrange audio and vocals aren’t great for the price
Absence of room correction feature
Subpar performance for handling wireless connectivity

Sony HT Z9F Specs

	Bluetooth Enabled	Yes
	Depth	3.9"
	Dialogue Enhancement Feature	Yes
	Energy Star Certified	No
	HDMI ARC	Yes
	Height	2.5"
	Subwoofer	Included
	Surround Sound Supported	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD
	Voice Assistant	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
	Wall Mountable	Yes
	Weight	6.8 lbs
	Width	39.4"
	Wireless Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
	Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity	Yes
	Works With	Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)	62.586
High End Roll Off (Hz)	3,948.06
Max Volume Test (db)	93.6
Latency (ms)	56
THD @ 80dB	0.47

Get the Winner of the Day Direct to Your Inbox

Join 1+ million monthly users and become an instant expert with our daily download of reviews, tips and guides.

Trusted By

Latest Soundbar Buying Guides

Product Comparison

	Sony HT Z9F Review		LG SK10Y Review
True Score	78	NR	75	NR
Ranking	# 96 / 149	# /	# 123 / 149	# /
Market Context	The Sony HT-Z9F is a premium 3.1-channel sound system that consists of a soundbar and a subwoofer. First announced in 2018, the sound system comes… The Sony HT-Z9F is a premium 3.1-channel sound system that consists of a soundbar and a subwoofer. First announced in 2018, the sound system comes with the kind of features you would expect from the best speakers in the industry, such as support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, and it also has a booming bass output courtesy of its subwoofer. The only thing that would perhaps edge it out of a list of the best soundbars is its soundstage since it isn’t as wide. Besides that, its wireless connectivity is impeccable, as owners can stream audio content through Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay. It also boasts a wide range of physical inputs, including two Full HDMI ports and a 3.5mm port for connecting devices such as smartphones. It also compares well to the Sony HT-X9000F, which we’ve covered in our Sony HT-X9000F review.	The Sony HT-Z9F is a 3.1-channel sound system, while the Sony HT-X8500 is a 2.1-channel setup. This is because the Z9F ships with a subwoofer,… The Sony HT-Z9F is a 3.1-channel sound system, while the Sony HT-X8500 is a 2.1-channel setup. This is because the Z9F ships with a subwoofer, which is not included with the HT-X8500. Additionally, the Z9F also supports audio streaming via Wi-Fi, which the X8500 is incapable of.	The Sony HT-Z9F has support for both Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X surround sound formats, and this is an advantage it has over the LG SK10Y…. The Sony HT-Z9F has support for both Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X surround sound formats, and this is an advantage it has over the LG SK10Y. However, the SK10Y offers a phone app that can be used to customize its sound, and this is a critical feature that the Z9F misses out on.	The Sony HT-Z9F is capable of more diverse wireless streaming options than the Sony HT-G700 since it supports Wi-Fi connectivity and can play audio content… The Sony HT-Z9F is capable of more diverse wireless streaming options than the Sony HT-G700 since it supports Wi-Fi connectivity and can play audio content from Spotify and Chromecast, while the G700 cannot. The HT-Z9F also features voice control support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so unlike the G700, it can accept voice commands to stream or play content.
Bluetooth Enabled	Yes	–	Yes	–
Depth	3.9"	–	5.8"	–
Dialogue Enhancement Feature	Yes	–	–	–
Energy Star Certified	No	–	No	–
HDMI ARC	Yes	–	–	–
Height	2.5"	–	2.4"	–
Subwoofer	Included	–	Included	–
Surround Sound Supported	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD	–	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD	–
Dig Deeper			LG SK10Y Review →

All Stores

Updated every 24 hours

Save $17
$125.98
$108.89
Availability
Not available
Free Shipping
No
See Deal
$361.31
Availability
Usually ships within 5 to 6 days
Free Shipping
No
See Deal

Score Card

E

Expert Score

76

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

84

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

78

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

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight.

103
Category Trust Score
72
The Sony HT-Z9F is a decent mixed usage soundbar. This 3.1 setup clearly reproduces dialogue,… read more
By:
Jake Thauvette
46.31
Category Trust Score
80
The compact Sony HT-ZF9 is the Penn and Teller of Dolby Atmos soundbars. It’s ability… read more
By:
Steve May
64.44
Category Trust Score
84
Sony’s soundbar offers an easy way to get Atmos, but you’ll need the optional wireless… read more
By:
Al Griffin
45.4
Category Trust Score
NR
“No bottom line found for this product” read more
By:
Unknown