Last year, Sony launched its first Dolby Atmos capable soundbar. This year, Sony will expand the line-up with two additional Atmos soundbars. One of them matches the design of the X90F TV.
2 Dolby Atmos soundbars
HT-Z9F (ZF9 in Europe) is a 3.1 channel soundbar that can simulate vertical surround sounc. HT-X9000F is a 2.1 channel soundbar. Both offers support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- ” The HT-ZF9 and HT-XF9000 soundbars are both designed to complement fully a selection of the new Sony BRAVIA® TVs - so you can have a stylish set-up that partners elegantly, in terms of both material finish and physical shape. With these two soundbars you can go cable-free, connecting your soundbar to your TV via Bluetooth technology to cut out the clutter,” said Sony.
The existing HT-ST5000 will carry over into 2018 as the flagship model. Z9F will be added as a more affordable mid-range option. It does not feature roof-firing units like ST5000 but has a ’Vertical Surround’ feature that tried to simulate it. You can buy optional wireless rear speakers.
- ” Alternatively, there is the option to add on a pair of SA-Z9R rear speakers, which are exclusively designed to partner with the HT-ZF9, and can extend your surround sound experience with a true surround sound speaker configuration.”
First impressions
Sony added that Z9F supports pass-through of 4K HDR, including Dolby Vision, via HDMI. In addition, the soundbar supports high-res audio formats as well Chromecast, Spotify Connect and bluetooth for music.
We heard the soundbars in a controlled environment at CES and despite lacking the roof-firing speakers of ST5000, Z9F delivers convincing sound from a soundbar form factor. Atmos enables it to reproduce sound that appears richer and wider.
HT-Z9F (HT-ZF9 in Europe) and HT-X9000F (HT-XF9000 in Europe) will be available in spring for $900/Ł600 and $600/Ł450 dollars, respectively. More information is available at sony.com.
