In addition to its 2025 TVs, Sony will launch the new Bravia Theatre Bar 6 and Bravia Theatre System 6, along with separate Theatre Rear 8 and Sub 7 speakers that connect to existing soundbars.
Bravia Theatre Bar 6, replacing HT-G700, is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar with up-firing speakers and a wireless subwoofer. Bravia Theatre System 6, replacing HT-S40R, is a 5.1-channel home cinema system with a total output of 1000W. These systems are standalone and do not let buyers add additional speakers over time.
Sony's new audio products for 2025. Photo: Sony
Sony's Bravia Theatre Rear 8, replacing SA-RS3S, is a new two-way rear speaker designed for expanded surround sound. Bravia Theatre Sub 7 is an affordable, vertically designed subwoofer. Both connect wirelessly to Sony's existing soundbars, such as Theatre Bar 9.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Both new Bravia Theatre systems support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Sony had no official comment regarding Google and Samsung's new Eclipsa Audio format.
Bravia Theatre Bar 6 and System 6 also feature Sony’s highly effective Voice Zoom 3 system, which uses machine learning to enhance dialogue clarity. When paired with a compatible Sony TV (Bravia 9, 8 II, 7, 5 and A95L), users can adjust dialogue volume independently of overall audio levels.
- "For maximum ease of use, the Bravia TV and Bravia Theater can be controlled from a smartphone with the Bravia Connect app, where users can adjust volume and settings without using the remote or on-screen menu. Bravia TVs and Bravia Theater can also be controlled on one screen without switching the remotes. With an integrated UI (User Interface), soundbar sound settings automatically appear on the Bravia Quick Settings menu," added Sony.
First listen
FlatpanelsHD had the opportunity to preview the new audio products in Japan and London. Our first impression is that Bravia Theatre Bar 6 delivers a more immersive experience than its predecessor, HT-G700. It delivers improved clarity and deeper bass, but unfortunately it cannot be extended or upgraded later on.
Sony's Bravia Theatre Bar 6. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
Bravia Theatre System 6, which includes rear speakers as part of the package, is noticeably more powerful than its predecessor HT-S40R, largely due to its powerful subwoofer. The rear speakers obviously improve surround sound performance, making it a better overall experience for immersive movie sound.
It is actually also a quite good music system, allowing the rear speakers to either duplicate stereo playback or accurately reproduce Dolby Atmos tracks. However, one design drawback remains: The rear speakers connect via cables to a central box, which then links wirelessly to the soundbar. This means a physical cable still runs between the rear speakers via the box – ideally the technology should have been embedded directly into each rear speaker.
Sony's Bravia Theatre Rear 8 and Sub 7. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
As mentioned earlier, Sony's Voice Zoom 3 delivers a convincing boost to dialogue. In our experience, it is one of the most effective dialogue enhancement systems today – significantly better than traditional dialogue enhancement features that merely amplify the frequencies associated with human speech. The ability to reduce dialogue volume may also prove useful, such as when muting commentary during sports broadcasts. However, a better long-term solution would be for broadcasters to offer separate audio tracks for commentary or implement metadata-based solutions – we are seeing progress in this area but it will take time.
We also listened to the Bravia Theatre Rear 8 compared to the predecessor, SA-RS3S, and found that a pair of the rear speakers produced noticeably wider and more detailed rear-channel sound. However, we wish they had up-firing speakers too for an even more immersive experience. A pair of Rear 8 can connect wirelessly to Bravia Theatre Bar 9 and 8 as well as HT-A7000, HT-A5000 and HT-A3000.
Sony's home audio line-up for 2025. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
Launching very soon
Sony's Bravia Theatre Bar 6 and System 6 will both be available in Europe starting next week for €500 / £500 and €600 / £550, respectively, with a US launch to follow soon.
Bravia Theatre Sub 7 will arrive in late May for €300 / £250 while Bravia Theatre Rear 8 will be available starting in mid-June for €400 / £450 for a pair. US pricing will be announced later.
Sony 2025 audio products – specifications
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