Sony HT-XF9000 - Budget Dolby Atmos

Sony proves that boosting tinny TV sound doesn't have to be expensive at all. For example, the Japanese brand linked a price tag of 500 euros to the new HT-XF9000 soundbar. For a copy with Dolby Atmos support, this amount can even be called cheap. Enough reason for a Sony HT-XF9000 review.

Sony HT-XF9000

Price

500 euro

Connections

HDMI output, HDMI input, s/pdif (optical), analog (3.5mm)

wireless

Bluetooth 4.2

Amplifier Output Power

300 watts

Sound bar dimensions

93 × 5.8 × 8.5 centimeters

Sound bar weight

2.5 kilos

Website

www.sony.com/en 6 Score 60

  • Pros
  • Wireless Subwoofer
  • Easy in use
  • Negatives
  • Dolby Atmos solution not fully fledged
  • English menu
  • No networking options
  • Only one HDMI input

With a respectable length of 93 centimeters, the HT-ZF9000 is the smaller brother of the previously discussed HT-ZF9. Logically, there are the necessary external similarities in the design, although the model discussed here is simpler. Instead of three, the HT-ZF9000 only contains two audio drivers that focus on the high and mid range. Furthermore, a display is missing. A wireless subwoofer is responsible for the bass response.

Connections

As we are used to from several Sony soundbars, the connections are located in an angular notch at the back. That way you won't be bothered by cords when mounting it on the wall. The device contains an HDMI input and output, so you can connect both a Blu-ray player and (4K) television.

It's worth mentioning that the HDMI output supports ARC (Audio Return Channel), so you send sound from the smart TV back to the soundbar. If you want to connect more sound sources, you can use the optical S/PDIF port and 3.5mm sound input. There is also a USB port to connect an external drive or USB stick with audio files. Unfortunately, there are no network options, although a bluetooth adapter is built in. You can still play music from internet services such as Spotify and Tidal via this route.

In practice

The service speaks for itself. With the included remote control, you can switch between the TV, HDMI, Bluetooth, analog, and USB sources. You can also adjust the (bass) volume and start/pause Spotify music. The English-language menu on television provides brief information and settings. Although this soundbar supports the modern surround formats dolby atmos and dts:x, this means little in practice. This really requires more audio drivers or rather more speakers. The lows and highs come out well, but unfortunately the midrange is underrepresented. As a result, films sound somewhat dull during certain passages. This can be heard clearly with music pieces, where it seems to the critical listener that certain tones remain inside the soundbar. You can adjust a few things via pre-programmed equalizer settings, but it will never be optimal. Incidentally, that is usually the case with an audio system at this price level.

Conclusion

The HT-ZF9000 is an average soundbar without network functionality, with Sony trying to hitch a ride on the dolby atmos trend. Without success, because the so-called vertical surround option does not do justice to this audio codec. If you are a connoisseur in the audio field, then you might want to add a little more money for a more musical soundbar/subwoofer combination. If you are looking for an affordable soundbar that makes films and series sound more intense, you may want to consider the HT-ZF9000.

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