Sony's HT-A9 & HT-A7000 for A80J, X95J, A90J & Z9J

[Robert Zohn]

Launching Friday, September 24th Sony's two new Dolby Atmos audio systems that are perfectly and very specially designed and matched for Sony's A80J, A90J, X95J and Z9J 2021 TVs.

The HT-A9 costs $1,799 and is a 12 channel wireless audio system and the HT-A7000, $1,299 is 7.1.2 wireless audio system. One of the very special features of these two new audio systems is that it uses all of the above referenced TVs built-in actuators as your center channel speaker.

Because the A80J, A90J, X95J, and Z9J have built in dual sub woofers you get a very large dynamic tonal range and with the vocals coming directly from the person's mouth which also makes dialog image beautifully.

The HT-A9 is has 12 amplified channels with 4 up-firing Dolby Atmos Heights speakers.

Sony's HT-A7000 has 7.1.2 amplified channels and you can optionally add the SA-RS3S for two wireless surround back speakers that costs $349 for the pair.

With the HT-A7000 when connected to a A80J, A90J, X95J, or Z9J with Acoustic Center Sync using the supplied cable, both the soundbar and the TV become the center speaker in your home cinema system. This priority new feature enables sound to precisely match what's on the screen

Optionally and with the purchase of the HT-A9 or the HT-A7000 you can take advantage of a bundle discount when you add your choice of Sony's new SASW3 200 watt wireless sub woofer $399, bundle price $299 or the SASW5 300 watt wireless sub woofer $699, bundle price $499.

Here's the link to the HT-A9 .pdf spec sheet and here's the HT-A7000 .pdf spec sheet. Here's our dedicated webpage for the HT-A9 and this is the link to the HT-A7000 webpage.

We'll soon see reviews on these new audio systems on YouTube channels and professional a/v reviewers.

[MechaGodzilla]

There's also a HT-A5000, which isn't mentioned here.

I found out about these just a couple days ago. What I find intriguing about them is the "Acoustic Center Sync" feature, where they pair with the compatible Sony TV to create an expanded sound system, which should naturally make for a fuller sound as opposed to using the soundbar or TV speakers separately. A cool option for those who don't want or can't do a full surround setup.

Very interesting. Something to keep an eye on.

[Robert Zohn]

Here's an excellent Youtube review of Sony's new HT-A9 by Andrew Robinson.

Andrew's review matches all of my findings with just one exception. He did not like the timber matching when paired with Sony's X95J TV as the center channel. He also did not like the mini jack center channel output from the HT-A9's center channel output.

My opinion is much different. Although I did not try the HT-A9 with the X95J, but when paired with Sony's A80J, A90J and Z9F the TVs center channel feature performs beautifully with the HT-A9 audio system. Regarding Andrew's comment of the center channel not timber matching the rest of the HT-A9 speakers, that may be technically correct, but it's only because when paired with the A80J, A90J and Z9J you get a center channel with the fully dynamic tonal range due to the TV's built in sub woofers. So for me the use of the TV's built-in speaker as your dedicated center channel with it's full dynamic tonal range was a very nice enhancement to the overall audio experience and having a dedicated center channel also made the center channel imaging an excellent enhancement to the audio experience.

Finally please know that if Sony deigned this feature with Bluetooth you would be compressing the center channel audio. Also if you want to upgrade the center channel output cable that is included with the HT-A9 you have that option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHcj...ature=youtu.be

[Robert Zohn]

Here's the .pdf spec sheet for Sony's HT-A9 audio system.

[wxman2003]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Here's an excellent Youtube review of Sony's new HT-A9 by Andrew Robinson.

Andrew's review matches all of my findings with just one exception. He did not like the timber matching when paired with Sony's X95J TV as the center channel. He also did not like the mini jack center channel output from the HT-A9's center channel output.

My opinion is much different. Although I did not try the HT-A9 with the X95J, but when paired with Sony's A80J, A90J and Z9F the TVs center channel feature performs beautifully with the HT-A9 audio system. Regarding Andrew's comment of the center channel not timber matching the rest of the HT-A9 speakers, that may be technically correct, but it's only because when paired with the A80J, A90J and Z9J you get a center channel with the fully dynamic tonal range due to the TV's built in sub woofers. So for me the use of the TV's built-in speaker as your dedicated center channel with it's full dynamic tonal range was a very nice enhancement to the overall audio experience and having a dedicated center channel also made the center channel imaging an excellent enhancement to the audio experience.

Finally please know that if Sony deigned this feature with Bluetooth you would be compressing the center channel audio. Also if you want to upgrade the center channel output cable that is included with the HT-A9 you have that option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHcj...ature=youtu.be

What is you opinion of the system without a subwoofer? Andrew said there is no bass with the A9 system and the optional subwoofer was a must.

[Robert Zohn]

I agree, a subwoofer will add the deep base sound waves that tweeters and mid-range speakers can't physically produce. This is true for all surround sound systems.

Sony's new HT-A9 is an exceptional high performance audio system and well deserves to be integrated with a sub woofer to deliver the full dynamic tonal range.

[Robert Zohn]

Just a reminder that the following bundle promotional offers ends Sunday, October 3rd and it's best to buy before the last day to ensure your order gets processed with this limited time sale:

- Extra $200 discount when you bundle the SA-SW5 sub woofer, normally $699, just $499 w/HT-A9 or AT-A7000

- Extra $100 discount when you bundle the SA-SW3 sub woofer, normally $399, just $299 w/HT-A9 or AT-A7000

- Extra $100 discount when you bundle the HT-A9 or AT-A7000 w/any 55", 65", 77" A80J, or the 55", 65", 83" A90J, or the 65", 75", 85" X95J, or the 75" 85" Z9J

Also know supply is very constrained so if you are interested in this new very special HT-A9 or HT-A7000 audio system NOW is the time to place your order!

[kalverstukas.007]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Here's an excellent Youtube review of Sony's new HT-A9 by Andrew Robinson.

Andrew's review matches all of my findings with just one exception. He did not like the timber matching when paired with Sony's X95J TV as the center channel. He also did not like the mini jack center channel output from the HT-A9's center channel output.

My opinion is much different. Although I did not try the HT-A9 with the X95J, but when paired with Sony's A80J, A90J and Z9F the TVs center channel feature performs beautifully with the HT-A9 audio system. Regarding Andrew's comment of the center channel not timber matching the rest of the HT-A9 speakers, that may be technically correct, but it's only because when paired with the A80J, A90J and Z9J you get a center channel with the fully dynamic tonal range due to the TV's built in sub woofers. So for me the use of the TV's built-in speaker as your dedicated center channel with it's full dynamic tonal range was a very nice enhancement to the overall audio experience and having a dedicated center channel also made the center channel imaging an excellent enhancement to the audio experience.

Finally please know that if Sony deigned this feature with Bluetooth you would be compressing the center channel audio. Also if you want to upgrade the center channel output cable that is included with the HT-A9 you have that option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHcj...ature=youtu.be

Hi Robert. A question: does the A9's center channel mode really work with A90J? According to the spec sheet A90J is not listed among the models to support "Acoustic Center Sync mode", thought it says "Integrated UI works with A90J". You have told about your experience connecting A9 as if you really test that with all A80J, A90J and Z9J. So, does it work with A90J in fact, or not? Thank you!!

[Robert Zohn]

Yes, the HT-A9 and HT-A7000 work perfectly with Sony's A90J Master Series OLED TV.

Sony's .pdf spec sheet was incorrect. Here's the updated .pdf spec sheet.

[Robert Zohn]

Sony just reinstated the launch promotion where you get an additional $200 when you bundle the HT-A9 w/SA-SW5 sub woofer. The additional promotional offers are listed in the post just 3 above this one.

One of our clients told me about a lot of problems being reported on another forum of audio drop outs, skipping, excessive white noise, and some that have one speaker that does not sync with the system. I only have two HT-A9 customers with one of these reported issues and here's the best practices to fix any one of the items listed above.

I don't post on the other forum, but anyone who wants to learn more about the HT-A9 is welcome to come here.

1) Move the speaker system away from the wireless LAN router or other devices.
Set-up the control box and speakers at a distance of 5 feet or more from the wireless LAN router. It also may be improved by changing the direction or the antenna's angle of the wireless LAN router.

2.) Set "Wireless Playback Quality" to "Connection".
"Setup" then select "Advanced Settings" then "Speaker Settings" then "Wireless Speaker Settings" then set the "Wireless Playback Quality" to "Connection".

3.) Reset "RF Channel".
"Setup" then select "Advanced Settings" then "Speaker Settings" then "Wireless Speaker Settings" then set "RF Channel to "Off", then set to "On".

Also every-time you move any of the speakers or the control box you need to go through the basic set-up again.

[Robert Zohn]

Check out Whisper Status 74's HT-A9 review. Starts at 1PM ET today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoCb...ature=youtu.be

[wxman2003]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Sony just reinstated the launch promotion where you get an additional $200 when you bundle the HT-A9 w/SA-SW5 sub woofer. The additional promotional offers are listed in the post just 3 above this one.

One of our clients told me about a lot of problems being reported on another forum of audio drop outs, skipping, excessive white noise, and some that have one speaker that does not sync with the system. I only have two HT-A9 customers with one of these reported issues and here's the best practices to fix any one of the items listed above.

I don't post on the other forum, but anyone who wants to learn more about the HT-A9 is welcome to come here.

1) Move the speaker system away from the wireless LAN router or other devices.
Set-up the control box and speakers at a distance of 5 feet or more from the wireless LAN router. It also may be improved by changing the direction or the antenna's angle of the wireless LAN router.

2.) Set "Wireless Playback Quality" to "Connection".
"Setup" then select "Advanced Settings" then "Speaker Settings" then "Wireless Speaker Settings" then set the "Wireless Playback Quality" to "Connection".

3.) Reset "RF Channel".
"Setup" then select "Advanced Settings" then "Speaker Settings" then "Wireless Speaker Settings" then set "RF Channel to "Off", then set to "On".

Also every-time you move any of the speakers or the control box you need to go through the basic set-up again.

Which of the 2 subs would you recommend for a 14x12 room. I don't want the bass to be overwhelming.

[Robert Zohn]

I recommend the flagship SA-SW5 as it's a more accurate sub woofer and you do not need to drive it hard to hear it's benefits of the full dynamic tonal range in the low frequency range.

When you are doing the auto calibration you also set the sub woofer volume to your liking.

[gto35830]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Yes, the HT-A9 and HT-A7000 work perfectly with Sony's A90J Master Series OLED TV.

Sony's .pdf spec sheet was incorrect. Here's the updated .pdf spec sheet.

Good morning. Thank for the info. Since these work with the 2021 Sony TV's, would they also work with the Sony XBR-65A8H, which I purchased last Oct. 2020. Thanks for your help.

[Robert Zohn]

Sony's HT-A9 will work very well with your 65A8H. You won't be able to use the A8H as your center channel speaker, but the HT-A9 will create the phantom center channel and it performs beautifully.

[gringojo]

Hey Rob, The Magnolia Sony guy at Best Buy told me you can connect a low profile stereo audio cable to the tiny yellow round port labeled video in video/audio L/R and that will make it work is that true? Thanks 🤓🖖🏻

[BaronVH]

Some of the Sony OLEDs required a new motherboard for the center channel speaker feature to work with the A-7000. They came to my house and installed it, and it works amazing. Since it is a small square room, the 7000 with the sub and satellite surrounds are perfect.

Without the fix it produced an audible hum. It also did not play well with the XBox Series X, but with some messing around, it works great too. The PS5 was plug and play.

[BaronVH]

Originally Posted by gringojo

Hey Rob, The Magnolia Sony guy at Best Buy told me you can connect a low profile stereo audio cable to the tiny yellow round port labeled video in video/audio L/R and that will make it work is that true? Thanks ������

No (I think). There is a dedicated connection that is called S center channel in. I believe it is only on displays from 2021-2022 onward. The first models needed an updated motherboard. If the display does not have the s channel input it cannot do it. It takes just a simple analog av cable that is included. I do think it makes a big difference and is a great feature.

I would counsel these soundbars and the ht-a9s are great for small square environments. For larger home theaters I would recommend a dedicated receiver with hard wired speakers. Also, you need a good wireless connection and little interference since these speakers can drop out which obviously would never happen with a wired setup. Depending on the environment, however, it can be a wonderful system. I do love mine. I would also point out that these soundbars will NOT play SACDs without a more creative setup.