Sony has long been a leader in the home entertainment space, with a strong reputation in the Indian market for its premium TVs, audio systems, and soundbars. The demand for high-quality soundbars is growing, especially among users looking for immersive home theater experiences without the complexity of a full-fledged AV receiver setup. The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is positioned as a high-end modular soundbar that offers premium features, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support. But does it justify its hefty price tag of ₹1,49,000, especially with strong competition from Samsung and other brands? Let’s find out.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9
1,49,000
What Is Good?
- Modular, upgradable setup
- Supports Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- HDMI 2.1 passthrough (4K 120Hz)
- Great surround with rear speakers
- Easy setup via Sony app
What Is Bad?
- Expensive
- Inconsistent Dolby Atmos effect
Design & Build
Sony’s Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is a sleek yet sizable soundbar that exudes premium quality. While it fits well under 65-inch and larger TVs, it might appear slightly oversized for a 55-inch TV setup. The modular design is one of its biggest strengths, allowing users to start with just the bar and later add a subwoofer and surround speakers to enhance their experience.
The soundbar itself houses 13 channels, including front, up-firing, and side-firing drivers for an expansive soundstage. The optional SA-RS5 surround speakers include additional top-firing drivers, resembling the design of the Sony HT-A9, further amplifying the immersive effect. Sony also offers two subwoofer options, the SA-SW5 and SA-SW3, carried over from the previous generation—both delivering deep, impactful bass.
The wireless design offers greater placement flexibility. The speakers come with a built-in battery, eliminating the need for constant proximity to a power outlet. A quick 10-minute charge provides 90 minutes of playback, while a full charge (4 hours) delivers up to 10 hours of uninterrupted audio. This makes them ideal for users facing power outlet constraints, allowing for hassle-free positioning anywhere in the room.
Connectivity
Sony ensures that the Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is well-equipped for modern setups. The soundbar features two HDMI ports—one for eARC and another for HDMI 2.1 passthrough. The HDMI 2.1 passthrough supports 4K at 120Hz, making it an ideal choice for gamers using a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Additionally, entertainment enthusiasts can connect an Apple TV 4K directly to the soundbar, ensuring high-quality passthrough without latency issues.
Sony’s app manages the entire setup process and provides robust customization options, including room calibration, surround level adjustments, and bass tuning. The remote remains fairly basic, but with comprehensive control available via the app, this isn’t a major drawback.
Audio Performance
The Bravia Theatre Bar 9 delivers an impressive surround sound experience, especially when paired with the SA-RS5 surround speakers. Out of the box, bass feels a bit underwhelming, but users can tweak it using the app to find the right balance.
| Sound output power | 180W+ 300W+180W |
| Rear Speaker Size | 145x250x134 mm |
| Read Speaker Weight | 2.4kg |
| Subwoofer type | Active |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
| Supported Audio Formats | LPCM 2ch, LPCM 5.1ch, LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD), Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), DTS, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, and 360 Reality Audio |
| Battery Life | 10 hr |
| Battery charge time | 4 hr |
| Dimensions | Main Unit: (W x H x D) 51.18 inches x 2.51 inches x 4.44 inches; Subwoofer (SA-SW3): 9.6 inches x 15.9 inches x 16.1 inches Subwoofer (SA-SW5): 11.6 inches x 18.9 inches x 19.3 inches |
| Weight | Main Unit Weight 5.5 kg; Subwoofer (SA-SW3): 10kg, Subwoofer (SA-SW5): 14kg |
The experience with Dolby Atmos content varies. Some well-mixed Atmos tracks truly create an overhead effect, making it feel like the sound is coming from above, while others sound more front-heavy. The Night Mode feature works effectively, reducing loud explosions and enhancing dialogue, making it perfect for late-night watching.
Gaming on the PS5 is an absolute delight. The gunfire in The Last of Us delivers deep, impactful thuds while racing in Dirt 5 realistically captures the grunt of engines. The surround effect in Spider-Man makes swinging through New York feel even more immersive.
However, at its ₹1,49,000 price point, the Samsung Q990D offers similar performance at nearly half the cost, making the Bravia Theatre Bar 9’s value proposition questionable.
Verdict
The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is an excellent modular soundbar that delivers detailed, immersive audio, especially when paired with Sony’s surround speakers and subwoofer options. It offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support, HDMI 2.1 passthrough for gaming, and a well-designed companion app for customization. However, out-of-the-box bass feels weak, requiring manual adjustments, and the price is steep. If you’re deeply invested in the Sony ecosystem and want modular flexibility, this soundbar is a great pick!
