Sony HT-X8500

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible ; Compact all-in-one form factor ; Integrated subwoofer ; Easy to set-up and use ; Brilliant value

No upfiring drivers ; Not High-Res Audio capable ; Stripped back feature set

Neat design ; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ; Weighty, open sound

Thick, muffled midrange ; Lack of crispness and definition ; Occasionally confusing operation

Strong home cinema specs and big scale sound are undermined by foggy audio quality

EQ presets plus bass adjustment feature available. Bluetooth compatible. Can play Atmos and DTS content. Dialogue enhancement and night mode feature available.

Always-on surround sound feature. No room correction feature. No discrete center channel. Lacks low-bass.

The Sony HTX8500 is alright for mixed usage. This 2.1 setup has a boxy and slightly dull sound profile, though it can still reproduce vocals and lead instruments pretty accurately. Despite its dual subwoofers integrated into the bar, you don't feel the...

+ Easy to setup and use ; + Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ; + Good connectivity options ; + Less wires / clutter to worry about ; + Space-saving ; + Punchy bass ; + Great cinematic audio reproduction ; + Clean, slick look

- Muffled midrange ; - Surround sound could be better ; - Bass is usually overpowering ; - Lack of a built-in display for easier use ; - Pricey

The Sony HT-X8500 soundbar is a simple, yet effective audio upgrade for any home entertainment setup.

Sturdy build ; eARC support with HDMI passthrough ; Easy to set up ; Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-X

Virtual surround is gimmicky ; LED indicators instead of a display could be confusing for some

The Sony HT-X8500 brings with it good performance especially considering the fact that it doesn't have a subwoofer. It has eARC, making it futureproof, one 4K HDR passthrough and simple design. The bundled remote control is functional as well. The...