Designed by Sony, the HT-A5000 is a high-end soundbar adopting a 5.1.2 configuration. Compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, it is loaded with technologies that enhance immersion, such as 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
With the HT-A5000, Sony presents a successful soundbar in many respects. It offers a sound signature that is as pleasant for musical content as it is for viewing cinematographic works thanks to a particularly immersive audio scene. It also incorporates many connection possibilities and offers a complete user experience, although a bit complex for neophytes.
Points forts
- Good bass extension, even without an external subwoofer.
- Balanced signature sound.
- Very convincing surround and elevation effects.
- Highly effective automatic acoustic calibration.
- Very broad compatibility in terms of wireless protocols and audio/video streams.
- Particularly practical TV interface.
Weak points
- Lack of bass precision.
- Design a little too raw formwork.
- Many buttons on the remote, which complicates the experience.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
An alternative
The HW-Q800B does honor to previous high-end sound bars from Samsung thanks to its overflowing energy and sound reproduction that suits films and series as well as musical content. The bar, however, shows an immersive virtual spatialization that lacks a slight touch of precision on the placement of elevation effects. That being said, the HW-Q800B remains an excellent soundbar, capable of bringing you great cinematic, playful and musical experiences at home.
