Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 Review: Basic Bar, Big Sound
Key takeaways
- The balance between the subwoofer and bar is seamless.
- A dedicated center speaker ensures clear dialog across content, while virtual surround software plus support for advanced sound formats, like Dolby Atmos, effectively zhuzh up action-packed films and TV shows.
- At $350, you’re not exactly getting off easy here, but if all you want is a plug-and-play system to upgrade your TV and stream some music, the Bravia Theater Bar 5 is a solid option with more spunk than you’d expect.
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Courtesy of Amazon Triangle Up Buy Now Multiple Buying Options Available$350 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Rating:7/10
WIREDDialog sounds clear and detailed. Provides an impressive bass response. The balance between the subwoofer and bar is seamless. Virtual surround sound is solid, and the setup and usability is simplified on this model.TIREDHas a super-basic design and visual display. No Wi-Fi or smart features. No EQ or sound calibration. No upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos. No included connection cables.Sony’s soundbar revamp over the last few years has brought a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic to the lineup, but also an unfortunate loss of connection options and extras, even in premium models, like the flagship Bravia Theater Bar 9. There’s certainly nothing superfluous in the more affordable Bravia Theater 5, with a layout and feature set that make it feel more like a budget model than a mid-tier option.
In signature Sony fashion, the Theater Bar 5’s sound performance does a lot to make up for its shortcomings, pairing a surprisingly powerful subwoofer with a well-balanced three-foot bar for more cinematic thrills than its size suggests. A dedicated center speaker ensures clear dialog across content, while virtual surround software plus support for advanced sound formats, like Dolby Atmos, effectively zhuzh up action-packed films and TV shows.