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We have absolutely LOVED having this in our family room. We have a dedicated discrete theater system in a custom designed room - 7.2.4 Atmos with in-ceiling Atmos speakers, 135” screen, etc etc. but we use the family room 10-20x as often and this system is worth every penny IMO.

Finding this right now anywhere is harder than PS5 .. Sony must have underestimated the demand

Waiting for your update review of the A7000 - when the new rear speakers with up-firing drivers and 360 spacial sound mapping become available!

Omg, been searching for newer reviews all week. So glad to see that you have one. I love your reviews!

I own the exact same setup as you're reviewing. Amazing! The best home theatre system by far. I have owned a dedicated 9.1.2 theatre system when I lived in a house with a Marantz flag ship reciever. When we moved to an apartment I sold my beloved home theatre and bought a soundbar. It didn't do it for me at all. Soundbars are really REALLY overpriced for what you're getting. They can never replace a real home theatre. This system though... oh my god. It's perfect in every way. It really sounds like a complete system with real speakers all around. AND IT'S ONLY 4 SPEAKERS...! Amazing! And even though it has no center channel it has never bothered me. The virtual center channel is really good. That was my biggest concern buying the system, but it's a non issue actually. It works. HTA9 is expensive but all worth it if sound is a thing for you. Movies, music, tv-shows all sound so good. TIP... Try the system with Hans Zimmer live in Prague with Dolby Atmos. Oh my holy lord!

Great Review! Been waiting for this one for so long! You did a great job! Loved it!

Thank you for making the video… I know you’re a big fan of the Sonos system so I would have liked to hear a more direct “beat by beat” break down of what you feel is better… Thank you.

I love your enthusiasm in describing the product and the way you go about how fabulous it sounds. I will say, when I first saw the picture of the system I thought how cheap it looked. Then when I saw the price I had to be takin to the ER at my local hospital. So much for looking cheap. Again, excellent video of the product. I signed up. Ted

My mother-in-law wants to get this system after I convinced her of its awesome-ness. Just wish it was in stock, haha! Thanks for the review, man! Glad you finally got your hands on one!

Ha! You finally got your hands on one! Grats bud. Lookin forward to watching this review.

After years of neglecting my HT. I finally got my perfect setup. Sony A80j 77 Oled ,HTA9 with SW5 Sub and Panasonic Ub820. Just received everything today , right on time for the Super Bowl. Jonah, Thanks for all your insight and excellent reviews.

Great review Jonah!!! Yeah that price needs to drop a little. Glad you reviewed it and sounds like this may be the best system to shoot for.

I put in a backorder for this system at Crutchfield on Black Friday hope it won't take too much longer to come in seems like a great system

I have a LOVE SAC couch with Harman and Kardon Stealth Tech sound system in side the couch. It's an amazing 360 experience on the couch but anyone not sitting on the couch doesnt get the same experience. So I am looking for ways to improve or add to my system and I was wondering, do you think that the Sony HT-A9 could be used as the main from the TV Earc to the HDMI IN , then use the Earc TV out to goto my couches HDMI ARC IN?

Nice review!Would you prefer this with bass system over any soundbar system around the same price? Also do these work at above ear level?

Great vid!!! How would you rate this system in comparison with the Sonos with TWO subs??? Thanks...

Got mine today! Which rotating mounts you recommend?

Can you plug in an AV receiver as the input to expand the number of inputs that can be used/to add third party subs? I.e., sub, game console, blu ray player -> AV receiver -> input of the HT-a9 receiver -> output to TV and then just control what the HT plays by controlling the AV receiver

@jonah matthes: which one is better sony ht-a9 or sonos arc? I’ve watch both your reviews and both of them were good. But now, I’m confused which one to buy. 😅 which one would you recommend? thanks

I plan on getting a A95K and I may as well go all in and get a HT-A9 too

SONY really did a great job with these. An Innovative and well executed product 👍👍

hey there! awesome review. Question for you, i have the Sony a1e oled, can i use the acoustic feature with these?

So what room did you test it in? The mismatch placement or the one where it's in front of TV?

Great review Jonas. The words "blown away" are getting common with the Sony HT-A9. I've had this for several months now and I'm just so happy with the way it performs. Suggest movie: A Quiet Place 2. The scene with the Dad and daughter in the bar (when the aliens first attack) is incredible and the system really shines.

@Jonah, will you be doing a comparison video between this system and the A7000? I've watched your review of that and have been highly considering buying that lately, but I'm curious how this one compares to that, especially when you take into consideration the new SA-RS5's that will be coming out in a few months. I was going to buy those with the A7000/subwoofer, but with this out, I'm curious which one is better sounding overall, because the price point of both systems (including future SA-RS5's) will be roughly the same. Also, can you clarify your note about the Sony interface? Does the Sony interface pop up if I'm, say, streaming Netflix from my built in TV app, or do I have to go to the HDMI arc input on the TV to be able to see the interface? Lastly, does the A9 set come in a black option?

@jonah, a LOT of folks are complaining about sound drops and having to reset the system half way through a movie etc. Did you notice any of these? There's a lot of comments along the lines of "Be prepared for frequent trips into the setup menu to re-calibrate the wireless connection between the speakers". if you had to pick between this and the ht-a7000, both with subs. which one would you go for?

Great review ! After a year what do you think on getting one ?!

Sony look to be really kicking goals lately. Great TV reviews and great sound reviews.

please, would u recommend it over the BOSE 900 with surround and sub?

Great job & how would I add my subwoofer or you can’t? 😎👍

Great Video Jonah. I have a few questions though. Does this wireless speaker system/sound bar truly support high resolution audio. Many has stated that in order to obtain Hi Res audio components must be wired via HDMI 2.1 . Also, Many have complained about volume level , stating it does not get loud. Please give me your opinion on these two factors. Thanks in advance !

Looking forward to adding the similar 360 speakers to my ht-a7000 setup

Thx for the very quick responses! What options are there in the system to deal with unequal ceiling heights due to HVAC ceiling intrusions? I have a couple that partially affect the area: 1 ft. drop then extending to a partial 2 ft. drop in one corner of the room. So I am wondering if the system could deal with that, or would that throw the upward firing speakers haywire?

Hello, Greetings. I would like to know from your experience of use if this device is good for listening to music with an excellent sound experience.

I LOVE MY SONY HT-Z9F IS IT WORTH UPGRADING TO THE HT-A9

I’m hoping other manufacturers take note on how popular these are. I would love to see more powered and wireless separates options. Klipsch, JBL. You can do that with Kef LS50 wireless and B&W duos but those are a completely different price range (and no height speakers).

Great review! Thank you! I’m considering buying this system. I’ve read many reviews with complaints of audio dropping. Have you experienced a similar issue? Tia

What kind of speaker stands do you recommend that have that adjustment you mentioned?

Hi. I am looking to get decent surround system for listening to house music and occasionally watching movies. Choosing between this one sony а7000, bose 900 and samsung q950a ? Which one would you recommend for higher quality audio? Thanks

How good would the ATMOS work with a ceiling with wooden beams (so not flat) and is there a sound quality loss over bluetooth compared to wired?

Hi, Today i have sonos Arc, sub and 2 SL. Is it worth to upgrade to Sony HT-A9 or do u think sonos i equal good?

Is this better than the sonos?

Can the main hub be hidden behind a wall mounted tv or do the speakers need direct line of sight?

Nice video. Does the subwoofer have a noticeable delay in surround sound mode? Been years since I tested one. I'm sure the techs been improved

Will the A95L act as a good center channel with its acoustic surface?

What do you think is it better than avr and separate speaker system

This review made my decision to buy them. Thanks a lot. Just a suggestion needed.. is this Ht-A9 better than traditional setup like klipsh or kef speakers installed with reciever and stuff ? Love from India 🇮🇳

Jonah, Any comparison between Sen Ambeo and HT A9?

I've had this system for a few months now, it's the best thing you can buy before stepping up to a full separate system.

Great review my man..

Great review! Does the control box display the type of audio (Dolbay Atmos, DTS X, etc.) it's receiving from the source?

Question, can I sync any wireless sony subwoofer of older gen and setups to this new setup?

Hey jonah plz just do a comparison between the sony a7000 with sw5 nd with the new SARS5 vs ht 9 with sw5 plz..

Just put my order in for Best Buy earlier today, I’m so happy to be getting them back. I immediately noticed the thinner soundstage after hooking my Sonos back up. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sonos, but it’s going in the bedroom

what is your opinion comparing this to Bose Lifestyle 650. Please tell me what you think ;) thanks

One big limitation I see is that even with SW500, I am not able to pump up all the wattage at 80% volume. I have many songs with good lower base, and i am also using the equaliser in the Amazon music to max the base. But even then, I can see max 30% utilisation of the woofer. I think in the next firmware update, the amplification factor for the base should be increased by 3x.

Hi Jonah, is there any significant differences with or without a Sony Tv for center channel? Will soundbar perfom better? I have it but I am not that impressed for now. Thank you

I am a hard core AVR user and do not like soundbars my self but this id like if I had money I would go for it.... Can you try the LG eclair? thank you for amazing reviews

Can you use this system with other kinds of tvs other than a sony tv

Can I hook up the HT-A9 High Performance Home Theater System with my HT A7000 soundbar together?

I've been waiting for these to come in stock for so long. But sadly the reviews seem a bit mixed because most are noting rear speaker issues.

Can you mount 2 speakers upside down close to ceiling?

And a receiver and 5.0 system can be had for $1k on the low end (all new)

ABT Electronics is running a sale on this right now. It was $2552.37 out the door including shipping. It’s arriving tomorrow!

Great review thank you. But three Tidal plugs was pushing it.

How’d you get your hands on one? I’ve been trying for months! Great review. I’ll have to check out the 360 Reality Audio on Tidal. Right now I enjoy Dolby Atmos on a pair of Apple HomePods - I can’t wait to hear it on this system.

Hi i wanna know if my tv supports dolby digital but the sound bar doesn't. Can i do something by which my tv can send dolby to soundbar to decode

Jonah , my tv doesn't have earc , is it not worth to buy HTA9 buddy?

Thanks for the video review

Would this system sound good with the front two speakers sitting on top of 7 foot high bookcases sitting next to the TV? Ceiling height above the bookcases is 11 feet, peaking at 12 feet directly above the TV. Thank you for any input.

🤔 I wonder if I could connect my Vizio subwoofer (currently paired with a Vizio sound bar) to these Sony speakers? These look AMAZING.

Can you advise which is better ht a9 or q950a

I purchased a Samsung Q950A Soundbar in August 2020, but it developed an issue that Samsung was unable to rectify or replace. I chose to get a full refund, which Samsung obliged; now, I am in the market for a new home theatre/ soundbar. With cost not being a constraint for me, would you recommend me to pick up the Sony HT A9 with the Subwoofer SW5 or go in for the same Samsung Q950A Soundbar? Unfortunately, I'm not much of a fan of your favourite Sonnos arc with the subwoofer and rear speakers. Which is a better choice pound for pound. I would certainly value your opinion. My room size is large and rectangular, with the ceiling height at 9 feet. Ps I am from India

I currently own the ZF9 soundbar owner and I'm trying to decide what upgrade to get for my audio. On the one hand the HT A9 from Sony looks great from what I've researched but the lack of a dedicated centre channel is really putting me off on going with that. It's pretty much the only thing that's making me want to get a soundbar at this point. Do you think I'm better off going with a new soundbar like the bose 900 or the Sony HT A9? Will I regret not having a centre channel?

So how does it compare with the HT-A7000?

Guru, could you please comment in the Dolby features when connected to a 2016 4k TV with ARC, 2020 with no XR and 2021 TV with XR?? Thank you

can we put hta9 box in rear near projector.... will it connect wirelessly with front speakers placed 20 feet away near projection screen

jonah, i just returned a samsung HW-T650 sound bar system to the factory for repair and it was out of warranty but samsung agreed to fix it parts/labor for free. i never liked it as it was wimpy and weak and the subwoofer never contributed much so i think it had board gremlins from the beginning. plus i was using it through bluetooth and found out that does govern its entire abilities. i want to get another soundbar to hookup either hdmi or optical cable and i will let the geek squad do it this time to set it up properly and put wires in wall. what would you recommend i get as a sound bar that will give us good volume, clarity and pack some punch. and i would like to listen to music once in a while. would you recommend the HW-A650 ? I don't want to spend more than 3-4 hundred. i have a six month old samsung 70 inch tv that was not high end, like 700 dollars. Thanks for any advice, jim

Samsung is quite good and can be had for closer to 1k which is a steal and not far off htA9 in terms of performance. But if you want the best you need to pay still cheaper than regular HT setup

Just got the HT A9 for Christmas replacing the Roku sound bar pro with sub and 4 surround speakers (5.1.4) which the verdict is still out on if I think the a9 is better, just wanted to throw this out there, are there any one still experiencing drop outs. Most reviews are saying that the problem is fixed but I'm still seeing some saying that they still are. Although I feel like it might be a small upgrade but I haven't gotten that WOW factor yet. As it stands right now is, I'll probably keep the system since I have it but,if I get one drop out that I didn't cause, it'll be going back unless I get that WOW factor. I'm doing speaker and sub placement until I realize that the WOW factor isn't coming. Lol

@Blazin Reviews I got my hta9 along with sw3 but tbh either I am missing something on setup or i have a very large living room but sound is average at best, also no rear speakers when i bluetooth stream audio from my phone, any tips will be appreciated! Thanks man

Nice impressions, still not sure why they did not make a small centre Chanel speaker.

can i use a big bluetooth speaker with aux input as center channel by connecting it to the S-center out port on the A9 control module??

Good stuff. It seems like you like everything but the price.......and availability. Any secrets or channels you know to maybe obtain a set?

As i dont own a tv is there a chance to listen to those on my laptop without losing sourround sound??

You convinced me to finally switch to a soundbar with the HTA7000, but now I’m not so sure. I saw Sony has a pair of upward firing rear speakers for preorder on their website that looks similar to this. I think I’ll wait for those before I decide.

Ordered it, but has a demand, hope to get it before end of this month

Hi, can we connect both HT-A9 and HT-7000 Soundbar along with a subwoofer to a Sony TV?

Ok the connectivity issue concerns me a bit. I have the Samsung Q990B system (which sounds PHENOMINAL) but also can experience connectivity problems. Was thinking about selling it and getting Sony in its' place. Now, not so sure. Does anyone else have a connectivity problem with the Sony. Any input would be most welcome!

Would you trade your Sonos Arc, 2 SLs and Sub for the Sony HT-A9? Thinking of selling my set to get this as many reviewers are saying the same as you about the quality of the sound bubble. Will you be doing a comparison video for this relative to other sets?

Hii jonah, why you select domain "thehometheatrediy" rather than only "hometheatrediy". Thanks 😊

This one or the Bose 650 Lifestyle? TY

How does this compare to the q950a?

How does this work with a projector setup.?

Can you listen to music without the TV (or Projector in my case) on?

how did you connect them to the wall?

Do you think Sonos arc with 2 fives and 2 sub are better than these HT-A9 with sub? Anyone had experience with both setup. Thank you for your input.

Thanks for the review. It would be perfect with an optional center speaker (even sony compatible TV used as a center channel is not the best solution) and the possibility to connect any, even non-wireless, sub. It's a great annoyance if you already have a great sub for your hi-fi audio system and need to purchase another one (and find a space for it as subs tend to be large!). Limiting a sub for a specific product(s) only is a wrong design decision IMO. I also don't get only a single black color option for a sub and white for the speakers. With white speakers, a lighter color option for the sub would look much nicer and less visible, so they should have offered at least 2 color variants for both, the speakers and the sub. Also, speakers' Bluetooth connectivity seems to be causing problems for some users so they should have used something better that will work for everyone in any situation (wi-fi etc?). It seems it's a great product, but for the money they ask it should have been a bit more polished and variable.

may I know without sony as s center.. the phantom center issit a must to be sitting at the sweet spot of center position whereas others which is not at the sweet spot will have difficulty listening to dialogue? Cause I am comparing hta9 vs q990b.. which I felt hta9 surround is great