The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a premium soundbar designed to deliver an immersive audio experience with powerful sound output and advanced features. This soundbar features Dolby Atmos technology, which creates a virtual surround sound experience, making it perfect for watching movies or listening to music.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar, exploring its design and build quality, audio performance, connectivity options, and ease of installation and setup. We will also provide our verdict on whether this soundbar is worth the investment.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar features a sleek and stylish design with a slim profile, making it easy to integrate into any home entertainment setup. The soundbar is made of high-quality materials and feels solid and sturdy to the touch.
The soundbar measures 890mm in width, which is wide enough to provide a good soundstage while still being compact enough to fit under most TVs. The soundbar is also lightweight, weighing just 3.1 kg, making it easy to handle and install.
Audio Quality
The audio performance of the Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar is exceptional, thanks to its powerful drivers and advanced audio processing technologies. The soundbar features 2.1 channels, with a subwoofer built into the unit to provide deep and rich bass.
The soundbar also features Dolby Atmos technology, which creates a virtual surround sound experience by bouncing audio off the ceiling and walls to create a 3D audio experience. This makes the soundbar perfect for watching movies, as it creates an immersive audio experience that makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the action.
Soundbar Connectivity Options
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar features a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. The soundbar features Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
The soundbar also features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which allows you to connect it directly to your TV, and it will automatically switch on and off with your TV. This makes it easy to control the soundbar using your TV remote and eliminates the need for a separate remote control.
Ease of Installation and Setup
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar is easy to install and set up, thanks to its simple and intuitive interface. The soundbar comes with all the necessary cables and mounting hardware, making it easy to set up outside the box.
The soundbar also features a built-in calibration tool, which automatically adjusts the audio settings based on the acoustics of your room. This ensures you get the best possible audio performance, no matter where you place the soundbar in your home.
Our Verdict
Overall, the Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an exceptional product that delivers on its promises. The soundbar offers outstanding audio performance thanks to its advanced audio processing technologies and powerful drivers.
The soundbar also features a sleek and stylish design, making it easy to integrate into any home entertainment setup. It also features a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices.
Finally, the soundbar is easy to install and set up, thanks to its simple and intuitive interface. The built-in calibration tool also ensures you get the best possible audio performance, no matter where you place the soundbar in your home.
Soundbar Remote Control and User Interface
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar comes with a remote control that is easy to use and intuitive. The remote control allows you to adjust the volume, change the input source, and access various sound modes and settings.
The soundbar also features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The LED display on the front of the soundbar provides important information, such as the input source, volume level, and sound mode.
Soundbar Speaker Configuration
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar features a 2.1-channel speaker configuration with two front-firing drivers and a built-in subwoofer. The two front-firing drivers are positioned at each end of the soundbar, providing a wide and immersive soundstage.
The built-in subwoofer is positioned in the center of the soundbar, providing deep and rich bass. This configuration ensures the soundbar delivers a powerful and balanced audio performance, with clear vocals, detailed midrange, and impactful bass.
Bass and Treble Performance
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar delivers exceptional bass and treble performance thanks to its powerful drivers and advanced audio processing technologies. The soundbar features a built-in subwoofer with deep and rich bass, making it perfect for music and movies.
The soundbar also features advanced treble controls, allowing you to adjust the high-frequency response to your preference. This ensures you can fine-tune the soundbar to your liking, whether you prefer a brighter or warmer sound.
Soundbar EQ Settings
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar features a range of EQ settings that allow you to customize the sound to your liking. The soundbar features preset sound modes, including Cinema, Music, and Standard, that optimize the sound for different types of content.
The soundbar also features a customizable EQ setting, allowing you to adjust the bass and treble levels. This ensures you can fine-tune the soundbar, whether you prefer a more bass-heavy or treble-heavy sound.
Soundbar Soundstage and Imaging
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar delivers an exceptional soundstage and imaging performance thanks to its advanced audio processing technologies. The soundbar features Dolby Atmos technology, which creates a virtual surround sound experience by bouncing audio off the ceiling and walls to create a 3D audio experience.
This creates an immersive audio experience that makes you feel right in the middle of the action. The soundbar also features advanced imaging technologies, ensuring the sound is accurately placed in the stereo field, providing a precise and detailed soundstage.
Soundbar Surround Sound Performance
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar delivers exceptional surround sound performance thanks to its advanced audio processing technologies. The soundbar features Dolby Atmos technology, which creates a virtual surround sound experience by bouncing audio off the ceiling and walls to create a 3D audio experience.
This creates an immersive audio experience that makes you feel right in the middle of the action. The soundbar also features S-Force Pro Front Surround, which creates a wider and more enveloping soundstage, making it perfect for movies and TV shows.
Soundbar Dialogue Clarity
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers exceptional dialogue clarity thanks to its advanced audio processing technologies. The soundbar features Clear Voice technology, which enhances dialogue clarity by separating it from the background sound effects.
This ensures that dialogue is clear and easy to understand, perfect for movies, TV shows, and video games. The soundbar also features Night Mode, which reduces the volume of loud sound effects while enhancing the clarity of dialogue, making it perfect for late-night viewing.
Soundbar Volume and Power Handling
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar delivers exceptional volume and power handling thanks to its powerful drivers and advanced audio processing technologies. The soundbar has a maximum power output of 320 watts, ensuring it can handle even the most demanding audio content.
The soundbar also features advanced volume controls, allowing you to adjust the volume to your preference. This ensures you can enjoy your favorite content at the perfect volume level, whether you prefer a quieter or louder sound.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar features Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices. The soundbar supports Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures a stable and reliable wireless connection.
The soundbar also features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to connect to your home network and stream audio from a variety of online services. This ensures you can enjoy your favorite music and podcasts from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
Soundbar Compatibility with TV and Other Devices
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar is compatible with a wide range of TVs and other devices, ensuring that it can be used with almost any home entertainment system. The soundbar features HDMI ARC connectivity, allowing you to connect it to your TV and control it using your remote.
The soundbar also features an optical audio input, allowing you to connect it to other audio devices, such as CD players and gaming consoles. This ensures you can enjoy high-quality audio from all your favorite devices.
Soundbar Streaming Services Support
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar supports a wide range of streaming services, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content from home. The soundbar supports services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music, providing access to millions of songs and playlists.
The soundbar also supports online video services, such as Netflix and YouTube, allowing you to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows in stunning audio quality.
Soundbar Audio Codecs Supported
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar supports a wide range of audio codecs, ensuring it can handle almost any audio content. The soundbar supports popular audio codecs, such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The soundbar also supports high-resolution audio codecs, such as FLAC and WAV, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite music in stunning audio quality.
Soundbar Size and Compatibility with Room
The Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar is compact and easy to install, perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. The soundbar measures 890 x 64 x 96 mm, making it easy to place on a TV stand or mount on a wall.
The soundbar also features a slim and stylish design, ensuring it blends seamlessly with any home entertainment system. This ensures you can enjoy exceptional audio performance without sacrificing space or style.
Soundbar Brand and Reputation
Sony is a well-known electronics industry brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products. The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is no exception, offering exceptional audio performance and advanced features.
Sony is also known for its innovative technologies, and the soundbar features advanced audio processing technologies that deliver exceptional sound quality. The brand’s reputation for quality and innovation makes the Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar.
Soundbar Price and Value for Money
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is priced at the mid-range level, making it an affordable option for most people. Despite its affordable price, the soundbar offers exceptional audio performance and advanced features, making it excellent value for money.
Compared to other soundbars in its price range, the Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar offers exceptional sound quality and features, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar.
Soundbar Warranty and Customer Support
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar comes with a one-year warranty, providing peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. The soundbar also comes with excellent customer support, ensuring you can get help with any issues or questions.
Sony is known for its excellent customer service, and the brand offers a range of support options, including phone support, email support, and live chat support. This ensures you can get the help you need whenever you need it.
Soundbar Durability and Longevity
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is built to last, with durable construction and high-quality components. The soundbar features a sturdy build quality, ensuring it can withstand daily use and last for years.
The soundbar’s advanced audio processing technologies also ensured exceptional sound quality for many years. The soundbar’s durable construction and advanced technologies make it an excellent investment for anyone looking for a long-lasting soundbar.
Soundbar Energy Efficiency
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is energy-efficient, with a low power consumption rate. The soundbar features an auto-standby mode, which automatically turns the soundbar off when not in use, helping to save energy and reduce your electricity bill.
The soundbar also features an energy-saving mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining excellent audio performance. This ensures that you can enjoy exceptional sound quality without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Soundbar Portability and Convenience
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around and store. The soundbar measures 890 x 64 x 96 mm, making it easy to place on a TV stand or mount on a wall.
The soundbar also features Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from your smartphone or other compatible devices. This ensures you can enjoy your favorite content anywhere in your home without additional wires or cables.
Soundbar Mounting Options
The Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar comes with a variety of mounting options, making it easy to install and set up. The soundbar features a slim and stylish design, making it easy to place on a TV stand or mount on a wall.
The soundbar also comes with a mounting template and instructions, making it easy to mount on a wall. This ensures you can enjoy exceptional audio performance without sacrificing style or convenience.
Soundbar Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to other soundbars in its price range, the Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers exceptional audio performance and advanced features. The soundbar’s Dolby Atmos technology and advanced audio processing technologies ensure an immersive and dynamic audio experience.
Compared to the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 soundbar, the Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar offers better audio performance and advanced features, including Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. However, the Vizio M-Series soundbar offers a better surround sound experience thanks to its multi-driver configuration.
Soundbar Buying Guide and Recommendations
When shopping for a soundbar, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Audio performance: Look for a soundbar with advanced audio processing technologies and Dolby Atmos technology, which can provide an immersive and dynamic audio experience.
Connectivity options: Look for a soundbar with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, which allows you to stream audio from your smartphone or other compatible devices.
Compatibility with devices and streaming services: Look for a soundbar compatible with your TV and other devices and streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Size and compatibility with the room: Look for a soundbar that fits your room size and layout, and that can be easily mounted or placed on a TV stand.
Price and value for money: Look for a soundbar that offers exceptional value for money, with a mid-range price and advanced features.
Based on these factors, the Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar with advanced features and exceptional audio performance.
Soundbar Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Overall, the Sony HT-X8500 Bluetooth Single Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an excellent product that offers exceptional audio performance and advanced features at an affordable price. The soundbar’s advanced audio processing technologies and Dolby Atmos technology deliver an immersive and dynamic audio experience.
The soundbar’s easy installation and set-up, compatibility with various devices and streaming services, and sleek and stylish design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar. While it may not provide the best surround sound experience due to its single-driver configuration, the soundbar’s other features and overall value make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system.