The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 is a 3.1-channel soundbar from Sony, listed at $348. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Decodes both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✗Decodes Dolby Atmos but has no height channels, so overhead effects are simulated
- ✗No rear speaker option, so surround stays virtual
- ✗No Wi-Fi - music streams over Bluetooth only
Channels and Surround Sound
The 3.1 badge means 3 ear-level channels (left, centre and right), 1 subwoofer channel. It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but with no height channels the overhead layer is created by processing rather than by drivers aimed at the ceiling. Virtual surround: Vertical Surround Engine.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A wireless subwoofer is included, measuring 7.63 x 15.31 x 16.5 in (W x H x D). It cannot add rear speakers. Wall-mountable: Yes (no bracket supplied).
Connections
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; optical digital input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
No Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 35.5 x 2.5 x 4.38 in (W x H x D), or 902 x 64 x 111 mm, and weighs 6.7 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 43-inch TV (37.5 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.5 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 3.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Drivers | Midrange: Racetrack Cone (3); Subwoofer: 5" Cone; Enclosure: Ported |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Virtual surround | Vertical Surround Engine |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 2.0 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Voice control | No |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 35.5 x 2.5 x 4.38 in / 902 x 64 x 111 mm |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs / 3.04 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 7.63 x 15.31 x 16.5 in (W x H x D), 16.12 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (no bracket supplied) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $348 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.