The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 is a 5.0.2-channel soundbar from Sony, listed at $998. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (5.0.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓Decodes both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓HDMI input with 8K pass-through - a spare port for a console or player
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- ✓Room correction tunes the sound to where it is placed
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- Nothing the published specs count against it.
Channels and Surround Sound
The 5.0.2 badge means 5 ear-level channels (left, centre, right and 2 for width or surround), 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Virtual surround: 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one wirelessly but does not come with it. Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket included).
Connections
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; 1 HDMI input with 8K video pass-through (HDMI 2.1).
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHZ), with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect; Bluetooth; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode, room correction.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 43.31 x 2.63 x 4.44 in (W x H x D), or 1100 x 67 x 113 mm, and weighs 10.3 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 50-inch TV (43.6 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.63 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 8 Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 5.0.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Drivers | Tweeters: Soft-Dome (3); Midrange: 1.8125"x2.25" Cone (4); Woofers: 1.8125"x3.625" Cone (4); Enclosure: Sealed |
| Power (bar, total) | 495 watts |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 1 |
| Video pass-through | 8K |
| HDMI version | 2.1 |
| Optical inputs | No |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect |
| Voice control | No |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 43.31 x 2.63 x 4.44 in / 1100 x 67 x 113 mm |
| Weight | 10.3 lbs / 4.67 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket included) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $998 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.