When Sony reached out to send me their new HT-A3000 soundbar, my expectations were low. My last encounter with a subwoofer-less soundbar, the LG SH7Q, left much to be desired despite its power. So, the prospect of a smaller, lower-powered soundbar didn’t exactly excite me. However, I was in for a surprise.
Retailing at approximately $895 AUD (though it can be found for around $750), the HT-A3000 positions itself as a mid-range option in Sony’s lineup, offering Dolby Atmos capabilities and a triple speaker system, all without the need for an external subwoofer or additional wireless speakers. It’s an attractive proposition for those seeking a streamlined audio solution without sacrificing quality.
I’ve lived with the HT-A3000 for several weeks, watching Netflix, gaming on my PS5, and streaming music for impromptu dance sessions with my daughters. Despite some volume issues, this is one of the best subwoofer-less soundbars I’ve experienced.
Design and Build
The Sony HT-A3000 is a modest-looking device, a simple slab of plastic and metal. It might not win any design awards, but it’s sleek enough to blend seamlessly into most setups. Measuring at a compact size, it won’t dominate your entertainment space and can be wall-mounted with the right brackets, offering versatility in placement.
Sony opted for a triple front-firing speaker setup, using virtualization to emulate surround sound to surprising effect. The ports are set at the back of the bar and aren’t the easiest to access, but this is mostly a set-and-forget situation.
On the soundbar is a selection of capacitive touch buttons for power, input, streaming, Bluetooth, and volume control. However, most users will rely on the bundled remote, which is quite similar to the controller included with Sony’s TVs. There is also a small built-in display on the front panel of the bar, which indicates the input you’re using, as well as showing update progress status and various other settings.
Connectivity and Smart Features
This soundbar is equipped with two HDMI ports: one for 4K 120Hz passthrough and an eARC port for connecting to your TV. If paired with a compatible TV like the Sony Bravia XR A80L, the setup is seamless. You can control the soundbar directly through the TV’s interface, bypassing the bundled remote entirely. The HT-A3000 integrates effortlessly into your home setup, making the initial connection and configuration a breeze.
The HT-A3000 is equipped with built-in microphones that intelligently measure the room’s acoustics to optimize sound output. This auto-calibration ensures you get the best possible audio performance regardless of your room’s layout.
Music enthusiasts will appreciate the support for Sony’s DSEE Extreme, which upscales compressed digital music in real-time, enhancing audio dynamics and providing a richer sound. Additionally, the soundbar supports Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast, allowing seamless streaming from your devices.
For those with a Bravia TV, the Acoustic Center Sync function is a game-changer. This feature allows both the TV and the soundbar to work in unison, using the TV as a center speaker while the soundbar handles the rest of the audio. The integration is smooth, and the convenience of having all controls within the TV’s UI means you can stash the soundbar’s remote.
Performance and Sound Quality
Despite its unassuming appearance and lack of an accompanying subwoofer, the HT-A3000 delivers a surprisingly robust audio experience. This $500 (AUD) soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos capability with a 3.1 channel setup, including three front speakers and a built-in dual subwoofer.
Setting up the HT-A3000 was straightforward. Once connected to Wi-Fi and following the on-screen instructions, I was treated to a demo of Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound. The clarity and separation were impressive, and I found myself appreciating the soundbar’s ability to project audio with depth and precision. You’ll need a service like Apple Music, Tidal, or Amazon Music to find mastered 360 audio music, but when you do, you’ll be impressed.
Additionally, the HT-A3000 supports all major Dolby formats including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos. From music listening to watching movies, the soundbar handles any Dolby input with ease.
In my tests, which included watching movies on Netflix and Disney+, broadcast TV, and gaming on a PlayStation 5, the HT-A3000 performed admirably. The vertical surround sound engine promises to cast sound above you, but in my experience, the effect was subtle to negligible. Virtual surround sound has its limitations, yet this soundbar does an admirable job within those constraints.
Even without additional wireless rear speakers, the HT-A3000 manages to create a sense of spatial surround sound that enhances your viewing and gaming experience. It has plenty of bass, though to truly appreciate it, you need to turn up the volume past 40%. Below that threshold, the sound can feel a bit lacking in punch.
Final Thoughts
After several weeks of use, I can confidently say the Sony HT-A3000 is the most impressive small soundbar I’ve encountered. It excels in delivering high-quality sound that enhances movies, games, and music alike. The absence of a subwoofer might be a dealbreaker for some, but this soundbar’s performance without one is noteworthy. I can only imagine how much better it would be with the addition of Sony’s wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.
Priced at around $895 in Australia, it’s in the same range as competitors like the Sonos Beam. While I would have preferred a price closer to $500, the HT-A3000 offers a compelling package that justifies its cost, especially if you can snag it on sale.
In conclusion, the Sony HT-A3000 soundbar proves that you don’t need a bulky setup to enjoy immersive audio. Its compact design, ease of setup, and impressive sound quality make it a strong contender in the market for those seeking a powerful yet unobtrusive sound solution.
Sony Australia kindly loaned the HT-A3000 to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
