I did not expect this midrange Sony soundbar to rival my Sonos system like this

Sony Bravia Theater System 6

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Bravia Theater System 6 consists of a middle channel soundbar, two rear audio system, and an exterior subwoofer for $800.
• It gives nice sound, in-app Bravia audio options, and a easy person expertise.
• With out Wi-Fi connectivity, many wi-fi streaming choices are unavailable, however the film and TV watching expertise stays unchanged

extra shopping for selections

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A soundbar is a must have to accompany your TV — your TV’s audio system will not minimize it. Even in the event you assume you do not want one, you will by no means return when you get one. Belief me. Nevertheless, a soundbar solely will get higher when it has rear audio system and a subwoofer working alongside it. Though some fans might encourage you to assemble your individual dwelling theater, you should buy one in a field.

Additionally: The best soundbars of 2025: Expert tested and recommended

You needn’t pay over $1,000 for an honest dwelling theater in a field, though a less expensive system will omit some premium options. A midrange choice like Sony’s Bravia Theater System 6 is a strong choice for individuals who wish to improve their TV with out going excessive. 

The System 6 isn’t a flagship soundbar, nevertheless it’s not essentially for newbies, both. The system consists of a middle channel bar, two rear audio system, one exterior subwoofer, and all the mandatory wires and connectivity packing containers.

Not like Sony’s flagship Bravia dwelling theater merchandise, the System 6 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and depends on wired connections for energy. The System 6’s lack of Wi-Fi means it is incompatible with wi-fi streaming choices like AirPlay, Spotify Join, or Google Solid. 

Additionally: I was struggling to hear TV dialogue until this soundbar fixed everything for cheap

Though this method lacks Wi-Fi wi-fi streaming, Sony fitted it with its Digital Sound Enhancement Engine to boost the sound high quality of compressed audio through Bluetooth streaming. 

The System 6 is suitable with wi-fi streaming through Bluetooth, and the principle soundbar contains an optical enter for a bunch of Dolby Digital audio codecs. The soundbar’s HDMI eARC enter is answerable for accessing Dolby Digital audio codecs, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X spatial audio codecs.

Again to the shortage of Wi-Fi — its absence means you will need to replace the System 6 the old-school method. As a substitute of an in-app, over-the-air replace, you will must obtain the software program replace to a flash drive, plug it into the soundbar, and add the up to date software program.

Nevertheless, if wi-fi streaming is not in your record of must-haves, the System 6 performs properly at delivering massive sound for film and TV watching. The system’s star is the exterior subwoofer. When you lug it to your required location, it brings all the pieces collectively. The sub is gigantic, weighing in at 25 kilos with a 15-inch cupboard.

Additionally: I compared my Sonos Arc Ultra with an unlikely soundbar rival, and it went down to the wire

The System 6’s rear audio system are wired and should be plugged into the included amp field for connectivity. As soon as all the pieces is plugged in, Sony’s Bravia Join app will provide help to get the System 6 up and working.

The System 6’s 10 speaker lineup helps a 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration, notably with out devoted upfiring audio system. This soundbar helps Sony’s digital encompass expertise, which is a strong choice for individuals with excessive ceilings, since upfiring audio system want a ceiling to bounce sound from.

Watching a Monday Evening Soccer recreation with the System 6 was nothing in need of a very good time. The subwoofer will get loads deep, and the principle soundbar clearly replicated the announcers’ play-by-play commentary. Even higher, there was one significantly excited fan within the crowd whose fixed cheering from the appropriate rear speaker made me really feel like I used to be in US Financial institution Stadium with the touring Atlanta Falcons followers.

Additionally: I did not expect this JBL soundbar to outperform pricier models by Sonos and Bose like this

System 6 is suitable with Sony’s Evening Mode, which decreases bass and clears dialogue at decrease volumes, and Voice Mode, which boosts dialogue. Extra dialogue enhancement expertise is offered to customers with choose Bravia TVs.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

At $800, the Sony Bravia Theater System 6 is a succesful theater-in-a-box, greatest suited to individuals who do not need a system with all the newest bells and whistles, however nonetheless need nice efficiency. It’s kind of of a monster to unpack and arrange, however as soon as the System 6 goes, it is extremely simple. 

The System 6 lacks Wi-Fi; subsequently, fascinating wi-fi streaming choices aren’t accessible. Nonetheless, in the event you imagine soundbars are strictly for watching TV and films, then the lacking Wi-Fi connectivity should not be a urgent subject.

Excessive-performing theaters-in-a-box are usually $200 to $400 greater than the System 6, and in case you have a suitable Bravia TV, selecting the System 6 is a no brainer. Nevertheless, if you’d like an excellent higher-performing soundbar, think about the flagship Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9. If completely wired rear audio system aren’t your vibe, however you continue to need immersive encompass sound, think about the JBL Bar 1000MK2.