{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
The sub blends nicely with the bar, which takes on the higher register with notable panache for its measurement. You’ll hear some wonderful contact to dialog and subtler results, particularly in the course of the sound. The bar isn’t notably lyrical or exact towards the highest of the frequency spectrum, but it surely’s nicely tuned and serves its job admirably on the system’s heart.
The System 6 doesn’t absolutely eschew 3D audio. It helps just about each main sound format, together with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and clicking the Soundfield button on the distant or app with supported content material notably adjustments the vibe. The encompass audio system push the sound ahead to just about mimic “sound objects” for a extra spherical sound. You received’t hear pointed overhead results like with true upfiring audio system, but it surely’s a pleasant possibility. You’ll be able to even see the format change from 5.1 or 7.1 to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X with Soundfield engaged.
I don’t advocate utilizing it for normal encompass or stereo content material, particularly music, which is the System 6’s weak level. Streaming out of your cellphone sounds good for many genres, however like loads of encompass configurations, the system is at its greatest when fed cinematic content material, even when it’s simply the giggle monitor in a sitcom or a well-mixed sporting occasion.
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Whereas watching a golf match in 5.1, I used to be nearly shocked on the close to visceral recreation of the course’s atmospheric din, particularly the singing hen close to the manufacturing microphones that appeared to take up residency behind my sofa. I had a equally transportative expertise taking part in the brand new co-op sport Cut up Fiction, which served up a feast of potent results, immersive environments, and traceable enemies to assist my spouse and me navigate the panorama.
Sony’s System 6 is extra of a problem than most of the greatest soundbars, and I’m nonetheless irritated by my firmware failures. Conversely, for its practically $800 value, you may get a extra conventional house theater setup, like this one from Klipsch. Nonetheless, the System 6 is extra handy and compact than multi-speaker setups, filling its personal area of interest with thrilling cinematics in a enjoyable and approachable bundle. Typically it pays to zig when everyone else zags. In case you are after an aesthetic and great-sounding system to your front room, it is value contemplating.