A soundbar can take a valuable HDMI socket away from a gaming setup. Sony's Theater Bar 7 gives one back through a passthrough input that can carry 4K at 120 Hz. That is a concrete reason to choose it over an all-in-one bar with only a TV connection.
In depth
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 7 review
Published
Best forA console owner who wants a compact soundbar with a high-bandwidth HDMI input.
At a glance
- Channel configuration
- 5.0.2 (RTINGS channel classification)
- Included system
- All-in-one soundbar
- Immersive audio
- Dolby AtmosDTS:X
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
Pros
- 4K/120 Hz and VRR passthrough for a compatible games source.
- Room calibration and a discrete center channel in a single cabinet.
Cons
- The standalone bar offers limited deep bass in testing. 1
- Compatible rear speakers and subwoofers are optional purchases.
Sound Quality
- Nine speaker units
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS:X
RTINGS found the standalone Bar 7 reproduced dialogue with detail, helped by its center channel, but had limited output at the bottom of the bass range. A conversation can benefit immediately; the weight of a film explosion is a different demand. If that is your main reason to upgrade, allow for a subwoofer in the budget. 1
Connectivity
- HDMI eARC
- HDMI input
- 4K/120 Hz passthrough
Connect a compatible console directly to the bar if the TV has only one remaining fast socket. eARC can also return sound from TV apps. Voice Zoom 3 is a separate convenience that requires a compatible BRAVIA television, so don't count on that feature with every TV brand.
Room Setup
- Sound Field Optimization
- Optional wireless rears and sub
Room calibration accounts for the listening position. Sony specifies compatible rear speakers for the expanded 360 Spatial Sound Mapping experience. Before planning a phased purchase, check the exact rear model rather than assuming any wireless Sony speaker can join the system.
Alternatives
Sony's Theater Bar 6 includes a separate subwoofer, so it's the more direct route to deeper bass. The Bar 7 makes more sense if you have no good place for that cabinet or if the extra HDMI passthrough is valuable. 1
Verdict
The Bar 7 belongs on a shortlist for a compact gaming and dialogue setup. The case for it is strongest when the room limits the number of boxes and the TV limits the number of fast inputs.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- RTINGSSony BRAVIA Theater Bar 7 review (opens in a new tab)https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/sony/bravia-theater-bar-7
Black standalone bar, 5.0.2 physical classification, bass limits, center channel and comparison to Theater Bar 6.