Sonos Arc vs Sony HT-A9 : Comparative Review

Comparing Sonos Arc Vs Sony HT-A9, Sonos Arc wins the battle. Sonos arc is a 5.0.2 system and its overall sound production is a definition of wholesomeness. Where Sony HT-A9 doesn’t have any centre channel, Sonos Arc has a dedicated centre channel. There are many more aspects to Sonos Arc making it the better soundbar between two of these.

Pros

Flexible placement
Sub level option
Multi EQ options
Versatile
Works with voice enabled devices

Cons

Subwoofer not included

Where to Buy

Amazon

Buy on amazon

Ebay

Buy on Ebay

Ali-Expess

Wallmart

Buy on Wallmart

Advance Comparison

Model

Sonos Arc 5.0.2 Black

Sony HT-A9 7.1.4ch Soundbar

Brand Name

Sonos

Sony

Rating

Mixed Usage

7.8

7.7

SOUND QUALITY

7.6

BASS ACCURACY :

7.6

6.9

AUDIO & VIDEO LATENCY:

9.3

7.8

AUDIO ENHANCEMENT FEATURES:

6.6

8.9

BUILD QUALITY :

GENERAL

Number of Channel

5.0.2 Channel

7.1.4 Channel

Placement Type

Table-top , Wall-mountable

Wall-mountable

Connectivity Type

Both (Wired & Wireless)

Subwoofer Feature

Without Subwoofer

Rear Speaker

N/A

Central Channel Speaker

Yes

N/A

Audio Enhancement Features

Yes

HDMI input/output

N/A

Yes

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

N/A

Loudness

High Volume ( > 92db )

Moderate ( ± 80db)

Warranty

12 months Months

Connectivity:

Digital Optical Audio Input ( Toslink )

Adapter into HDMI ARC

None

HDMI ARC

1 (shared)

HDMI Output

None

1 (shared)

Full HDMI Input

None

1 HDMI Input

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

None

RCA Ports

USB Port

None

Ethernet Jack

Yes

Audio Quality ( Tested )

Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy

Frequency deviation from target is less than standard error (3.4 dB ); which means soundbar is very good to reproduce dialog and instrumental music

Bass Accuracy ( for music, film scores, movies, and games)

Soundbar 's Low-Frequency-Extension is more than 35 Hz. Which means It can reproduce the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass accurately.

3- Dimensional Sound Accuracy ( Sound Stage)

audio seems to be coming from a more accurate pinpoint location

Total Harmonic Distortion ( Center Channel )

It has dedicated center channel speaker and Total Harmonic Distortion of center channel @80dB is less than standard value(>0.7). So soundbar produce more clear and accurate audio of the dialogue in movies.

No Dedicated Center Channel Speaker. So, it can not produce sound quite as clear as 3.0, 3.2 , 5.1 or 7.2 channels Soundbar. But It has decent center performance to produce accurate audio and dialogue.

Surround Sound Imaging ( Rear Channel )

No dedicated rear channel (7.1 channel) but surround content produced by side-firing speakers on the bar is quite impressive and sounds seem to be coming from above you, behind you and on the sides.

Streo Dynamics ( Loudness ):

Dynamic Range Compression @ Max Volume is little bit more than standard deviation (<2 dB) and maximum valume is over 92 dB SPL

Dynamic Range Compression @ Standard Volume (80 dB) is less than standard deviation (<2 dB).

Audio & Video Latency

Here no visible latency via ARC (25 ms) and Optical (21 ms) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (N/A).

Here no visible latency via ARC (74 ms) and Optical (N/A) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (54 ms).

Audio Enhancement Features:

Digital Room Correction:

Yes

Auto Volume Adjustment/ Night Mode:

Yes

Equilizer Options:

None

Presets

Bass Adjustment ( Thump & Punch of sound)

Yes

Treble Adjustent ( Brightness and Clarity od Audio)

Yes

N/A

Surround Level Adjustment:

N/A

Yes

Virtual Surround Effect:

N/A

Yes

Supported Audio Format ( HDMI ARC)

eARC Standard

Yes

Dolby Atmos

Yes

Dolby Digital

Yes

Dolby Digital Plus

Yes

DTS

Yes

DTS: X

N/A

Yes

Dolby True HD ( eARC only )

Yes

DTS- HD MA (eARC only)

N/A

Yes

5.1 PCM ( eARC only )

Yes

Supported Audio Format (Full HDMI In' port ):

Dolby Atmos :

N/A

Yes

DTS:X :

N/A

Yes

Dolby Digital :

N/A

Yes

Dolby Digital Plus:

N/A

Yes

DTS :

N/A

Yes

Dolby TrueHD :

N/A

Yes

DTS-HD MA :

N/A

Yes

5.1 PCM

N/A

Yes

Audio Format Support ( Optical Port ):

Dolby Digital :

Yes

N/A

DTS :

Yes

N/A

Build Material

Enclosure

Acoustic Suspension

No Subwoofer

Finish

The bar is mostly made of plastic. It is an impressive build quality. Which feels solid and sturdy.

The speakers have metal grilles to protect the drivers inside. The control box is made of plastic.

Color

Black

Light Gray

Soundbar Width

44.9

6.3

Soundbar Height

3.4

12.2

Soundbar Depth

4.7

5.8

Subwoofer Width

N/A

Subwoofer Depth

N/A

Drivers Specs

Tweeter Size and Type :

Soft-Domes (3)

Midrange Size & Types:

Not Given

Woofer Size & Type :

Elliptical Cones (8)

None

Subwoofer Driver

None

Comparatives Review

Sonos Arc vs Sony HT-A9: Step by Step Comparison

Design:

The Sonos Arc is meant to be paired with significantly bigger TVs and just sit perfectly under your TV. The sculpted Sonos 5.0.2 cabinet is available in black or white and looks and feels like a high quality product, as illustrated by a lattice framework and touch-enabled control system. If you don't have a large enough sideboard to accommodate its width, the Arc can also be wall-mounted, with the onboard Trueplay tuning app automatically adjusting the resonant frequency.

The HT-speakers A9's are elevated than most soundbar surrounds at over 30cm, but Sony has tried to keep the design as simple as possible. The system is only available in one neutral colour, defined as a "light pearl," which will easily blend into concrete walls, stone rooms. The Sony HT-A9 is made up of four speakers and all of them are wireless. You will also get a ground system that helps connect to your TV while interacting wirelessly with the four speakers. The optional matte black wireless subs are boxy with rounded corners, and do not share the same aesthetic.

While Sonos arc comes in two monochromatic colours, Sony’s HT-A9 only comes in white colour making it less versatile.

Winner: Sonos Arc

Functions:

Sony Arc is a 5.0.2 channel system which has a dedicated Wi-Fi slot. The setup process, like everything else with the Arc, is crafted to be as straightforward as plausible, all the process is formulated via Sonos S2 mobile application. Following the initial plug-in, you will be prompted to download and install the app from the Google Play Store. Because the soundbar lacks a remote control, you can only use the Sonos app to control it. You will get no wireless functionality in Sonos ARC 5.0.2.

Sony HT-A9 has 7.1.4 channels with wireless facilities. HT-A9 is intended to be a full-fledged home cinema audio system, it supports 8K HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K content at 120fps. That's a solid offering because of which the content looks great - which is why it's a little surprising that the central server only has a mono HDMI input for linking multiple sources. However, for the more casual user, this system includes a number of time-saving smart features, such as it supports every music playback option as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming facilities. Apart from all these you will also get a remote control with a user friendly interface. The interface is simple and really useful.

Winner: Sony HT-A9

Sound Quality:

Sonos spent a significant amount of time refining the curvature of the internal wave guides, redesigning Trueplay to account for ceiling distance, angles, and acoustic performance, and tweaking Arc with Dolby Atmos content producers in music, movies, and TV. The audio capabilities of the Sonos Arc are outstanding. The Sonos Arc is, in fact, among the finest soundbars on the market at the moment now. It occasionally causes a lack of connection with the speaker bubble, but the dialogue delivery is outstanding. Sonos Arc 5.0.2 is so versatile that it works well with both movies and casual music. Because of its force cancelling drivers, it produces a clear, boomy, but not shaky sound.

Almost all audio and wireless technologies are supported by the Sony HT-A9. The HT-overall A9's sound is full and premium, and it easily filled our living room. It has adequate bass right out of the box, but if you want more, you'll need to invest in a subwoofer. Although you get accurate surround sound, it frequently shakes due to the boomy sound.

Winner: Sonos Arc

Sonos Arc Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Dolby Atmos incorporated sound production All-in-one unit that doesn’t need a supporting woofer Dedicated Sonos app	No Bluetooth Connectivity, all manual connections Doesn’t support DTS/DTS:X

Sony HT-A9: Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Full and Detailed audio quality Incorporates with all playback media Wirelessly connects the soundbar to the speakers	Expensive Doesn’t have a centre channel

Sony HT-A9 vs Sony HT-A9: Which is Better for What Purpose?

Both the soundbars have proved their worth through their amazing performance and capabilities but at the end there are some lackings that can’t be overshadowed.

If you are looking for a wireless surround sound system that is absolutely cable-free then you can go for Sony HT-A9. In that case price shouldn’t be your prime concern.

Sonos Arc is a versatile soundbar which excels in all expectations. In case you are a sucker for a good Dolby Atmos surround sound system then definitely Sonos Arc 5.0.2.

Final Words:

For a wholesome surround sound system then both the Sonos Arc and Sony HT-A9 are awesome. While Sonos offer exceptional performance and premium outlook at an affordable range, Sony offers detailed sound and wireless connectivity. But if you are confused in picking one favourite then you should buy Sonos Arc which is better in most of the aspects.