Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar Review

January 6, 2025

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Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar Review

In today’s world, audio quality plays a crucial role in the overall entertainment experience, especially when it comes to watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. The Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar offers a compelling solution for those looking to enhance their home audio experience without the clutter of multiple speakers. This slim, powerful soundbar delivers a rich, cinematic sound experience with advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, specifications, pricing, and more to help you decide if this soundbar is right for you.

Quick Specs

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the key specifications of the Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar:

Sound Channels: 2.1 channels with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Subwoofer: Built-in dual subwoofers for enhanced bass
Dimensions: 890 x 64 x 96 mm
Audio Technologies: Virtual Surround Engine, Vertical Surround Engine
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical input
Sound Modes: Seven preset sound modes
Voice Enhancement: Enhances voice clarity
Colors: Available in black
Price Range: Competitive pricing for a Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar

See Full Specifications

Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Release Date

Sony launched the HTX8500 in 2019, and it quickly gained popularity among users looking for an affordable yet high-quality audio solution. With its slim design, robust features, and seamless integration with Sony TVs, the HTX8500 continues to be a popular choice for consumers.

Unboxing the Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Soundbar

Upon unboxing the Sony HTX8500, you’ll find the soundbar itself, a remote control, HDMI cables, power cables, and an optical cable. The setup is simple, thanks to the included HDMI ARC and Bluetooth capabilities, which allow for easy wireless pairing with your TV. The soundbar’s sleek design is ready to be placed under your TV without taking up much space.

Design, Display, and Controls

The Sony HTX8500 is slim and elegant, with dimensions of 890 x 64 x 96 mm. This makes it a great choice for those who want high-quality sound without cluttering their living space with bulky speakers. The front is covered with a punched metal speaker grille, which not only adds to the aesthetic but also provides durability. On both sides of the soundbar, you’ll find subwoofer ducts that enhance the bass response.

The controls on the soundbar are straightforward, featuring a combination of physical buttons and remote control access for convenience. The Sony HTX8500 integrates well with Sony TVs, offering seamless operation, and can also be controlled through voice assistants when paired with a compatible Sony TV.

Differences Between Sizes and Variants

Currently, the Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is available in a single size. There are no multiple variants of this model, but you can find various color options across different Sony soundbar lines. While the HTX8500 remains the flagship in this category, Sony offers other models that might cater to those who need more channels or different features like Wi-Fi connectivity or multi-room audio.

Available Colors of Sony HTX8500 2.1ch

The Sony HTX8500 is available in black, which complements the sleek, modern design. The color choice ensures that the soundbar blends well with most home theater setups, especially if paired with a Sony TV.

Features of the Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar

The Sony HTX8500 soundbar is packed with advanced features designed to elevate your audio experience. Let’s break down some of the standout features:

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support

The HTX8500 offers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, both of which are industry-leading sound formats. These technologies create a more immersive audio experience by providing a 3D soundstage and simulating sounds from above and around you. This makes watching movies, playing games, or listening to music feel more realistic and engaging.

Virtual Surround Sound with Vertical Surround Engine

Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine technology enables the HTX8500 to simulate a 7.1.2 surround sound system, even though it only has two front-facing speakers. This is ideal for those who want the immersive feeling of surround sound without the need for additional speakers.

Powerful Built-In Dual Subwoofers

The HTX8500 comes with dual built-in subwoofers that deliver deep bass without requiring an external subwoofer. This feature allows the soundbar to provide rich, thumping bass sounds, which is perfect for watching action-packed movies or playing games that demand low-frequency effects.

Seven Sound Modes

To enhance your entertainment experience, the Sony HTX8500 offers seven different sound modes, including:

Standard Mode: For general audio listening.
Cinema Mode: For an immersive movie-watching experience.
Music Mode: Optimized for music playback.
Game Mode: Perfect for gaming audio.
News Mode: Boosts voice clarity for better understanding of speech.
Sports Mode: Enhances the stadium-like experience for sports content.
Night Mode: Lowers the volume of loud sounds while boosting quieter audio.

Voice Enhancement

The Voice Enhancement feature isolates and amplifies voices, making dialogue clearer even when background noise is present. This is especially useful in action movies or shows with lots of ambient sound.

Wireless Connectivity

The HTX8500 supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless pairing with your smartphone, tablet, or compatible Sony TV. This feature allows you to stream music or podcasts directly to the soundbar without any physical connections. Additionally, HDMI ARC enables you to control the soundbar with your TV remote, making operation seamless.

Slim and Compact Design

At just 64 mm in height, the HTX8500 is slim enough to sit neatly beneath your TV, offering powerful sound in a small form factor. Its minimalist design ensures that it doesn’t dominate your space.

Price and Availability

The Sony HTX8500 is priced competitively for a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundbar, making it an attractive option for those looking for high-quality audio at a reasonable price. The soundbar is available for purchase from various retailers, both online and in physical stores. The price may vary slightly depending on the region and ongoing sales or promotions.

Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Comparison

Compared to other soundbars in the same price range, the Sony HTX8500 stands out due to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, which are typically found in higher-end models. It also competes well with other popular soundbars like the Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch Soundbar or Sony SA-SW5 Wireless Subwoofer, offering similar audio performance at a more affordable price point.

When compared to more premium models, the HTX8500 lacks some advanced features such as multi-room audio, Wi-Fi streaming, or a full surround speaker setup. However, for its price, it offers a robust and high-quality audio experience.

Is it Worth Buying the Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar?

If you’re in the market for a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank, the Sony HTX8500 is an excellent option. It provides Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, which enhances your home theater experience by delivering immersive sound. The built-in dual subwoofers offer powerful bass, and the seven sound modes ensure the audio is tailored to suit any type of content.

The HTX8500 is also ideal for those who have limited space, as its slim design doesn’t take up much room. Plus, with Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connectivity, it’s easy to set up and integrate with your existing TV.

For those who don’t require additional features like multi-room audio or voice control, the HTX8500 provides an affordable yet premium solution.

Conclusion

The Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is an impressive addition to Sony’s home audio lineup. With its immersive sound technologies, sleek design, and easy setup, it offers great value for the price. Whether you’re a movie lover, gamer, or music enthusiast, this soundbar can elevate your entertainment experience. Its balance of features and affordability makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s sound without the complexity of multiple speakers.