Sony HT-ST5 sound bar: 380 watts of 7.1 surround sound for under $1,000
The Sony HT-ST5 sound bar won't hit as hard as its linemates, but its compact design and extra features just might grab our recommendation.
When we published our review of the Sony HT-ST7 sound bar in 2013, our excitement over the contemporary design felt marred by the ambitious price tag, especially given the disappointing sound quality that couldn't match up to the visceral power of the competition. Fast forward about a year and Sony is back at it again, having just announced a new version called the HT-ST5 that features many of the same specs but this time with a wireless subwoofer.
The HT-ST5 continues Sony's tradition of sleek designs with its sharp edges and considerable heft. Behind the front speaker grille, you'll find a clear display that shows audio details like volume and input selection. Like the HT-ST7, the 380 watt ST5 bundles nine independent drivers and seven amplifiers into the sound bar with ample connectivity options around back for three HDMI 2.0 devices and more.
Sony also doesn't hold back on the variety of ways you can pair the HT-ST7 with a music player. The easiest is to make a wireless connection using NFC just by tapping your supported phone or tablet against the accompanying panel.
You can also use Bluetooth as well, which is great for convenience since almost all of today's music players feature Bluetooth as well, but keep in mind that fidelity always takes a hit when you send a signal over the air. The exception to the rule, of course, is Apple AirPlay, but Sony once again chose not to support it -- once again, we're not sure why.
Instead, Sony takes the technology in-house with a proprietary app called SongPal that uses a Wi-Fi signal to direct streaming music over the air and frees up your Bluetooth for other accessories. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android, though you can obviously make a hard connection using any of the ports on the back.
The Sony HT-ST5 sound bar will drop in late September for $999.99 with the Australian price point set at the same: AU$999. That converts to about £605, though international pricing isn't available yet.