A soundbar has become an essential companion for your TV – relying solely on built-in TV speakers simply won’t deliver the audio experience you deserve. Even if you’re skeptical, once you experience a quality soundbar, there’s no turning back. The experience becomes even more impressive when paired with rear speakers and a subwoofer. While some audiophiles might advocate for building a custom home theater setup, convenient all-in-one solutions are readily available.
A Complete Home Theater Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t need to spend over $1,000 for a quality home theater system, though budget options may sacrifice some premium features. A midrange choice like Sony’s Bravia Theater System 6 offers an excellent option for those seeking to upgrade their TV audio without excessive spending.
The System 6 isn’t a flagship soundbar, but it’s not designed for beginners either. This comprehensive system includes a center channel bar, two rear speakers, one external subwoofer, and all necessary wires and connectivity components.
Key Features and Specifications
Unlike Sony’s flagship Bravia home theater products, the System 6 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and relies on wired connections for power. This absence means it’s incompatible with wireless streaming options like AirPlay, Spotify Connect, or Google Cast.
However, Sony has equipped it with its Digital Sound Enhancement Engine to improve compressed audio quality via Bluetooth streaming. The system supports Bluetooth wireless streaming, and the main soundbar includes an optical input for various Dolby Digital audio formats. The soundbar’s HDMI eARC input provides access to Dolby Digital audio formats, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X spatial audio formats.
Software Updates and Connectivity
The lack of Wi-Fi means software updates require a traditional approach. Instead of convenient over-the-air updates, you’ll need to download software to a flash drive, connect it to the soundbar, and manually upload the updated software.
Impressive Audio Performance
If wireless streaming isn’t a priority, the System 6 excels at delivering powerful sound for movies and TV viewing. The system’s standout component is the external subwoofer. This substantial unit weighs 25 pounds with a 15-inch cabinet and truly brings the entire system together.
The System 6’s rear speakers require wired connections and must be plugged into the included amp box. Once everything is connected, Sony’s Bravia Connect app guides you through the setup process.
Surround Sound Configuration
The System 6’s 10-speaker lineup supports a 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration, notably without dedicated upfiring speakers. This soundbar utilizes Sony’s virtual surround technology, which works particularly well for spaces with high ceilings, since upfiring speakers require a ceiling to bounce sound effectively.
Real-World Performance
Watching a Monday Night Football game with the System 6 delivered an exceptional experience. The subwoofer provides impressive depth, while the main soundbar accurately reproduces announcers’ commentary. The rear speakers create an immersive atmosphere, making you feel present at the stadium.
The System 6 is compatible with Sony’s Night Mode, which reduces bass and enhances dialogue at lower volumes, and Voice Mode, which further improves dialogue clarity. Additional dialogue enhancement features are available for users with select Bravia TVs.
Final Verdict
For its $800 price point, the Sony Bravia Theater System 6 represents a capable theater-in-a-box solution, ideally suited for those who prioritize performance over cutting-edge features. While setup requires some effort, the system is remarkably straightforward once operational.
The absence of Wi-Fi eliminates certain wireless streaming options. However, if you view soundbars primarily as tools for enhancing TV and movie audio, the missing Wi-Fi connectivity shouldn’t pose a significant concern.
High-performing theater-in-a-box systems typically cost $200 to $400 more than the System 6. If you own a compatible Bravia TV, choosing the System 6 becomes an obvious decision. For those seeking even higher performance or wireless rear speakers, premium alternatives exist, but the System 6 establishes an impressive benchmark for midrange home theater systems.
