I remember the exact moment I realized the built-in speakers on my brand-new, paper-thin television were a profound disappointment. We were settled in for a blockbuster movie night, the culmination of a long week. The opening scene was a visual masterpiece—a sweeping cityscape with helicopters roaring overhead. But sonically, it fell completely flat. The roar was more of a buzz, the epic orchestral score sounded like it was coming from a tin can, and when the characters started talking, their dialogue was a muffled mess, completely swallowed by the background noise. We spent the first twenty minutes constantly adjusting the volume, a frustrating dance between “too loud” during action and “what did they say?” during conversations. The immersion was shattered. This is the unfortunate reality of modern television design; as screens get thinner, the space for capable speakers vanishes, leaving us with a visual feast and an auditory famine.
- 5.1CH SURROUND SOUND: Hear cinematic surround sound and deep bass with 3 front-firing speakers, two rear speakers, and included subwoofer.
- SOUND STRAIGHT FROM CINEMA: Get the best streaming experience with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- CLEAR DIALOGUE: Catch every word in the scene with dedicated center channel speaker.
What to Consider Before Buying a Sound Bar System
A sound bar system is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming the audio experience that modern filmmaking and television production demands. It’s designed to bridge the gap between the lackluster performance of internal TV speakers and the complexity and expense of a full-blown, multi-component home theater receiver system. The main benefits are immediately apparent: dramatically improved audio clarity, especially for dialogue; a wider, more dynamic soundstage that makes movies and music feel alive; and deep, impactful bass that adds a visceral dimension to action sequences. It simplifies the path to cinematic sound, packing advanced audio technology into a relatively compact and easy-to-install package.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who craves a genuine home theater experience—the movie lover, the avid series binge-watcher, or the gamer who wants to feel every explosion and footstep. They want true surround sound with dedicated rear speakers but are perhaps intimidated by the prospect of wiring an AV receiver and calibrating numerous individual speakers. This system is a perfect middle ground. However, it might not be suitable for those with extremely limited space who cannot accommodate a separate subwoofer and rear speakers, or for the hardcore audiophile who prefers the granular control and component modularity of a traditional Hi-Fi setup. For those seeking a simpler upgrade, an all-in-one soundbar without separate components might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your media console and the space below your TV. A soundbar should be slightly narrower than your television for a balanced look. Crucially, consider the placement of all components. Where will the subwoofer go? Do you have space for rear speakers on stands or shelves behind your seating area? Pay close attention to the wiring requirements, as some systems, like the one we’re reviewing, have specific connection dependencies that can dictate placement.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the channel configuration. A 5.1 system, like this Sony, indicates three front channels (left, center, right), two rear channels (left, right), and a subwoofer (.1). This provides true surround sound. Also, check for support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which add height channels for a three-dimensional sound bubble. Connectivity is key; ensure it has an HDMI eARC port for the highest-quality, lossless audio transmission and seamless control with your TV remote.
- Materials & Durability: A well-built sound system should feel solid and substantial, not like hollow plastic. A metal grille is generally more durable and acoustically transparent than a fabric one, which can be prone to collecting dust and getting snagged. The quality of the included cables and the finish of the components speak volumes about the manufacturer’s attention to detail and the product’s expected lifespan.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How simple is the setup process? Many modern systems, including the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar, utilize a companion smartphone app to guide you through installation, which is a massive plus. Consider the balance between the physical remote and app controls. Regular firmware updates, often delivered wirelessly, are also important for bug fixes, performance improvements, and adding new features over time.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar stands out in several areas, particularly in its performance and feature set. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: Elevate faint sounds to vibrant with automatic loudness boost. Experience immersive sound through 4 versatile...
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
First Impressions: A Substantial System Ready for Business
Unboxing the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar, the first thing we noticed was the sheer weight and substance of the package. As one user aptly put it, “Wow that box is heavy,” and it immediately gives an impression of quality. Everything was extremely well-packaged, a point echoed in user feedback, ensuring all components arrived safe and sound. Inside, you find the main soundbar, a surprisingly large subwoofer, two rear satellite speakers, a wireless amplifier for the rears, a remote, and all the necessary cables, including an HDMI cable. The components themselves feel dense and well-constructed with a clean, minimalist black finish that should blend into most home theater setups without drawing undue attention. The soundbar itself is sleek and low-profile, designed to sit unobtrusively under the TV. The subwoofer, however, is a sizable unit, a clear indicator of its bass-producing ambitions. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought; it feels like a core component of the system, a premonition of its unique role in the setup process.
What We Like
- Genuine 5.1 channel surround sound with dedicated rear speakers
- Excellent dialogue clarity thanks to a dedicated center channel
- Powerful, room-shaking bass from the large subwoofer
- Seamless integration and enhanced features with Sony BRAVIA TVs
- Simple, app-guided setup process
Drawbacks
- Unconventional wiring system with a wired-to-subwoofer soundbar
- Basic physical remote requires app for advanced settings
Deep Dive: Deconstructing the Sony HT-S60’s Performance
A sound system’s true worth is measured not by its spec sheet, but by its performance in the real world. Over several weeks, we put the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar through its paces with a demanding gauntlet of blockbuster films, immersive video games, and a wide variety of music genres. What we discovered was a system of impressive capability, but one that comes with a significant design quirk that potential buyers absolutely need to understand.
Setup and Connectivity: A Tale of Two Wires
Sony has streamlined the initial setup to a remarkable degree. Following the lead of many modern electronics, the process is heavily guided by the BRAVIA Connect smartphone app. As one user noted, “the setup was very simple as once you download the app it literally walks you through step by step.” From unboxing to listening, we were up and running in under an hour. The app uses clear graphics to show you precisely where to plug everything in, making a potentially confusing process feel intuitive. Connecting to our LG OLED TV via the included HDMI cable to the eARC port was flawless; the TV immediately recognized the system, and our standard TV remote could control the volume without any extra programming. So far, so good.
However, this is where we encountered the system’s most controversial design choice, a point frequently raised by other users. Unlike most soundbar systems where the soundbar is the central hub and the subwoofer connects to it (often wirelessly), Sony has flipped the script. Here, the large subwoofer is the brain of the operation. The soundbar itself has no power cord; instead, it connects via a proprietary cable directly to the subwoofer. The subwoofer then connects to your TV via HDMI and to the wall for power. This means the subwoofer is not wireless and must be placed near your TV and soundbar. As one reviewer accurately described, “the subwoofer is the main system component and drives the wired soundbar speakers, requiring placement of this sizable device in front.” This design fundamentally limits subwoofer placement flexibility and can lead to more visible wires, a frustrating outcome for those aiming for a minimalist, cable-free look. The rear speakers, thankfully, connect to a separate wireless amplifier box, which then only needs a power outlet, offering much more placement freedom. This wiring architecture isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it is a critical piece of information that every potential buyer must consider for their specific room layout.
The Cinematic Soundscape: Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Immersion
Once you’ve navigated the setup, the audio rewards are immediate and profound. The difference between the TV speakers and the **Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar** is night and day. We cued up a Dolby Atmos-mixed action film, and the living room was instantly transformed. The system’s 10 total speakers work in concert to create a truly enveloping sound field. With dedicated rear speakers, the surround sound is authentic, not simulated. During a frantic chase scene, cars audibly zipped past our ears from front to back. The support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X adds that crucial layer of height information; rainstorms felt like they were happening overhead, and soaring spaceships had a tangible sense of vertical movement. It’s an immersive experience that simpler 3.1 or all-in-one bars simply cannot replicate.
One of the system’s greatest strengths, and a solution to my initial problem, is its handling of dialogue. The dedicated center channel ensures that voices are anchored to the screen and rendered with pristine clarity. We re-watched scenes that were previously a muddled mess and could hear every whisper and witty retort perfectly, even amidst chaotic action. This sentiment was shared by a user who exclaimed, “Finally we can hear our old Sony… Plugged the soundbar into our TV and was blown away from the sound.” Then there’s the bass. The subwoofer is not just for show; it’s a powerhouse. It delivers deep, resonant low-frequency effects that you can feel in your chest. Explosions have a satisfying thud, and movie scores are given a rich, weighty foundation. One reviewer aptly said it “can rattle the plaster and the windows,” and we can confirm it has the power to do just that if you push it.
Music, Modes, and Smart Features via the BRAVIA Connect App
While optimized for cinema, the **Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar** is also a very capable music system. Streaming music from a smartphone via Bluetooth is straightforward and reliable. Here, Sony’s proprietary DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) technology comes into play. We tested it with standard-quality Spotify streams, and toggling DSEE on and off revealed a subtle but noticeable improvement. It works to restore some of the high-frequency detail lost in compressed audio files, making tracks sound a bit richer and more open. It’s a welcome feature for those who will use the soundbar as their primary music speaker.
Diving into the BRAVIA Connect app unlocks a suite of customization options that the included, rather basic, remote lacks. From the app, you can adjust subwoofer levels, rear speaker volume, and select different sound modes like Cinema, Music, or Standard. One interesting feature is “Multi Stereo,” which plays the audio from all speakers simultaneously. While not ideal for purist listening, it’s fantastic for filling a large space with ambient music during a party. The reliance on the app for these deeper settings is a common trend, but something to be aware of if you prefer a fully-featured physical remote. The combination of powerful hardware and smart, app-driven software makes this a highly versatile audio hub. For anyone looking to upgrade their entire living room’s audio for both movies and music, the feature set of the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 makes it a very compelling option.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user consensus aligns closely with our own findings. The praise for the audio quality is consistent, with many, like one happy customer, noting the “amazing sound bar bass and sound clarity is marvel.” The easy, app-driven setup is another frequently mentioned positive, with users appreciating how it simplifies the process of getting a multi-component system running. One person stated, “Overall, love the simplicity of the system and how easily I was able to connect it to my TV! It sounds great!”
However, the praise is almost always tempered by the same critical observation regarding the wiring. The sentiment is perfectly captured by a reviewer who said, “Wiring system is bad… If sound bar could be directly wired to tv and subwoofer could be wireless, I would have no wires showing. Instead I’ve got 2 wires showing.” This is the system’s most polarizing feature. We also saw isolated reports of needing a firmware update right out of the box to get all features working correctly and some disappointment in the minimalist remote control, reinforcing that the BRAVIA Connect app is essential for full control.
How Does the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar Compare to the Competition?
In the crowded soundbar market, the Sony HT-S60 carves out a specific niche. It aims for a true 5.1 surround experience at a mid-range price point, but how does it stack up against other popular approaches? Let’s take a look at three distinct alternatives.
1. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus 3.1 Channel Dolby Atmos
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus represents a more integrated, streamlined approach. As a 3.1 channel system, it includes a dedicated center channel for dialogue and a built-in subwoofer, but it lacks the dedicated rear speakers of the Sony system. This makes it a far simpler setup with fewer components and wires to manage. While it supports Dolby Atmos, the effect will be virtualized rather than delivered from discrete speakers. This is an excellent choice for someone who prioritizes clear dialogue and a simple, clutter-free setup over the truly immersive, room-filling surround sound that the Sony’s rear speakers provide.
2. Puxinat 2-in-1 Separable Sound Bar for Smart TV
The Puxinat soundbar is all about versatility and budget. Its unique 2-in-1 separable design allows it to be used as a single horizontal bar or as two vertical tower speakers flanking a TV. As a 2.2 channel system with built-in subwoofers, it focuses on providing a strong stereo front stage with enhanced bass, but it cannot offer the surround sound immersion or dialogue clarity of the Sony’s 5.1 configuration with its dedicated center and rear channels. This alternative would appeal to a user on a tighter budget or one with a unique setup that could benefit from the flexible speaker placement, but it is a significant step down in terms of home theater performance.
3. Samsung HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar
The Samsung HW-S50B/ZA is the champion of minimalism. This is a 3.0 channel all-in-one soundbar, meaning it has left, right, and center channels but no separate subwoofer or rear speakers. Its primary goal is to drastically improve TV audio, focusing heavily on dialogue clarity with its built-in center speaker. For users with a compatible Samsung TV, it offers Q-Symphony technology, which allows the soundbar and TV speakers to work together. This is the ideal choice for someone who absolutely hates clutter and wants a single, sleek bar to enhance TV shows and news. They trade the room-shaking bass and true surround of the Sony system for ultimate simplicity and a clean aesthetic.
Our Final Verdict on the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the **Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar** is a formidable home audio solution that delivers on its promise of powerful, immersive, cinematic sound. The dedicated center and rear speakers create a genuine 5.1 surround experience that elevates movie night far beyond what any all-in-one bar can achieve. The bass is thunderous, dialogue is crystal clear, and the app-based control offers great flexibility. For those within the Sony ecosystem, the added BRAVIA TV integration features make it an even more compelling choice.
However, it is a product with one very important condition: you must be able and willing to accommodate its unique subwoofer-centric wiring design. If your room layout can handle a subwoofer placed near the TV console and you’re not deterred by managing a few extra cables, then you will be rewarded with an audio performance that punches well above its price tag. It’s for the aspiring home theater enthusiast who wants the impact of a multi-speaker system without the complexity of a full AV receiver setup. It successfully bridges that gap, provided you can live with its wired-up heart.
If you’ve decided the Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar is the right fit for your living room, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API