Sony announced the HT-X8500 and HT-S350 soundbars at CES 2019. Both models are characterized by a design to easily integrate with the furniture. X8500 measures 890 x 64 x 96 mm, is equipped with 2.1 channels, a double woofer and has a subwoofer inside. The bass reflex ducts are arranged on the sides. The compatible formats include almost everything possible: Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HS Master Audio and so on.
The Sony HT-X8500 is equipped with various DSP (Digital Signal Processing) such as the Vertical Surround Engine. The 2.1 channel soundbar guarantees an “object-based” cinematic sound quality that catapults the viewer into the heart of the action. The X8500 offers a surround sound experience of up to 7.1.2 channels without the need for additional speakers. The integrated double woofer delivers intense bass and, by turning on Cinema mode (one of seven optimized sound modes), each film becomes a show.
The Sony HT-X8500 supports the eARC function, for pass-through of high-quality audio codecs from the TV to the soundbar. The wireless connectivity Bluetooth also allows you to connect the soundbar to the TV without the hindrance of annoying cables, as well as offering music listening directly from your smartphone.
Sony HT-S350 measures 900 x 64 x 88 mm and is combined with an external wireless subwoofer. The configuration is always 2.1 channels. The technology S-Force Pro Front Surround allows you to simulate the presence of 5.1 virtual channels. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, an optical input and an HDMI output with ARC.
The HT-X8500 will be available from March while the HT-S350 will arrive in May. Prices will be announced soon.
