First of all, what exactly is Sony SA-SW5? It is an optional speaker to use with Sony HT-A9, A7000, and A5000 soundbars. By itself, the Sony HT-A7000 is capable of producing a 7.1.2-channel sound. While that sounds like a lot of sound output - and it certainly is - it’s mostly focused around the mid-range if you don’t go in and manually change the EQ. Since it is an optional addition, many people do not even know about the subwoofer. If it were a standalone Sony speaker, it would have gained more popularity. 2. A bit Costly The virtual 7.1.2-channel HT-A7000 works with all the major Dolby and DTS surround-sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as the growing Sony 360 Reality Audio format. However, built-in DSP, which Sony calls the Vertical Surround Engine, converts any audio material to utilize the full 7.1.2 channels, making any piece of music or video take advantage of the soundbar’s top-firing speakers and side beam tweeters. The remote control’s Immersive AE (Audio Enhancement) button turns on this function. Even on material that’s already formatted for all the channels, such as Dolby Atmos movies and music, Immersive AE still adds a boost of overhead spaciousness to the soundstage. I liked using the Immersive AE function on almost all the music and videos I played, with the exception of some live talk shows where the audience’s laughter and applause were too high in the mix. Connection and compatibility options I wanted to improve my listening experience, my existing speakers were average quality for a medium size room, but they didn't wow me. I wasn't so interested in Atmos effects as I have a very odd shaped room with one side of the soundbar close to a wall, plus a vaulted ceiling.

The Sony HT-A9, consisting of four identical-looking wireless speakers and a hub that connects to your TV, is keen to offer a third way, reconciling convenience with improved sound quality and consistent coverage. But it also aims to offer something that neither of these categories currently does: a flexible, complete Dolby Atmos cinema, in one box. The double woofers on the front of the bar do provide a bit of oomph - especially when you crank the volume up above the 60% mark - but they in no way replace what a discrete subwoofer can provide. The same can be said for the upfiring speakers and drivers responsible for surround sound that come off as a little weaker than what we’d like. However, it's worth noting that the SA-SW5 is designed as a dedicated subwoofer and does not include built-in speakers for full-range audio reproduction. This means that you'll need to pair it with a separate audio system or speakers to enjoy a complete audio setup. While this may be a minor inconvenience, it allows you the flexibility to choose the main speakers that best suit your preferences and requirements.I have the HTA7000 Soundbar and it is excellent overall as standalone. Adding this subwoofer releases the Soundbar from performing bass duties and delegates that to the Soundbar. The Soundbar will now allow more subwoofer audio levels going from only 3, to more than 10. This allows the Soundbar to provide the cleanest audio along with bass. Without the subwoofer the Soundbar can produce decent bass at the cost of introducing muddiness when cranking the bass levels to high. The addition of this subwoofer the muddiness goes away. The HT-A7000 comes with a remote control, power cable, and an HDMI cable—enough to get you up and running by connecting the soundbar’s HDMI out to your TV’s HDMI eARC/ARC input. The two HDMI inputs incorporate your streaming media box, game console, Blu-ray player, or other components. If you have a TV with an eARC port, you should have next to no problem setting up the HT-A7000. It’s really as easy as plugging in the power cable and running an HDMI cable between the TV and the soundbar.

The A7000 produces powerful, cinematic audio and an immersive, detailed soundfield from a single soundbar that impresses more than most multi-box systems.Even with non-Atmos media, the HT-A7000’s Immersive AE effect makes excellent use of the top-and side-firing drivers to create an enveloping soundstage than they would be when listening to lesser-equipped soundbars or the best bookshelf speakers. The HT-A7000 creates a large sweet spot that I estimate as a spherical space with a radius of 3 to 4 feet, where listeners can enjoy close to the optimal listening experience. That said, it is pretty nicely balanced. I would hope for firmware updates to add more detail and control here later though. Take the sound to a deeper dimension by adding an optional subwoofer. The optional SA-SW3 and SA-SW5 models connect seamlessly and, like the surround speakers, use a wireless connection. With power outputs of 200 watts and 300 watts, respectively, expect edge-of-seat cinema style thrills. Many home cinema enthusiasts feel that the sonic trade-offs of a soundbar are simply too significant for them to be worth considering. Still, the impracticality of a full system, especially in smaller homes or for those with children, makes them prohibitive to most people. Both options rely on fairly strict placement to create a ‘sweet spot’ for listening, which is often frustratingly narrow, and in the case of soundbars, front-heavy with inadequate rear speakers that often seem tagged on as an afterthought. Swapping to Blade Runner 2049 in Dolby Atmos, we skip to where K meets the memory-maker Dr Ana Stelline. As the atmosphere in her hermetically sealed chamber transitions from rainforest to laboratory, the shift in the scale of the space that the A9 produces is effective. The sound fills our listening room nicely, and while we don’t get the sense that there are 12 sound sources in the room, there are no prominent gaps in the soundfield.

Due to its wireless technology, you also do not have to worry about wires and cables. All you need is the power cable, and you are all set. It could be time to upgrade your home audio system with a Sony wireless subwoofer, but which is the one for you? A Sony home stereo system with subwoofer is one of the best sub speaker brands you can have. The combination of a Sony speaker bar and stereo woofer can elevate your movie nights to the next level. The Samsung Q990 on the other hand is another story. Obviously the Samsung has a sub-woofer and rear speakers, so it has the advantage of separating sound. I never tested just the soundbar alone. The sound really seems to surround you, very immersive, crisp, great bass (I had to turn down the sub to -2), the Adaptive sound did an amazing job of separating all around the living room and kitchen area to the point where it made me want to re-listen to some of my favourite music for the joy of it. For the best experience, pair with a compatible Sony BRAVIA TV and enjoy Acoustic Centre Sync. This uses the TV’s built-in speakers as the dialogue, or centre speaker, helping to firmly locate the sound to the picture.One notable feature of the SA-SW5 is its compatibility with Sony's digital sound processing technologies, such as Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) and ClearAudio+. These technologies work together to optimize the audio signal and enhance the overall sound quality. They can help improve the clarity and detail of compressed audio files, ensuring that you get the best possible sound regardless of the source material. Rounded edges not only enhance the sound, by reducing harmful reflections, but also give the speaker system an unobtrusive, harmonious style. The light pearl grey colour blends with most decors, too.