This Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar was introduced in 2019. The specifications of this soundbar seem too good to be missed. This is a 2.1Ch configuration soundbar along with an essential and integral subwoofer. This soundbar has a good output which is 320W. This is the only soundbar which is focusing on the basic need and rights rather than trying to become a caboodle with the addition of height as well as satellite speakers.
Specifications of Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar
Table of Contents
This is a 2.1CH configuration soundbar. The dimensions of this soundbar are around 34.9*2.5*3.9 inches. This soundbar contains a built in subwoofer in it. Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar weighs around 3.1 kg which is very reasonable. Its amplifier output is roundabout 320W. Moreover it also has the ability of Bluetooth connectivity by means of which any device could be connected with the system straightforwardly.
It also contains different audio decoding codes which include DTS along with DTS Digital as well as DTS-HD and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Digital Plus and DTS: X is also supported in this soundbar and also holds up Dolby TrueHD in it. Furthermore it also holds different connectivity options in it also which embrace HDMI In as well as 1*Optical In along with 1* HDMI out.
The box of Best Sony Soundbar contains different necessary components which incorporate Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar along with AC adapter as well as AC cord. A remote control along with 2*AAA” batteries are also included in the deal. A quick set up guide is included in the box which helps the user to set up the soundbar perfectly for the first time. A HDMI cable is also obtainable in this deal as well as an instruction manual in also available.
Pros:
- The being there of Dolby Atmos provides it perimeter over the competition.
- It contains an integrated, built-in subwoofer in the soundbar.
- Not much expensive but you can buy it in a reasonable price rate.
- Get higher than average volume.
Cons:
- This soundbar is deficient in up-firing speaker.
- The room correction feature in not available in this soundbar.
- Deep bass production is not too good.
- Not good for crowded areas.
Design
This Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar is said to be a standalone soundbar which is black in color. This is a simple, stylish and attractive soundbar which can be placed anywhere in the room. You don’t have to worry about the space of this soundbar as it takes a very less space in the room like other Soundbars. It provides the best sound in any kind of room without being meddling and interfering. Its design is just like a plain block which mixes with the background and creates incredible sound.
The body of this soundbar is covered with faux leather. The front of this bar is confined by the grille metal. The subwoofer is integrated in the soundbar due to which the two ports are available on each side.
This soundbar is only obtainable in black color with a matte finishing at the top as well as the feet are made up of rubber so that the soundbar remains still at a single place without any movement. There is also a grayish inflection line successively at its edges. Simply this is a soundbar which is made up from a good quality plastic along with a finest quality.
The soundbar is 34.9*2.5*3.9 inches dimensionally and Sony had to make it wider to summarize the soundbar. But still this soundbar is not much wide. It could be placed or fitted under the TV which is having distance of 55 inches between its legs. This is not too much tall in size and you don’t have to worry about placing it as it can be fit under TV very easily. The small opening is present at the left side from where you can house power cable.
A cut out is also present at the rights for input cables. Holes are also present at the back of soundbar which are helpful in mounting the soundbar on the wall. If you desire to mount it on the wall then you will have to buy mounting screws and accessories by yourself.
Controls
This is a simple soundbar which is following a minimalistic approach. It is not having the feature of LED display in it but contains different lights in it which are used to signify some specific settings. Six lights are available in it which is worn to signify Atmos, DTS: X, Vertical surrounds TV, HDMI as well as Bluetooth. These lights up even when you clasp the volume levels. Touch sensitive buttons are included in this bar which is delicate however these are not soft enough to pick up the accidental touches.
This soundbar contains a remote control which is used to control all the functions of the soundbar. This control is said to be universal as it is used to control other devices too. Sorry to say that this soundbar doesn’t support any companion app like some other Soundbars does. Power saving mode is also included in this soundbar due to which the soundbar gets off if it is not getting any activity for 20 minutes.
Connectivity
There are limited input options in this soundbar. It contains only three ports which are HDMI In along with Optical in which is used to connect your TV as well as a HDMI out port. No older devices could be connected to this soundbar as it doesn’t contain any ports for them. No satellite speakers are involved in it.
The most disappointing thing about this soundbar is that it only supports the connectivity of 5.0 Bluetooth. It doesn’t support wifi, chromecast or else Airplay. It comes with appropriate collection of the audio decoding codec’s which is its positive point.
It includes DTS, DTS: X along with Dolby Digital, DTS digital and DTS HD plus Dolby Atmos along with Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and HDMI eARC. Mostly the midrange Soundbars used to skip the 4k support but not this one. It has the ability to pass through these streaming.
Performance of Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar
This is a 2.1Ch configuration soundbar which is proficient of imitating 7.1.2 surround sound. If you love to listen to dialogues clearly then it is the best choice for you as it presents the dialogues brilliantly. Sometimes it doesn’t produce bass well but it is a good soundbar.
The sound quality of this soundbar is further improved and superior by the company of Atmos. This soundbar lacks in producing deep bass and lacks in the output too. Furthermore the soundstage is pretty slender. It is having okayish imaging due to which it is complex for one to distinguish that from where the sound is coming.
This soundbar is considered to be best for the average sized rooms as its sound is superior to the average intensity and volume. This doesn’t contain the feature of room correction due to which this soundbar doesn’t function well in crowded areas. But this soundbar manages the higher sounds perfectly and no disturbance is observed.
A poor surround performance is composed by the channel constraints. It does support Atmos but still it has to down mix the content of stereo to play them. Other than these it results in not immersive experience just because of boxy soundstage. Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar experiences from poor features of enhancement of sound. Moreover no option is available in the soundbar to tweak the EQ by hand.
Conclusion
In a nut shell it is concluded that this soundbar is best for producing the dialogue based contents. This soundbar is good even at the highest volumes. But this is not too good in producing deep bass. Still it is a good product in a reasonable price. I advise you to buy it if you are not using it in big rooms and crowded areas. I expect this piece of writing would be useful for you.