Sony unveils new 7.1.2 HT-A7000 flagship 3D audio soundbar

Sony has announced a new flagship soundbar, the 7.1.2 HT-A7000. With up-firing speakers, built-in subwoofer and an X-Balanced Speaker Unit, said to give punchier bass and greater vocal clarity, it's designed for home cinema, Hi-Fi and gaming applications.

The HT-A7000 is compatible with Dolby Atmos, and more unusually, 360 Reality Audio. Currently 360 RA music is available on Amazon Music HD, Deezer, nugs.net and TIDAL.

The HT-A7000 also features DSEE Extreme, which uses Edge-AI to allow for real-time restoration of compressed digital music files. The soundbar is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control.

When it comes to movies and gaming, the HT-A7000 offers HDMI 2.1 support and ensures support for up to 8k resolution, HDR, 4K120fps and Dolby Vision. There’s eARC too.

Installation is aided by built-in microphones. Sound Field Optimization intelligently measures the height and width of the room, as well as the position of the optional subwoofer and rear speakers and optimises the sound to perfectly to the room layout. The HT-A7000 can be used with or without optional speakers.

If more bass is needed, and optional wireless sub can be added. The SA-SW5 subwoofer has 300W amplification, driving a 180mm driver. Alternatively, opt for the SA-SW3 subwoofer with 200W and a 160mm driver.

For rear surround sound, the bar can be partnered with SA-RS3S wireless rear speakers, with a total 100W on tap wall mount capability.

The Sony HT-A7000 model will sell for £1,200 when it ships in September.