*** Update on 19.11.2014: The regular price Amazon is now fallen to less than 200 euros! I can only reiterate my recommendation; for the money there is no better sound and no better equipment. *** Update end
*** Update on 11/20/2014: Oops, now we are back to 249 euros. Was probably an oversight on the part of Amazon to offer SoundBase briefly for 199 euros. Fortunately for those who have struck in these few hours. :-) *** Update end
The decor is sensational in this price range:
- An HDMI terminal with no less than 3 inputs (actually even 4, because the HDMI output is yes via ARC as the input for the TV) and the ability of these inputs all currently current signals including 3D and 4K (.! conduct) further, can be found at any SoundBase or Soundbar in this price range (exception: other Sony models such as the Soundbar HT-CT370). Even in much more expensive units lacking HDMI wiring often completely, or there is only one input available (the just replaced the TV on cut correspond by ARC input), or at least does not support 4K signals. With as the Sony is 3 inputs also are still future-proof with 4K support, one thus gaining an additional integrated HDMI switch (if it even gets low with the number of HDMI inputs on the TV), the alone (in quality finish) will cost 50 Euro times quickly.
An optical SPDIF input and an analog (stereo) jack input are also provided.
- An integrated surround decoder decodes virtually all of the current formats to Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. Too, is anything but standard. Even many expensive devices are content normally only with Dolby Digital (no TrueHD) and / or DTS (no HD). (Note: HD formats can be fed only via HDMI, optical SPDIF support, as usual, for technical reasons, a maximum of Dolby Digital and DTS.)
- You can connect devices like MP3 players, mobile phones and tablets to the sound base via Bluetooth. An ingenious thing. I, for example, like to watch on my Android tablet via dailyme TV App television series. Instead of having to endure the thin sound of the Tablet Speaker, I can now enjoy high-quality sound on the sound base (at least when I'm at home, on the road takes my Bose SoundLink Mini this job). ;-)
The equipment rating of 5 stars smooth has the Sony which is more than deserved!
Let. To Design and Operation The design is a matter of taste, but this Soundbase sees her (of course dust-prone) glass surface, its pyramid-shaped feet and the very clean processing really classy. In front a white luminous display is integrated, whose brightness can be controlled in three steps (light - dark - from) and the default is on the currently selected input information. In addition, it is also used to check the current audio format and make basic settings using the remote control. The latter is quite feasible, but fortunately you have to not do too often, as a single-line display for now time is limited.
Otherwise, the operator inputs - both on the device and on the remote control - no riddles and is self-explanatory. If you are not a complete technology-DAC, over 90% of the functionality of its own tap. For the rest you read then stop times selectively in the (good) Instructions for.
Note in the design and operation: Also 5 Stars.
Now the most important thing, the sound. One thing first: Who the sound of a full-blown home theater system expected with a sound base in this price range, is wound wrong. But what one can expect very well, is a very significant improvement in the sound image with respect to the built-in speakers of the TV, and since Sony does not promise too much.
In dialogue-heavy programs such as news or talk shows the effect is even more unspektulär, although this instantly "new clarity" stands out, with the come off the speaker's voice suddenly (and dealing with the "Voice" DSP settings even can be increased, which for the elderly or hard of hearing certainly comes in handy). Is blatantly the difference when playing (newer) or films (produced quality) Series Suddenly you hear (especially deep) frequencies that you have never heard before. The sound is many times more voluminous and round. Dialogues consist of ambient noise and background music much better and are therefore easier to understand. Even high volume levels are possible without distortions and roar. Of course, the relatively small subwoofer (2x 10 cm chassis) can not give the impression that, for example, a helicopter with its rotors thundering starts just in your living room. Anyone who wants something, still needs to be a full-blown system access (at least to a large external subwoofer or soundbar). Nevertheless, the Sony makes an impressively good job even with such effects. The difference from the very moderate generally sound system of the TV is certainly huge!
Extremely playful the Sony is also reflected in music (via Bluetooth). My expectations were exceeded here significantly. Very clear, voluminous and pleasant play that's fun, even with higher volumes. For occasional use more than satisfactory.
As a standard setting, the DSP program "Clear Audio +" is recommended. This is a kind of "meta-DSP program": The SoundBase then detects the type of audio material and provides independently the corresponding DSP program. This works surprisingly well and should never be changed in principle. Anyone who wants can naturally eg in music or film sound nevertheless the appropriate DSP programs ("Movie" or "Music") manually. "Movie" produced quite a sound impression that is very suitable for films, and are multi-channel formats in Virtual Surround again. Of course, not enough to connect with the effect of "real" surround sound system, a good approximation, it is all.
Sound Rating: 4 stars.
Conclusion: There is hardly a competitor (and certainly not in this price range), apart from other Sony devices such as the Soundbar HT-CT370, currently offers anywhere near the features of this Sony sound base. There are also the chic design and the good, pleasing sound, which significantly enhances the television. Sonically, particularly to what bass impact, is of course in higher price ranges more, but what Sony with this device offers here, given the price is already worth all honor. Therefore: strong buy recommendation! In the price range up to 250 euros is simply to get a better overall package.
*** Update on 24/11/2014: The Stiftung Warentest has published in its December issue a test of sound bars and sound Plates. Unfortunately, the Sony HT-XT1 cuts here not particularly well: overall mark only "sufficient" (3.7), Sound note only "sufficient" (4.2), mainly due to a "poor" in the area of film sound. Underperformed (overall grade) has only a Samsung sound base.
Now I want this lousy result does not sugarcoat, but since my subjective impression is not congruent with the test result in many respects, I tried to figure out how the Foundation could come to this rating.
First you have to see the result in relation to the other results: Almost all devices made in respect of film sound just a "sufficient" or "satisfactory", only the Canton DM 75, but the time just costs twice as much as the Sony, got here almost a "good". Most equipment, especially in the same price class, fared little better than the Sony.
I think a lot of the Stiftung Warentest, but this time they have raised the bar in my opinion (namely, as is clear from the article, the sound and the space of a full-blown 5.1 system) overstated. If anything, since only expensive sound bars or -bases can compete fairly.
In terms of handling, power and versatility, Sony achieved decent grades. However: The versatility of touch, in which enters the port diversity, contributes only 5% to the overall grade and considered not to boot the capabilities of the built-in multichannel decoder. In ports and the decoder Sony strikes but now times all others - even the more expensive equipment - hands down, which is not considered appropriate in my opinion.
So do not let yourself confuse. The foundation supports their tests often have other priorities than oneself. Price and ausstattungsbereinigt the result of Sony reappears in a better light. Ultimately decide the own impression and sense of personal satisfaction. The online trading makes it easy one, fortunately, try a device at rest and simply return if not satisfied. *** Update end
A few more words at the best possible connection of devices:
- If your television supports HDMI 1.4 at least, it has to "ARC" (Audio Return Channel) labeled HDMI jack. Connect it to the HDMI Out jack on the sound base.
If the HDMI (ARC) jack already a device to be connected, connect it to another free HDMI socket of the TV, or if no jack on the TV more freely, to one of the HDMI inputs on the audio base.
That's basically it all. The SoundBase is from now automatically switched on with the TV on and off (the power-on Samsung TVs apparently does not work), and the sound is basically about Soundbase reproduced (the TV's internal speakers are automatically muted) the volume for is regulated as before on the TV remote control. This also applies to the sound from devices connected to the TV (such as Blu-ray / DVD player / recorder, additional receivers, Playstation, etc.)
If the sound, contrary to expectations not arrive at the Sound Base, check out the used HDMI cable (Soundbase HDMI Out to TV HDMI (ARC)); it could be that it is an older cable without ARC support; replace it in this case by a more modern (ie at least HDMI 1.4 compatible) cable.
- For products that (so far) were connected via HDMI to the TV (or still are), you basically have the choice: You can connect to the TV retained (option 1), or plugging the cables to the Sound Base (variant 2).
In both variants of the sound from the sound base is reproduced (in version 1 via ARC, with Option 2 directly).
However, oddities may arise: In my television (a 2011er Panasonic plasma model GT20E) I have so far failed in Option 1, a conversion of Dolby or DTS formats (such as supplied by the Blu-ray player) in PCM to stop (if "Display" presses on the remote control of the sound base, you get in the transition from "off" to "hell" for a short time the sound format that is receiving the sound base, displayed), although I all the relevant settings in the participating devices have set to "Bitstream". It can also not determine whether it is multi-channel PCM or even just to stereo least.
Therefore, I'm gone for my devices to version 2. Only the PS3 I keep connected to the TV, since my here surround formats are relatively unimportant, but I do not the comfort that the PS3 is turned on automatically when you select the appropriate HDMI input on the TV via HDMI-CEC, wanted to lose.
Now the sound base shows eg the Blu-ray player also that she gets just delivered as DTS. As far as prima, Version 2 of course has the disadvantage that the sound base not automatically may detect the desired HDMI input, ie if the participating device (in my case, the Blu-ray player) only once not make a sound ("Startup Sound" o are .ae.) by itself. Then it's either "blind" insert a disc and wait until sound comes (and Soundbase find the right entrance), or select the correct input on the sound base manually. The most convenient method, but which requires the use of a Logitech Harmony remote is then stop nevertheless integrate the sound base in the existing actions. I had not originally intended, but now has become my personal solution and was done in a few minutes.
- If your TV set have been so "old" that there is only "normal" HDMI inputs (up to version 1.3, ie without ARC support) has, proceed according to the instructions of the sound base, or experiment with connection HDMI and / or (enclosed) optical cable.
The following must be observed during commissioning also:
- In the factory default configuration, the moderate SoundBase is muted after initial power. So do not be surprised if in spite of correct connection, no sound comes out.
- It is also completely disabled in the factory setting of the Subwoofer. So do not be disappointed equal in the face of somewhat thin sound (although they will probably classify this much better than the sound of your TV), but turn the subwoofer volume to your personal taste.
