Sony's Dolby Atmos soundbar once again dips close to its previous low price tag
Sony HT-SF150 Soundbar Offers Superb Value for Money
The Sony HT-SF150 soundbar is a standout choice for those seeking an affordable upgrade to their TV's built-in speakers. With its competitive positioning and value for money, it is one of the best budget soundbars available, delivering clear, clean sound with decent bass and significantly improving dialogue clarity[1][3][4].
This compact soundbar features a 2.0 system comprising two wide-spaced speaker pairs, providing good clarity and speech intelligibility, even without activating sound enhancement modes[3]. It offers three preset sound modes (Standard, Cinema, Music) plus Auto detection, making it versatile for typical listening scenarios[3]. The Cinema mode boosts mid-range presence and low-frequency weight, enhancing dynamic viewing experiences[3].
In terms of connectivity, the HT-SF150 includes HDMI ARC for easy connectivity and automatic power-on/off syncing with the TV, as well as an optical input that supports Dolby Digital and LPCM 2-channel audio[3]. It also offers USB and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, although it lacks smart streaming apps or Wi-Fi support[3]. An unusual bonus is the multiplex broadcast audio splitting, allowing language selection flexibility[3].
Recent testing reinforces the Sony HT-SF150's competitive positioning against the Sky Glass Gen 2's integrated audio system. The HT-SF150 demonstrates superiority across frequency ranges and dynamic capability, making it a more compelling choice for upgrading TV audio than relying on built-in speakers or integrated systems[3].
However, it is worth noting that the Sony HT-SF150 does not have streaming capabilities. Additionally, its musical performance reveals constraints in timing precision and low-frequency dynamics[5].
The Sony HT-SF150 has received a rating of four stars[6]. It is an affordable solution offering superb value for money, particularly for users who want better TV audio without the complexity or expense of a multi-speaker surround system[1].
If your budget allows for a more expensive soundbar and you want more expansive immersive features or app control, options like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) might be worth considering, but they are at a higher price point[2].
In summary, the Sony HT-SF150 is an excellent value-for-money soundbar with clearly better audio performance than integrated TV speakers or systems like the Sky Glass Gen 2, best suited for users who want easy setup and clear, improved sound without paying a premium[1][3][4]. It is currently available at a discounted price of £99 on Amazon, down from its usual £150 RRP[7].
| Aspect | Sony HT-SF150 | Sky Glass Gen 2 Integrated Audio | |----------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Clear, dynamic, good bass and vocals | Superior to typical TV speakers but less dynamic and broad than HT-SF150[3] | | Surround Effects | S-Force Front Surround simulated | Limited (integrated TV audio) | | Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical, USB, Bluetooth 4.2 | Limited (depends on TV design) | | Streaming Features | None | Integrated smart TV features | | Price | Under £100 / $100 | TV price varies, no additional cost for audio |
[1] https://www.trustedreviews.com/soundbars/sony-ht-sf150-review-budget-soundbar-offers-superb-value-for-money-4166590 [2] https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/beam-gen-2 [3] https://www.whathifi.com/sony/ht-sf150/review [4] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/sony-ht-sf150 [5] https://www.soundguys.com/sony-ht-sf150-review-133547/ [6] https://www.trustedreviews.com/soundbars/sony-ht-sf150-review-budget-soundbar-offers-superb-value-for-money-4166590 [7] https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-HT-SF150-Soundbar/dp/B097RY52V8
- When looking to enhance the audio in your home, consider the Sony HT-SF150 soundbar, offering excellent value for money that exceeds the audio quality of built-in TV speakers or integrated systems.
- If you're searching for a budget soundbar, the Sony HT-SF150 showcases impressive audio performance, providing clear, clean sound with moderate bass and improved dialogue clarity.
- The HT-SF150 is a versatile soundbar, featuring three preset sound modes for different listening scenarios, including Cinema mode for enhanced dynamic viewing experiences.
- For tech enthusiasts and those interested in lifestyle and entertainment, the Sony HT-SF150 offers a significant upgrade to your home-and-garden technology setup, delivering superior audio compared to integrated TV speakers or systems like the Sky Glass Gen 2.
- However, it's essential to note that the Sony HT-SF150 lacks smart streaming apps or Wi-Fi support and its musical performance reveals limitations in timing precision and low-frequency dynamics.
- If you're willing to invest more in your audio setup, consider high-end options like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), but be prepared for a higher price point compared to the Sony HT-SF150.
