Sony has announced a very reasonably priced new soundbar that integrates a wireless subwoofer with wireless rear speakers, and it looks to be a good option for anyone who wants to create an affordable 5.1 system with minimal clutter, especially if they already have a Sony TV.
The new Sony HT-S40R soundbar delivers 600 watts of power, features Bluetooth for streaming music and also has support for Dolby Atmos surround sound.
The Japanese brand says the HT-S40R is capable of outputting “room-filling sound” with no wires needed to hook up the front and rear speakers in the system. The soundbar and its subwoofer share a single power cable, and it supports “TV wireless connection” that enables the audio to be sent wirelessly from the soundbar to any Sony Bravia TV.
The Sony HT-S40R soundbar provides four different sound settings, including Cinema, Music, Auto and Standard modes so users can choose the one that’s most appropriate for whatever it is they’re watching or listening to. The soundbar also has Night and Voice modes that aim to provide greater dialogue clarity when the volume is low, so you won’t be disturbing anyone else who might be doing something else in the room. The device is equipped with ports including HDMI ARC, USB, optical and analogue connections.
It should be pointed out that the Sony HT-S40R isn’t completely wireless though, as it also needs a compact wireless amplifier that’s necessary to power the rear speakers. Users can place the amp nearby or mount it onto a wall, but it still needs its own power connection, as shown in this image:
"Sony has announced the HT-S40R, a new powerful sound system, perfect for recreating a real cinema sound that fits your home,” the company said in its announcement. “The HT-S40R has 600W of powerful and real 5.1 channel surround sound, with wireless rear speakers that bring every movie to life.”
The Sony HT-S40R soundbar, at least on paper, seems to offer plenty of bang for its very affordable price tag of just £349. Cheaper, certainly, than an equivalent wireless Sonos Beam soundbar for example.
Sony said the HT-S40R soundbar will go on sale in May, giving anyone who buys one of its new Sony A90J or Sony A80J OLED TVs plenty of time to decide if it’s the right option for them.
