Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8
Connections: 1 x HDMI 2.1 in, HDMI out, wi-fi
ARC/eARC: eARC
Bluetooth: Yes
Dimensions (hwd): 6.4 x 110 x 11 cm
Weight: 4.7kg
Far from being the cut-price, compact version of the excellent Bar 9 we were hoping for, the Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is surprisingly sonically compromised and a fair way short of the best soundbars in its price range
For
- Sound has plenty of detail
- HDMI passthrough with 4K/120Hz support
- Excellent companion app
Against
- Lack of large- and small-scale dynamics
- Doesn’t fill the room as well as the best
- Recessed dialogue and vocals
Sonos Arc Ultra
Connections: HDMI out, optical, ethernet
ARC/eARC: eARC
Bluetooth: Yes
Dimensions (hwd): 7.5 x 118 x 11 cm
Weight: 5.9kg
A real step on from the Award-winning Arc, the Arc Ultra packs more drivers, more bass and a more detailed sound than its predecessor. The lack of HDMI passthrough will be a problem for some, but in sound terms there is no better option at this price
For
- Clean, precise, spacious and three-dimensional sound
- Deep, tuneful and expressive bass
- Terrifically detailed for a soundbar
Against
- No HDMI passthrough
- No DTS support
- Still some app issues
