Sony's Bravia System 6 Soundbar: A Sonos Challenger Emerges from the Midrange

For home theater enthusiasts seeking immersive audio without flagship prices, Sony's Bravia Theater System 6 ($800) presents a compelling proposition. This theater-in-a-box solution—comprising a center channel soundbar, two wired rear speakers, and a substantial 15-inch external subwoofer—delivers performance that unexpectedly challenges premium systems like Sonos, particularly for core movie and TV viewing.

Sony's Bravia Theater System 6 setup includes a soundbar, wired rear speakers, and a powerful 15-inch subwoofer. (Source: ZDNET)

The Setup: Wired for Performance, Not Convenience

The System 6 distinguishes itself—and shows its midrange positioning—through its connectivity approach. Unlike Sony's premium offerings or competitors like Sonos Arc, it lacks Wi-Fi entirely. This omission means:
* No AirPlay, Spotify Connect, or Google Cast support
* Manual firmware updates via USB drive
* Reliance on Bluetooth (enhanced by Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine for compressed audio) or physical connections (HDMI eARC, optical)

While this limits wireless streaming flexibility, the wired nature provides stability. The HDMI eARC port fully supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X spatial audio formats. Setting up requires connecting the rear speakers to an included amplifier box, with Sony's Bravia Connect app guiding the process.

Performance: Where the Value Shines

Where the System 6 truly impresses is in its acoustic delivery, especially for its intended purpose:

• Subwoofer Dominance: The 25-pound, 15-inch subwoofer provides deep, impactful bass that anchors the soundscape, crucial for movie effects and sports broadcasts.
• Virtual Surround Prowess: Despite lacking physical upfiring speakers, Sony's virtual surround technology effectively creates an enveloping sound field. Real-world testing, like experiencing crowd noise distinctly localized from the rear speakers during a football game, demonstrated convincing immersion.
• Clear Dialogue: Features like Voice Mode and compatibility with Sony Bravia TV dialogue enhancement ensure spoken words remain intelligible, a common pain point with TV audio.
• Practical Features: Night Mode effectively balances bass and clarity at lower volumes for late-night viewing.

The Verdict: A Specialist, Not a Generalist

Sony has crafted a focused performer with the Bravia Theater System 6. It sacrifices the wireless convenience and streaming ecosystem integration found in systems like Sonos or its own flagship Bar 9. However, for the primary task—enhancing movie nights and sports viewing with powerful, immersive, and clear sound—it delivers exceptional value at $800.

Who should consider it? Home theater buyers prioritizing audio performance for film and TV over multi-room streaming, especially those already invested in the Sony Bravia TV ecosystem. Those seeking ultimate wireless freedom or dedicated height channels for Atmos should look to pricier alternatives like the Sony Bar 9 or the wireless-rear equipped JBL Bar 1000MK2. The System 6 proves that sometimes, focusing on core strengths rather than chasing every feature yields a product that resonates powerfully with its target audience.

Source: Based on original reporting and testing by Jada Jones for ZDNET.