Nov 22, 2019
Read MoreSony HT-Z9F vs Sony HT-X9000F review
Sony HT-X9000F review
I compared Sony HT-X9000F vs Sony HT-Z9F. HT-X9000F is 2.1-channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos / DTS: X support and Vertical Surround Engine. There are five modes for enhanced sound when playing games, listening to music, and watching movies, news, and sports. It features easy connection using HDMI / HDMI ARC. Sony’s latest Vertical Surround Engine surround technology lets you enjoy Dolby Atmos sound with just one compact device. Regardless of the features of the room, the two front speakers reproduce vertical sound, creating a virtual surround sound that seems to be heard from everywhere. 
Sony HT-Z9F review
First to mention in the Sony HT-Z9F vs HT-X9000F rivalry is that apart from the support for standard audio formats, the Sony Z9F includes various Dolby formats, up to Dolby Atmos, DTS to DTS: X formats. Its power is 400W and it features 3.1 built-in channels. There are various connection options, including Bluetooth and HDMI ARC. But even if you don’t have Atmos or DTS: X content, the soundbar will also have the ability to “add up” mixing normal surround sound into 7.1.2. Again, the effect was not as good as if it were with Atmos native content, but processing with improved mixing did a reasonable job of improving the sound, making the track we were listening feel more open in the process. 
Sony HT-X9000F pros & cons
Pros
- The subwoofer automatically connects to the soundbar
- The sound bar is super easy to use with the TV
- If you haven’t had the chance to experience the customizable sound setting features then you’re missing out
Cons
- No real indication that the Vertical S is on
Sony Z9F pros & cons
Pros
- Setup is fairly straightforward but did require a few visits to the manual
- Listening to live recordings feels like you are at the show
- The level of immersion in these speakers is completely magical
Cons
- If you have a smart TV and use its smart features, you still need to maintain two remotes
Sony HT-Z9F vs Sony HT-X9000F
Sony
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Common
Product
Sony HT-Z9F
Sony HT-X9000F
Model
HT-Z9F
HT-X9000F
Brand
Sony
Sony
Reviews
349
234
General
Placement type
table-top, wall-mountable
table-top, wall-mountable
Connection to source
wired, wireless
wired, wireless
Soundbar buttons
power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up
power, input, Bluetooth, volume down, volume up
Audio features
Built-in channels
3.1
2.1
Amplification type
active
active
Output power, W
400 (overall)
300 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)
0
0
Separate speaker connections
has not
has not
Subwoofer
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connections
wireless
wireless
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Chromecast
Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast
Connectivity
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
1
0
NFC
HDMI input/output
2/0
1/0
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output
1/0
1/0
USB
1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output
0/0
0/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)
1/0
1/0
Headphone output
0
1
Subwoofer output
0
0
Features
Voice control
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)
has not
has not
Dimensions
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in
100 x 6.4 x 10/39.4 x 2.5 x 3.4
93 x 5.8 x 8.5/36.6 x 2.3 x 3.3
Weight, kg/pounds
3.1/6.6
2.5/5
Other
Release year
2018
2018
Soundbars CHooseratoR comparison rating
- 7.2Sony HT-Z9F
- 7Sony HT-X9000F
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