Sony HT-S700RF Real 5.1ch Dolby Audio Soundbar for TV with Tall boy Rear Speakers & Subwoofer, 5.1ch Home Theatre System (1000W, Bluetooth & USB Connectivity,HDMI & Optical Connectitvity)

 Here’s a detailed usage review for the Sony HT-S700RF Real 5.1ch Dolby Audio Soundbar—a sound system with powerful performance, user-friendly connectivity options, and an immersive surround-sound setup.Overview

The Sony HT-S700RF is designed to bring a cinema-like experience to home setups with its 1000W output, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound, tallboy rear speakers, and powerful subwoofer. With a sleek design that complements most modern TVs and a variety of connectivity options, this system is a solid option for users looking to upgrade their home theater audio. This review covers performance, ease of use, connectivity, and pros and cons.

Sound Quality

1. Immersive Surround Sound

The Sony HT-S700RF lives up to its Dolby Digital surround sound promise, providing a rich, immersive experience that’s especially noticeable in movies and action sequences. The tallboy rear speakers (standing at nearly 120 cm) add spatial depth to audio, allowing sound to wrap around the listener for an authentic theater-like effect.

2. Clear Dialogue and High Frequencies

The soundbar does a good job balancing dialogue with background sound effects, which is a common concern in sound systems. Speech sounds natural and is easily distinguishable, even in scenes with heavy background music or sound effects.

3. Powerful Bass

With a subwoofer dedicated to low frequencies, bass performance is solid, providing depth to explosions, car chases, and music. The 1000W output makes this sound system ideal for large rooms, though in smaller spaces, it might feel a bit overpowering.

4. Balanced Music Playback

The HT-S700RF is not just for movies—music playback is equally impressive. The soundstage is wide, and there’s a noticeable difference between stereo and surround playback. Users can stream via Bluetooth, which pairs quickly, maintaining a stable connection with minimal distortion.

Ease of Use and Setup

1. Simple Setup

Sony has done a good job making the HT-S700RF relatively straightforward to set up, despite its multiple components. Each component has color-coded ports, making it easy to connect without needing technical expertise. The tallboy speakers come with long cables to ensure flexible placement in most room layouts, although cable management may be necessary in larger spaces.

2. Remote Control and User Interface

The included remote control is simple, with intuitive buttons for volume, sound modes, and input selection. For those accustomed to a simple TV remote, this may take a bit of adjustment, as it includes settings for sound modes (like cinema, music, or auto). The LED display on the soundbar shows basic status information, though it could benefit from a slightly larger display for visibility.

3. Modes and Customization

The HT-S700RF comes with multiple audio modes, each optimized for different content types. For instance, the Cinema mode enhances bass and surround, while Music mode balances mid and high frequencies for clarity. These modes make a noticeable difference in audio quality, though switching between them might take some experimenting to find the best fit for each type of content.

Connectivity

1. HDMI ARC and Optical Input

The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) makes it easy to connect to compatible TVs, allowing you to control volume and power with the TV remote. If the TV lacks HDMI ARC, the optical input provides an alternative that still delivers high-quality sound.

2. Bluetooth and USB Playback

For wireless streaming, Bluetooth is an easy-to-use feature that quickly pairs with smartphones and tablets. Sound quality over Bluetooth is good, though slightly less detailed compared to HDMI. The USB port on the soundbar allows users to play media directly from a USB drive. It supports most common audio formats and works well for playing background music.

Design and Build Quality

1. Modern Design

The HT-S700RF has a modern look, with a slim soundbar that sits well in front of most TVs without blocking the screen. The tallboy speakers are designed to be placed at the rear and have a sturdy build with a sleek finish, enhancing the room's aesthetic appeal.

2. Space Requirements

The tallboy speakers do take up a bit more space compared to compact satellite speakers, so they may not suit small rooms. However, their height and performance make them ideal for open or larger living rooms.

Pros

• Powerful 1000W Output: Creates a true cinematic experience in large rooms with excellent surround sound.
• Tallboy Rear Speakers: Enhance surround sound quality, delivering a genuine 5.1-channel experience.
• Good Bass Performance: Deep, rumbling bass with minimal distortion.
• Wide Connectivity: HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and USB options ensure compatibility with a variety of devices.
• Multiple Sound Modes: Options like cinema, music, and auto make the system versatile for different content.

Cons

• Large Size: The tallboy rear speakers may be difficult to accommodate in smaller rooms.
• Cable Management: With multiple wired connections, some cable management is required to maintain a clean look.
• Limited Display on Soundbar: The LED display is small and may be hard to see from a distance.
• Slightly Pricey: Given its premium features, it might feel a bit expensive, especially if primarily used for occasional TV watching.

Verdict

The Sony HT-S700RF offers a fantastic home theater experience for those looking for robust sound, true surround sound, and versatile connectivity. Its power and surround quality make it ideal for movie lovers and gamers, while music enthusiasts will appreciate the clarity and bass depth. While it requires a bit of space and some cable management, the performance and versatility make it worth the investment, particularly for larger room