For consumers that don’t require a full sized or expensive soundbar for a smaller den or bedroom system, the Sony HT-A3000 is a new addition to their soundbar lineup that might make some sense. Similar to their higher-end HT-A7000 and HT-A5000, this soundbar is also designed to immerse listeners in a music and home theater experience.
The HT-A3000 is a 3.1 channel soundbar that still packs in many features, but at a lower price point than its more sophisticated siblings.
Also, this soundbar provides access to Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology when connected to compatible Sony wireless rear speakers, such as the SA-RS5 and SA-RS3S.
You can add an external wireless subwoofer, such as the Sony SA-SW3 or SA-SW5.
Core Features
Product Design and Speaker Complement: The Sony HT-A3000 is a 37.5-inch wide 3.1 channel soundbar that incorporates three-balanced (rectangular) speakers (left, center, right) within the sound bar unit. The rectangular shape increases effective diaphragm size and reduces the amount of in-out motion needed to produce sound.
Dual Subwoofer drivers are also built-in, but as mentioned in the introduction, you can add an external wireless subwoofer for even deeper bass.
Amplifier Type: S-Master Digital Amplifier
Amplifier Channels: 5ch (one for each speaker and built-in subwoofer)
Power Output: 250 watts total. Note: No power rating reference point is provided
Traditional Audio Format Support Includes Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Dual Mono, LCPM 2ch, DTS, and DTS:X.
Virtual Surround Technology: S-Force PRO Front Surround, Vertical Surround Engine, Dolby Virtual Speaker, DTS Virtual: X
Tip: S-Force PRO Front Surround and the Vertical Surround Engine create an immersive soundfield from 3.1 channels utilizing the 3 main speakers integrated into the soundbar.
Sony Audio Enhancements: Sony 360 Reality Audio and Sound Field Optimization.
Sound Field Optimization employs built-in microphones in the soundbar or the optional wireless rear speakers to measure the relative height and position of the soundbar and rear speakers.
360 Spatial Sound Mapping then creates multiple phantom speakers by synthesizing sound waves based on the gathering room and speaker distance information. A wide spatial sound field is created that fills the room, enabling everyone in that space to have the same sound experience.
Additional Sound Settings: Night Mode (maintains an even frequency range at low volume), Voice Mode (for when you can hear the dialog over all the other sound effects), Sound Field (provides a surround sound listening experience from two-channel stereo sources).
Control
The HT-A3000 can be controlled via the provided wireless remote control (model RMT-AH514U) or control buttons on the soundbar.
Tip: When connected to select Sony Bravia TVs via HDMI, Soundbar settings automatically appear onscreen on the TV’s screen.
Voice Assistants: Works with Google-assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. Users can add the HT-A3000 to their speaker group using the Google Home app for playing music, changing the volume, or many other functions with voice commands.
Connectivity
HDMI-eARC: This transfers audio directly from the TV to the soundbar using an HDMI cable. The TV has to have an HDMI connection labeled HDMI-ARC or eARC for this to work.
Digital Optical: If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI-ARC connection, this is the next best option to get audio from your TV to the soundbar.
Tip: The HT-A3000 does not provide an analog audio connection option.
Bluetooth (ver 5.0): Transmitter and Receiver built-in This means that you can play music from smartphones, tablets, and laptops/PCs and use the soundbar to send sound to Bluetooth headsets or external Bluetooth speakers.
Tip: The HT-A3000 can connect to select Sony TVs wirelessly via Bluetooth. This means that an HDMI-ARC or Digital Optical connection may not always be required.
USB: Allows for music playback from compatible flash drives. Compatible formats include DSD, DSD 5.6MHz, Wav, Flac, ALAC, AIFF, HE-AAC, AAC, mp3, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, and Monkey Audio.
Built-in Streaming: Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2
What’s In The Box
- Soundbar
- HDMI Cable
- Wireless Remote Control with batteries
- AC power cable
- Registration and Warranty Cards
- Wall Mount Template
Sony HT-A3000 Soundbar Promo Video
Pricing and Availability
The HT-A3000 is available for pre-order (the expected release date is Sept 13-14, 2022) for $699 at Amazon, Crutchfield, or Sony.com (USD).
In Canada it’s available for $899 at Amazon.ca (CAD).
Optional Wireless Rear Speakers
As mentioned at the top of the article in order to take advantage of 360 spatial audio enhancements, you need to have a pair of compatible Sony wireless rear surround speakers.
SA-RS3S: $399.99 or less. Available from Amazon, Best Buy, Sony and other authorized dealers.
SA-RS5: $599.99 or less. Available from Amazon, Best Buy, Sony and other authorized dealers.
Optional Wireless Subwoofers
SA-SW5: $699.99 or less. Available from Amazon, Sony.
SA-SW3: $399.99 or less. Available from Amazon, Sony.
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