Sony BRAVIA Quad Theater Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

Experience the 16 speaker Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad: surround sound system

Are you searching for a home theater surround sound system that delivers an immersive cinematic experience? We’ve been exploring the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad, and it appears to be a top-of-the-line option. With 16 [yes, SIXTEEN! Four wireless] speaker units and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, the system provides exceptional acoustic performance and precise room-filling spatial audio. The sound is even auto-calibrated to your room’s characteristics with Sound Field Optimization.

The BRAVIA Theater Quad supports industry-standard formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS, and IMAX Enhanced, and can be controlled from your smartphone using the BRAVIA Connect app.

Features of the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad HT-A9M2

Feature	Details
360 Spatial Sound Mapping	Creates a multi-dimensional surround sound experience using virtual speakers.
Wireless Speaker Setup	Four wire-free, self-calibrating speakers for easy, flexible placement around your room.
Built-in Amplifiers	Each satellite speaker includes a built-in amplifier for independent sound performance.
Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support	Fully compatible with advanced audio formats for immersive sound.
Automatic Room Optimization	Calibrates sound based on your room’s size, layout, and speaker positions.
Hi-Res Audio & 360 Reality Audio	Compatible with high-resolution audio and Sony-specific 360 Reality Audio formats.
Wireless Subwoofer Option	Expandable with compatible Sony subwoofers (e.g., SA-SW5 or SW3).
BRAVIA XR TV Optimization	Pairs with Sony BRAVIA TVs for seamless integration and enhanced audio performance.
Smart Assistant Compatibility	Works with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple AirPlay 2.
HDMI eARC Support	Allows high-quality audio transfer via HDMI connection to your TV

Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad: 16 Total Speakers Home Theater Surround Sound System

UNLEASH THE FULL POTENTIAL OF SURROUND SOUND: Hear cinema-style surround sound all around you with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.

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Overview of Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad

Turn your living room into a personal theater with the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad surround sound system. With 16 powerful speakers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, it brings your movies to life like you’ve never experienced before. Plus, no more dealing with messy wires—this wireless setup gives you theater-quality sound without the clutter, all from the comfort of your couch.

The BRAVIA Theater Quad doesn’t just sound amazing—it’s smart too. It adapts to your room’s acoustics for perfectly balanced, crystal-clear sound every time. And the sleek, minimalist design? It fits right in, whether you mount the speakers on the wall or place them on stands.

This system isn’t just for movie nights. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or watching the latest blockbuster, it’s got you covered with Dolby Atmos, 4K HDR, 8K HDR, Dolby Vision, and gaming features like 4K120, VRR, and ALLM. Controlling it is simple with the BRAVIA Connect app, which lets you tweak settings straight from your phone.

9.6Expert Score

Sony BRAVIA Quad Theater Speakers

Experience unparalleled audio with the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad Surround Sound System. This advanced sound system, featuring 16 carefully designed speakers, produces rich, multi-layered sound that enhances your home entertainment. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, every note and dialogue is delivered with remarkable clarity and strength. With Sony’s innovative technology, your auditory experience is elevated, making you feel as though you’re at the heart of the action. Ideal for any home theater setup, the BRAVIA Theater system offers a cinematic experience in the comfort of your home. While costly, after hearing them, we think they are worth the cost-especially if you’re really into the full home theater like we are.

Sound quality

10

Size

9

Connectivity options

9

Build quality

10

Price

9

Surround Sound Pereformance

10

Power Performance

9

Ease of Use

10

Tech

10

PROS

• Delivers immersive sound quality for an enhanced viewing experience.
• Offers a total of 16 speakers for a robust audio output.
• Provides a quad surround sound setup for a more engaging atmosphere.
• Features advanced sound processing technology for clarity and depth.
• Easily integrates with compatible Sony products and other devices.
• Includes wireless connectivity options for seamless audio streaming.
• Compact design allows for flexible placement in various room sizes.
• User-friendly interface for easy access to sound settings and customization.
• Enhances music listening experiences with rich, multi-dimensional audio.
• Optimized for movie and gaming content, enhancing every action scene.
• Supports various audio formats for versatile playback options.
• Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
• Aesthetically designed to complement modern home theater setups.
• Offers customizable sound profiles to suit individual preferences.
• Provides clear dialogue clarity for better movie comprehension.
• Can improve the overall ambiance of home entertainment setups.

CONS

• The sound system can be quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
• Installation may be complicated and time-consuming for some users.
• The large number of speakers can create clutter in smaller spaces.
• It may have compatibility issues with certain TV models or other devices.
• Some users might find the sound customization settings overwhelming.
• The system can consume a significant amount of power, affecting energy bills.
• Not all users may appreciate the sound signature, as preferences vary widely.
• Setting up the surround sound may require additional calibration for optimal performance.
• The remote control may be unintuitive for some users, leading to frustration.
• The weight of the speakers may necessitate extra support for wall mounting.

How It Fits into a Smart Home

Wireless Flexibility:

No cables between speakers means clean installation and flexibility to place them wherever they fit best—a great deal for renters or homes where rewiring isn’t feasible.

Smart Assistant Integration:

Control basic functions through Google Assistant, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. For example, tell Alexa to switch modes or control volume hands-free while in the kitchen or during a movie marathon.

Unified Ecosystem:

When paired with a Sony BRAVIA TV, the HT-A9M2 elevates audio-syncing thanks to their shared operating platforms. For example: Stream directly through the TV via AirPlay or Chromecast, and audio output will seamlessly transition to the speakers. Custom calibration between the TV and audio system ensures dialogue is crisp and soundtracks feel expansive.

Expandable System:

Add optional subwoofers (SA-SW5 or SW3) or pair it with Sony’s compatible rear speakers for even finer sound performance.

IoT-Friendly Connectivity:

Pair with smart plugs, scenes, or routines. For example: Set up a “Movie Night” scene where your smart lights dim, the speakers activate, and your TV switches to Cinema mode automatically.

Side-by-Side Comparison with Sonos

Feature	Sony BRAVIA HT-A9M2	Sonos Arc with Sub + Surrounds
Surround Sound Technology	360 Spatial Sound Mapping	Dolby Atmos TruePlay Surround Tuning
Wireless Speakers	Yes (4 independent speakers)	Yes (but tethered to soundbar setup)
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support	Yes	Yes
Room Calibration	Auto-optimized, multi-room aware	TruePlay Tuning (requires iOS device)
Additional Subwoofer Option	Yes (Sony SA-SW5/SA-SW3)	Yes (Sonos Sub Gen 3)
Connectivity	HDMI eARC + Smart Assistants	HDMI eARC + Smart Assistants
Multi-Room Audio Support	No	Yes via Sonos App
Price	~$1,799	~$1,899 (with subwoofer and surrounds)

Advantages

Advantages	Sony BRAVIA HT-A9M2	Sonos Arc + Sub + Surrounds
Fully Wireless Setup	Independent speakers without needing tethering	Soundbar acts as main hub; other components connected wirelessly.
Room Calibration	More advanced AI and multi-room environment sensing	Requires iOS for optimal tuning.
High Audio Customization	Hi-Res Audio and 360 Reality Audio available	No specific Hi-Res support.
Multi-Room Audio Convenience	More immersive home theater experience	Better for whole-home audio (multi-room setups with Sonos).
BRAVIA Integration	Seamless pairing with Sony BRAVIA TVs	Better universal compatibility across brands.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Sony BRAVIA HT-A9M2	Sonos Arc + Sub + Surrounds
Speakers	4 Wireless Satellites	Soundbar + 2 Surrounds + Sub
Connectivity	HDMI eARC/Optical, Wi-Fi	HDMI eARC/Optical, Wi-Fi
Smart Assistant Support	Alexa, Google, AirPlay 2	Alexa, Google, AirPlay 2
Sound Formats	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Audio	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Expandable System	Subwoofer and extra speakers	Sonos system expansion supported
Price	~$1,799	~$1,899

Precautions and Advice

Alignment with Existing Systems:

If you own a Sony BRAVIA XR TV, this system is an amazing addition. If not, the compatibility is still broad, but competing options (like Sonos) may offer better universal app features.

Room Size Awareness:

The HT-A9M2 is ideal for medium to large rooms. Small spaces may feel oversaturated without proper speaker placement.

Network Dependency:

Since the system connects wirelessly, ensure your home Wi-Fi is robust and avoids interference (e.g., reduce traffic from other household devices during setup).

Price Justification:

This system is premium, so it’s best suited for users who want cutting-edge performance and future-proofing. If you’re casually upgrading, simpler setups like standard soundbars may suffice.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater HT-A9M2 rethinks how surround sound systems work, offering unmatched flexibility and spatial audio performance. Perfect for Sony enthusiasts or anyone seeking convenience, immersive sound, and integration into a modern smart home, this system excels at delivering cinematic quality. That said, it’s not for everyone—it’s pricey, and competitors like Sonos might appeal to users looking for a broader ecosystem.

If you’re particular about achieving the highest-quality audio without intrusive wires, the HT-A9M2 is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to pair it with a high-speed network and a room that matches its potential!

360 Spatial Sound Mapping

We were blown away by the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping feature of the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad home theater surround sound system. This revolutionary design allows for pin-point surround sound from every corner of the room, making any space feel like a movie theater. With 16 total speakers and Sound Field Optimization, the sound is auto calibrated to your room’s characteristics to ensure optimal performance.

The innovative acoustic design allows for exceptional sound quality and precise room-filling spatial audio. The BRAVIA Theater Quad supports industry-standard formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS, and IMAX Enhanced, so you can experience cinema-style surround sound all around you.

Position the four wireless speakers virtually anywhere in the room for total flexibility, and expand the cinematic experience with an optional wireless subwoofer (SA-SW3 or SA-SW5) for heart-pounding bass. The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping feature of the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad is a game-changer in the home theater market.