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Bookshelf Speaker

KEF Q150 vs Sony HT-A9

Budget Pick

in Bookshelf Speaker

KEF Q150

119 reviews

View Product Details

Sony HT-A9

84 reviews

View Product Details

Great sound quality with detail, full soundstage, and volume without distortion

Sharp and expensive-looking design

Recommended by many users, especially when purchased on sale

Compared favorably to other speakers, including the ELAC UB5 and Klipsch R51

Compatible with various amplifiers and streaming devices

Great 3D audio performance

Immersive experience

Phantom ceiling speakers

Flexible audio setup

Game-changing experience

Not enough bass for some users

Some users note disappointment with the build quality

Price may be too high for some users, but many recommend purchasing on sale

Not competitive at its price point

Limited connectivity options

Some users have experienced audio dropouts in areas with high RF traffic

Verdict

Overall, the KEF Q150 speakers receive positive reviews for their sound quality, with many users impressed by their detail, full soundstage, and volume without distortion. Some users note that the speakers lack bass, while others mention disappointment with the build quality. However, many users recommend the speakers, especially when purchased on sale. The KEF Q150 is compared favorably to other speakers, including the ELAC UB5 and Klipsch R51. Users also mention various amplifiers and streaming devices used to power the speakers.

Verdict

The Sony HT-A9 has received mostly positive reviews, with many praising its 3D audio performance and immersive experience. However, some have criticized its high price point and limited connectivity options. The system is recommended for those looking for a flexible audio setup and a game-changing experience. The SW5 subwoofer is recommended over the SW3. Some users have experienced audio dropouts in areas with high RF traffic. Overall, the Sony HT-A9 is a solid choice for those looking for a high-end soundbar with impressive Atmos performance.

Reviews by Topic

Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.

Sound Quality

Build quality not impressive - prefer Klipsch rp-500m

This are very smooth sounding speakers - they will never sound shrill or fatiguing. The flip side of this is the treble is not as detailed and exciting as other speakers. I own the Klipsch RP-500M and I prefer those speakers overall, and I think a lot of people would. If you can find the Klipsch for a similar price, they sound more clear, exciting, and dynamic

Before buying, I watched pretty much every HT-A9 review video on YouTube so had very high hopes regarding sound quality and the Atmos effects/spatial audio performance. I also read the majority of BestBuy reviews that mentioned the audio drop issues and speakers dead on arrival so was a bit worried also. Thankfully, all speakers worked great out of the box and the syncing process between the hub, sub, and 4 satellites were automatic - setup was extremely easy. I was prompted for an update during the setup (~5 mins) that included Sony’s latest firmware that supposedly fixed the audio drop issues

Positive

reddit.com/r/Soundbars

Connectivity

Nice value for $300

Bought these and the Elac Uni-Fi UB5 to compare them. Bought them both at discounts. Paid $300 during a sale for these. I think the overall the Elac sounds better but these aren't bad

youtube

Sony HT-A9 (w/SA-SW5): FULL REVIEW - YouTube

Also, DTSX, DTSS' lossless 3D audio and 8 channel LPCM, the lossless multi-channel signal your Apple TV and consoles output. If you're having trouble ...

Positive

Price

youtube

KEF Q-150 Bookshelf Speaker Review. Best for lovers of wide imaging.

It does seem to look a little bit like a five year old took a paintbrush to it when you get up close - and i wouldn't be the first person to say that ...

Positive

Had high expectations for this......

I anticipate a price drop and/or bundle (seems is already now happening) in the very near future.

Design

youtube

Better than the LS50!? KEF Q150 Review

I like fake wood, it's nice, it's got some grain in it. It's well appointed. I like the little kef badging. It looks good uh anyway, uh five and a qua...

Positive

The Best Sounding Home Theater Yet

Sure, some of them sound good but I wanted something that sounded great and wouldn't take up my entire living room. Enter the HT-A9 with the SA-SW5. I'll admit it.

Bass

youtube

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers - Hands On Review

The key 150 are a smoother sound in the mid-range and bass, delivering detail a bit on the sly with more body a little bit more resonance too. That ma...

Positive

youtube

Sony HT A9 Review - Not your Average Soundbar - YouTube

It's important to note that we tested it with the SASW5 subwoofer, which is a bit larger and more powerful than the SASW3. The SASW3 only offers 200 w...

Positive

Size

Great for Smaller Room

Would I recommend them? Yes, BUT - small room and with something to cover the bottom two octaves (subwoofer). My priorities for good sound, a decent soundstage, stable imaging, dynamic range, and lack of coloration were satisfied. And I would buy them again, or possibly - if She Who Must Be Obeyed (aka "the Finance Committee") was willing - the KEF LS50s.

So ya, due to space constraints, only a soundbar or the Sony A9 will work (using only the 2 front speakers). I basically want either a soundbar or speakers sitting on the entertainment set (no walls to mount speakers or room for speaker stands). I won't have room to optimize place a subwoofer.

Negative

reddit.com/r/Soundbars

Wireless Connectivity

Rich sounding loudspeakers that can really slap

I'm running these off an smsl ao200 amp via a Schitt Modi 3+ dac and an ifi zen blue bluetooth receiver. I am pleased as can be. Some have said these start to chuff at high volume but I've taken them to the height of comfortable listening levels where I can clearly see the woofers moving and all I can hear is clean and clear music full of clarity, power and refinement. They'd pair best with a revealing amp for sure

Oh so tempting, a bit steep on price. I went to the Sony website to check it out to discover the only way to connect is wirelessly or hdmi. That leaves out my older equipment. For the cost Sony could have included an optical and digital coax

Mids

Worth every penny

I have a small living room, it's about 20 L x 13 ft W and these fill the entire area plus the kitchen with amazing sound at normal listening levels. You really have to run these about 50 hours or more to open them up and give some space from the wall as advised by Kef. I won't mention brands but I did return two sets of speakers before deciding to keep these, the uni-q driver works it's special magic to broaden the soundstage and imaging. With the Powernode the mids are so clear and the highs are smooth never shrill or annoying

HT-A9 Purchase Advice

Imho no, it will be immersive but not great. However, everyone is different and if you weren't using a sub before it won't be a problem most likely. I used the HT-A9 without the sub for 2 weeks (since it was out of stock in my country) and while it was really immersive, it really lacked the "wow" factor the you would expect from such a product (especially considering it's price).

Negative

reddit.com/r/Soundbars

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