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Sony BraviaTheatre Bar 8 specifications and in-depth review

Sony BraviaTheatre Bar 8

Manufacturer: Sony

The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is a full-featured soundbar designed to deliver a wide, immersive listening experience through its 11-channel audio output. It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio formats, and connects wirelessly via AirPlay and Spotify Connect, making it a flexible option for a range of playback preferences. Physical controls are available directly on the unit, and a remote control is included for convenient day-to-day use.

On the connectivity side, the Bravia Theatre Bar 8 features Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codec support, alongside Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for stable network streaming. It includes one HDMI port with both ARC and eARC compatibility, while optical and AUX inputs are absent from the design. The unit measures 1100 mm wide, 113 mm tall, and 64 mm thick, with a total weight of 4700 g. HDMI eARC enables high-bandwidth audio passthrough when paired with a compatible television.

Pros
  • Supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio formats, along with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus, covering a wide range of audio decoding standards
  • 11-channel sound output provides a broad, multi-directional audio spread from a single soundbar unit
  • Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codec support enables high-quality wireless audio transmission from compatible devices
  • Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast and stable wireless network connectivity for streaming
  • Both HDMI ARC and eARC are supported, offering flexible high-bandwidth audio routing from compatible televisions
  • AirPlay and Spotify Connect provide multiple wireless streaming options without relying on a single ecosystem
Cons
  • No AUX input, S/PDIF output, or ethernet port limits wired connectivity options
  • Voice commands are not supported, requiring physical or remote interaction for all controls
  • No Chromecast built-in, which may limit compatibility for users invested in Google Cast workflows
  • The remote control is not rechargeable, requiring periodic battery replacement
  • No dedicated smartphone app means device management is restricted to physical controls and the included remote
  • NFC pairing is absent, making initial Bluetooth setup less convenient on compatible devices
Who is this for?

This soundbar is well-suited for home theater enthusiasts who want broad audio format coverage in a single unit, particularly those whose televisions support HDMI eARC for lossless audio passthrough. The 11-channel output combined with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support makes it a strong fit for dedicated living room setups where spatial audio immersion is a priority. Users who rely on wireless streaming through AirPlay or Spotify Connect, and those with Bluetooth devices capable of aptX Adaptive, will also find the connectivity options well-matched to their habits.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who depend on voice assistant integration — whether through Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri — will find this soundbar lacking, as none of these are supported. It is also a poor fit for those who prefer managing audio equipment through a dedicated smartphone app, since no such application is available. Additionally, the absence of an AUX input, S/PDIF output, and ethernet port makes it less practical for setups that rely on legacy wired connections or require a stable hardwired network link.

Audio:

number of channels of sound output 11
has aptX ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has AAC ✓

The Audio section of this soundbar centers on an 11-channel sound output configuration, offering a broad and spatially distributed audio presentation. For Bluetooth audio quality, the unit supports aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs, which are designed to maintain higher-fidelity wireless transmission, alongside AAC support for compatibility with a wider range of source devices.

Features:

HDMI ARC / eARC HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC
compatible with Google Assistant ✕
works with Alexa ✕
has Spotify Connect ✓
has Dolby Atmos ✓
has DTS:X ✓
has Chromecast built-in ✕
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit ✕
has AirPlay ✓
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✓
supports Dolby Digital ✓
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕

This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital, covering a broad range of spatial and surround audio formats. On the streaming side, it includes Spotify Connect and AirPlay, while Chromecast built-in is not available. The HDMI connection supports both ARC and eARC, enabling flexible television audio routing. Voice assistant integration with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri/Apple HomeKit is not supported, and Bluetooth pairing via NFC is also absent from the feature set.

Connectivity:

has an AUX input ✕
HDMI ports 1
has an HDMI output ✓
Bluetooth version 5.2
Has Bluetooth ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
RJ45 ports 0
has a microphone input ✕
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕

The soundbar includes built-in Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi, with wireless networking covering Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) standards. A single HDMI port is available for wired connection, and there is no RJ45 ethernet port, AUX input, S/PDIF output, or microphone input on the unit.

General info:

volume 7955.2 cm³
has voice commands ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
has a remote control ✓
has a rechargeable remote control ✕
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✕
thickness 64 mm
weight 4700 g
width 1100 mm
height 113 mm

The soundbar measures 1100 mm wide, 113 mm tall, and 64 mm thick, with a total weight of 4700 g and a volume of 7955.2 cm³. Controls are accessible directly on the unit, and a remote control is included, though it is not rechargeable. Voice commands and a dedicated smartphone app are not supported.

Final Verdict

The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 is a technically well-equipped soundbar that consolidates a wide range of audio and wireless capabilities into a single unit. Its 11-channel output with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, combined with HDMI eARC compatibility and versatile wireless streaming options including AirPlay and Spotify Connect, make it a compelling choice for users building a dedicated home theater setup around modern display technology. That said, the absence of voice assistant support, a smartphone app, and legacy wired inputs does narrow its appeal for users who expect a more broadly integrated or hands-free experience. For those whose priorities align with spatial audio fidelity and wireless-first connectivity, the Bravia Theatre Bar 8 represents a focused and well-specified option within the soundbar category.

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