Soundbars can be easily integrated into the living room and offer audible added value compared to the speakers integrated into the television. When purchasing certain models such as the Sony HT-A3000, you also have the option of later expanding the soundbar to include a subwoofer and using rear speakers to create a true surround system.
When it was launched two years ago, the soundbar cost 699 euros, but now the Sony HT-A3000 has fallen to 329 euros. At this price, which according to our information has never been beaten, Amazon, Media Markt and Saturn are currently offering free shipping.
3.1-Soundbar
Sony HT-A3000
The expandable soundbar is compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2 and more.
The little brother of the test winner
Sony knows what a good soundbar has to be able to do: It’s not without reason that the HT-A5000 is our current recommendation for Dolby Atmos soundbars. The Sony HT-A3000 is not quite as advanced or has a powerful sound, but it is also significantly cheaper: the Japanese use a total of three front speakers in this model, including a center speaker, which is primarily intended to improve the intelligibility of dialogue. In addition, two subwoofers are installed, which provide a certain deep bass foundation.
If that’s not enough, you later have the option of expanding the soundbar with compatible subwoofers such as the Sony SA-SW3 or the even more powerful SA-SW5. The 3.1 soundbar supports, among other things, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and is ideally used with a Sony television. Then the Bravia Acoustic Center Sync TV and soundbar can be used together for 360 degree spatial sound mapping. There is also the option of controlling the sound settings via the integrated user interface of the Bravia televisions.
Fit for streaming and voice commands
The soundbar measures 95 × 6.4 × 12.8 centimeters and supports Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay 2, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is also possible. While the activated voice mode improves the intelligibility of speech, the night mode ensures that the sound is optimized for quieter playback.
The Sony HT-A3000 supports WLAN and Bluetooth, and the connections available include USB, an optical and HDMI input and an HDMI output with eARC. There is also an S-Center-Out socket for connecting an optional subwoofer.
Alternatives to the Sony HT-A3000 and more information can be found in our Dolby Atmos soundbar test.
