{"id":1875992,"date":"2026-04-10T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875992"},"modified":"2026-04-10T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T11:00:00","slug":"sony-bravia-theater-bar-5-review-a-basic-tv-sound-booster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875992","title":{"rendered":"Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 review: A basic TV sound booster"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/04r_BDMCrf2w5W12JwP_PA&#8211;\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD02NzU-\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-1_8951.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"article-a0c3b23b-6ab0-4b61-9021-60bbfa9e8915\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"mx-auto md:px-10 md:max-w-[1220px]\">\n<nav class=\"prestige-breadcrumb relative mx-4 md:mx-0\" aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\">\n<ol class=\"no-scrollbar overflow-scroll whitespace-nowrap text-battleship\">\n<li class=\"inline\">\n<li class=\"inline-block cursor-default last:pr-10 md:last:pr-20 font-bold\">Audio<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-block cursor-default last:pr-10 md:last:pr-20 ml-2 before:mb-0.5 before:mr-3 before:inline-block before:size-2 before:rotate-45 before:border-r-2 before:border-t-2 before:border-battleship\">Speakers<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<div class=\"px-4 md:px-0 disclosure\">\n<div class=\"commerce\" data-pw=\"disclosure\">\n<div class=\"mb-7 flex items-center rounded-lg p-3 w-fit flex-col md:flex-row\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center self-start md:self-center mb-[10px] pb-[18px] md:mb-0 md:py-2 mr-3 border-b border-bob pr-1 dark:border-dolphin md:border-b-0 md:border-r md:pr-3 w-full border-batcave md:w-fit\"><span data-pw=\"disclosureLogo\" class=\"mr-2 size-5 md:size-6\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2023-09\/72819a70-4d9b-11ee-97ef-bc308af496e0\" alt=\"Engadget\"><\/span><span class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap lg:w-[86px] text-xs font-bold text-batcave dark:text-grey-hair md:text-sm\">Why you can trust us<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-[10px] [&amp;_p]:text-[12px] [&amp;_p]:font-[400] [&amp;_p]:text-batcave text-[12px] text-battleship dark:text-gandalf md:text-[13px] [&amp;_a]:text-batcave [&amp;_a]:underline dark:[&amp;_a]:text-grey-hair\">\n<p>Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<header class=\"mb-4 px-4 md:mb-6 md:px-0\">\n<h1 class=\"layout-h1 my-2 font-bold leading-tight\">Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 review: A basic TV sound booster<\/h1>\n<h2 class=\"my-2 text-[18px] font-light leading-5 md:max-w-[660px] md:text-[20px]\/[28px]\">The soundbar\u2019s compact design and crisp sound are great, but only in small spaces.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"flex-col items-start lg:flex lg:flex-row lg:items-center lg:justify-between mt-6\">\n<div class=\"relative md:mr-[10px]\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center\">\n<div class=\"flex mr-2\">\n<div class=\"shrink-0 cursor-pointer inline-block size-[42px] lg:size-[48px]\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt role=\"img\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full rounded-full object-cover object-center shadow-[0_0_0_2px_#ffffff]\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/pt8Z5R0Liu.6bOJJHjXoEw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTgwO2g9ODA-\/https:\/\/o.aolcdn.com\/images\/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fo.aolcdn.com%2Fimages%2Fdims%3Fimage_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fs.yimg.com%252Fos%252Fcreatr-uploaded-images%252F2024-01%252F504fbf30-b0ca-11ee-abfb-8bff3fa28202%26compress%3D1%26progressive%3D1%26quality%3D75%26client%3Dhawkeye%26signature%3Df1c6b436967af299263c321739180c8916a40e01&amp;compress=1&amp;progressive=1&amp;quality=75&amp;client=hawkeye&amp;signature=fe9ea835d858a96570c1f2b8ea1067337e93b331\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-block\">\n<div class=\"w-max text-sm\/5 font-semibold lg:!flex flex items-center\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex w-max items-center\">Billy Steele<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-normal sm:before:inline-block\">Deputy editor, reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lg:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-xs text-dolphin dark:text-shark md:text-sm\/5 pt-4\">\n<div class=\"inline-block\"><span class=\"mr-1 hidden lg:inline\">Updated<\/span><time datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:00:00.000Z\">Fri, April 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ml-0 mt-4 flex items-center lg:ml-3 lg:mt-0\">\n<div class=\"ml-0 mr-2\">\n<div class=\"relative flex\">Add Engadget on Google<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hidden lg:block\">\n<div class=\"text-xs text-dolphin dark:text-shark md:text-sm\/5 pt-4\">\n<div class=\"inline-block\"><span class=\"mr-1 hidden lg:inline\">Updated<\/span><time datetime=\"2026-04-10T14:00:00.000Z\">Fri, April 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-x-8 lg:gap-x-0 mx-auto md:px-10 md:max-w-[1220px] md:grid-cols-[[main-start]_1fr_[main-end_right-start]_min-content_[right-end]] lg:!gap-x-8\">\n<div class=\"md:col-main\" data-i13n-boundary=\"true\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-[[fullbleed-start_body-start]_minmax(auto,750px)_[body-end_fullbleed-end]]\">\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden fig-image-round left-1\/2 w-screen -translate-x-1\/2 md:left-0 md:w-auto md:translate-x-0\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt class=\"object-cover object-center\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/DWspUNDM4V982TQiZ6.g2Q--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/T1cGWZeG79SL6i_9pskAlw--~B\/aD0xNDQwO3c9MjU2MDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-1_8951.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-article-mobile md:grid-cols-article lg:max-w-[750px] drop-cap\" data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Not everyone needs a $1,000 soundbar. It\u2019s easy to argue the sonic superiority of those flagship models from Samsung, Sonos and Sony, but for some people a simple boost to their TV speakers can provide a world of difference. As part of its 2026 soundbar lineup, Sony debuted the Bravia Theater Bar 5: a $350 entry-level model that covers the basics and comes with a wireless subwoofer in the box. The real question here is how many features are you willing to live without.<\/p>\n<div class=\"commerce productModule [&amp;+.productModule]:mt-9 [&amp;+.productModule]:border-t [&amp;+.productModule]:border-dirty-seagull [&amp;+.productModule]:pt-2 [&amp;+:not(.productModule)]:mt-10 col-body\" id=\"cda25545-c316-4cea-a2de-608065f2a86d\">\n<div class=\"mt-6 text-batcave @container\/p dark:text-grey-hair\">\n<div class=\"block @xl\/p:flex @xl\/p:gap-6\">\n<div class=\"relative mb-4 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-lg border border-grey-hair pb-[75%] @xl\/p:mb-0 @xl\/p:h-[165px] @xl\/p:w-[220px] @xl\/p:flex-none @xl\/p:pb-0\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Image for the small product module\" class=\"mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl\/p:transition-transform @xl\/p:duration-300 @xl\/p:ease-in-out @xl\/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl\/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4UdkcVl7R2aKINsuj1eg1g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTQ0MDtoPTI3Ng--\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/2zSAhX5DIRiFgotT_Bdubg--~B\/aD0zMTM7dz01MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/product-module\/e4df087f843bf2a7125cf692f2351f326b1af381b89525be5159280684605309.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"138\" width=\"220\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"absolute -right-0.5 bottom-0 rounded-bl-none rounded-br-lg rounded-tl-lg rounded-tr-none bg-white\/90 px-3 py-2 text-[10px]\/3 text-battleship @xl\/p:left-0 @xl\/p:right-auto @xl\/p:rounded-bl-lg @xl\/p:rounded-br-none @xl\/p:rounded-tl-none @xl\/p:rounded-tr-lg\">Sony<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mx-0 my-auto overflow-visible @xl\/p:grow\">\n<div class=\"commerce-score ml-4 mt-1 inline-block rounded-lg bg-white [box-shadow:0_4px_8px_0_rgb(0_0_0\/10%)] @xl\/p:ml-5 @xl\/p:mt-0 dark:bg-batcave float-right @xl\/p:mb-0 mb-3\">\n<div class=\"relative m-4 flex h-[77px] w-[62px] flex-col items-center justify-end gap-0.5 @xl\/p:h-[92px] @xl\/p:w-[72px] @xl\/p:gap-1\"><span class=\"commerce-score-val text-2xl\/7 @xl\/p:text-[32px]\/9\">74<\/span><span class=\"w-6 border-t border-solid border-t-battleship text-center text-xs\/5 text-battleship dark:border-t-bob dark:text-bob\">100<\/span><span class=\"whitespace-nowrap font-['Yahoo_Sans_Cond'] text-xs\/none font-medium text-battleship dark:text-bob\">Expert Score<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"@xl\/p:flex @xl\/p:min-h-32 @xl\/p:flex-col @xl\/p:justify-center\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-1 text-xl\/[1.3] font-bold @xl\/p:text-2xl\/tight\">Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"commerce-desc mt-2 space-y-6 text-base\/relaxed md:text-lg\/8 [&amp;_li]:ml-4 [&amp;_ol&gt;li]:list-decimal [&amp;_ol]:space-y-6 [&amp;_ul&gt;li]:list-disc [&amp;_ul]:space-y-6\">\n<p>Sony\u2019s latest compact soundbar can boost TV volume, but it has constrained directional audio and offers limited features.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col rounded-lg bg-marshmallow p-5 @xl\/p:flex-row dark:bg-batcave clear-right mt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex-1 border-solid border-dirty-seagull dark:border-charcoal border-b @xl\/p:border-b-0 @xl\/p:border-r-2 mb-6 mr-0 pb-6 pr-0 @xl\/p:mb-0 @xl\/p:mr-4 @xl\/p:pb-0 @xl\/p:pr-4\"><span class=\"space-x-2 text-lg\/6 font-bold uppercase\"><span>Pros<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"mt-2 pl-6 leading-relaxed @xl\/p:text-lg\/[30px]\">\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Compact design<\/li>\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Crisp, clear sound with boomy bass<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-1\"><span class=\"space-x-2 text-lg\/6 font-bold uppercase\"><span>Cons<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"mt-2 pl-6 leading-relaxed @xl\/p:text-lg\/[30px]\">\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Constrained Atmos performance<\/li>\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Limited features<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-5\">$350 at Amazon<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt-4\">\n<div class=\"mb-3 flex items-center font-semibold\">Explore More Buying Options<\/div>\n<p>$350 at Best Buy$350 at Sony Electronics<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"heading-mb col-body heading-text-style font-bold charcoal-color\" data-jump-link-target id=\"the-good-sound-quality-bass-performance-and-setup\">The good: Sound quality, bass performance and setup<\/h2>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">The Theater Bar 5 is the most compact soundbar among Sony\u2019s new models, measuring just 35.5 inches wide. For comparison, that\u2019s still about 10 inches wider than the second-gen Sonos Beam, but nearly 16 inches smaller than Sony\u2019s flagship Theater Bar 9. This stature makes the Bar 5 well-suited for smaller spaces with smaller TVs. In fact, Sony says the soundbar will fit between the legs of Bravia TVs with multi-position stands. Plus, the Bar 5 is just over 2.5 inches tall, slightly shorter than the Beam, so it won\u2019t block the bottom edge of most TVs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Despite its small size, the Bar 5 cranks out some excellent sound. There\u2019s plenty of crisp, clear audio from the 3.1-channel configuration, and the included subwoofer provides an ample amount of booming bass. The Bar 5 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but it doesn\u2019t have up-firing drivers. Instead, the soundbar relies on Sony\u2019s Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround tech to virtualize much of the directional and overhead audio. More on that in a bit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-fullbleed mb-4 bg-marshmallow pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:invisible md:mb-0 md:h-0 md:overflow-hidden md:pb-0\">\n<div class=\"py-2 text-center text-xs uppercase\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_16d9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-body mb-4 hidden pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:block\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_26d9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">While watching Netflix\u2019s <em>Drive to Survive, <\/em>I experienced the excitement of F1 cars zooming around various circuits as the Bar 5 does well with general movement. The soundbar\u2019s wide soundstage, excellent detail and booming bass provide some degree of immersion that doesn\u2019t rely on audio projected overhead. That overall clarity and powerful bass are also great for listening to music, as the Bar 5 can handle a range of genres with ease.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Bravia Theater Bar 5 has a basic, compact design\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"fig-image-round\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/_KDK.bWGp36qlcaZVYIMXA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-3_0888.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">The Bravia Theater Bar 5 has a basic, compact design<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">From Kieran Behden &amp; William Tyler\u2019s acoustic\/electronic <em>41 Longfield Street Late \u201880s <\/em>to Thursday\u2019s screamo masterpiece <em>Full Collapse, <\/em>the soundbar performs admirably. Although with heavier genres, I preferred to dial down the bass slightly. Tucker Rule\u2019s kick drum on <em>Full Collapse<\/em>, for example, was a bit much for the standard tuning here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">After struggling with the setup on LG\u2019s Sound Suite, I was thankful that configuring the Bar 5 was super easy. It\u2019s very much a plug-and-play situation, and the Bravia Connect app guides you through the initial steps. It takes about five minutes to get up and running and I\u2019d wager even the least tech-savvy person in your life can probably figure this out. You can also opt for Night mode (less bass), Sound Field (enhanced audio) and Voice mode (louder dialogue) in the Bravia Connect app.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">All of this certainly makes the Bar 5 a solid option for someone who doesn\u2019t need a lot of features, but stands to benefit from augmenting the sound from their TV alone.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-mb col-body heading-text-style font-bold charcoal-color\" data-jump-link-target id=\"the-not-so-good-constrained-dolby-atmos-and-limited-features\">The not so good: Constrained Dolby Atmos and limited features<\/h2>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">While the Bar 5 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio, Sony\u2019s virtualization tech was a disappointment. There\u2019s some side-to-side directional sound, but I noticed almost no simulated overhead noise. The Bar 5\u2019s sonic clarity makes it a solid option for boosting living room audio, just don\u2019t expect the enveloping effects that more robust (and more expensive) soundbars would offer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-fullbleed mb-4 bg-marshmallow pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:invisible md:mb-0 md:h-0 md:overflow-hidden md:pb-0\">\n<div class=\"py-2 text-center text-xs uppercase\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_1ed9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-body mb-4 hidden pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:block\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_2ed9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">There are several features you won\u2019t find on the Theater Bar 5, starting with the lack of onboard controls. I\u2019m well aware that those buttons on top of soundbars don\u2019t get used much, but if you\u2019re like me, you still reach for them occasionally. There were several times during my testing when I tried to blindly tap the non-existent volume controls on the Bar 5. Other than a power button on the right side, your options for controlling this soundbar are a remote and the Bravia Connect app.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The power button on the right side\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"fig-image-round\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4HPYkvhbfDhpBU0Ya0QXAA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-2_9041.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">The power button on the right side<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">You also won\u2019t find a Wi-Fi connection on the Bar 5. This means that AirPlay and Google Cast aren\u2019t available to easily beam audio from your devices to the soundbar. There is Bluetooth 5.3, so you do have <em>an option <\/em>for music and podcasts from your phone or laptop if you need it. However, pairing your devices to the soundbar via Bluetooth isn\u2019t as quick as selecting the soundbar in your streaming app when AirPlay or Cast are on the spec sheet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Lastly, Sony doesn\u2019t offer any type of room calibration on Theater Bar 5. Sure, a smaller soundbar like this is better in smaller spaces, but it would still be nice to have the system dial in the audio for the aspects of the room. After all, not every living room is a perfect rectangle. I can understand why the company left this feature out of a $350 model, since the tool would require extra components like microphones. This is certainly one of the more noticeable trade-offs for saving some money.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-mb col-body heading-text-style font-bold charcoal-color\" data-jump-link-target id=\"wrap-up\">Wrap-up<\/h2>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Sometimes the basics are all you need. Sony\u2019s Bravia Theater Bar 5 provides an entry-level boost to TV audio that will be fine for people looking for just that. While there is support for immersive audio, the soundbar\u2019s 3.1-channel setup isn\u2019t the best for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance, and that\u2019s really the biggest knock against the Bar 5. However, this model&#8217;s excellent audio quality, especially the powerful bass, will suffice for customers just looking to hear their TVs better.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Bravia Theater Bar 5's included subwoofer\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"fig-image-round\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/8Dh.x8yZCqDOghQ1Z6LO6Q--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-4_3582.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">The Bravia Theater Bar 5&#8217;s included subwoofer<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">If you want a compact soundbar that provides respectable Atmos performance, the second-gen Sonos Beam is your best bet. Sure, it\u2019s more expensive at $499 and it doesn\u2019t come with a subwoofer, but its additional drivers, tweeter and passive radiators offer more robust audio from the soundbar alone. You also get Trueplay room calibration and Wi-Fi connectivity there.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-fullbleed mb-4 bg-marshmallow pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:invisible md:mb-0 md:h-0 md:overflow-hidden md:pb-0\">\n<div class=\"py-2 text-center text-xs uppercase\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_1nd9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-body mb-4 hidden pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:block\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_2nd9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">The Theater Bar 5 will certainly improve your living room audio compared to your TV speakers alone, but with a few more features and improved Atmos virtualization, Sony could\u2019ve had a real winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"md:col-main grid grid-cols-article-mobile md:grid-cols-article lg:max-w-[750px]\">\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar col-body mx-4 mb-8 mt-2.5 overflow-x-scroll whitespace-nowrap md:mx-0 md:max-w-[750px] md:overflow-x-visible\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto max-w-screen-sm\">\n<ul class=\"inline-flex text-xs md:text-sm\">\n<li class=\"mr-6\">About our ads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-article-mobile md:grid-cols-article lg:max-w-[750px] drop-cap\" data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Not everyone needs a $1,000 soundbar. It\u2019s easy to argue the sonic superiority of those flagship models from Samsung, Sonos and Sony, but for some people a simple boost to their TV speakers can provide a world of difference. As part of its 2026 soundbar lineup, Sony debuted the Bravia Theater Bar 5: a $350 entry-level model that covers the basics and comes with a wireless subwoofer in the box. The real question here is how many features are you willing to live without.<\/p>\n<div class=\"commerce productModule [&amp;+.productModule]:mt-9 [&amp;+.productModule]:border-t [&amp;+.productModule]:border-dirty-seagull [&amp;+.productModule]:pt-2 [&amp;+:not(.productModule)]:mt-10 col-body\" id=\"cda25545-c316-4cea-a2de-608065f2a86d\">\n<div class=\"mt-6 text-batcave @container\/p dark:text-grey-hair\">\n<div class=\"block @xl\/p:flex @xl\/p:gap-6\">\n<div class=\"relative mb-4 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-lg border border-grey-hair pb-[75%] @xl\/p:mb-0 @xl\/p:h-[165px] @xl\/p:w-[220px] @xl\/p:flex-none @xl\/p:pb-0\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Image for the small product module\" class=\"mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl\/p:transition-transform @xl\/p:duration-300 @xl\/p:ease-in-out @xl\/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl\/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4UdkcVl7R2aKINsuj1eg1g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTQ0MDtoPTI3Ng--\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/2zSAhX5DIRiFgotT_Bdubg--~B\/aD0zMTM7dz01MDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/product-module\/e4df087f843bf2a7125cf692f2351f326b1af381b89525be5159280684605309.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"138\" width=\"220\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"absolute -right-0.5 bottom-0 rounded-bl-none rounded-br-lg rounded-tl-lg rounded-tr-none bg-white\/90 px-3 py-2 text-[10px]\/3 text-battleship @xl\/p:left-0 @xl\/p:right-auto @xl\/p:rounded-bl-lg @xl\/p:rounded-br-none @xl\/p:rounded-tl-none @xl\/p:rounded-tr-lg\">Sony<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mx-0 my-auto overflow-visible @xl\/p:grow\">\n<div class=\"commerce-score ml-4 mt-1 inline-block rounded-lg bg-white [box-shadow:0_4px_8px_0_rgb(0_0_0\/10%)] @xl\/p:ml-5 @xl\/p:mt-0 dark:bg-batcave float-right @xl\/p:mb-0 mb-3\">\n<div class=\"relative m-4 flex h-[77px] w-[62px] flex-col items-center justify-end gap-0.5 @xl\/p:h-[92px] @xl\/p:w-[72px] @xl\/p:gap-1\"><span class=\"commerce-score-val text-2xl\/7 @xl\/p:text-[32px]\/9\">74<\/span><span class=\"w-6 border-t border-solid border-t-battleship text-center text-xs\/5 text-battleship dark:border-t-bob dark:text-bob\">100<\/span><span class=\"whitespace-nowrap font-['Yahoo_Sans_Cond'] text-xs\/none font-medium text-battleship dark:text-bob\">Expert Score<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"@xl\/p:flex @xl\/p:min-h-32 @xl\/p:flex-col @xl\/p:justify-center\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-1 text-xl\/[1.3] font-bold @xl\/p:text-2xl\/tight\">Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"commerce-desc mt-2 space-y-6 text-base\/relaxed md:text-lg\/8 [&amp;_li]:ml-4 [&amp;_ol&gt;li]:list-decimal [&amp;_ol]:space-y-6 [&amp;_ul&gt;li]:list-disc [&amp;_ul]:space-y-6\">\n<p>Sony\u2019s latest compact soundbar can boost TV volume, but it has constrained directional audio and offers limited features.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col rounded-lg bg-marshmallow p-5 @xl\/p:flex-row dark:bg-batcave clear-right mt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex-1 border-solid border-dirty-seagull dark:border-charcoal border-b @xl\/p:border-b-0 @xl\/p:border-r-2 mb-6 mr-0 pb-6 pr-0 @xl\/p:mb-0 @xl\/p:mr-4 @xl\/p:pb-0 @xl\/p:pr-4\"><span class=\"space-x-2 text-lg\/6 font-bold uppercase\"><span>Pros<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"mt-2 pl-6 leading-relaxed @xl\/p:text-lg\/[30px]\">\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Compact design<\/li>\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Crisp, clear sound with boomy bass<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-1\"><span class=\"space-x-2 text-lg\/6 font-bold uppercase\"><span>Cons<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"mt-2 pl-6 leading-relaxed @xl\/p:text-lg\/[30px]\">\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Constrained Atmos performance<\/li>\n<li class=\"list-disc\">Limited features<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-5\">$350 at Amazon<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt-4\">\n<div class=\"mb-3 flex items-center font-semibold\">Explore More Buying Options<\/div>\n<p>$350 at Best Buy$350 at Sony Electronics<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"heading-mb col-body heading-text-style font-bold charcoal-color\" data-jump-link-target id=\"the-good-sound-quality-bass-performance-and-setup\">The good: Sound quality, bass performance and setup<\/h2>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">The Theater Bar 5 is the most compact soundbar among Sony\u2019s new models, measuring just 35.5 inches wide. For comparison, that\u2019s still about 10 inches wider than the second-gen Sonos Beam, but nearly 16 inches smaller than Sony\u2019s flagship Theater Bar 9. This stature makes the Bar 5 well-suited for smaller spaces with smaller TVs. In fact, Sony says the soundbar will fit between the legs of Bravia TVs with multi-position stands. Plus, the Bar 5 is just over 2.5 inches tall, slightly shorter than the Beam, so it won\u2019t block the bottom edge of most TVs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Despite its small size, the Bar 5 cranks out some excellent sound. There\u2019s plenty of crisp, clear audio from the 3.1-channel configuration, and the included subwoofer provides an ample amount of booming bass. The Bar 5 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but it doesn\u2019t have up-firing drivers. Instead, the soundbar relies on Sony\u2019s Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround tech to virtualize much of the directional and overhead audio. More on that in a bit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-fullbleed mb-4 bg-marshmallow pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:invisible md:mb-0 md:h-0 md:overflow-hidden md:pb-0\">\n<div class=\"py-2 text-center text-xs uppercase\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_16d9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-body mb-4 hidden pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:block\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_26d9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">While watching Netflix\u2019s <em>Drive to Survive, <\/em>I experienced the excitement of F1 cars zooming around various circuits as the Bar 5 does well with general movement. The soundbar\u2019s wide soundstage, excellent detail and booming bass provide some degree of immersion that doesn\u2019t rely on audio projected overhead. That overall clarity and powerful bass are also great for listening to music, as the Bar 5 can handle a range of genres with ease.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Bravia Theater Bar 5 has a basic, compact design\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"fig-image-round\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/_KDK.bWGp36qlcaZVYIMXA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-3_0888.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">The Bravia Theater Bar 5 has a basic, compact design<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">From Kieran Behden &amp; William Tyler\u2019s acoustic\/electronic <em>41 Longfield Street Late \u201880s <\/em>to Thursday\u2019s screamo masterpiece <em>Full Collapse, <\/em>the soundbar performs admirably. Although with heavier genres, I preferred to dial down the bass slightly. Tucker Rule\u2019s kick drum on <em>Full Collapse<\/em>, for example, was a bit much for the standard tuning here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">After struggling with the setup on LG\u2019s Sound Suite, I was thankful that configuring the Bar 5 was super easy. It\u2019s very much a plug-and-play situation, and the Bravia Connect app guides you through the initial steps. It takes about five minutes to get up and running and I\u2019d wager even the least tech-savvy person in your life can probably figure this out. You can also opt for Night mode (less bass), Sound Field (enhanced audio) and Voice mode (louder dialogue) in the Bravia Connect app.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">All of this certainly makes the Bar 5 a solid option for someone who doesn\u2019t need a lot of features, but stands to benefit from augmenting the sound from their TV alone.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-mb col-body heading-text-style font-bold charcoal-color\" data-jump-link-target id=\"the-not-so-good-constrained-dolby-atmos-and-limited-features\">The not so good: Constrained Dolby Atmos and limited features<\/h2>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">While the Bar 5 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio, Sony\u2019s virtualization tech was a disappointment. There\u2019s some side-to-side directional sound, but I noticed almost no simulated overhead noise. The Bar 5\u2019s sonic clarity makes it a solid option for boosting living room audio, just don\u2019t expect the enveloping effects that more robust (and more expensive) soundbars would offer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-fullbleed mb-4 bg-marshmallow pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:invisible md:mb-0 md:h-0 md:overflow-hidden md:pb-0\">\n<div class=\"py-2 text-center text-xs uppercase\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_1ed9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-body mb-4 hidden pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:block\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_2ed9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">There are several features you won\u2019t find on the Theater Bar 5, starting with the lack of onboard controls. I\u2019m well aware that those buttons on top of soundbars don\u2019t get used much, but if you\u2019re like me, you still reach for them occasionally. There were several times during my testing when I tried to blindly tap the non-existent volume controls on the Bar 5. Other than a power button on the right side, your options for controlling this soundbar are a remote and the Bravia Connect app.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The power button on the right side\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"fig-image-round\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4HPYkvhbfDhpBU0Ya0QXAA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-2_9041.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">The power button on the right side<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">You also won\u2019t find a Wi-Fi connection on the Bar 5. This means that AirPlay and Google Cast aren\u2019t available to easily beam audio from your devices to the soundbar. There is Bluetooth 5.3, so you do have <em>an option <\/em>for music and podcasts from your phone or laptop if you need it. However, pairing your devices to the soundbar via Bluetooth isn\u2019t as quick as selecting the soundbar in your streaming app when AirPlay or Cast are on the spec sheet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Lastly, Sony doesn\u2019t offer any type of room calibration on Theater Bar 5. Sure, a smaller soundbar like this is better in smaller spaces, but it would still be nice to have the system dial in the audio for the aspects of the room. After all, not every living room is a perfect rectangle. I can understand why the company left this feature out of a $350 model, since the tool would require extra components like microphones. This is certainly one of the more noticeable trade-offs for saving some money.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-mb col-body heading-text-style font-bold charcoal-color\" data-jump-link-target id=\"wrap-up\">Wrap-up<\/h2>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">Sometimes the basics are all you need. Sony\u2019s Bravia Theater Bar 5 provides an entry-level boost to TV audio that will be fine for people looking for just that. While there is support for immersive audio, the soundbar\u2019s 3.1-channel setup isn\u2019t the best for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance, and that\u2019s really the biggest knock against the Bar 5. However, this model&#8217;s excellent audio quality, especially the powerful bass, will suffice for customers just looking to hear their TVs better.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative col-body mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Bravia Theater Bar 5's included subwoofer\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"fig-image-round\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/8Dh.x8yZCqDOghQ1Z6LO6Q--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-4_3582.jpg\"><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-[0.875rem]\/[1.25rem] figure-caption mt-1 line-clamp-2 mt-2.5 md:mt-2 pr-2.5\">\n<div><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">The Bravia Theater Bar 5&#8217;s included subwoofer<\/span><span> (Billy Steele for Engadget)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">If you want a compact soundbar that provides respectable Atmos performance, the second-gen Sonos Beam is your best bet. Sure, it\u2019s more expensive at $499 and it doesn\u2019t come with a subwoofer, but its additional drivers, tweeter and passive radiators offer more robust audio from the soundbar alone. You also get Trueplay room calibration and Wi-Fi connectivity there.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-fullbleed mb-4 bg-marshmallow pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:invisible md:mb-0 md:h-0 md:overflow-hidden md:pb-0\">\n<div class=\"py-2 text-center text-xs uppercase\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_1nd9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-body mb-4 hidden pb-5 dark:bg-ramones md:block\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-nowrap justify-center\">\n<div class=\"flex\" id=\"_R_2nd9nam95feiv5tilbH1_\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full items-center justify-center bg-marshmallow text-center leading-3\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"col-body mb-4 leading-7 text-[18px] md:leading-8 break-words min-w-0 charcoal-color\">The Theater Bar 5 will certainly improve your living room audio compared to your TV speakers alone, but with a few more features and improved Atmos virtualization, Sony could\u2019ve had a real winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.engadget.com\/audio\/speakers\/sony-bravia-theater-bar-5-review-a-basic-tv-sound-booster-140000192.html&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/04r_BDMCrf2w5W12JwP_PA&#8211;\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD02NzU-\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/user-uploaded\/sony-1_8951.jpg&#8221;] Audio Speakers Why you can trust us Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products. Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 review: A basic TV sound [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,63],"class_list":["post-1875992","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-engadget-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875992"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875992\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}