What To Know
- If you’re looking to enhance your home entertainment experience with an immersive audio system, the Sony HT-X8500 and Bose TV Speaker stand as two of the most popular options in the market.
- The Sony HT-X8500 comes with a range of features, including a Night Mode for reduced bass and volume, a Voice Mode for enhanced dialogue clarity, and a Sound Field Optimization feature that automatically adjusts the sound based on your room’s acoustics.
- The Bose TV Speaker delivers a wide and enveloping soundstage, clear audio, and convenient HDMI-CEC pass-through, but it comes with a higher price tag.
If you’re looking to enhance your home entertainment experience with an immersive audio system, the Sony HT-X8500 and Bose TV Speaker stand as two of the most popular options in the market. Both devices offer exceptional sound quality and a range of features, but which one is the right choice for you?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Sony HT-X8500 against the Bose TV Speaker, evaluating their key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sony HT-X8500 boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring 3.5″ x 33.1″ x 2.5″. Its low-profile form makes it easy to place under your TV without obstructing the screen. The Bose TV Speaker, on the other hand, has a more elongated shape, measuring 2.2″ x 48.5″ x 2.5″. Its slim design allows it to fit seamlessly below your TV, providing a subtle yet stylish addition to your setup.
Sound Quality
Both the Sony HT-X8500 and Bose TV Speaker deliver impressive sound quality, but they differ in their approach. The Sony HT-X8500 utilizes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X virtual surround sound technologies to create an immersive and spacious soundscape. It features a 2.1-channel system with a built-in subwoofer, providing deep and impactful bass.
The Bose TV Speaker employs Bose‘s proprietary TrueSpace technology to deliver a wide and enveloping soundstage. It features a 2.0-channel system with two full-range drivers, producing clear and balanced audio.
Connectivity
The Sony HT-X8500 offers a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical digital audio, and Bluetooth. It also supports NFC for easy pairing with compatible devices. The Bose TV Speaker provides HDMI ARC and optical digital audio connectivity, but it lacks Bluetooth support. However, it features a convenient HDMI-CEC pass-through, allowing you to control both your TV and the speaker with a single remote.
Features
The Sony HT-X8500 comes with a range of features, including a Night Mode for reduced bass and volume, a Voice Mode for enhanced dialogue clarity, and a Sound Field Optimization feature that automatically adjusts the sound based on your room’s acoustics. The Bose TV Speaker offers a Bass Boost mode for increased bass output and a Dialogue Mode for improved speech intelligibility.
Price
The Sony HT-X8500 is typically priced around $300, while the Bose TV Speaker retails for around $400. The price difference is a factor to consider when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Sony HT-X8500
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X virtual surround sound
- Built-in subwoofer for deep bass
- Night Mode, Voice Mode, and Sound Field Optimization features
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Lack of Bluetooth support
- Limited connectivity options
Bose TV Speaker
Pros:
- Wide and enveloping TrueSpace soundstage
- Clear and balanced audio
- HDMI-CEC pass-through for easy control
- Bass Boost and Dialogue modes
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- No Bluetooth support
- Higher price
Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The Sony HT-X8500 and Bose TV Speaker are both excellent choices for enhancing your home entertainment audio. The Sony HT-X8500 offers immersive virtual surround sound, a built-in subwoofer for powerful bass, and a range of features at an affordable price. The Bose TV Speaker delivers a wide and enveloping soundstage, clear audio, and convenient HDMI-CEC pass-through, but it comes with a higher price tag.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and immersive sound experience with deep bass, the Sony HT-X8500 is a great option. If you prioritize a wide and enveloping soundstage with clear audio and convenient HDMI-CEC control, the Bose TV Speaker may be the better choice for you.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which speaker is louder, the Sony HT-X8500 or the Bose TV Speaker?
The Bose TV Speaker is generally considered to be louder than the Sony HT-X8500.
2. Can I use the Sony HT-X8500 with a non-HDMI TV?
Yes, the Sony HT-X8500 supports optical digital audio connectivity, which is compatible with most non-HDMI TVs.
3. Does the Bose TV Speaker support Dolby Atmos?
No, the Bose TV Speaker does not support Dolby Atmos. It uses Bose’s proprietary TrueSpace technology for virtual surround sound.
4. Which speaker has better bass response?
The Sony HT-X8500 has better bass response due to its built-in subwoofer.
5. Can I use either speaker as a standalone Bluetooth speaker?
No, neither the Sony HT-X8500 nor the Bose TV Speaker supports Bluetooth connectivity.