Bose soundbar 500 vs sony ht-x8500: the audiophile’s guide to choosing a soundbar
What To Know
- In the realm of home audio, soundbars have emerged as a popular choice for enhancing the cinematic experience without the need for a full-fledged surround sound system.
- The soundbar comes with a glass top and a metal grille, giving it a premium look and feel.
- However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with a dedicated subwoofer and immersive surround sound capabilities, the Sony HT-X8500 is an excellent value.
In the realm of home audio, soundbars have emerged as a popular choice for enhancing the cinematic experience without the need for a full-fledged surround sound system. Two notable contenders in this category are the Bose Soundbar 500 and the Sony HT-X8500. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between these two soundbars, helping you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
Sound Quality
Bose Soundbar 500
The Bose Soundbar 500 boasts a wide soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience. Its five full-range drivers deliver clear and balanced audio with a strong bass response. The soundbar also supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of content.
Sony HT-X8500
The Sony HT-X8500 features a 2.1-channel system with a dedicated subwoofer. This setup provides a deep and impactful bass that complements the clear and detailed mid-range and treble frequencies. The soundbar also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering a more immersive surround sound experience.
Verdict: Both soundbars offer impressive sound quality, but the Sony HT-X8500 has a slight edge in terms of bass response and surround sound capabilities.
Connectivity
Bose Soundbar 500
The Bose Soundbar 500 offers a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. It also supports AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, enabling wireless music streaming from compatible devices.
Sony HT-X8500
The Sony HT-X8500 also provides a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. Additionally, it features a USB port for playback of music from external storage devices.
Verdict: Both soundbars offer a comparable range of connectivity options, with the Sony HT-X8500 having the added benefit of a USB port.
Design
Bose Soundbar 500
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a sleek and minimalist soundbar that complements any home décor. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces. The soundbar comes with a glass top and a metal grille, giving it a premium look and feel.
Sony HT-X8500
The Sony HT-X8500 has a more angular design with a brushed metal finish. It is slightly larger than the Bose Soundbar 500, but still maintains a low profile that won’t obstruct your view of the TV.
Verdict: The design of both soundbars is subjective, but the Bose Soundbar 500’s compact size and sleek aesthetics may appeal to those with space constraints.
Features
Bose Soundbar 500
The Bose Soundbar 500 includes several notable features, such as:
- Bose TrueSpace technology: This technology analyzes incoming audio and creates a virtual surround sound experience, even from non-surround sound sources.
- Voice4Video: This feature allows you to control your TV and soundbar using voice commands via the included remote control.
- ADAPTiQ audio calibration: This feature automatically adjusts the soundbar’s sound to optimize it for your room acoustics.
Sony HT-X8500
The Sony HT-X8500 also offers a range of features, including:
- Vertical Surround Engine: This technology uses Sony’s proprietary algorithms to create a virtual surround sound experience, similar to the Bose TrueSpace technology.
- Sound Field Optimization: This feature analyzes the room acoustics and adjusts the soundbar’s sound accordingly.
- Night mode: This mode reduces the volume of loud sounds, making it ideal for late-night viewing.
Verdict: Both soundbars offer a similar set of features, but the Bose Soundbar 500’s ADAPTiQ audio calibration stands out as a key differentiator.
Price
Bose Soundbar 500
The Bose Soundbar 500 is typically priced around $549.95.
Sony HT-X8500
The Sony HT-X8500 is typically priced around $399.99.
Verdict: The Sony HT-X8500 offers a more affordable option compared to the Bose Soundbar 500.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best choice between the Bose Soundbar 500 and the Sony HT-X8500 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a wide soundstage, premium build quality, and advanced audio calibration features, the Bose Soundbar 500 is a solid choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with a dedicated subwoofer and immersive surround sound capabilities, the Sony HT-X8500 is an excellent value.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: The Bose Soundbar 500 has a wider soundstage than the Sony HT-X8500.
Q: Which soundbar has a dedicated subwoofer?
A: The Sony HT-X8500 has a dedicated subwoofer, while the Bose Soundbar 500 does not.
Q: Which soundbar supports Dolby Atmos?
A: The Sony HT-X8500 supports Dolby Atmos, while the Bose Soundbar 500 does not.
Q: Which soundbar has voice control capabilities?
A: The Bose Soundbar 500 has voice control capabilities through its included remote control, while the Sony HT-X8500 does not.
Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?
A: The Sony HT-X8500 is more affordable than the Bose Soundbar 500.