In the background of Sony’s fancy new A17 hi-res portable music player, and a host of other new portable playback devices, Sony is showing off a brand new sound bar to the folks at IFA in Berlin this morning. The the HT-ST5 is a top-tier device for the company — with a top-tier price and power to match. Along with its wireless subwoofer, it offers a claimed 380 watts of power to beef up your home theater.
Sony has frankly been killing it when it comes to supplementary sound these days, and we expect the $1,000 ST5 to only add to the company’s current string of successes. The system is compatible with top audio codecs like DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD, and its nine individual drivers are driven by seven discrete amplifiers, supplying 7.1 channel virtual surround sound. The virtual surround is enhanced by Sony’s S-Force Profront Surround DSP technology.
Related: Sony CT770 sound bar review
The bar is loaded with inputs, including three HDMI 2.0 inputs, with one HDMI 2.0 output, with 4K video passthrough and ARC connection, allowing for easy control of the system via your TV remote. Sony doesn’t disclose other inputs for some reason, but we’re guessing the usual optical digital and RCA analog inputs are present, as well as wireless Bluetooth connection with aptX for CD-quality resolution. In addition, users can stream songs and control the bar via Sony’s Songpal app.
The bar can be wall-mounted, or rest on its included feet on your TV stand, which can target the sound up at a 30 degree angle. The ST5 will be available for purchase towards the end of September, and we expect to get a closer look at IFA, with a full review to come, so stay with us.
