With every sound format and connection option we could want, the Sony HT-A5000 rocks.

When used in combination with Sony’s optional SA-RS5 rear speakers and SA-SW3 subwoofer, the HT-A5000 serves up a theater-like experience without the hassle of wired setup.

The HT-A5000 combines excellent sound quality with a wide range of features and upgrade options at an affordable price. The soundbar works well on its own, but can also be expanded with subwoofers and surround speakers. This gives you a very cool home cinema system!

A powerful-sounding Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundbar, the Sony HT-A5000 produces a clear, detailed, and in the right setting, expansive soundstage. It performs well with TV and music too for those who want a soundbar that’s a consistent performer across a range of sources.

Sony’s HT-A5000 isn’t cheap, but it’s a much more affordable proposition than the brand’s HT-A7000, and offers a large hunk of what makes that bar so great. You’ll get clear and expansive sound, good Dolby Atmos performance, tons of A/V features (especially compared to Sonos and Bose), and support for just about every hi-res audio file there is. If you’re willing to spend a bit more and put in a bit of effort, the A5000 rewards you with excellent performance and features, especially optimized for those with outboard video or gaming devices.

While you can get better sound and greater flexibility from a component-based system (A/V receiver and separate speakers) at a similar price point, there is something to be said for the simplicity of a soundbar-based surround sound system. If you’re interested in raising the bar on your TV sound, but aren’t ready to invest in a component-based surround sound system, the Sony HT-A5000 provides a nice sonic upgrade to any TV. Pairing it with a Sony TV is ideal as this allows for simplified set-up, single remote operation (mostly) and the option to integrate your TV’s speakers as the system’s center channel speaker. If you can afford to add a pair of the company’s RS3 or RS5 surround speakers and either the SW3 or SW5 subwoofer, you’ll have a great sounding system that will provide a nice sonic upgrade without dominating your living room.

It doesn’t have the wow factor of Sony's flagship soundbar, but the A5000 is still a more substantial sonic performer than much of the competition

The HT-A5000 is a typically accomplished Sony soundbar. It delivers plenty of the big sound from a compact box appeal that we’re always look for from the mid-price soundbar market, and manages to partner its raw power and unexpectedly powerful bass with exceptional detail and clarity.

The Sony HT-A5000 packs a punch and can be upgraded to a potent full surround-sound package but is up against some serious competition

All of this said, the Sony HT-A5000 on its own feels a bit underwhelming, and is best used as part of a package that includes a dedicated subwoofer and preferably rear speakers as well. It's worth the purchase if you're looking for a premium home entertainment speaker system that is easy to set up and use.

The detailed setup and operation of the Sony HT-A5000 soundbar can be a little off-putting, but its performance doesn't disappoint and offers a dramatic upgrade over the on-board sound of virtually any television.

The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar is satisfactory for mixed usage. This soundbar comes with Sound Field Optimization, which automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustics. With this feature on, and its Vertical Surround Engine feature, it has a pretty neutral, though slightly U-shaped sound profile that adds boom in the bass and brightness in the treble. It's suitable for listening to many different types of audio content, and it also supports Dolby Atmos content. Unfortunately, there's a very limited selection of sound customization features available.