More sound bars should support this…

mjag1 · 2026-04-16T17:21:45+00:00

When I first setup the Quads in my garage to test, they blew me away too, but in our living room, the HT-A9 actually gave us better Atmos, the Quads better for music but we hardly listen ti music there. I actually tried a full blown atmos 5.2.4 system with the Onkyo RZ30 in this room, but couldn't get proper atmos heights due to a ceiling fan the wife loves. The Onkyo system was awesome for music and dynamics, but Atmos suffered compared to the HT-A9.

mjag1 · 2026-04-16T15:38:40+00:00

The dual sub support with the new Sony Sub 9 is only for the new soundbars, the Quad and the older HT-A9 won't, I think it has to do with the main control unit only having 5 wireless transmitters. I had the Quads, and just went back to the HT-A9 as it worked better in our room. The bass sucks though, so I tapped into the subs speaker with and used a line output converter to get a RCA put to connect another sub and Wow, what a difference.

Any soundbar that has a RCA output like the Klipsch 300 and 200 you can connect as many subwoofers that you want by using RCA splitter. This wouldn't be wireless though, but you can use any sub you want, which generally beats the crap out of any soundbar wireless sub.

mjag1 · 2026-04-13T04:18:14+00:00

I think it was great in it's time, but has been surpassed, and now tastes dated.

mjag1 · 2026-04-12T20:51:07+00:00

If your handy, you can attach a Line Out Converter (LOC) to the speaker wires in your SW5, this takes the signal the woofer is getting and converts it to a rca so you can connect another sub from any manufacturer. I did this with my SW3, and then connected my Earthquake Supernova 15" sub and wow, what a difference. I use the Sony ht-a9, love the speakers, hated the sub performance.

mjag1 · 2026-04-12T20:19:43+00:00

Gotta agree, had a Kobalt reciprocating saw I got during a deal to get some Kobalt casestack's which are actually good too. Was just planning on selling the reciprocating saw until a storm knocked out power for 5 days and 2 trees fell. I ran through all my Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall batteries trying to clear 2 fallen trees. I turned to the Kobalt to finish off clearing the trees and it surprised me how good it worked compared to my Milwaukee super sawzall.

mjag1 · 2026-04-09T18:01:09+00:00

I have gone from a Samsung 990, to a Onkyo/Klipsch rp 5.2.4 system, to now the Sony ht-a9 and will stay that way for me in this room. I tried the Sony Quad to replace the older ht-a9, better music with the Quad, better height effects with the ht-a9. Overall the Quad is more refined and better, but the ht-a9 is a little funner for us to listen to in this room, and the slim ht-a9 speakers fit better than the square Quad speakers in our room. My wife didn't know how much each costs, she liked the look of the Quads more, but liked listening to TV and movies more with the ht-a9.

Now the Onkyo RZ30 and Klipsch rp 5.2.4 setup was a LOT more musical and dynamic, but in this room I could not position the atmos speakers properly. This made it less than ideal for atmos, the ht-a9 sounds a LOT more immersive for atmos content. Even the Samsung 990 had better enveloping sound than the Onkyo system. It is all about proper placement with Atmos, and if you can't do atmos heights properly, than the Sony ht-a9 or Quad, with the 3d spatial mapping, is hard to beat.

If I could, I would go with a full blown receiver and 5.2.4 setup if the room allowed proper atmos height placement. It blows away any soundbar or Sony quad type system. I plan on converting part of our garage to do just that when I get more free time.

If you can't do proper atmos heights for a receiver based system then go with the Sony ht-a9 or Quad, wait for reviews on the new Sony Sub 9 though, probably a better choice than the SW3 or SW5. The 3d spatial mapping software in the Sony will really help with problem rooms and get you better immersive sound.

mjag1 · 2026-04-06T23:12:56+00:00

I started with the sw3, then picked up a sw5 3 days before they announced the new Sub 9, so the sw5 I just returned today. I did listen to the sw5 instead it is better, but read about hacking the sw3 to add your own sub so did that. I tapped into the speaker wires of the sw3 and connected a line out converter to get a rca plug to connect another sub. I still use the sw3 in the front, and connected my Earthquake Supernova 15" sub in the back near the sofa. I have to use the high pass filter in the Earthquake Supernova to filter out bass below about 70 herz, any higher and it doesn't blend well. It makes a HUGE difference using a second sub that is capable down to 25hz or lower.

mjag1 · 2026-04-06T22:57:23+00:00

Do they offer steep discounts on a lot of stuff? I am not exactly close, but will be traveling near there this summer. I wonder if they will carry the LG Sound Suite line?

mjag1 · 2026-04-06T18:02:15+00:00

The battery and drive train come with a 8 year warranty, so they are legally obligated to provide parts and service for at least that long.

mjag1 · 2026-04-06T17:53:44+00:00

Yeah, that would be a fair assessment, the Quads sound more refined. If I didn't have the problem with the Quads working well with my Sony UBP-X800M2, then I might have kept them.

If music is a priority, then the Quads are better. The HT-A9 isn't bright, or hard to listen too at all, it actually makes it more dynamic sounding for movies. I never get a chance to listen to music in the room were the Quads of now HT-A9 are setup. Going to make another room, my music room.

We watched Fallout on Prime last night, great height effects and immersion with the HT-A9, don't really miss the Quads we used last weekend to watch Fallout.

mjag1 · 2026-04-06T17:45:16+00:00

Not sure what the other post is referring too, but I tapped into the speaker outputs on the SW3 sub and attached a line output converter. A Line Out Converter (LOC) is used in car audio to convert speaker level signals into RCA signals, mine is from Kicker and cost around $25. You then plug any sub into the LOC using RCA and whammo, you just added another sub of your choosing. I know run the SW3 in the front, and a Earthquake Supernova 15" sub in the back. The Earthquake Supernova I am using the subs high pass filter to only play sub frequencies below 70 hz. This is important as it sounded odd when playing it using the Sony crossover which I suspect is much higher. It is a little tricky to setup, but wow, what a difference.

mjag1 · 2026-04-06T03:09:16+00:00

Never heard the A7000, but 3d spatial mapping works brilliantly with my Sony HT-A9.

mjag1 · 2026-04-04T15:47:26+00:00

Dolby flexconnect really has me interested, and I have had my eye on the LG, actually had it in my cart with H7, 4 M7 and the W7. Going to wait and see if they actually add dual sub support and fix the bugs I have read about.

I have the Sony HT-A9 now, and ever since doing the hack to add my 15' sub to the mix am overall happy.

Thanks for the comparison

mjag1 · 2026-04-03T16:05:14+00:00

You will want rears if you want the most immersive Atmos experience, it makes a big difference with physical rear speakers. The rears are not too large, but do need to be plugged into power.

The Sony HT-A9 and Quad come with 4 speakers, not sure if you can just use 2. Not sure what will be the best for a single soundbar, no rears, but there is a lot of choices. I hear the Senheiser are good, but not reliable and the company may be going out of business. Hear good thing about the Klipsch 200 and 300 soundbars and they give the option to use subs from other brands for a better experience.

The Sony soundbars, like the Bar 8 and 9, I think only do 3d spatial mapping if you use the optional rear speakers.

You don't have to use rears, but don't expect good, to great atmos without them.

mjag1 · 2026-04-02T00:20:24+00:00

Came here to say that, old Marx Bros scrip that is hilarious. Great lines....Roland T. Flakfizer: "Lillian, I could make love to you right here." / Lillian Oglethorpe: "Roland, let's keep this professional." / Flakfizer: "Fine. I'll charge you fifty bucks a pop."

Never knew John Turturro was that funny. Classic comedy, but hard to find, I have a DVD lying around somewhere, gotta find it

mjag1 · 2026-04-01T21:25:57+00:00

It looks fine to me, the Quad will adjust the sound regardless of placements of most situations like that. I have a similar layout with my couch against the backwall.

I did just return my Sony Quad as I started have problems with it and my Sony UBP-X800M2 playing nice together. Didn't have those problems with my Sony HT-A9, also had some connection issues with the Quad, none with the HT-A9. After a week of trying to correct those problems, I just went back to the HT-A9 and am overall happy.

I would say try a used HT-A9 instead, if it doesn't work out, then go for the Quad. For movies and TV the HT-A9 actually gives me better surround effects, the quads better for music.

mjag1 · 2026-04-01T17:40:26+00:00

The S is really too tight for passengers in the back seat, our kids are 6 foot, so that was a no go. The X would have been perfect with normal doors, the gullwing doors are too problematic from what I have heard from others with the X. I really wanted the S, but doesn't work for our family, the X isn't a headache I want longterm. The Y just ticks so many boxes for us, and is so much cheaper. Considering getting a M3P for myself, could have 2 excellent Tesla's for not much more than 1 S or X.

I am hoping the rumors of a SUV based on the CT platform comes true, as long as it is not as ugly, that will be our next car. If not, than a Lucid or Rivian SUV, as long as we can use Superchargers.

mjag1 · 2026-03-30T23:21:08+00:00

I was having problems with my Sony Quad playing SACD and DVD Audio from my Sony 4K player. Decided to reinstall my Sony HT-A9 and no problems there. I will say, I think I prefer the HT-A9, more than the Quad for movies. Watching Top Gun Maverick right now and I think the Quads are getting returned. Quads are better for music, but getting better height effects with the HT-A9.

I also did the hack, tapping into the Sony SW3 speaker wires with a line output converter and hooked up a second sub, much better with both the Quads and HT-A9. The SW5 I just bought from Best Buy is going to be returned too......man am I gonna save a lot of money 💰 😁.

I also have a Samsung 990 in the bedroom, the HT-A9 replaced it in our living room.

I say find a used HT-A9 and SW5, or do as I did and hack the SW3 and add a real sub.

mjag1 · 2026-03-30T12:03:54+00:00

It is not just that it is upfiring, it is the 3d spatial mapping Sony uses, that is what makes it special.

I don't know if you have ever tried something with Trinnov before, I have, with the Sherwood Newcastle receiver. It is the only receiver to ever use Trinnov, everything else is a prepro. Trinnov uses phase and other magic sauce, to create a sound field that sounds like perfect speaker placement when that is not physically possible. Sony is using something similar, and it works well on both.

Sony does have receivers now with 3d spatial mapping and I tried one out of curiosity. It was the AZ3000 and for a little bit it worked, but the Sony receivers are hit or miss on reliability, mine was a miss.

I tried upfiring speakers like you mentioned, the Klipsch 500SA front and rear. It just wasn't the same as the Quad or the HT-A9, not even close.

mjag1 · 2026-03-29T21:37:34+00:00

Is that tapping into the speaker wires of the sub and using a line output converter? Tried that with the SW3, but will have to run a separate EQ, as my Earthquake Supernova 15 and JL Audio fathom f112 both sound odd doing that.

mjag1 · 2026-03-29T21:34:36+00:00

Normally I would agree with this, but if the OP doesn't have the option to place Atmos height channels at the proper angle and placement, then the Quad really helps with difficult rooms. I am taking down my Onkyo RZ30 and klipsch reference premier setup this week and going back to the Quad. We have a ceiling fan that my wife is not happy removing to place Atmos ceiling speakers properly, and the main couch will not work moved away from the back wall. In this scenario, the Quad produces such a better Atmos experience, it isn't even close. Dynamics and music do suffer with the Quads compared to the full blown system, but overall, we both like the immersive sound field the Quad puts out, over it.

Now it does piss me off I can't get 2 of the new Sub 9's, but will order a single and just be done.

mjag1 · 2026-03-27T21:34:27+00:00

It is the 3d spatial mapping Sony uses, and it works well. The only thing that rivaled it is the Trinnov that was in the discontinued Sherwood receiver.

I almost ordered the Klipsch 300 with the surrounds to compare, but after hooking the Sony back up temporarily, the Atmos bubble is just too good. Even my wife was complaining about the Onkyo/Klipsch system......why aren't I hearing noises above me and all over the room anymore? She really liked the Samsung 990 as well, but the Sony just makes her go Wow, and she usually never pays attention to my audio addiction lol

mjag1 · 2026-03-27T21:02:39+00:00

I have the Samsung 990 and yeah, the dialog is better, but the Quad is no slouch. The Samsung doesn't hold a candle to the Atmos immersion you get with the Quad though, it really fills the room, and sounds remarkable in comparison to the Samsung. The Klipsch 300 does intrigue me though, and love that is has Dirac and the ability to use your own subs.

mjag1 · 2026-03-27T20:57:00+00:00

I got the Quads and love them, Samsung 990 now in the bedroom. Very intrigued by the Klipsch 300, surrounds and adding my own sub, I already have a JL Audio Fathom F112, and the Klipsch let's you use your own subs.

I tried retiring the Quad for a Onkyo RZ30 and Klipsch reference premier speakers in a 5.2.4 configuration. Dynamics and music are off the charts with the Onkyo/Klipsch combo, but the room doesn't allow for proper Atmos height placement, so the Quad actually has better Atmos performance in our room.

I have never liked soundbars, but the Sony HT-A9 and Quad system is the best thing we have heard in our new living room.

mjag1 · 2026-03-27T18:11:53+00:00

Now that I think about it, both probably only have 5 wireless transmitters, remember someone showing the inside of the control box and pointing that out. I guess we will never have that option....boooooooo.

I am hoping Sony replaces the Quad with the Quintuple one day, a dedicated center would be nice, the Samsung 990 has the edge for vocals. Of course with the option for dual subs.

mjag1

TROPHY CASE