If you’re after a soundbar that won’t drain your wallet but still delivers powerful, room-filling sound, Sony’s Bravia Theatre Bar 6 might just be your next upgrade. Priced at $650, this mid-range setup punches well above its weight—especially when it comes to Dolby Atmos effects and booming bass. It’s not flawless, but it’s bold, cinematic, and built to impress.
Big and Bold by Design
Sony isn’t trying to hide this soundbar’s size. At nearly 38 inches wide, it dwarfs sleeker options like the Sonos Beam Gen 2. It’s deep too, but thanks to its low 2.5-inch height, it won’t block your screen. It comes with attachable feet in case your TV stand is low.
Aesthetically, it’s everything you’d expect from Sony—clean lines, solid construction, and no gimmicks. There’s no front display on the bar, which might be a drawback for some, but Sony makes up for it with its excellent Bravia Connect app that handles all the fine-tuning.
The Subwoofer That Stole the Show
The included wireless subwoofer is massive. It brings serious bass—maybe even too much out of the box. You’ll likely want to dial it down a few notches (we found -3 hit the sweet spot). It’s not the tightest or cleanest bass, but it’s thunderous and satisfying for action scenes and epic movie scores.
That said, if you’re short on space or prefer a minimalist setup, the sub’s sheer size could be a dealbreaker.
True Atmos on a Budget
This system is a 3.1.2-channel setup: three front-firing speakers, a subwoofer, and two up-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling for a true Dolby Atmos effect.
And yes—it works. Unlike many budget soundbars that skip Atmos features or fake them with digital processing, the Bravia Theatre Bar 6 delivers genuine height audio. Rain falls above you. Planes soar. Explosions envelop. It’s surprisingly immersive for the price point.
Specs Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| System | 3.1.2 Soundbar + Subwoofer |
| Subwoofer | Wireless, Included |
| Power Output | 350W |
| Dolby Atmos / DTS:X | Yes / Yes |
| HDMI eARC | Yes |
| Streaming | Bluetooth only |
| Wi-Fi / Voice Assistant | No |
| App Control | Yes (Bravia Connect) |
| Auto Calibration | No (Manual setup only) |
Setup & Software
Setup is simple—plug it in, open the app, and follow the steps. You’ll need to measure your seating distance and ceiling height manually, since there’s no automatic calibration.
The Bravia Connect app is a bright spot. It allows you to tweak bass, activate Voice Zoom for clearer dialogue, switch sound modes, and more. It’s intuitive and way better than what you typically get at this price level.
What’s missing? No Wi-Fi streaming (sorry, Spotify and Tidal fans) and no voice assistant. You’re limited to Bluetooth for music, which may be a downside if you’re a serious audio streamer.
Sound Check: Boom vs. Balance
For Movies:
The Theatre Bar 6 absolutely shines in cinematic moments. Explosions shake the room, and Dolby Atmos effects feel authentic. Whether it’s a chaotic superhero showdown or a rainy rooftop scene, this bar brings the boom.
For Dialogue:
Voice clarity is decent, especially with Voice Zoom on, but it can sound a bit artificial or hollow in quieter scenes. Disabling some spatial settings can help, but it reduces Atmos immersion—a tradeoff you’ll have to weigh.
For Music:
It’s… fine. The bass tends to overpower vocals, and the soundbar alone doesn’t carry a track well without the sub. If music is your top priority, this might not be your dream setup.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 vs. Sonos Beam Gen 2
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Sony wins on size, power, and true Atmos effects—perfect for blockbusters.
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Sonos wins on audio precision, clarity, and overall music quality.
If you crave detail and balance, go Beam. But if you want your living room to rumble like a movie theater, Sony’s your pick.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes, if…
✅ You want big, immersive sound for movies
✅ You’re chasing that theater-like feel at home
✅ You’re okay with manual setup and some bass tweaking
Skip it if…
❌ You prioritize clean vocals or music performance
❌ You have a small room or limited space
❌ You rely on Wi-Fi streaming or voice assistants
Final Thoughts
The Bravia Theatre Bar 6 doesn’t try to be everything—and that’s its strength. It’s unapologetically bold, powerful, and movie-ready. For $650, you’re getting a genuine Dolby Atmos experience, a thundering subwoofer, and a feature-rich app to control it all.
It’s not the cleanest or most refined audio system out there—but if you want cinema-level punch on a mid-range budget, it’s hard to beat.
Movie nights just got louder.
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This review was crafted with the help of AI and human editing.