Dateline: 08/08/2013
Sound Bars are currently in big demand as a convenient alternative to the clutter of a multi-speaker home theater system for enhancing TV sound. However, although most sound bars are definitely an upgrade from the limitations of those tiny TV speakers, not all of them provide a satisfying listening experience for both serious movie and music listening.
To meet this need, Sony has just announced its new HT-ST7 7.1 Channel Sound Bar.


Coming in at $1,299.99 it is definitely more expensive than you will find in most big-box stores, but for those that what the best possible movie and music listening experience without a lot of speakers, this may be one sound bar to seek out and consider.

The HT-ST7 is about 42-inches wide, which visually complements LCD and Plasma TVs ranging from 37 to 55 inches in screen size well. There is also an included companion wireless subwoofer. The sound bar incorporates seven individual amplifiers (hence the 7-channel designation) that power the 9 speaker drivers. Each amplifier is rated at 50 watts (100w for the subwoofer).

Some of the additional features include Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, Sony S-Force Front Surround Audio Processing, HDMI, digital optical/coaxial, and analog audio inputs, built-in wireless Bluetooth and NFC streaming, and newly designed thin style remote control.

Also, although the HT-ST7 does not provide video processing or upscaling functions, it does serve as a pass-through (via HDMI) for 3D and video signals with up to 4K resolution, if needed.

I had a chance to get a preview of the unit in person recently at the Sony Electronics U.S. Headquarters in San Diego, CA. The HT-ST7 delivered a very good first impression in their audio demonstration room - very detailed music reproduction and good surround sound immersion and directionality to complement movie viewing. I currently have a unit in-house for a more detailed follow-up review in a home environment - so stay tuned!

For more details, check out the Official Sony HT-ST7 Product Page or - Images provided by Sony Electronics.

UPDATE 8/19/13: My Sony HT-ST7 Review and Photo Profile are now up!

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