Affordable Sony Surround Sound: 4 Models Worth Comparing

If you want Sony surround sound without spending flagship money, four models stand out: the HT-S40R, HT-S350, HT-S2000, and HT-A3000. This article compares their features, performance, and value so you can pick the right one for your room and budget.

Why Sony Surround Sound Is Worth Considering

Sony has been a major player in home audio for decades, and its soundbars and home theater systems are known for clear dialogue, deep bass, and features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Even the more affordable models include useful tech like HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth, and virtual surround processing. That makes them a solid choice if you want a noticeable upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers without spending thousands.

The Four Models at a Glance

• HT-S40R – A 5.1-channel system with wireless rear speakers. Best for true surround sound on a budget.
• HT-S350 – A 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. Simple setup, decent bass, but no rear speakers.
• HT-S2000 – A 3.1-channel soundbar with built-in subwoofers. Good for small rooms and easy setup.
• HT-A3000 – A 3.1-channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The most premium of the four, with optional rear speakers.

Sound Quality and Channel Configurations

The HT-S40R is the only one with physical rear speakers, giving you genuine 5.1 surround. That means you get left, right, center, and two rear channels plus a subwoofer. It’s great for movies where you want to hear sounds coming from behind you. The HT-S350 and HT-S2000 are more about virtual surround – they use digital processing to fake the effect of rear speakers. The HT-A3000 also uses virtual processing, but it’s more advanced, with upward-firing drivers for height effects in Dolby Atmos content.

For music, the HT-S350 and HT-S2000 are fine, but the HT-A3000 with its wider soundstage is noticeably better. The HT-S40R’s rear speakers make it the most immersive for movies, but its center channel can sound a bit thin compared to the HT-A3000’s.

Connectivity and Features

• HDMI ARC/eARC: All four support HDMI ARC, but only the HT-A3000 has eARC, which allows higher-quality audio like Dolby TrueHD from streaming apps.
• Bluetooth: All four have Bluetooth, so you can stream music from your phone.
• Subwoofer: The HT-S350 and HT-S40R come with a wireless subwoofer. The HT-S2000 has built-in subwoofers, so no separate box. The HT-A3000 also has built-in subs, but you can add an optional wireless subwoofer (SA-SW3 or SA-SW5) later.
• Rear speaker expansion: Only the HT-S40R includes rear speakers in the box. The HT-A3000 can be expanded with optional SA-RS3S or SA-RS5 speakers, but those cost extra.
• Voice assistants: The HT-A3000 supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa when connected to a compatible TV or speaker.

Ease of Setup and Use

The HT-S350 and HT-S2000 are the easiest to set up – just connect the soundbar to your TV via HDMI ARC or optical, plug in the power, and you’re done. The HT-S40R requires a bit more work because you need to place the rear speakers and connect them wirelessly to the subwoofer, but it’s still straightforward. The HT-A3000 is also simple, but if you want to add rear speakers or a subwoofer later, you’ll need to pair them via the Sony Home Entertainment Connect app.

All four come with a remote, and the HT-A3000 and HT-S2000 also support the Sony app for more control. The HT-S40R’s remote is basic but functional.

Price and Value Comparison

Prices vary by region and sales, but in general, the HT-S350 is the cheapest, followed by the HT-S40R, then the HT-S2000, and the HT-A3000 is the most expensive of the four. The HT-S40R offers the best value if you want true surround sound without breaking the bank. The HT-S350 is great if you just want a simple soundbar with a subwoofer. The HT-S2000 is a good middle ground with built-in subs, and the HT-A3000 is worth the extra money if you want Dolby Atmos and room to expand.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

• Audio sync issues: If audio is out of sync, try adjusting the A/V sync setting on the soundbar or your TV. This is more common with the HT-S350 and HT-S40R.
• Subwoofer not connecting: If the wireless subwoofer drops out, make sure it’s within range (about 10 meters) and not blocked by furniture. You can also try re-pairing it by pressing the LINK button on both devices.
• Rear speakers too quiet: On the HT-S40R, you can adjust the rear speaker volume in the settings. If they’re still too quiet, try moving them closer to your listening position.
• HDMI ARC not working: Ensure your TV supports ARC and that you’re using the correct HDMI port (usually labeled ARC). Also, enable CEC on your TV (often called Bravia Sync for Sony TVs).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need rear speakers for surround sound?

Not necessarily. Virtual surround can create a convincing effect, but physical rear speakers are better for hearing distinct sounds behind you. If you want true 5.1, the HT-S40R is the only one of these four that includes them.

Can I use these soundbars with a non-Sony TV?

Yes, they all work with any TV that has HDMI ARC or optical output. Some features like Bravia Sync may not work, but basic audio will.

Are these soundbars good for music?

Yes, especially the HT-A3000 and HT-S2000. The HT-S350 and HT-S40R are more movie-focused, but they still sound fine for casual listening.

Can I add rear speakers to the HT-S2000?

No, the HT-S2000 does not support adding rear speakers. If you want that option, choose the HT-A3000 or the HT-S40R.

Do these soundbars support Dolby Atmos?

Only the HT-A3000 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The others use standard Dolby Digital and DTS, which are still good but not object-based.

Which model is best for a small apartment?

The HT-S2000 is a good choice because it has built-in subwoofers and a compact size. The HT-S350 is also compact, but it has a separate subwoofer that takes up floor space.

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