Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The sub blends well with the bar, which takes on the upper register with notable panache for its size. You’ll hear some excellent touch to dialog and subtler effects, especially in the middle of the sound. The bar isn’t particularly lyrical or precise toward the top of the frequency spectrum, but it’s well tuned and serves its job admirably at the system’s center.
The System 6 doesn’t fully eschew 3D audio. It supports virtually every major sound format, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and clicking the Soundfield button on the remote or app with supported content notably changes the vibe. The surround speakers push the sound forward to virtually mimic “sound objects” for a more spherical sound. You won’t hear pointed overhead effects like with true upfiring speakers, but it’s a nice option. You can even see the format change from 5.1 or 7.1 to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X with Soundfield engaged.
I don’t recommend using it for regular surround or stereo content, especially music, which is the System 6’s weak point. Streaming from your phone sounds good for most genres, but like a lot of surround configurations, the system is at its best when fed cinematic content, even if it’s just the laugh track in a sitcom or a well-mixed sporting event.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
While watching a golf tournament in 5.1, I was almost shocked at the near visceral recreation of the course’s atmospheric din, especially the singing bird near the production microphones that seemed to take up residency behind my couch. I had a similarly transportative experience playing the new co-op game Split Fiction, which served up a feast of potent effects, immersive environments, and traceable enemies to help my wife and me navigate the landscape.
Sony’s System 6 is more of a hassle than many of the best soundbars, and I’m still annoyed by my firmware failures. Conversely, for its nearly $800 cost, you could get a more traditional home theater setup, like this one from Klipsch. Still, the System 6 is more convenient and compact than multi-speaker setups, filling its own niche with thrilling cinematics in a fun and approachable package. Sometimes it pays to zig when everybody else zags. If you are after an aesthetic and great-sounding system for your living room, it’s worth considering.
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