Theater Bar 6 won’t win any design awards, but that’s okay. There are many, myself included, who really don’t want their soundbar to stand out on their TV cabinet or mantelpiece. The focus should be on the screen and not the speaker. This model is quite simple, but also has a relatively low profile, which means that the Theater Bar 6 does not block the image even if your TV is on a low stand.
What don’t you think about Bravia Theater Bar 6?
The first criticism of the Bravia Theater Bar 6 is the lack of WiFi connectivity. If you want a wireless connection to your soundbar, Bluetooth is your only option. Also, no Wi-Fi means no AirPlay, Chromecast or Spotify Connect, which should be standard on a $650 model in 2025. Sony has made it easy to switch from the HDMI input to Bluetooth in the Bravia Connect app, and this switch is quick once you pair your phone with the soundbar.
Speaking of the app, it doesn’t really help you install firmware updates for the Theater Bar 6. Instead, it asks you to transfer files from a computer to a USB drive in order to transfer them to the soundbar. Yes, indeed. According to Sony, this solution is necessary due to the lack of WiFi. For whatever reason, having to pull a USB stick out of the junk drawer to install updates is a major inconvenience and shouldn’t be a problem in the mid-20s.
When it comes to audio, the only real downside to the Theater Bar 6 is the limitations of 3.1.2 channel audio. Even with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, this system’s ability to deliver surround sound is limited. Sure, Sony’s S-Fore Pro and Vertical Surround Engine are great for virtualizing a more robust living room setup, but this technology only goes so far.
You’d think a pair of rear speakers would improve the sound, and Sony offers the Bravia Theater System 6 ($770) as a complete 5.1-channel set. However, the Theater Bar 6 and its subwoofer are not included. Instead, this bundle comes with another soundbar that doesn’t have top speakers, which means there may be no premium sound and the impact of immersive content is reduced. If you’re looking to add 6 rear speakers to your theater bar, you’re out of luck. None of Sony’s currently available options are compatible with this soundbar.
Last but not least, and this is no giant A problem for most, but the subwoofer that comes with the Theater Bar 6 is excellent. Bigger than most competitors? No, but it’s still good. I admit that the QS700F I recently tested spoiled me with its compact subwoofer design. But since the speakers in this category are getting smaller, the speaker that comes with the Bar 6 is sure to be one of the bulkier models.
Summary
From a pure sound quality perspective, the Theater Bar 6 is excellent for both music and television. Sure, you’re limited by the 3.1.2 channel setup, but there’s definitely a use case for this type of setup, especially if you’re tight on living room space. The sound is crisp and clear, yet warm and inviting, making this soundbar suitable for all types of content.
For all its praise, the Bar 6 simply has too many downsides that I can’t ignore. The lack of Wi-Fi on a $650 soundbar is absurd, especially since it robs users of the convenience of AirPlay, Chromecast, and other wireless options. I also can’t ignore the need to use a USB drive for updates when OTA downloads of new firmware have been the norm on soundbars for years.
For these reasons, the Samsung QS700F is the best option in this price range, as it combines quality sound with a guidance function that automatically reconfigures the output direction based on positioning. Sony and Samsung are in a tight race for audio performance with the Theater Bar 6 and QS700F, but just one of these 2025 soundbars will save you some headaches.
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