Like any savvy customer, you don’t want to miss out on a sound system with rich audio, an easy setup, and the best possible value for money. But does the Sony HT-S40R deliver on these fronts? To make sure it does, our team of experts conducted a thorough Sony HT-S40R review and testing so you can make the best possible choice.
What We Like
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Powerful subwoofer
- Theater-grade surround sound
- Six different audio modes
What We Don’t Like
- Costs more than products in its category
- No Dolby Atmos
Design
The Sony HT-S40R is a combination of a soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speaker channels. The entire system is wireless and designed to provide a wholesome surround sound experience. The system has a 600W output which is great for watching movies or listening to some home music.
The amplifier’s design is also quite fetching. It is simple and elegant enough to blend with the decor of most rooms. And because the amplifier only comes in black, it blends with your other living room items.
Features
Sound Quality and System
The product offers a surround sound experience for an affordable price and almost zero setup time. The included subwoofer also delivers excellent sound in the low-frequency range. This allowed us to enjoy rich sounds like pipes or movie explosions.
During our Sony HT-S40R review, we found that the system is Dolby audio capable, which is highly useful since most streaming and broadcasting services use it to encode their audio. Unfortunately, it’s not Dolby Atmos-capable — the feature is only available on more expensive models.
For a strong thundering sound, here’s our guide on how to make surround sound system louder.
Sony HT-S40R Price
It costs more than twice the price of units like the S200F soundbar and the HT-S350 soundbar and subwoofer. But it’s worth the purchase considering the audio quality and surround sound experience it offers.
Subwoofer
Sony [1] dubbed the system’s subwoofer as ‘unobtrusive’ because of its compact design and powerful output. It sits in front of your living room, waiting to deliver rich bass sounds with ridiculous depth.
The Sony HT-S40R’s subwoofer doesn’t just play bass. It also balances out the entire sound system by improving dynamics, soundstage depth, and spaciousness. The single subwoofer is enough to cover most regular-sized living rooms.
Sony HT-S40R Amplifier
During setup, our team discovered that the amplifier can be mounted on the wall. This feature powers the rear speakers, channeling rich sounds throughout your room. We also enjoyed the wireless feature. It allowed us to set up the system without running wires along the entire room.
Channels: Sony HT-S40R
The Sony HT-S40R is a 5.1 channel system. This means it has a total of five speakers and a subwoofer. The soundbar delivers the front center, front left, and front right sounds, while the other speakers cover the rear.
You can place the subwoofer anywhere, but it’s best beside the soundbar. The 5.1 channel system means you can enjoy an immersive experience with everything, from movies and games to Spotify soundtracks.
Audio Modes
The sound system has six modes: standard, auto, cinema, music, voice, and night. Each mode is tuned for a different listening experience. The standard and auto are what you might find on a regular sound system. Cinema and music are great for watching movies and listening to music, respectively.
During our Sony HT-S40R review, we found that the voice mode improved speech while night reduced overall volume output. The system is designed to deliver as much convenience as possible.
Power: Sony HT-S40R
The Sony HT-S40R and its components are rated at 600 watts. That’s more powerful than many of the products in its category.
Connectivity & Inputs
The Sony HT-S40R has optical and analog inputs, so you’re covered regardless of the kind of system you have. We also loved its HDMI ARC input system. It allowed us to connect to an enabled television quickly.
One feature that sets this system apart is its wireless connectivity. It is compatible with Sony Bravia TVs, allowing you to link up via Bluetooth alone. You can also connect your phone, iPod, or other input devices using the same wireless technology.
Setup: Sony HT-S40R
The entire setup can be completed in 60 seconds by our team. The sound system comes almost ready to go with the necessary wires and color-coded instructions. There are also various connection options, from HDMI to optical input and even Bluetooth.
We were also grateful to find that we could connect to Sony Bravia TVs without issue. Anyone can configure the sound system, even if they’ve never used Sony products before.
Sony HT-S40R Review Conclusion
After a thorough Sony HT-S40R review and test, our team deem the HT-S40R as a sound system with great value for money. It has a 5.1 channel format with a powerful subwoofer and multiple connection options for its price, which is a lot for its price. Even though it costs more than some products in its category, it’s still worth every extra penny.
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