Best Soundbars: $500 to $1,000

Sony HT-ST5 Soundbar System: $800

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

Summary: Sony blew us away with the superb music and movie performance of its HT-ST7 soundbar, but this new 7.1-channel step-down model, complete with wireless subwoofer and features like HDMI switching, full decoding of Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks, and NFC Bluetooth pairing, delivers most of that experience for less money.

Plus: HDMI 2.0 and lossless surround decoding • 7.1 channels of amplification • Fairly deep response • Upward-angled rubber feet
Minus: No HDCP 2.2 DRM

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