When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for most people. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Samsung B-Series 5.1 Channel Soundbar ($348) and the Sony HT-A8000 BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 ($849). Both released in 2024, these soundbars take different approaches to improving your home theater experience.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a good soundbar. Modern soundbars aim to create immersive sound without the complexity of traditional surround sound systems. They've come a long way from simple stereo bars, now offering features like Dolby Atmos (which creates 3D sound that moves around you) and room correction (which adjusts the sound based on your space).
The Samsung B-Series and Sony HT-A8000 represent two different philosophies in soundbar design. Samsung offers a complete package with everything you need, while Sony provides a premium standalone bar that you can build upon.
The Samsung system arrives as a complete 5.1 setup - that means you get the main soundbar plus a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. The "5.1" refers to five speakers (three in front, two for surround) plus one subwoofer. It's essentially plug-and-play - connect it to your TV, plug in the power, and you're ready to go.
The Sony takes a different approach. While it's more expensive, it's actually just the soundbar itself - no subwoofer included. However, it uses more advanced technology, with 11 speaker units inside the bar and sophisticated sound processing to create virtual surround effects. You can add a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers later, but that pushes the total cost well over $1,000.
The Samsung B-Series delivers surprisingly good performance for its price point. The included subwoofer makes a big difference, providing the deep bass that makes movies and games feel more immersive. Having tested similar Samsung systems, they tend to offer a well-balanced sound that works well for both movies and music.
The Sony HT-A8000 takes a more premium approach. Its advanced room correction technology and better processing create more precise sound positioning. Even without a subwoofer, it produces cleaner, more detailed audio. However, to get the full home theater experience, you'll want to add that optional subwoofer.
Both bars support modern features like Bluetooth and HDMI ARC (which lets you control the soundbar with your TV remote), but there are some key differences:
Samsung focuses on gaming features and integration with Samsung TVs. Their Q-Symphony feature lets the soundbar work together with compatible Samsung TV speakers for better sound.
Sony emphasizes whole-home audio integration and streaming capabilities. The HT-A8000 works seamlessly with other Sony speakers and supports higher-quality streaming codecs.
At $348, the Samsung B-Series represents excellent value. You're getting a complete surround sound system that will significantly upgrade your TV audio experience. For most people, this is more than enough for a medium-sized living room.
The Sony HT-A8000 at $849 requires a different mindset. You're investing in superior technology and the ability to expand your system over time. The sound quality is noticeably better, but you'll need to spend more to get the full experience.
In a typical living room setting, both systems perform well but in different ways. The Samsung system gives you immediate surround sound satisfaction - you can feel the bass from action movies and hear sound effects moving around the room.
The Sony creates a more refined soundstage - dialogue is crystal clear, and the sound separation is more precise. However, without the optional subwoofer, you might miss some of the impact in action scenes.
Choose the Samsung B-Series if:
Choose the Sony HT-A8000 if:
Both soundbars support current audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Sony has a slight edge in processing power and firmware upgradeability, but both will remain capable systems for years to come.
Remember that soundbar technology tends to evolve slowly - both these 2024 models represent incremental improvements over their predecessors, mainly in processing capabilities and connectivity options.
The choice between these soundbars really comes down to your priorities and budget. The Samsung B-Series offers tremendous value and immediate satisfaction, while the Sony HT-A8000 provides superior technology and room for growth.
For most people, the Samsung system will provide everything needed for an excellent home theater experience. But if you're an audio enthusiast or planning to build a premium system over time, the Sony's superior technology might be worth the investment.
Either way, both represent significant upgrades over built-in TV speakers and will enhance your viewing experience considerably.
| Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($348) | Sony HT-A8000 ($849) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability and immersion | |
| 5.1 channels with included subwoofer | 5.0.2 channels (expandable to 7.1.2 with optional speakers) |
| Price-Performance Value - Total cost for full surround setup | |
| Complete system included at base price | Requires additional $500+ for subwoofer and rear speakers |
| Room Correction - Impacts sound quality based on room acoustics | |
| Basic SpaceFit Sound calibration | Advanced 360 Spatial Sound Mapping with multi-point calibration |
| Speaker Units - More drivers generally mean better sound staging | |
| 6 speaker units + subwoofer | 11 speaker units (no subwoofer included) |
| TV Integration Features - Enhanced features when paired with same-brand TV | |
| Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs, Game Mode | Acoustic Center Sync with BRAVIA TVs, advanced room optimization |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound quality and virtual surround effectiveness | |
| Standard Dolby Atmos processing | Premium sound processing with DSEE Ultimate upscaling |
| Streaming Capabilities - Important for music listening | |
| Basic Bluetooth 4.2 | Advanced with Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Limited to included components | Can add wireless rear speakers and choice of two subwoofer models |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and room size suitability | |
| 70W total (25W main + 45W sub) | 60W main unit (additional with optional components) |
The Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($348) offers immediate surround sound with its included subwoofer, making it better for most movie watchers. While the Sony HT-A8000 ($849) has superior processing, you'll need to spend more on additional speakers to get the full movie experience.
For most users, the price difference isn't justified. The Samsung B-Series provides excellent value with a complete system. However, if you're building a premium home theater and plan to add more speakers, the Sony HT-A8000's superior technology might be worth the investment.
The Sony HT-A8000 has better room correction and sound dispersion for larger spaces. However, you'll need to add the optional subwoofer and rear speakers for best results. The Samsung B-Series works well in rooms up to 350 square feet with its included components.
The Samsung B-Series includes a wireless subwoofer, making it ready for full home theater sound out of the box. The Sony HT-A8000 requires a separate subwoofer purchase ($400-700) for deep bass performance.
The Samsung B-Series offers simpler setup since all components are included and automatically pair. The Sony HT-A8000 has a more complex setup process but offers better room calibration options.
Both soundbars include wall-mounting hardware. The Samsung B-Series is lighter and easier to mount, while the Sony HT-A8000 requires more careful placement for optimal sound reflection.
The Sony HT-A8000 offers superior music streaming with Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and better audio processing. The Samsung B-Series provides basic Bluetooth streaming suitable for casual listening.
Yes, both work with any TV through HDMI ARC or optical connections. However, the Samsung B-Series works best with Samsung TVs, while the Sony HT-A8000 offers enhanced features with BRAVIA TVs.
The Samsung B-Series includes a dedicated Game Mode and lower latency. While the Sony HT-A8000 offers excellent gaming audio, it's more focused on overall sound quality than gaming-specific features.
The Sony HT-A8000 offers more expansion options with compatible rear speakers and subwoofers. The Samsung B-Series is a complete system with limited expansion options.
Both perform well, but the Sony HT-A8000 has superior dialogue enhancement with Voice Zoom 3 technology. The Samsung B-Series includes a basic voice enhancement mode that works effectively for most content.
The Samsung B-Series provides good all-around performance for sports with clear commentary and ambient crowd noise. The Sony HT-A8000 offers more precise sound positioning but requires additional speakers for the full experience.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - abt.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - camelcamelcamel.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - images.samsung.com - samsung.com - avblinq.avbportal.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - consumerreports.org - skybygramophone.com - target.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - rubbermonkey.co.nz - shopatsc.com - audioadvice.com - sony.com - sony.com - sony.com - shop.cosmopolitan.com - store.sony.com.my - videoandaudiocenter.com
