When it comes to improving your TV's sound, soundbars offer an elegant solution that's easier than traditional surround sound systems. Today, we're comparing the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) and the Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179) - two very different approaches to better TV audio.
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what matters in a soundbar. The basics are pretty straightforward: these devices improve your TV's built-in speakers by providing clearer dialogue, better bass, and a wider soundstage (how "big" the sound feels). But modern soundbars can do much more, from creating virtual surround sound to connecting with your gaming console.
Think of it like upgrading from smartphone earbuds to proper headphones - the improvement is immediately noticeable, but how much you want to invest depends on your listening habits and expectations.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9, released in early 2024, represents the cutting edge of soundbar technology. It's packed with 13 speakers and uses advanced processing to create virtual surround sound, even bouncing audio off your walls and ceiling. This approach, called 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, tries to replicate the experience of having speakers all around your room.
In contrast, the Bose Solo Series 2, which hit the market in 2023, takes a simpler approach. It focuses on doing the basics really well: clear dialogue and improved TV sound from a compact box with just two speakers. Think of it as the difference between a Swiss Army knife and a really good regular knife - both are useful, but they serve different purposes.
The BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is seriously impressive when it comes to creating immersive sound. Its 13-speaker array includes upward-firing speakers (they shoot sound at your ceiling to simulate height effects) and side-firing ones for width. When watching movies with Dolby Atmos sound (think of it as 3D audio), you can actually hear sounds moving above and around you.
For gaming, it supports all the latest features through its HDMI 2.1 ports:
However, without the optional subwoofer ($699) and rear speakers ($349), you're not getting the full experience. The bass is decent but not earth-shaking, and the surround effects, while good, aren't as convincing as they could be with real rear speakers.
The Bose Solo Series 2 takes a different path. Instead of trying to create virtual surround sound, it focuses on delivering clear, balanced audio that's particularly good for dialogue. Its dialogue enhancement mode is especially effective for news and TV shows.
The soundbar's limitations become apparent with action movies or bass-heavy music - there's simply no substitute for a subwoofer when it comes to deep bass. But for its intended purpose - making TV shows and movies more enjoyable in smaller rooms - it performs admirably.
The Sony offers numerous advanced features:
The Bose keeps it simple:
When considering value, it's important to look beyond the price tag. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 at $1,099 represents a significant investment, potentially reaching $2,147 with all optional speakers. However, it's also future-proof, supporting the latest audio formats and gaming features. Think of it as buying into a system you can expand over time.
The Bose Solo Series 2 at $179 offers excellent value for those seeking basic audio improvement. It's particularly appealing if you:
In practice, both soundbars excel at their intended purposes. The Sony creates a convincing bubble of sound that enhances movies and games significantly. Its ability to process Dolby Atmos content means you'll hear details in movies you might have missed before.
The Bose, while more limited, does an excellent job with dialogue clarity and general TV sound enhancement. It's particularly effective in apartments or bedrooms where a full surround system would be overkill.
Consider these factors when making your choice:
Both soundbars serve their intended purposes well, but they're aimed at very different users. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is for those who want a premium home theater experience and are willing to invest in it. The Bose Solo Series 2 is perfect for those seeking simple, effective TV audio enhancement without breaking the bank.
Remember, the best soundbar isn't necessarily the most expensive one - it's the one that best fits your needs, space, and budget. Consider how you'll actually use it rather than getting caught up in features you might never need.
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) | Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179) |
|---|---|
| Speaker Configuration - Determines how immersive and room-filling the sound can be | |
| 13 speakers (7.0.2 channel setup) | 2 speakers (2.0 stereo setup) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Enables 3D surround sound effects for compatible content | |
| Yes, with dedicated height channels | No, stereo sound only |
| Room Size Suitability - Impacts whether the soundbar can adequately fill your space | |
| Medium to large rooms (up to 500 sq ft) | Small to medium rooms (up to 300 sq ft) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects compatibility with modern devices and future-proofing | |
| HDMI 2.1 (eARC), Optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 | Optical and Bluetooth 4.0 only |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz passthrough | None |
| Sound Customization - Ability to adjust sound to your preferences | |
| Advanced room calibration, multiple sound modes | Basic dialogue mode, bass adjustment only |
| Expandability - Option to improve system over time | |
| Compatible with wireless rear speakers and subwoofer | No expansion options |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech setup | |
| Moderate (requires app setup, calibration) | Simple (plug and play) |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and clarity | |
| 62W total system power | 20W total system power |
| Primary Use Case - Most important factor in decision | |
| Home theater enthusiast seeking premium experience | Basic TV audio enhancement on a budget |
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) is significantly better for home theater use, offering Dolby Atmos support, 13 speakers, and virtual surround sound. The Bose Solo Series 2 ($179) is limited to basic stereo sound without surround capabilities.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 can be expanded with wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer. The Bose Solo Series 2 cannot be expanded with additional speakers.
Both perform well, but differently. The Bose Solo Series 2 has a dedicated dialogue mode that works well for basic TV viewing. The Sony BRAVIA offers more sophisticated voice enhancement through AI processing.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 performs adequately without a subwoofer but can benefit from adding one. The Bose Solo Series 2 has limited bass response and cannot be upgraded with a subwoofer.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is significantly better for gaming, supporting HDMI 2.1, VRR, and low latency modes. The Bose Solo Series 2 lacks gaming-specific features.
The Sony BRAVIA offers WiFi streaming, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2. The Bose only supports basic Bluetooth streaming.
The Bose Solo Series 2 offers simpler plug-and-play setup. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 requires more setup time but offers room calibration for optimal sound.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 works well in medium to large rooms up to 500 square feet. The Bose Solo Series 2 is better suited for smaller rooms under 300 square feet.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV having optical output. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 also offers HDMI connectivity and special features when paired with Sony TVs.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 creates a more immersive atmosphere for sports with its surround capabilities. The Bose Solo Series 2 provides clear commentary but less ambient effect.
Yes, both the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and Bose Solo Series 2 include wall-mounting hardware and capabilities.
For basic TV sound enhancement, the Bose Solo Series 2 offers better value at $179. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 at $1,099 is better suited for users wanting premium features and expandability.
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: rtings.com - residentialsystems.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - sony.com - sony.co.uk - sony.co.uk - rtings.com - sony.co.in - sony.com - pocket-lint.com - sony.com - crutchfield.com - rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com
