CES is filled with Dolby Atmos-spitting audio
equipment, but Sony's HT-ST5000 stands out. Sony has improved this model with
the ability to scale audio properly no matter what size your room is. Just
adjust for the height of the ceiling and where you're sitting (using its
onscreen GUI) and it can provide impressive positional audio.
The combined soundbar and wirelessly-connected
subwoofer pack enough ins and outs (3x HDMI in, 1 HDMI-ARC out, USB-in on the
side, plus optical digital and analog audio output) to make it a reasonable
receiver surrogate. Even then, support for multi-room with Google Home helps
take it to the next level. With control via the "OK Google" voice
command, it can sync up with other speakers in the house, or just control playback
in one room.
It's always hard to assess audio quality on the CES
floor, but the HT-ST5000 filled the demo room and made each effect sound like
it was coming from a specific place, including overhead or from behind. The entire system is rated at 800w, and the inclusion of two angled
speakers to project audio upward give it the 7.1.2 channels Sony claims.
Naturally, it's capable of passing through 4K and HDR video. It probably won't
pull you away from a full surround setup, but when it arrives later this year
it will be a way to fill a room with audio without having to move too many
things around.
