The Sony HT-S400 Soundbar Review: A Simple, Affordable Upgrade for Your Home Theater
Sony is a powerhouse in the world of soundbars, but their premium pricing often puts them out of reach for budget-conscious buyers. The Sony HT-S400, however, offers a compelling alternative, delivering capable performance at an affordable Rs. 21,990. This 2.1-channel system prioritizes design, connectivity, and ease of setup, making it a tempting option for those looking to enhance their TV’s sound without breaking the bank. But does it truly deliver on its promises? Let’s find out.
Sony HT-S400: Design and Specifications
While significantly cheaper than its 5.1-channel sibling, the HT-S40R, the HT-S400 boasts a refined aesthetic. Its sleek, understated design features a textured body and a stylish grille that seamlessly blends with any home décor. The compact soundbar is ideal for 43-inch TVs but performs admirably with 55-inch screens as well.
The HT-S400’s lower price point comes with certain compromises in specifications. It’s a 2.1-channel system, consisting of a single two-channel soundbar and a separate wireless subwoofer. This configuration, along with a lower 330W output (130W for the subwoofer and 200W for the bar speaker), differentiates it from its more feature-rich counterparts.
The package includes power cables, an optical audio cable for wired connectivity, and a compact remote with batteries. The soundbar features a monochrome OLED display for displaying basic information like audio source and volume. Touch-sensitive buttons on the top of the bar speaker provide convenient control over power, volume, and audio source, eliminating the need for the remote entirely.
Connectivity options on the rear panel include HDMI, Optical (Toslink), and Bluetooth 5. Bluetooth supports the SBC codec. The remote is delightfully compact, offering easy control over essential functions, including volume, power, source selection, subwoofer volume adjustment, and sound optimization modes: Voice and Sound Field.
Setting Up the Sony HT-S400
Setup is remarkably straightforward. While the soundbar and subwoofer require separate power outlets, the wireless connection eliminates the need for any physical connection between them. Sony’s proprietary wireless technology ensures a reliable connection. The subwoofer pairs seamlessly with the soundbar upon power-up, consistently maintaining stability.
For my review, I connected the system to my TV’s HDMI ARC port, switching to Bluetooth for music playback from my smartphone.
Other noteworthy features include HDMI CEC, TV Wireless Connection (enabling wireless connectivity with Sony Bravia TVs without Bluetooth), and support for Dolby Digital. HDMI CEC functionality worked flawlessly, allowing me to control basic functions like volume using the remote of my Chromecast with Google TV. Turning the television on or off also controlled the soundbar’s power when using HDMI ARC.
Performance: A Surprisingly Powerful Package
Despite lacking the complexity of other, more feature-rich soundbar systems, the HT-S400 delivers a straightforward and surprisingly impressive performance. Its 2.1-channel setup might seem basic, but it effectively overcomes limitations and delivers a clear upgrade over standard television speakers.
The soundbar excels with music, capably rendering movies and TV shows with enhanced sound. Sound is clean, the soundstage feels spacious, and the sonic signature is well-balanced. There’s no overpowering bass from the subwoofer, creating a harmonious interplay between components.
While the basic driver arrangement limits support for more advanced audio formats, the HT-S400 skillfully downmixes 5.1-channel encoding found in most modern streaming content, offering a commendable performance regardless of content. The spacious soundstage is especially immersive, enhancing the viewing experience for action-packed movies like "The Gray Man" and "The Batman."
The HT-S400 truly shines in its ability to deliver exceptional volume. With a combined output of 330W, it easily outperforms most televisions, budget or premium, in creating a loud, wide, and impactful soundscape. Even at high volume levels, the system remains clear, with sharp vocals, distinct background scores, and smooth transitions, eliminating the need for constant volume adjustments.
While I generally enjoyed higher volume levels, there was always room to push further if needed. At extremely high volume levels, a slight loss of refinement can be observed, although this is rarely a concern for everyday use. A volume level of 60 percent proved adequate for most content, but I frequently increased it to 75 percent for dialogue-driven shows like "Better Call Saul" and "Masaba Masaba."
The subwoofer complements the soundbar perfectly, producing bass that is impactful without becoming overpowering. While the remote allows for independent subwoofer volume control, I found the default setting ideal for most situations, adjusting it only occasionally to compensate for low volume levels when dialogue clarity was compromised.
Despite the absence of dedicated rear or side speakers, the HT-S400 features "S-Force Pro Front Surround", which promises virtual surround sound. In reality, however, the effect is negligible, with minimal perceived sound from the sides or rear, even when using the Sound Field mode. The Voice and Night modes offer minor enhancements, primarily focusing on dialogue clarity and reducing overall volume, respectively.
The HT-S400 holds its own in musical playback, delivering enjoyable audio whether streamed from a connected TV or via Bluetooth. Its loud output, expansive soundstage, and balanced sound create an engaging listening experience, even at lower volume levels. The ability to adjust the subwoofer volume adds a layer of personalization, allowing you to fine-tune the bass to your preference.
Verdict: A Simple Soundbar for an Upgraded Home Theater
The Sony HT-S400 might lack advanced audio format support and true surround sound, but its simplicity is its greatest strength. It shines in its effortless setup, powerful and balanced sound, and attractive price point.
The HT-S400 is a perfect choice for those seeking a volume boost, enhanced attack, and improved sound quality within a budget of around Rs. 25,000. While competitors like Polk Audio and JBL offer compelling alternatives, Sony’s focus on core functionality and a straightforward approach make the HT-S400 a worthwhile consideration for anyone seeking a simple yet effective home theater upgrade.
