Soundbars designed to deliver Dolby Atmos sound in an all-in-one package offer a convenient alternative to complicated-and pricey-setups that require in-ceiling speakers or "elevation" modules. We've checked out a few such specimens in Sound & Vision, including Sony'sHT-ST5000($1,500).

Atmos and DTS:X sound from a compact package; Easy setup

Limited overhead effects capability; Performance with music less impressive than movies

Amazing picture quality can be undercut by mediocre sound. Most HDTVs are built with a focus on providing a crisp image, leaving sound almost entirely overlooked. And it would be fair to say the speakers that come built-in on televisions are proportionally equivalent to the speakers on your...

I have been selecting a high end bar based on reviews (no showroom near by) and chose Sony (over Sonos, as the last two contenders on my list) because of the inclusion of the sub-woofer and the variety of input ports. I like the sound quality and the amount of power is more than enough for my room.

Amazing the sound field this soundbar can produce from the small footprint and just 3 speakers. I will compare the Z9F to the LG SK10Y in case someone else is deciding between the two products.

I wanted a sound bar to improve the sound from our new Sony Bravia 4K TV, but did not want to mess around with a lot of speakers or a complex set-up. I also had hopes that the sound might be good enough to enjoy listening to music with the sound bar.

Easy set up (1 cable); Looks nice and sleek; Sound is excellent both movies and music alone

On the pricey side (to me); But you get what you pay for

The Sony HT-Z9F is a Dolby Atmos soundbar like no other. Until now, Atmos soundbars have used front firing drivers with integrated Dolby enabling up-firers, to create immersive audio. Examples of this include the pricey-but-versatile Samsung HW-K950 and the newly debuted LG SK10Y .

Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; Vertical S up-mixer; Up-mixes regular surround sound

Decent low end performance; Operationally confusing; Disappointing overhead sound

This one of the sound systems one would like to have. Especially when you want to watch in Dolby Atmos. The correct placement of the rear speakers is very important and have the sub placed in the corner of the room close to the wall and see the effect for a 500W system. Pairing is very easy.

Great sound. Had a 20yr old surround sound system with no Subwoofer, replace with the HT-Z9F. Very impressed! Simple hook up. No more speaker wires. First movie on to test... Star Wars opening music!! Nice an sleek. No rear speakers yet, but I could only imagine what the sound would be!

This sound bar was purchased because on a recommendation from a Sony Rep working in the store where it was purchased. I was hesitant to purchase this sound bar at first but, its totally blown away my expectations on sound and build quality. This unit was easy to set up and use.

The sound bar has about a 45 sec delay when the TV is turned on. I have never expierenced this before with the sound bars and this is Sony to Sony. I am waiting for sales to call me