Soundbars are all about compromise: you buy one because you don't have room for a full surround sound setup, and you expect a narrower audio experience as a result. With one of these plugged into your telly box, it won't feel like you're really compromising at all. Sony's virtual version of Atmos might not be quite as convincing as the real thing, but it certainly expands the experience in films and music, creating a more immersive soundstage without needing a shedload of extra speakers. Delivering that through three small soundbar drivers is quite impressive, and the built-in smart features are all wecome additions to any home cinema setup. We'd want to try one out with our own test footage, and compare and contrast with an actual Atmos setup before delivering a final verdict, but hopefully that won't be too long: the Z9F is going on sale in the next few months.

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

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...

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

You may not see Sony's new soundbar at first, but you'll sure as hell hear it

Slim and sleek design; Powerful; detailed sound; Clear dialogue; Impressive virtual surround; Feature packed

Surround performance varies based on installation; Vertical Surround feature adds sibilance to midrange

The word “processing” isn’t exactly sexy. But in the electronics world, especially when you’re trying to accomplish a lot with very little, good processing can make all the difference. Sony uses its lauded processing skills to do some magical things with its products, from ultra-thin TVs with speakers built directly into the screen, to tiny music players loaded with digital upscaling for high-end wireless performance. The company’s new Dolby Atmos soundbar, the HT-Z9F, is another fine showcase for Sony’s considerable talents in this arena. The Z9F may not look like much of a powerhouse, but it’s loaded with just about every feature you could ask for in a 3.1 soundbar, including some impressive digital sound processing. Like other virtual surround soundbars, this is not a substitute for a fully discrete Dolby Atmos system. But, if you can swallow its $800-900 price tag, the Z9F will reward you with intuitive design and good performance, all in a sleek (and dare we say sexy?) little pack...

Slim and sleek design; Powerful, detailed sound; Clear dialogue; Impressive virtual surround; Feature packed;

Surround performance varies based on installation; Vertical Surround feature adds sibilance to midrange;

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 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 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.