By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short
Share
Font ResizerAa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Font ResizerAa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Audio-visual > Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short
Audio-visual

Sony HT-S2000 review: compact soundbar offers Dolby Atmos but falls short

Alfred Siew
Last updated: June 3, 2023 at 11:57 AM
Alfred Siew
Published: May 28, 2023
5 Min Read
The Sony HT-S2000 soundbar has a no-frills look. PHOTO: Alfred Siew

In a crowded space for soundbars, the Sony HT-S2000 is a mid-range offering from the Japanese electronics company’s home theatre lineup and it comes with Dolby Atmos to enhance the immersive feel of movies.

Its design is what I’d describe as “no frills”, with plastic mesh at the front covering the 3.1 speaker setup and the 250-watt power supply. If the rather non-descript black chassis is intended to blend in with your decor at home, it does its job well.

At the back, you’ll find two inputs – an HDMI port supporting ARC (audio return channel) and the newer eARC formats. This means you can stream high-res audio from your TV via Netflix, Disney+ or other apps that support it.

You also have an optical port, which isn’t recommended unless you have an older TV. Speaking of that, I couldn’t get the HDMI connection to work with my old Samsung TV – it connects well with other soundbars – though I succeeded with a newer TV in my bedroom.

The touch panel at the top lets you control the most important functions easily. PHOTO: Alfred Siew

When powered on, the front of the speaker shows the input in use. Well, there’s only TV and Bluetooth, actually. You can use the included remote controller to switch inputs or better yet, get the well-made Sony mobile app to do that.

However, what’s a bit disappointing for a S$899 soundbar – that’s after a S$200 discount now with Sony Singapore – is the lack of support for Wi-Fi and music services, such as Tidal or Spotify.

So, you have to play back your music from the TV, which means turning one more device on. Or you can stream your music over Bluetooth from your phone, which doesn’t offer the best audio quality.

The plastic mesh is non-descript. PHOTO: Alfred Siew

The sound quality is also a bit of a mixed bag. To be sure, the HT-S2000 adds a lot more impact and slam compared to your TV’s puny speakers. The improvement is immediately clear.

The Sony soundbar also broadens the soundstage, so that the action on screen becomes more immersive. Dialogue, as well, is clear and audible, which is important in movies with all the background noise going on.

In movies where the recording is already top notch, the HT-S2000 does well. In the seaside scene in the movie Roma, for example, you can feel the waves hitting all around you as the camera follows a character walking through them. The soundbar adds notable depth here.

In The Last Jedi, the crystal critter at the end of the movie give off distinct clinking sounds as they run, while echo in a cave is more audible than with a regular TV. Little details count.

That said, the soundbar can still lack a bit of precision, at times. In the movie Devotion, for example, you hear a wall of noise as the war planes zip through the air during the Korean War but effects you expect, like bullets flying through the air or hitting a plane, don’t come across as clearly.

At times, the bass can be a litter tighter as well. While explosions in movies generally feel heftier and more engaging than without a soundbar, they can come across a little unfocused and muddy on occasion.

The exhaust port at the side, presumably for the woofer. PHOTO: Alfred Siew

To be fair, while the HT-S2000 works as a standalone soundbar, it is just one part of a home theatre setup that Sony wants to sell you. You can add surround speakers (from S$464) as well as a subwoofer (from S$504) to improve sound quality, though that also bumps up the cost.

For S$899, unfortunately, the Sony HT-S2000 soundbar isn’t the most compelling option out there. If you can get it as a bundle at a lower price when buying a Sony TV, sure, then it’s worth considering.

However, if you’re looking for a new soundbar, others like the similarly priced Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or the costlier Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 (S$1,512) offer better audio quality and music services such as Tidal and Spotify.

Goondu review: Sony Xperia 1 III
AMD Radeon RX 7600 review: Decent gaming graphics on a tight budget
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) review: Slim, powerful gaming notebook
Kobo Clara 2E review: A well made e-book reader that’s easy to recommend
Frostpunk 2 review: Play politics, keep warm, and stay alive
TAGGED:home theatrereviewSingapore price and availabilitySonysoundbar

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Avatar photo
ByAlfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box lets you plug in external watercooled graphics
Next Article Ravenlok review: A curious adventure in Wonderland with bunnies
Leave a Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow

Latest News

Robots at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands cut labour dependency by 30 per cent
Enterprise
June 18, 2025
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Gen 10 review: Powered-packed slim laptop on a budget
PC
June 17, 2025
Sedap review: Eh, faster kill the chicken lah, I cannot cook!
Gaming
June 17, 2025
Proofpoint pitches human-centric cyber defence against AI-generated phishing
Cybersecurity Enterprise Software
June 16, 2025

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
© 2024 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Follow Us!
Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?