I recently had the pleasure of testing the Sony HT-S100F Soundbar, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations in many ways. Here’s a detailed look at my experience with this unit.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sony HT-S100F pairs beautifully with my Sony A8H TV, creating an understated yet elegant setup. The design is sleek and minimalistic, fitting seamlessly into my living room decor.
Sound Quality
The soundbar delivers a clear and well-separated sound field, with the bass reflex working exceptionally well. It supports Dolby Audio, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and PCM, ensuring a dynamic audio experience across various media.
Usability and Features
One of the standout features is the IR Repeater, which allows the remote signal to pass through the soundbar, enabling control with my TV remote. Additionally, when the soundbar is turned off, the audio automatically switches back to the TV speakers, a feature I particularly appreciate given Sony’s innovative speaker placement behind the screen.
Bluetooth pairing was straightforward, and I could easily control the audio from my iPhone. The soundbar performed well with various devices, including the TV’s built-in smart applications, a 32-year-old Laserdisc Player, and my Apple TV 4K.
Performance
The surround effect is commendable, though it’s important to note that it won’t replace a full component receiver and multi-speaker setup. However, for its intended purpose, it performs exceedingly well.
Issues and Resolution
The only issue I encountered was with my LG 4K BD player, which did not pass audio through the soundbar. After further testing, I discovered that the problem was due to a faulty 4K BD, as other discs played without any issues.
Conclusion
At $100, the Sony HT-S100F Soundbar offers great value from a trusted brand. Assuming the audio pass-through issue can be resolved, I can wholeheartedly recommend this soundbar. It delivers on its promises and provides a fantastic audio experience for its price point.
