Sony HT-CT770 Soundbar and HT-XT1 Sound Platform Preview

For better or worse, people are brand loyalists. I don't know how many times I've had people suggest that a branded DVD/Blu-ray player will work better with the same brand display. Will their particular brand of HDMI-CEC work better? Yes. Will the picture be different/better? Absolutely not. Speaker systems, soundbars, and other offerings all fall within this same sort of illogical thinking. Yes, it is possible for a manufacturer to implement specific features across their product lines, but the general workings of a device should not be affected.

Still, it makes sense for manufacturers to offer people complete packages. Are they taking advantage of people's misconceptions and incorrect assumptions? Perhaps. But many people just "trust" brands they've bought in the past, and others simply want a system with matching aesthetics. Regardless, if you've got the budget and technical know-how, it is a good financial decision to allow consumers to purchase complete systems with your logo on it.

Sony has both the budget and know-how to do just that.

Soundbars are hugely popular right now and manufacturers are rushing to give consumers the right mix of features at price points that entice them to buy. Sony has released a new soundbar with a wireless sub and a sound platform (aka pedestal soundbar) for those that don't want to wall-mount their displays.

The HT-CT770 is a 2.1 channel soundbar with a 120-watt down-firing wireless subwoofer. The sub has a 6.3" driver in a ported enclosure. Designed for displays 46" and larger, the HT-CT770 has two channels with a .79" tweeter and a 2.36" woofer for each. The system is rated at 330-watts which indicate that each of these channels gets 105 watts. Sony measured the system at 4 ohms for front L and R channels at 1kHz with less than 1% THD, while subwoofer wattage was measured at 4 ohms and 100Hz.

Sony HT-CT770

The HT-CT770 can simulate surround or play in stereo mode. It is compatible with all the high-def audio formats on the market including DTS-HD and Dolby TruHD. LPCM is also supported up to 7.1 channels via HDMI. There are three HDMI inputs and one output, as well as an optical digital audio input and output. Analog audio input and output are also onboard.

For those that want to connect wirelessly, the HT-CT770 is Bluetooth compatible with NFC pairing. The HDMI connection can pass 3D and 4K content along with 1080/24p. Audio Return Channel is enabled as is HDMI Pass Through. The HT-CT770 speaker is 40 5/8 by 2 by 4 1/2 inches and can be placed on a shelf or wall (there is a gyroscope inside to let the unit know which orientation you have chosen). The subwoofer is 10 3/4 by 16 by 10 3/4 inches and weighs just over 17.5 pounds.

The HT-XT1 is Sony's entry into the increasingly popular sound platform / pedestal soundbar arena. These speakers are designed to sit under your cabinet-mounted display. The HT-XT1 doesn’t have a standalone subwoofer but it does take advantage of the increased enclosure volume to include dual down-firing woofers. The HT-XT1 has feet that elevate it off your display stand and it can support up to 66 pounds (Sony recommends no larger than a 55" display).

Sony HT-XT1

Like the HT-CT770, the HT-XT1 has three HDMI inputs and one output, supports Bluetooth with NFC pairing, and can simulate surround sound. The lack of a subwoofer decreases the price of the HT-XT1 to just $299 (rather than the $449 of the HT-CT770). There is no mention on the UK website (the HT-XT1 isn't listed on the US site yet) of analog audio inputs, but there is an optical digital audio input. The HT-XT1 is 28 by 3 by 12 inches approximately. Weight was not specified. Look for more information on both of these offerings when they start shipping in the near future.

Conclusion

If the Sony name on the HT-CT770 SoundBar with Wireless sub and HT-XT1 Sound Platform don't sell units, the prices certainly will. At $449 and $299 respectively, these are priced to move. Featuring Bluetooth with NFC pairing, three HDMI inputs with one ARC and HDMI Pass Through output that will deliver 3D and 4K, as well as simulated surround, these tick all the right boxes. Look for these units to start shipping shortly.

For more information, please visit www.sony.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.