Sound quality:
Sony's HTA3000 has Fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. With the various sound modes turned off and the bass tone control set to provide the most even tonal balance, bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is a bit prominent and somewhat tubby. Midrange is fairly even, somewhat grainy, a bit muffled and echoey, and a touch plasticky. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat subdued and smeared and a bit sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience but the slightly echoey quality of the midrange adds artificial reverberation, and the overall sound is somewhat congested. With stereo program material the two channel sound field extends a bit above and not much to the sides of the speaker array, and lacks depth.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, USB, WiFi and Bluetooth inputs.
Sound Modes (Stereo)
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
With multi-channel material the sound field is wider and taller than with stereo program material.
Sound Modes (Multichannel)
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound field expands somewhat and depending on the program material the sound field can extend up and above into the ceiling, however, there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes (Dolby Atmos)
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level of program material.
DTS:X
When playing DTS:X material the width and height of the sound field is about the same as heard with multi-channel program material. The "Sound Field" sound mode expands the width and height of the sound field and depending on the program material the sound field can extend up and above into the ceiling, however, there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes (DTS:X)
The "Voice" and "Night" sound modes have a minimal effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
