Sound quality: Sony's HT-S400 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 Sound Field mode set to Off the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is somewhat boomy and a bit prominent. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy, hazy, dark, congested, and a bit plasticky. Treble is fairly extended but is somewhat subdued and smeared, and a bit sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, sounds somewhat congested. When playing back stereo program material the sound field extends a bit above and beyond the sides of speaker array, but there is no sense of depth. The various sound modes had a noticeable albeit subtle effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. When 5.1 channel program material is played back the width and height of the sound field expands, and depending on the program material can extend well beyond the sides and well above the top of the soundbar, but there is no sense of depth. The various sound modes had an effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance that ranged from subtle to very noticeable. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth inputs. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
