Sony HT-A9 vs price equivalent system - Opinions?

[cybergambit]

Hi all,

I’ve been looking at upgrading the sound in my home theatre and the Sony HT-A9 caught my eye. Not for the purists I know, but after adding the Sony subwoofer (SW5), there could be a chance for me to pick up the whole system for around £1,500-£1,800 (second hand). My question is that for dedicated cinema room setup (all be it relatively simple, see signature for current setup), is this going to be a better option than getting a 5.1.2 speaker set (i.e. with a sub and Atmos speakers) and an AVR, all for around that sub £2k mark? (again all being second hand).

if the latter… recommendations please?

Thanks

 

[Yorkshire AV]

Hello

Be mindful with the A9, it's very limiting with inputs.
I've been trying to help a customer with a turntable connect to one and it's been a painful experience (no analog inputs and bluetooth is temperamental).

What are the requirements - is it just an active system you're looking for, 5.1 or more?

I honestly would consider (if possible) a 5.1 system with an AVR.

The Yamaha A2A would give 5.1.2 support:

Yamaha RX-A2A Aventage Black 7.2 Channel AV Receiver

With its powerful design, the A2A was made to deliver rock-solid, superior sound. This impressive AV receiver will completely transform your home cinema with professional-quality audio and video. A2A - 7.2 ch AVENTAGE with CINEMA DSP 3D, HDMI™ 7-in/1-out, Special A.R.T technology. 7.2 Channel...

yorkshireav.co.uk

You could then get the DALI Oberon 1 5.1 system if you preferred the smaller speakers:

DALI Oberon 1 - 5.1 Package with E9-F Subwoofer

The DALI OBERON 1 speaker package consists of two pairs of OBERON 1 bookshelf speakers, the OBERON Vokal centre speaker and the E-9F subwoofer. DALI OBERON is a breakthrough, it’s the first entry-level loudspeaker to incorporate DALI’s patented SMC technology, drastically reducing non-linear...

yorkshireav.co.uk

Or the larger Oberon 3 fronts:

DALI Oberon 3 - 5.1 Package with E9-F Subwoofer

The DALI OBERON 3 speaker package consists of a pair of OBERON 3 bookshelf speakers, a pair of OBERON on-wall speakers, the OBERON Vokal centre speaker and the E-9F subwoofer. DALI OBERON is a breakthrough, it’s the first entry-level loudspeaker to incorporate DALI’s patented SMC technology...

yorkshireav.co.uk

These (discounted for a bundle purchase) would provide you more flexibility going forward

 

[cybergambit]

Hello

Be mindful with the A9, it's very limiting with inputs.
I've been trying to help a customer with a turntable connect to one and it's been a painful experience (no analog inputs and bluetooth is temperamental).

What are the requirements - is it just an active system you're looking for, 5.1 or more?

I honestly would consider (if possible) a 5.1 system with an AVR.

The Yamaha A2A would give 5.1.2 support:

Yamaha RX-A2A Aventage Black 7.2 Channel AV Receiver

With its powerful design, the A2A was made to deliver rock-solid, superior sound. This impressive AV receiver will completely transform your home cinema with professional-quality audio and video. A2A - 7.2 ch AVENTAGE with CINEMA DSP 3D, HDMI™ 7-in/1-out, Special A.R.T technology. 7.2 Channel...

yorkshireav.co.uk

You could then get the DALI Oberon 1 5.1 system if you preferred the smaller speakers:

DALI Oberon 1 - 5.1 Package with E9-F Subwoofer

The DALI OBERON 1 speaker package consists of two pairs of OBERON 1 bookshelf speakers, the OBERON Vokal centre speaker and the E-9F subwoofer. DALI OBERON is a breakthrough, it’s the first entry-level loudspeaker to incorporate DALI’s patented SMC technology, drastically reducing non-linear...

yorkshireav.co.uk

Or the larger Oberon 3 fronts:

DALI Oberon 3 - 5.1 Package with E9-F Subwoofer

The DALI OBERON 3 speaker package consists of a pair of OBERON 3 bookshelf speakers, a pair of OBERON on-wall speakers, the OBERON Vokal centre speaker and the E-9F subwoofer. DALI OBERON is a breakthrough, it’s the first entry-level loudspeaker to incorporate DALI’s patented SMC technology...

yorkshireav.co.uk

These (discounted for a bundle purchase) would provide you more flexibility going forward

Hi @Yorkshire AV , thanks very much for your detailed reply.

The primary purpose is for the system to be an easily arrangeable, movie watching system. I use streaming services using a Roku stick and on occasion will have a PS4 plugged in too. I‘ve read that a HDMI splitter works fine with the A9?

I’m also fine with getting a ”proper” 5.1.2 AV system - or more accurately an upgrade to my current 7.1 setup with 7x B&W M1s, a Velodyne EQ MAX 8 running through a Denon AVR.

In your opinion, would the upgraded Dali system you recommend be a significant (ie. noticeable) step up from my current set-up, seeing as most reviews state that the A9 is ”game changing”?

Thanks
CG

 

[Yorkshire AV]

I'd be tempted to stick with the velodyne over a "stock" subwoofer if it's in good working order.
The Denon is quite an old one - there are absolutely benefits of upgrading.

The M1's are a good little speaker - they just lack cabinet size which naturally limits the range and scale they can deliver.

The Oberon 3 are a considerably larger unit and would absolutely (along with the centre VOKAL) give you an improved performance at the front end absolutely

 

[cybergambit]

I'd be tempted to stick with the velodyne over a "stock" subwoofer if it's in good working order.
The Denon is quite an old one - there are absolutely benefits of upgrading.

The M1's are a good little speaker - they just lack cabinet size which naturally limits the range and scale they can deliver.

The Oberon 3 are a considerably larger unit and would absolutely (along with the centre VOKAL) give you an improved performance at the front end absolutely

Thanks for that - so an AVR and upgrade to Oberon 3 would be the suggested upgrade for increased performance on the current setup I have.

Now the last question is whether this upgraded 5.1/AVR system is going to out perform the Sony A9 + SW5 setup...