About the Sony HT-ST5
A modern take on home theater
A modern take on home theater
Home theater doesn't get any easier than Sony's HT-ST5 sound bar system.
Sound bars are awesome because they're so convenient. We're big fans of any technology that can help so many folks get better sound from their TV. But the Sony HT-ST5 stands out among sound bars for just how much home theater firepower it manages to pack into such a slim package. While some sound bars are essentially just two-channel systems that use digital processing to simulate surround sound effects, the HT-ST5 comes equipped with seven dedicated channels and advanced Dolby® Digital and DTS processing. It's a real home theater system, complete with handy HDMI switching — but one that mounts easily on the wall or sits atop your cabinet, under your TV. (Okay, you will have to find a place for the wireless sub, which can go anywhere within reach of an AC power source.)
Movie sound that will get your attention
With seven built-in amplifiers powering a total of nine speaker drivers, the HT-ST5 is designed to play back the latest high-resolution multichannel formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Plus, by connecting your Blu-ray player directly to the bar, you can enjoy these formats in their native resolution, ensuring you get the best possible sound from your Blu-ray discs. Movie dialogue will be centered and clear, standing out over sweeping soundtrack music. Surround effects will create a sense of depth and space, for engaging sound that will breathe new life into your favorite movies.
The HT-ST5 is Bluetooth-compatible for streaming music wirelessly from a smartphone or computer.
Made for music...from smartphones or discs
Most sound bars are designed with movies and TV in mind. But Sony built the HT-ST5 to sound great with music as well. Bust out those concert Blu-rays and CDs and bring the performance to life in your living room. Or if you'd rather stream music from your smartphone or computer, then switch the input to Bluetooth® to enjoy music without wires or discs.
Product highlights:
Sound bar:
- 9 drivers deliver 7-channel surround sound
- front right/left channels each use a 2-3/8" cone woofer and a 3/4" dome tweeter
- 5 center 2-3/8" cone woofers
- 7-channel amplifier rated at 40 watts per channel
- large LCD display shows currently selected input and settings options
- display can be dimmed or turned off
- 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output
- HDMI connections support 3D/4K video, Audio Return Channel, and HDMI-CEC
- 2 optical digital audio inputs
- stereo RCA input
- keyhole slots for mounting on wall (screws not included)
- 40-5/8"W x 4-3/4"H x 4-5/8"D
- weight: 13.4 lbs.
Subwoofer:
- 100-watt built-in amplifier
- connects to sound bar wirelessly
- 7" woofer
- 9-5/8"W x 13-15/16"H x 16-1/8"D
- weight: 24.3 lbs.
System:
- Sony's S-Force® Surround technology for a powerful 7.1 surround effect
- Bluetooth-compatible for wireless music listening from a smartphone, tablet, or computer
- aptX® encoding provides high-quality music streaming from compatible devices
- NFC-compatible for one-touch pairing with compatible smartphones
- 380 watts total system power
- built-in Dolby® and DTS® decoding, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Voice mode raises dialogue levels
- Night mode helps improve intelligibility at lower volumes
- remote control and IR blaster
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # 11521327
What's in the box:
- Active soundbar speaker (SA-ST5)
- Wireless powered sub (SA-WST5)
- Remote control (RM-ANU207)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- 58" Optical digital cable
- Operating Instructions
- Startup Guide
- Online Product Registration
- Limited Warranty Information (US/CA)
Customer reviews for Sony HT-ST5
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More details on the Sony HT-ST5
Features & specs
General | ||
---|---|---|
Design | Bar | |
Amplification | Self-powered | |
Separate Subwoofer | Yes | |
Wireless Surrounds | --- | |
Number Of Channels | 3.1 | |
Surround Formats | ||
Dolby Digital | Yes | |
DTS | Yes | |
Dolby Atmos | No | |
DTS:X | No | |
Audio Enhancements | ||
Dialogue Enhancement | Yes | |
Auto Volume | Yes | |
Night Mode | --- | |
Virtual Surround | S-Force Front Surround | |
Room Correction | No | |
Audio Connections | ||
Optical Digital Inputs | 2 | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | None | |
HDMI ARC Input | Yes | |
HDMI eARC Input | No | |
3.5mm Stereo Analog Inputs | None | |
RCA Stereo Analog Inputs | 1 | |
USB Type-A Input | No | |
Subwoofer Output | Wireless | |
Audio Specs | ||
Tweeter | 0.75 | |
Midrange | 2.4375 | |
Woofer | None | |
Subwoofer Driver | 7 | |
Enclosure | Acoustic Suspension | |
System Frequency Response | Not Given | |
Sound Bar RMS Power | 40 x 7 | |
Subwoofer RMS Power | 100 x 1 | |
Video Connections | ||
HDMI Inputs | 3 | |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | |
Video Specs | ||
HDMI Version | 1.4 | |
HDMI Video Pass-through Resolution | 4K | |
HDR Video Compatible | --- | |
Control | ||
Includes Remote | Yes | |
Voice Control | No | |
Control by App | Apple iOS, Android | |
HDMI CEC | Yes | |
Remote IR Passthrough | Yes | |
Learns TV Remote | No | |
Audio Streaming | ||
Bluetooth Connectivity | Built-in | |
Bluetooth Audio Playback | Yes | |
Bluetooth Transmitter Mode | No | |
Online Music Sources | --- | |
Apple AirPlay | No | |
Chromecast built-in | No | |
Amazon Music | --- | |
Apple Music | --- | |
Pandora | --- | |
SiriusXM | --- | |
Spotify | --- | |
TIDAL | --- | |
TuneIn | --- | |
YouTube Music | --- | |
Files on Your Network | No | |
Wi-Fi Networking | ||
Built-in Wi-Fi Version | None | |
Bands | N/A | |
Other Info | ||
Wall-mountable | Yes | |
Mounting Bracket Included | No | |
Sound Bar Size (inches) | 4-11/16H x 40-9/16W x 4-5/8D | |
Sound Bar Weight | 13.4 lbs | |
Subwoofer Size (inches) | 13-15/16H x 9-9/16W x 16-1/8D | |
Subwoofer Weight | 24.3 lbs | |
Speaker Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Speaker Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Amplifier Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Amplifier Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Features
Soundbar Speaker System: The Sony HT-ST5 Soundbar Speaker System is a two-piece surround sound system that brings simplicity and performance together by pairing a self-amplified soundbar speaker and a wireless powered subwoofer to create and exceptional audio experience marked by rich, natural, clear sound that complements your high-definition flat-panel TV's incredible picture. The HT-ST5's soundbar system will make any music or movie soundtrack come to life.
- Active Soundbar: The HT-ST5's soundbar speaker features 9-indivual drivers; including seven 2.4375" drivers and two 0.75" tweeters that deliver rich, balanced sound across the mid and high-frequencies. The 9 drivers within the soundbar our divided into three sections; five 2.4375" full-range drivers make up the center channel, while the left and right channel each have a 2.4375" midrange speaker and 0.75" tweeter. Each full-range driver in the center-channel section and each left and right channel section are powered by 40 watts.
- Wireless Powered Sub: The HT-ST5 includes a wireless powered subwoofer that compliments the soundbar for a seamless sound. The wireless subwoofer houses a front-firing 7" woofer inside an acoustic suspension enclosure powered by a built-in 100-watt amplifier for big bass response.
S-Force Front Surround Technology: By using powerful digital Sony S-Master digital amplifiers (380W total power) and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, realistic surround sound can be generated from this two-piece surround sound system. Unlike other "virtual surround" technologies, rear sound is generated from the soundbar speaker using sophisticated digital sound processing and does not need to be bounced off of side walls. No matter what the size or shape of the room or what is on the wall, it is possible to hear sounds from behind you without needing to place speakers behind you. You can select from one of the following soundfields to optimize your surround sound experience.
- Standard: Suits various sources.
- Movie: Recreates powerful and realistic sound, along with clear dialogue.
- Music: Suited for music programs or music videos on Blu-ray Discs/DVDs.
- Game: Produces powerful and realistic sound, suited for video games.
- Football: Suited for sporting events with greater intensity.
Note: You can also activate ClearAudio+ which automatically makes sound adjustments based on the type of content you are enjoying.
HDMI Inputs/Outputs: The Sony HT-ST5 features 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output which supports 4K pass-through, 1080/24p video, x.v.Color, Deep Color, and 3D; as well as ARC and standby pass-through. The system can detect and receive the best possible video and audio signals from all connected devices via HDMI, making connection and performance as simple as plugging in a single wire. Sony's HDMI Active Intelligence, transmits both audio and video signals through one HDMI cable. The system's HDMI inputs/output support 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 4K.
- 4K Pass-Through: 4K Pass-Through allows the Sony HT-ST5 to receive super high-definition resolution video and pass the video signal to a 4K compatible TV or display monitor. The HT-ST5's HDMI jacks do not support the latest HDCP 2.2 copyright protection for 4K ultra-HD content, so it will not support 4K content from satellite/cable providers, online video services, and Blu-ray disc which are copyright protected with HDCP 2.2.
- 1080/24p: The Sony HT-ST5 allows you to watch movies at their native frame rate 24p format (24 frames per second) when paired with a 24p playback device like a Blu-ray Disc Player.
- 3D-Ready: The Sony HT-ST5 is compatible with 3D-ready Blu-ray disc movies, video games and other 3D content through its HDMI (v.1.4) connections. 3D viewing requires 3D-ready source with 3D content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D glasses, and high-speed HDMI cable. Other 3D accessories may also be required.
- Deep/x.v.Color: The Sony HT-ST5 also supports Deep Color and x.v.Color content, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.
- Standby Pass-Through: You can conveniently access all your HDMI connected devices without having to power on the HT-ST5 system.
- ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to the HT-ST5 system through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television.
Digital Surround Formats: The HT-ST5 supports the following digital audio formats.
- Dolby Digital: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD
- DTS: DTS, DTS HD High Resolution, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS 96/24
- Linear PCM: 2ch (48 kHz or less), 5.1ch (96 kHz or less), or 7.ch (192 kHz or less)
Digital + Analog Audio Inputs: The Sony HT-ST5 home theater system features both analog audio and digital audio inputs for connecting external audio sources such as your Blu-ray player, DVD player, and CD player. There is a stereo RCA analog audio input and two optical (toslink) digital audio inputs. The optical digital inputs support Dolby Digital, DTS, and 2ch PCM audio signals.
Audio Enhancement: The HT-ST5 home theater system offers various audio enhancements to customize your music or movie listening experience.
- Voice & Night Modes: With Voice mode, you'll be sure to hear every whisper and character nuance of the dialog compared to other sounds in the scene for a dynamic experience. Using Night mode, you can enjoy sound effects and hear the dialog clearly even at a low volume levels.
- Harmonics Equalizer: The Harmonics Equalizer functions lets you hear the details that have gone missing from your compressed MP3 music (digital music).
- Auto Volume: Auto Volume adjust the volume automatically depending on the input signal or content from the connected equipment. This function is useful, for example, when the sound of a commercial is louder than the TV programs.
- Dynamic Range Control: This feature narrows the dynamic range of a Dolby Digital/DTS sound track for enjoying movies at low volume.
- A/V Sync: You can delay the sound using this function when the image is slower than the sound when you are playing a Dolby, Digital, DTS or Linear PCM source connected by a digital audio input or HDMI. The A/V sync delay can be set between 0-200 msec.
Built-in Bluetooth: The Sony HT-ST5 home theater system features built-in Bluetooth (ver. 3.0) technology with support for A2DP/AVRCP, aptX, NFC (Near Field Communication), and Sony's SongPal remote application.
- A2DP/AVRCP + aptX:You'll be able to wirelessly stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled Apple device, Android smartphone/tablet, portable audio player, laptop, or PC to the Sony HT-ST5. You'll also be able to control basic playback functions (Play/Pause, FF/RW, Skip) using the included remote control. Advanced music operation will still need to be handled from your Bluetooth-enable device. There is no song/artist information display on the speaker system or connected TV. Continue to use your Bluetooth device's screen to view song/artist info. aptX audio coding technology allows for lossless, CD-quality wireless streaming of music from your aptX compatible Bluetooth device (like Android).
- SongPal Remote App (via Bluetooth): By downloading Sony's free SongPal remote app (from iTunes or Google Play), you can use your Apple iOS (6.0+) or Android (2.3+) device to control the soundbar speaker system via Bluetooth. From the SongPal remote app, you can select input sources, switch to other entertainment apps, and customize sound settings of the soundbar speaker system. You'll need to exit this app to stream & control stored music or music apps on your Bluetooth-connected phone.
- Simple Paring w/ NFC: The HT-ST5 pairs wirelessly and effortlessly with up to 9 Bluetooth-enabled devices (only one can be used at a time) with a single press of a button. Bluetooth-enabled devices (like Android 2.3.3 or later) that have Near Field Communication (NFC) are even easier to pair with; simply touch the device to the soundbar speaker's NFC logo and they're paired. NFC Easy Connect app is needed for your Android device, unless you have Android OS 4.1 or later installed. Once paired, the HT-ST5 speaker system will automatically re-connect to your device when within range (up to 33').
Remote w/ HDMI Control & IR Pass-Through: The HT-ST5 comes supplied with a full-function IR remote control for wireless operation of the system. The system also offers HDMI control. In addition, the HT-ST5 provides and IR pass-through function on the soundbar speaker.
- HDMI Control: HDMI Control allows you to easily manage
and operate an HDMI Control compatible television and other audio/video
components with a single remote, when all components are connected via HDMI.
By connecting HDMI-CEC components operation is simplified in the following
ways -
- One-Touch-Play: When you playback a component such as a DVD/Blu-ray Disc Player, the receiver and the TV are turned on automatically and switch to the appropriate HDMI input.
- System Audio Control: While watching TV, you can select to output the sound from the TV speaker or the speakers connected to the receiver.
- System Power Off: When you turn off the TV, the receiver and connected components are also turned off simultaneously.
- IR Pass-Through: With many other soundbar systems, placing the soundbar speaker on your TV stand can be problematic and block the TV's remote control sensor, forcing you to stand up and angle your remote to control your TV. The HT-ST5 soundbar speaker's features an IR repeater pass-through which allows your TV remote control commands to pass-through the front of the soundbar to the TV behind it, eliminating this problem.
Mounting Options: The soundbar speaker can be securely placed on a stand or shelf via its two mounting feet; you can modify the angle of the soundbar by detaching the feet on the bottom of the speaker. The soundbar speaker can also be wall mounted using its two rear-mounted keyhole slots (feet must be removed; mounting screws sold separately). The spacing of the two keyhole slots is 33.1875". Because the powered subwoofer uses 5.8GHz wireless technology, it can be placed virtually anywhere in your room. There are no extra audio cables to run; you do have to plug the powered sub into an AC outlet.
Auto Standby: You can reduce the system's power consumption. The system enters standby mode automatically when you do no operate the system for approximately 20 minutes and the system is not outputting sound for approximately 20 minutes.
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Customer Q&A
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Unit plays very well and doesn't distort at high volume. Bluetooth music plays well. The only thing that is a little annoying is the HDMI switching is slow and has about a 20 second delay when switching sources. Going to purchase some higher end cables to see if this helps out.
Tony63 from Winchester, VA