Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theatre System

I wish I hadn't bothered.

I got carried away with the prospect of cinema sound after recently buying a Sony Bravia 5 TV, however this lot is way over priced for what it is and the battery doesn't last nearly as long as they would have you believe. If you want a portable speaker there are much cheaper options out there, and if you want cinema sound for watching movies then get the real deal. Don't waste good money on this.

Ramonic

Good choice

Great sound & Good battery Backup, Good shape, Best mobile app

Painal

Great Bluetooth soundbar

Bought as a replacement for my tv soundbar and cannot fault this little fooker at all! The only thing that lets it down is that I got to keep charging it every week. But that's a minor sacrifice for the sound quality and amazing features this guy has. Also being made from recycled materials is a big plus for me

Aaaayjaaaay

Sony Strikes Gold

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Sony HT-AX7 Not only do Sony excel in Audio, their environmental packaging is first class and easily accessible. Set up couldn't be easier and although no charger is supplied, my Sony charger from another product soon established the unit was fully juiced and ready to go. Linking with the downloaded Sony Home Entertainment and Support was a cinch. Setting up the speakers in a variety of positions in the lounge, playing my favourite tracks from my smartphone exploited the distinct two sound field settings. Unfortunately our TV is not Bluetooth Smart so any TV/CD/STREAMING has to be done through my Sony desktop computer. Again set up was quick with no issues. Using the internet, I can extend the use of the HT-AX7 for terrestrial TV, my favourite Netflix series, just streaming my favourite tracks or enjoying my latest CD film. The unit when assembled or open is compact and aesthetically neutral in any environment and as for the 360 degree spatial sound, it is as good as any top range headphone set up with the added advantage of uncluttered head-space and freedom of movement. I can't wait to get a Sony Smart TV and watch my favourite "Star Wars" movie!

RedStag, Derby

SONY HT-AH7 2.1 Portable Theatre System

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] SONY HT-AH7 2.1 Portable Theatre System - Light Grey has great sound 2 detachable speakers 360 Spatial Sound Mapping up to 30 hours battery life and Bluetooth. You can move to any room and on holiday.

ELAINE7, GLASGOW

Next level portable Theatre System

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] At a whisper under two kilos this rather unique Sony Sound Theatre system is just about portable. Hopes are high that upcoming trips abroad will validate this proposition. There is no charging device included, just a long USB-C cable, but this is not a problem with USB-C so common. However, when charging to get those 30 hours of play you will need a 15W to 45W charger or the orange indicator light next to the rear port will flash telling you it’s too much or not enough juice. Solid orange is good. Apparently just a 10-minute charge will give me two hours of play, but I haven’t run it down yet to find that out! It oozes quality, light grey woven material for both the central unit and satellite speakers, cased in a smooth darker grey hard rubber surround that’s solid and houses the encased top controls on the central unit: power, Bluetooth pairing, play / pause, volume, and Sound Field. I might have liked black myself, but the grey theme contrasts the detail and quality of the three units. There are funky left and right circular magnetic charging ports for the satellite speakers - they don’t have their own separate means of charging. They are clearly labelled L and R, the small speakers to sit and connect easily and at any orientation, with reassuring orange charging lights on the central unit. Upon removal of the satellite speakers the Sound Field will come into play, place them behind you or to the side and away you go, you have your own sound bubble of surround sound: incredibly simple and quick to get going. There are separate power buttons on the satellite speakers, maybe to minimise accidental connections when packed separately in my suitcase me thinks… I had no problems in setting up the Theatre System with my phone, and key to this is the Sony Home Entertainment app, so download it first. The system holds a dormant Bluetooth connection that allows you (when the setting is checked) to power on the Theatre System from the app, which is likeable in a very lazy way. I also really like the fact you can have two devices connected at one time, so while watching a film on a tablet you can take a phone call, the film pauses and I’m able to take the call using the hidden microphone of the main unit seamlessly. The app itself runs the show, there is sadly no remote, although there are the controls on the main unit. Within the app, Night mode extenuates the sound field effects at low volumes, you can toggle the Sound Field, change the volume, the rear speaker volume, and the bass. Summary This is, as I said, a unique proposal, and I wouldn’t see it in any way as a replacement for TV surround system, but take it to where you want, a holiday room / bedroom for something immersive and personal. I am very impressed with the quality of sound in general: films on a tablet with surround sound are great, giving a great excuse to snuggle up in bed together with a flick! It also seems to manage music in a pseudo surround sound fashion, and even with the speakers further away than recommended spacing from the central unit. With little to no distortion, the bass and front speakers of the main unit work with real clarity, and a little Bluetooth magic, with the two rear speakers incredibly well, and all together is far loud enough at the max for that private experience that this system is clearly aiming for.

DoctorSimon31, East Sussex

Little Bundle Of Joy

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The first thing I found with this portable theatre system was that the whole unit is so small. However, the sound from it is not and the quality of the sound is superb. It’s hard to believe such high quality surround sound it is coming from such a compact unit. The unit is covered in an attractive light grey material which will fit in with just about any home décor. The design, build quality and appearance is up to Sony’s usual high standard. The operating controls are quite straight forward and are in the centre of the main speaker. Slightly raised buttons enable you to switch the unit on and off and to allow ‘Bluetooth’ pairing, skip tracks, control volume and select the 'Sound Field' mode. There is also buttons on the two small speakers to turn them on/off as and if required. However, I found the easiest way to control the sound and other features while listening to music or watching TV is to scan the QR code on the Reference Guide and download the Home Entertainment App onto your Smart Phone. Everything you may need to do is presented to you in the app in an easy to understand way. There are no complicated installation process/s or lots of cables to sort out with the Sony HT-AX7. So it’s also ideal for those of us who are getting on a bit in life! You just switch on and connect it by ‘Bluetooth’ to your source of choice. i.e. tablet, computer, smart phone or TV. Position the speakers in your preferred position, select Sound Field and away you go. I found the best position in my lounge for the speakers is to have the centre main speaker 1.5 metres in front centre and the two small (satellite) speakers 1.0 to 2.0 metres to my right and left side. I found it is best to control the volume of the speakers while sitting in the listening position to optimise the best surround sound experience created by Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. Now for the not so good point and there is only one as I see it. There is no adapter supplied to charge the Sony HT-AX7 batteries. All that is supplied is a USB C cable. Considering the selling price, I feel Sony should really have included a charging adapter with the unit. I had to borrow a 15-45W adapter from a neighbour to get me started because my own charger was not of a high enough wattage to charge the unit. However, when charged Sony reckons the battery life will last at least 30 hours. I have used the HT-AX7 for over 25 hours so far and there still seems to be plenty charge left in the batteries. So I have no reason to dispute this. Overall the Sony HT-AX7 is a great little bundle of pure joy. Easily transportable and so light it can be carried easily with one hand. It can be used in the garden or be carried in the car on outings or picnics. I plan to use it in my caravan when I am away from home on camping holidays. In my view a superb quality compact listening device from Sony.

Abtria, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

A compact and portable theatre sound system

Sony HT-AX7 My Sony package arrived just before I departed for a week away and so I was excited to see the contents of the mysterious cardboard capsule when I returned. Once again Sony has provided a creative and effective green packing solution. All the parts were well protected. Assembly took no time at all and although a charger was not provided the USC cable was easy to connect to an existing charger, I had sitting on my study table. Whilst the unit was charging, I took the opportunity to add the two recommended apps to my smart phone, Sony Home Entertainment and Support by Sony. All the information you need to set up and use the HT-AX7 is readily accessible. Set up was no trouble at all. Our main TV in the lounge is quite old and although HD capable there are no Bluetooth connections available and so I first connected the unit to my smart phone. Wow, such a precise sound even at high volume levels. My regular listening partner is Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headset and so my standards are very high. I would say there is little difference between the two’s delivery of quality sound. The benefit of the HT-AX7 is that you get the sound to surround your whole body rather than just your ears. Remember hearing is not just through your ears. Fortunately for me I have a Sony Vaio/TV desk-top pc (SVL24131E) on which I can access the internet and view on a 24” HD monitor which includes a Blue ray disc player and a direct digital TV aerial input. Effectively a simple Smart TV and so I am now experimenting watching my favourite CDs, TV programmes including my favourite Netflix productions and streamed music. This fully portable theatre system can be used anywhere in the house optimising the battery powered Blue tooth wireless connections. The Sony 360-degree spatial sound mapping provides the promised immersive experience promised. The units neutral finish and form will fit in any interior and is easily portable. Sony have given me a real dilemma, full blown theatre 360-degree sound or up close and personal head sound. I am looking forward to the challenge and after only a short time I fully recommend the HT-AX7 although the quality and flexibility comes with the predictable price tag.

Redstag747

Truly portable speaker system

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] High build quality as usual from Sony. Setting up app was no problem,paired instantly to TV,it has excellent clear sound with good bass setting,very portable,not too big or heavy to transport. I paired quite easily with mobile phone and iPad,phone conversations worked well,the smaller satellite speakers can be set up in other rooms if you want to and they carry the same sound as on main unit. Does charge from c usb port (45 w adapter is required)and lasts for quite a while between charges.has a multipoint Bluetooth connection.there is a button for the sound field connection for spacial 360 mapping which works well,an algorithm enhances 2 channel stereo as well. Has room filling sound with no distortion that I could hear. This system would be perfect for parties or picnic situations etc.would be really suitable for gamers who use mobile devices or watch movies on tablets. Could be considered a niche product,due to cost maybe and cannot compare to a 5.1 or 7.1 sound system but it is not meant to,it is a mobile soundbar after all,and what it does,it does well Would recommend

Philipg50, Central Scotland

Sony did it again.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Sony HT-AX7 Review. Sony’s latest portable home theatre system arrived today, with minimal but adequate environmentally friendly packaging. After a quick unboxing I was surprised how minimalistic the Sony HT–AX7 home theatre system is. The only external connection being a USB type C connector for charging the inbuilt battery, which as a matter of interest is quoted by Sony to last up to 30 hours of use. A quick ten minute charge will give two & a half hours playback. With Multipoint Connection you can connect multiple Bluetooth devices to your HT-AX7 & seamlessly switch between them. Turning the Sound Field off & placing the speakers in different areas around the room to enjoy room filling sound at the same level, wherever you stand. Perfect for parties & other gatherings. A quick scan of the enclosed QR code & I downloaded the Sony App to my Smartphone & within a minute I was streaming music, it was that easy, simple & straightforward. One major plus with the Sony HT-AX7 is the portability, this device can be moved around easily with little fuss. My wife even commented that this device doesn’t look out of place anywhere in the home. Streamed music sounded great, Sony’s 360 spatial sound mapping technology is at the next level in listening pleasure. Feed this device with stereo sound & enjoy upscaled 360 spatial sound by placing the two satellite speakers nearby. The Sony HT-AX7 portable home theatre system is a very versatile sound system with amazing sound quality which is easily set up. The options for using this device are almost limitless, a very well made & presentable sound system from Sony. My only negative comment would be the lack of an AC charger not supplied in the box, for this price a charger should be supplied.

Mike F, Nottingham UK