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Sony HT-ST5000 vs Sonos Arc
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Sony HT-ST5000
Sonos Arc
Tested using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 15, 2024 07:13 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.3
Updated Nov 28, 2024 02:21 PM
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Amazon.com
Channels7.1.2
Channels5.0.2
Variants
- HT-ST5000 (Black)
- Arc (Black)
- Arc SL (Shadow Edition)
- Arc (White)
Our Verdict
Sony HT-ST5000
Sonos Arc
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the standalone Sonos Arc or the Sony HT-ST5000. The Sony comes with a dedicated sub that reproduces a more extended low-bass. It's better built and comes with EQ presets and three Full HDMI In ports. However, the Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, and you can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.
Notice: Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our soundbars test methodology.
Main Differences for
Threshold
Mixed Usage
7.7
7.4
Stereo Frequency Response
8.1
7.2
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
10
0.0
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
Yes
No
Enclosure
Passive Radiator
No Subwoofer
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
No
No
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
46.5" (118.0 cm)
44.9" (114.1 cm)
Height
3.2" (8.1 cm)
3.4" (8.7 cm)
Depth
5.6" (14.3 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
9.8" (25.0 cm)
N/A
Height
15.9" (40.3 cm)
N/A
Depth
16.7" (42.3 cm)
N/A
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
N/A
N/A
Height
N/A
N/A
Depth
N/A
N/A
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
No
Mountable Satellites
No
Satellite Brackets Included
No
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
HDMI Cable Length
1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Digital Optical Cable Length
N/A
Back - Bar
Back photo - bar
Bar Mounting
Universal (holes on back)
Back - Subwoofer
Back photo - sub
Enclosure
Passive Radiator
No Subwoofer
Back - Satellites
Back photo - satellites
Mounting
No
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
8.1
7.2
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
7.1.2
5.0.2
Tested Preset
Standard
No Preset
Slope
-0.82
0.37
Standard Error
3.35 dB
3.33 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
31.7 Hz
51.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
8.1
7.2
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Standard
No Preset
Suggested Bass Setting
8
0
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
-3
Slope
-0.82
-0.09
Standard Error
3.35 dB
3.08 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
31.7 Hz
51.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.5
8.0
Crosstalk Error
2.53 dB
2.28 dB
Stereo Dynamics
7.3
8.1
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
92.5 dB SPL
91.6 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.28 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
2.35 dB
0.75 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
6.4
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.33
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
4.14
Center
8.2
7.8
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-0.15
-0.40
Std. Err.
2.99 dB
2.94 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
90.4 dB SPL
76.5 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.76
0.32
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
5.53
1.56
Surround 5.1
5.7
5.7
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Front Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Slope
-0.97
0.01
Std. Err.
4.01 dB
3.27 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
92.8 dB SPL
75.1 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.30
0.39
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.50
0.98
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
5.8
6.1
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Slope
-0.90
0.55
Std. Err.
3.97 dB
2.91 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
78.3 dB SPL
62.0 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
2.25
1.07
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.00
0.18
Sound Enhancement Features
5.6
5.7
Room Correction
No
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
No
Bass Adjustment
No
Yes
Treble Adjustment
No
Yes
EQ
Presets
No
Surround Level Adjustment
No
No
Rear Level Adjustment
No
No
Height Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes
No
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
Adapter into HDMI ARC
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
3
No
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
1
No
Ethernet
1
1
Subwoofer Output
No
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
10
9.6
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Not Supported
eARC
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
10
0.0
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Not Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Not Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Not Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Not Supported
DTS
Yes
Not Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Not Supported
5.1 PCM
Yes
Audio Format Support: Optical
10
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0
Audio Latency: ARC
8.5
ARC Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
42 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
41 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
59 ms
Dolby Digital
92 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
101 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
101 ms
Audio Latency: HDMI In
7.4
0.0
HDMI Latency Video
Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
N/A
PCM-5.1 ch
N/A
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
N/A
Dolby Digital
N/A
Dolby Digital Plus
N/A
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
N/A
ARC
72 ms
Optical
64 ms
Full HDMI In
107 ms
Audio Latency: Optical
9.0
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
99 ms
Dolby Digital
129 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
0.0
0.0
1080p Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
No
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
No
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
Wireless Playback
9.0
3.0
Bluetooth
Yes
No
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Yes
Chromecast built-in
Yes
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes
Connectivity - Subwoofer
Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1
Physical controls subwoofer photo 1
Sub Wireless
Yes
No
Connectivity - Satellites
Physical inputs satellites photo 1
Physical controls satellites photo 1
Sat Wireless
No
No
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
No
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Universal Remote
No
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
Yes (Built-in)
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
Yes
App
App image
App Name
Sony Music Center
iOS
Yes
Android
Yes
Acts As A Remote
Yes
Controls Soundbar's Settings
All
Casts Device Files
Yes
Other Features
Power Saving
Standby
HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)
Yes
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Sony HT-ST5000
Sonos Arc
Comments
Sony HT-ST5000 vs Sonos Arc: Main Discussion
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