Sony HT-S20R Soundbar Review: Affordable 5.1 Surround Sound 

The Sony HT-S20R 5.1 soundbar achieves true surround sound quality and does not cost a fortune to buy. What is not to love about this soundbar for improving the audio of your television? This review will detail the components, setup, and performance of the soundbar to emphasise why this model is one of the best options for providing value for money in home entertainment. 

The Sony HT-S20R combines value with a 5.1-channel format, so you will enjoy high-quality action and immersive sound. The system has a subwoofer that will provide low frequencies that you can feel. It has two wired rear speakprovide directional and surround sound. And there is a 3-channel soundbar designed to deliver clear audio and dialogue that you can easily understand. If you are looking to upgrade any media entertainment solution, this system is justified.

Sony HT-S20R 5.1ch Dolby Digital Soundbar for TV

The HT-S20R delivers a powerful 400W output with a subwoofer and two wired rear speakers for balanced, clean sound that fills the room. With Dolby Digital audio processing, you not only get clearer audio that is layered upon a depth of sound for movie nights, but you are simply able to hear it all. The connectivity options available make setup easier than expected; HDMI ARC simplifies cabling. However, there is also an optical input and USB for simple plug and play. For TVs that do not, there is also an analogue input.

The soundbar performs just as well with music streaming. It connects to your smartphone with Bluetooth, allowing  you to listen to background music in full surround sound. The soundbar comes with a great remote that allows you to control volume, audio modes, and sound setups right from your couch. There is also a discreet night mode which will allow you to clearly listen while keeping disturbance to a minimum for everyone else.

Specifications

Brand: Sony

Speaker Maximum Output Power: 400W

Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth

Audio Output Mode: Surround

Maximum Range: 10 metres

Control Method: Remote

Speaker Size: 20mm

Woofer Driver Diameter: 12 Inches

Tweeter Driver Diameter: 12mm

Subwoofer Diameter: 12 Inches

Item Dimensions (D x W x H): 8.6 x 76 x 5.2 cm

Item Weight: 13 kg

Audio Driver Type: Dynamic Driver

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Sturdy and reliable build

Simple setup process

Elegant design

True surround sound effect

High-powered, room-filling audio

Deep, rumbling bass

Multiple audio modes

Intuitive remote control

Dolby Digital audio processing

Cons:

Connectivity setup could be more user-friendly

Performance Metrics

Audio Processing: Dolby Digital encoding delivers accurate, good audio performance across the frequency layers and appropriate sound staging, producing an engaging listening experience. 

Installation Ease: The system requires the installation of four components, so if possible, you will want to plan the location of each for the best "all around you" audio feel from the surround speakers. It is important to place your rear sound speakers appropriately to get the best surround audio experience. It has three sound interconnect options available: HDMI, optical and analogue. They would all be easy to set up. 

Build and Design: The build quality and design are solid and high quality so you can be assured of long-term use. The HT-S20R can blend in nicely in most rooms, fitting snugly in place and not being too big to take up too much space.

Control System: You have a handheld master remote that has control of the master volume, across the sub-volume, and the surrounding modes of sound. This device works well, is functional and easy to use, and will allow you to dial in the sound appropriate for the piece of content being provided.