Are you buying your first soundbar? Sony HT-S350 is a great proposition - a review

Sony HT-S350 is a device without any goodies or advanced features. This is a type 2.1 soundbar, which only aims to improve the sound. As a result, it not only plays well, but is relatively inexpensive.

Readers who remember most of my TV reviews probably also remember my constant attention to the sound they offer. With very few notable exceptions, I always urge you to save a bit more money and buy additional sound equipment for your TV. Even cheap loudspeakers or a soundbar will provide a fuller, deeper sound than that offered by the built-in super thin television panels. Because I think a beautiful picture should be accompanied by a good sound.

Okay, but what soundbar should you buy? For a long time I had a problem recommending you a specific model. As an enthusiast (and probably a bit of a snob) I live a little above the state and invest in high-end models, well above the needs of a statistical recipient. It's also not easy to rent cheaper equipment - producers prefer to brag about the best models in front of the media, so that we cling to something as rarely as possible. And occasionally rented cheap models ... so far I haven't found anything new that I could actually recommend. Until now.

Sony HT-S350 is a simple and relatively cheap 2.1 soundbar. Additional features? Basically none.

This grill together with the subwoofer is not super cheap. This is an expense of 850 PLN, which is almost twice as high as the cheapest - but - still - sensible devices. He is far from the premium sets with a value of several thousand zlotys, but it is undoubtedly an expense that needs to be planned.

Despite the slightly higher price, we can forget about decoding the signal in the latest standards. HT-S350 will not support Dolby Atmos or DTS: X. But I don't really think it should be seen as a major drawback. Not counting the really expensive prongs - like the sensational Ambeo for less than 10,000 PLN - the generation of omnidirectional sound by the 2.1 set usually sounds artificial and does not work. In my opinion, when choosing the 2.1 set, we should focus on stereo sound. I think that the result will be more satisfying for most - faithful and full sound of two-channel sound instead of artificial surround.

One, however, Sony could miss. If we want to stream music from a phone via Bluetooth to the soundbar, we must limit ourselves to the SBS codec. aptX or even Sony LDAC are not supported. Just like Spotify Connect. Detriment.

The soundbar measures 900 mm x 64 mm x 88 mm, so it should fit on most TV cabinets. The subwoofer has dimensions of 190 mm x 382 mm x 390 mm. It can be connected to the TV via HDMI or an optical connector. HT-S350 also supports Dolby Digital audio decoding.

The Sony HT-S350 soundbar, however, is to work primarily as an extension to the TV. How does he succeed?

Surprisingly good considering its price. The device comes with a remote control, which can be used to change the volume (it is also possible to use the TV remote control via HDMI-CEC) and adjust the equalizer to your preferences. There are also numerous operating modes predefined by the manufacturer.

Usually I'm not a fan of this type of settings, putting on a full and realistic sound, so here I have to admit that the modes work as it should. The night mode actually changes the dynamics of the sound, so you don't have to turn down the volume during the shooting - so as not to wake up your neighbors - then turn it up to hear dialogues. Other modes work equally well. However, the best is when the soundtrack is faithful and full.

And he does it really well. Once again, it's relatively cheap equipment, so I can easily point to more expensive models, whose performance parameters are significantly better. It must be admitted, however, that the HT-S350 is not lost or cut in any place. As long as we use it for movies and video games, it's really good. Surprisingly strong bass is interspersed with clear highs and a good midrange without any distortion or attenuation. The equipment also easily fills the home living room with strong sound - its total output power is 320 W.

Sony HT-S350 is not the best soundbar on the market. However, it has a great price-performance ratio.

I like the fact that its manufacturer does not try to sell it at all costs - we will not find DTS: X or Dolby Atmos stickers on it, which may make it look less attractive on the shelf in the electromarket than the competition models standing next to it. In my opinion, however, such advanced codecs in cheap 2.1 equipment do not make sense. And the amounts saved on licenses and the technological process are better to invest in the quality of the equipment itself.

It looks like Sony did just that. This is definitely not the best sounding and best equipped soundbar on the market. However, considering its price of 850 PLN and the sound it offers, it remains for me to point it out as an excellent choice for a person who is not yet sure if he wants to invest in strong audio for his TV. I doubt anyone will be disappointed after buying.

Are you buying your first soundbar? Sony HT-S350 is a great proposition - a review