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**Why a Soundbar Matters for Your TV**
A common consensus among home entertainment enthusiasts—and one echoed by ZDNET’s experts—is that modern TVs, despite their visual brilliance, often fall short in audio quality. Built-in speakers typically lack the depth, clarity, and immersive experience that a dedicated sound system can provide. This is where soundbars come into play, elevating your viewing experience with richer, more dynamic sound. Once you experience the difference, it’s hard to go back to relying on your TV’s speakers alone.
The audio experience is further enhanced when a soundbar is paired with rear speakers and a subwoofer, creating a surround sound environment that brings movies, sports, and music to life. While some enthusiasts may prefer piecing together a custom home theater setup, many users appreciate the convenience and value of an all-in-one “theater-in-a-box” system.
**Sony Bravia Theater System 6: A Midrange Home Theater Solution**
For those seeking a step up from basic soundbars without venturing into the high-end, four-figure price range, the Sony Bravia Theater System 6 presents a compelling midrange solution. Priced at $800, the System 6 is designed for users who want to significantly enhance their TV’s audio performance without getting bogged down in technical complexities or paying for premium features they may not need.
The System 6 includes a center channel soundbar, two rear speakers, an external subwoofer, and all necessary connectivity components. While it’s not Sony’s flagship model, it strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it especially appealing to Sony fans and those with compatible Bravia TVs.
**Features and Connectivity: What You Get—and What’s Missing**
One notable distinction between the System 6 and Sony’s flagship home theater offerings lies in connectivity. The System 6 forgoes Wi-Fi support, relying instead on wired connections for power and audio. This means that popular wireless streaming options like AirPlay, Spotify