Build quality:

Comparing Sony HT-A7000 vs Bose 900, the Sony HT-A7000 is larger and will be a perfect fit for large TVs like 80-inch sizes. Bose 900 is suitable for 75” TVs. Both these bars are made of good quality plastic and have glass on the top panel. Sony HT-A7000 has metal grille for the front panel and cloth grille covers the up-firing drivers. Bose 900 has metal grilles and rubber on the bottom so that the bar remains put in one position. It also offers white color along with black.

The soundbars have impressive build quality that are wall mountable as well. Sony included wall mounting brackets as well. 

Audio performance:

Comparing Sony HT-A7000 vs Bose 900, they differ in terms of number of channels. Bose 900 is a 5.1.2 bar whereas the Sony HT-A7000 is a 7.1.2 channel bar. Sony HT-A7000 uses Soundfield Optimization for room calibration with the help of microphones. It has a total of 9 drivers and has decent soundstage. It has 360 Reality Audio technology that delivers a multidimensional sound space around the user.

Just like the name, a 360 sound field is produced so that sound reaches every corner of the room. Users need to have subscription to 360 Reality Audio music streaming services. With Acoustic Center Sync, Bravia TVs (2021 and up models) will act as a center channel speaker when connected to the HT-A7000 bar. With dedicated upward-firing drivers, the bar can deliver a powerful dome of sound. The bar has accentuated mids and maintains clarity throughout the frequency response.  

Bose 900 uses ADAPTiQ room correction tool where it uses the included headset to adjust the sound depending on the room layout. For normal contents without Atmos, Bose uses Truespace technology to add some atmospheric sound. It can add spaciousness and with side-firing drivers sound feels to come around the left and right areas. It sounds real and natural with most contents. Low ends are present but might sound somewhat flat.

This is not an issue as there is bass level adjustment along with a permanent solution, adding a subwoofer. It plays music with good energy and detail. The soundbar has a total of 9 drivers and can deliver a broad soundstage. Compared to the Sony HT-A7000, the Bose 900 has satisfying soundfield. It has PhaseGuide Technology that delivers a multidirectional sound whereas for clearer bass, QuietPort is available.

Comparing Sony HT-A7000 vs Bose 900, the 900 bar has higher than 90 dB SPL which means it gets louder but we suggest placing them in medium sized rooms. For small to medium-sized rooms, the sound is great, room-filling and the bass is also adequate. Bose wins in terms of surrounds as well. It uses side-firing drivers.

Features:

They work with Apple Airplay 2 and Chromecast which means you can talk to Siri and Google Assistant respectively. Multiroom audio with Airplay 2- or Chromecast-supported devices is an option. With Airplay 2, you can take advantage of Apple devices or Apple Music app. The bars also support Spotify Connect which is great for Spotify Premium users. Instead of relying on these, you can be part of the Bose ecosystem.

It can create multiroom systems throughout the house up to 4 zones. Streaming through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is supported only. It is compatible with Bose Smart Home Speakers but not with SoundTouch products. Online streaming services and internet radio are available for streaming content. Comparing the HT-A7000 Sony vs Bose 900, Sony has HDMI 2.1 that allows 4k@120 Hz and 8k@60 Hz passthrough. It also supports ALLM (reduces latency) and VRR.

Different modes are also available to enhance the image quality in gaming scenes. It also has low latency which is needed while watching videos or games. This bar is also 3D ready and will support 3D contents through HDMI port.

Settings:

Sony HT-A7000 is full of different options including night mode, sub/rear/surround level adjustments, Sound modes (Standard Surround, Music, Cinema, Auto Sound) and Virtual surround. They both have some common options like room correction tool and dialogue boost. Bose 900 includes bass and treble settings along with height level adjustment. The bass and treble option will allow the user to increase or decrease the levels to achieve a good sound signature.

Connectivity:

Comparing Sony HT-A7000 vs Bose 900, the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar is more versatile with plenty of ports including 2 HDMI In, 3.5mm port, and USB (Sony WALKMAN or USB thumbdrive). They both have optical and HDMI eARC. Use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to stream files wirelessly to the bar. With Bluetooth Receiver mode, users can pair a Bluetooth TV with the Sony HT-A7000 bar.

Compatible device:

Do not worry if you think the sound is weak or not as immersive as you wanted. You can always add more speakers for an immersive experience. Sony HT-A7000 will work with Sony (SA-RS3S / SA-RS5) rear speakers and Sony SA-SW3/SA-SW5 subwoofer. Bose 900 acts the same way. Users can connect Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 along with Bose Surround Speaker or 700 Surround Speaker.

Compared to the Sony HT-A7000, Bose 900 has Bose SimpleSync feature with which you can connect the bar to another device from the Bose Home Speaker family (Bose Soundlink Bluetooth speaker or noise cancelling headset).

Control options:

Comparing Bose 900 vs Sony HT-A7000, the A7000 is much easier to control with physical buttons. There are plenty including power on/off, volume up/down, input, Bluetooth and music service. Bose 900 only has two, Action and microphone mute. They both come with remote control, but the Bose 900 remote is much user-friendly with few buttons. Bose also has built-in voice assistants (Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa) while with Sony, you need to purchase voice-enabled devices.

From a distance users can also use their mobile apps to control the bars. Bose Music app is easy to comprehend and user to adjust equalizer, center and height levels, etc. Sony Music Center app allows basic functions along with other settings like Sound mode, Immersive AE, etc.  

Cost:

Comparing Sony HT-A7000 vs Bose 900, the Bose 900 is cheaper and available for under $650. Sony HT-A7000 bar is on the market at a price under $1000.

FAQ:

What is the best alternative to Bose 900 soundbar?

You can check out the Sonos Arc as an alternative to the Bose 900 bar. It can produce powerful Atmos effects along with an impactful bass. The bar has good clarity in the upper frequency range.

What does Immersive AE do to Sony HT-A7000 performance?

There is a dedicated Immersive AE button on the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar remote control. It uses side and Atmos firing drivers to deliver an engulfing soundspace. It improves the separation of the sound but it might not be suitable for all conte