Best Soundbars for Sony X900H: Three Practical Picks

A black soundbar centered beneath a television on a wooden console in a bright living room
Written by Toni Morrison

Compare three soundbars for the Sony X900H, with clear ARC and eARC advice, dialogue and bass tradeoffs, and console-connection tips.

The best soundbar for a Sony X900H depends on whether you want a compact dialogue upgrade, a separate subwoofer, or support for Dolby Atmos. Our starting pick is the Sony HT-S2000 for its eARC connection and 3.1-channel layout with built-in bass. The Bose TV Speaker is the smaller, simpler choice; the Sony HT-S400 includes a separate wireless subwoofer. These are feature-based recommendations, with the tradeoffs below guiding the choice.

For the North American XBR-X900H series, connect a soundbar to HDMI IN 3, the TV’s ARC port. Sony added eARC through a software update, so check your exact TV model on Sony’s firmware support page before buying for eARC features. A compatible port is a starting point: source format, TV settings and soundbar support still determine the audio you hear.

Soundbars for the Sony X900H at a glance

Soundbar Choose it for TV connection Main compromise
Sony HT-S2000 All-in-one Atmos-capable setup HDMI eARC/ARC; optical Virtual surround; no HDMI source input
Bose TV Speaker Compact dialogue-focused setup HDMI ARC; optical No Dolby Atmos; separate bass module costs extra
Sony HT-S400 Included separate subwoofer HDMI ARC; optical No Atmos; needs floor space and power for the sub

Sony HT-S2000: best fit for an all-in-one Atmos setup

Sony HT-S2000 3.1-Channel Soundbar, Soundbar Only

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The HT-S2000 combines left, center and right channels with built-in subwoofers. It accepts Dolby Atmos and DTS:X through HDMI eARC and uses virtual surround processing. That makes it a sensible starting point if you want those formats without placing a separate subwoofer on the floor. Virtual processing should not be treated as a promise of the same experience as physical rear and overhead speakers.

The bar is 31½ inches wide. Its single HDMI connection is an eARC/ARC output to the TV, with no HDMI input for a console or disc player. Connect those sources to the television. The selected listing is the HT-S2000 soundbar-only version; Sony’s compatible SA-SW3 or SA-SW5 subwoofers and SA-RS3S rear speakers are optional purchases.

Choose it for format support and a center channel in one cabinet. Choose the HT-S400 instead if an included separate subwoofer matters more to you than Atmos. Sony’s current HT-S2000 guide calls for the Sony | BRAVIA Connect app and current software to access all available functions, so include phone setup in your decision.

Bose TV Speaker: best fit for a compact dialogue upgrade

At 23.38 inches wide and 2.21 inches high, the Bose TV Speaker is the most compact bar in this shortlist. Its dialogue mode is useful if your priority is spoken voices rather than surround formats. It has HDMI ARC and an optical connection, and Bose explicitly lists no Dolby Atmos support.

The optical cable is supplied; an HDMI cable is an additional purchase. HDMI ARC can let the television remote control power, volume and mute. A compatible Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 is optional and needs a separately sold connection cable, so compare the complete system cost before treating the small bar as the beginning of a larger bass setup.

Sony HT-S400: best fit when you want an included subwoofer

The HT-S400 is a 2.1-channel package with a wireless subwoofer, HDMI ARC and optical input. Sony lists Dolby Digital and two-channel PCM support, plus Voice and Night modes. Choose it if you want the separate bass cabinet included from the start and do not need Dolby Atmos.

The 35.5-inch bar is the widest here, and the subwoofer needs its own placement space and AC power. Wireless describes its audio link to the bar; it does not remove the power cord. This is an ARC soundbar, so buying it does not add eARC or Atmos capabilities to the system. There is no HDMI source input.

How to connect a soundbar to the X900H

  1. Connect the bar’s HDMI ARC/eARC TV port to the X900H’s HDMI IN 3. Use the port labels on both devices; a normal HDMI source input on a different TV port does not return TV audio.
  2. In the TV’s audio-output settings, select Audio system. For an eARC-capable bar such as the HT-S2000, set eARC mode to Auto and use an HDMI cable with Ethernet. Follow the soundbar’s eARC instructions. Menu wording can vary with software.
  3. For a 4K/120Hz console, plan your ports: Sony documents that format on HDMI IN 3 and 4 with the required software and Enhanced format, using an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for the console. Using HDMI 3 for the soundbar leaves HDMI 4 for a directly connected 4K/120Hz source. None of these three bars provides an extra HDMI source input.
  4. Match the source’s audio output to what the chosen bar supports. If you use optical, Sony’s TV guide says Dolby Digital Plus is muted over optical and advises Dolby Digital for that route. Optical is therefore not a substitute for the HT-S2000’s HDMI eARC format support.

Before ordering, measure the space between the TV’s feet, the height below the screen and the depth of the console. Leave the remote sensor and ventilation unobstructed. Compare the full cost of the cable, any optional subwoofer or rear speakers, and any mounting hardware you actually need. A soundbar’s brand alone does not establish every TV-specific feature or guarantee freedom from HDMI handshake problems.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Sony X900H support eARC?

Yes, through Sony’s software update. The original reference guide identifies HDMI IN 3 as the ARC connection; Sony’s firmware history adds eARC. Check the support page for your exact model and region.

Do I need a Sony soundbar for this TV?

No. A bar with the appropriate ARC/eARC or optical connection can be considered. The Bose TV Speaker is an ARC option here. Evaluate supported audio formats and control behavior separately from the brand name.

Which of these soundbars supports Dolby Atmos?

The HT-S2000 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X over HDMI eARC. The Bose TV Speaker and HT-S400 are the choices here for simpler TV audio; neither is an Atmos recommendation.

Can I keep using a PS5 or another console?

Yes. Connect it directly to the TV and return compatible audio to the soundbar. For the X900H’s documented 4K/120Hz mode, HDMI 4 is the remaining direct connection when HDMI 3 is used for ARC/eARC.

Which package should I buy if I want bass without extra shopping?

The HT-S400 includes a separate wireless subwoofer. The HT-S2000 has built-in subwoofers in the bar, while an external Bose bass module is an optional addition to the TV Speaker. Leave room and a power connection for any separate subwoofer.

About the author

Toni Morrison

Toni is the Senior Writer at Main Street Mobile. She loves to write about the Internet and startups. She loves to read stories of startups and share it with the audience. She is basically a Tech Entrepreneur from Orlando. Previously, She was a philosophy professor. To get in touch with Matt for news reports you can email him on toni@mainstreetmobile.org or reach her out on social media links given below.