The Sony HT-S400 is a 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, delivering 330W of total output through Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround processing. The soundbar pairs with a separate 160mm wireless subwoofer for low-end punch, and includes Dolby Digital decoding for movies, streaming services, and Blu-ray content. An HDMI ARC port handles the main TV connection, with an optical input as backup for older TVs without HDMI ARC. The setup includes a flat-back design for flush wall mounting under a TV.
The perfect audio complement to your home theater setup
Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround processing simulates a multi-speaker surround sound setup from just the two front channels in the soundbar. The result is a wider soundstage than a basic stereo setup, with effects placed slightly to the sides rather than compressed to the center of your TV. Dolby Digital decoding also handles the encoded surround tracks on most movies, streaming content, and Blu-ray discs, so the soundbar pulls out the original mix instead of downmixing everything to stereo.
The wireless subwoofer ships with a 160mm (6.3-inch) speaker driver, which is larger than what most budget soundbars include. Bass response gets noticeably deeper as a result, with explosions, music drops, and bass-heavy soundtracks hitting with more weight. The wireless connection between the subwoofer and the soundbar means no cable runs across the living room. You can place the sub against a different wall, behind the couch, or in a corner for the bass response that fits your room layout.
Dialogue clarity is one of the more useful upgrades over TV speakers. The X-Balanced Speaker Unit and Separated Notch Edge technology widen the midrange where voices live, and a Voice mode on the remote boosts dialogue when you’re watching shows with mumbling. Night mode also dials back the subwoofer bass for late-night viewing, useful in apartments, shared houses, or rooms next to a sleeping kid’s bedroom.
Sony BRAVIA TV owners can access bonus features via a wireless connection with compatible models. The HT-S400 connects to a BRAVIA without an HDMI cable, frees up the Bluetooth input for a separate phone or laptop, and shows up in the BRAVIA’s Quick Settings menu for adjusting volume and sound modes from the TV remote. For non-BRAVIA TVs, HDMI ARC handles a one-cable connection that lets your TV remote control the soundbar’s volume.
The Sony HT-S400 is one of the few sub-$300 soundbars with a wireless subwoofer that has a 6.3-inch driver, plus Sony’s surround processing on top of Dolby Digital decoding. The deal drops the price from $300 to $198. For renters upgrading from TV speakers, BRAVIA TV owners looking for an integrated audio bump, or anyone wanting a no-frills 2.1 setup that handles movies and music in one box, the discount makes the HT-S400 the easy answer in the budget soundbar category.