Sony S400 Soundbar

Overview

The Sony HT‑S400 is a 2.1‑channel soundbar package that includes a standalone wireless subwoofer, and delivers up to 330 W total power—making it a notable upgrade over typical built‑in TV speakers .

Key Features

• S‑Force PRO Front Surround: Sony’s proprietary virtual surround processing creates a wider and more immersive soundstage without rear speakers .

• Dolby Digital support: Works via HDMI ARC or optical input to deliver multichannel audio .

• X‑Balanced Speaker Units with Separated Notch Edge: Designed for reduced distortion and clearer dialogue delivery .

• Wireless Subwoofer: Offers room-filling bass without cable clutter; adjustable bass level via remote or onboard control .

• Special sound modes:

  • Voice Mode emphasizes vocals,

  • Night Mode tames peaks to avoid disturbing others,

  • Sound Field toggle lets you enable or disable surround processing .

Design & Build

• Soundbar: Approx. 35.5″ × 2.6″ × 3.5″, weighs about 5 lb. Slim, textured black shell with a light-gray metal grille and an aluminum‑style mesh .

• Subwoofer: Approx. 7.6″ × 15″ × 15.75″, weighs ~16 lb. Can sit anywhere within wireless range of the bar .

• Installation: Flat-backed for easy wall mounting. Included are templates, mounting keyholes, an optical cable, remote with AAA batteries, and setup guide. HDMI cable is not included .

Connectivity

• HDMI ARC: For lossless TV audio and simplified control when connected to compatible TVs.

• Optical Audio input: Alternative digital audio source.

• Bluetooth v5.0 (A2DP SBC): For wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, PCs.

• USB-A port: Only for firmware updates—not for media playback .

Audio Performance

Movies & TV Shows

• Strong bass performance from the subwoofer—great for action sequences and special effects .

• Excellent clarity for vocals and higher frequencies, aided by X‑Balanced Driver and Voice mode .

• S‑Force PRO provides a satisfying soundstage, though it doesn’t fully replicate true surround setups.

Music

• Performs well with stereo content and genres that don’t rely heavily on deep bass or complex midrange tones.

• Bass feels punchy in upper ranges, but lows lack the rumble of higher‑end systems .

• Midrange can be thin for critical listeners; not fully suited for audiophiles .

Specifications Summary