The catch
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
Expect to pay more for external bass and rear speakers.
Side by side
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 vs Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar compared: Bose fits lower and shallower TV space, Sony passes a 4K120 source directly
Quick verdict
Take Bar 8 if you need a direct 4K 120Hz HDMI source connection. The Bose Smart Ultra fits into a shallower, lower space, and ADAPTiQ headset calibration is included.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HT-A8000 is 43.31 inches and 882963-1100 is 41.14 inches. The gap is 2.17 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
Where this comes from
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |43.31 - 41.14|.
The catch
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
It has no separate HDMI inputs and no video passthrough.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
- Why pick it
- A high-refresh source should run through the bar
- You like Sony’s home-theater expansion
- The catch
- Expect to pay more for external bass and rear speakers.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- Why pick it
- The bar must sit lower beneath the screen
- The included headset calibration appeals to you
- The catch
- It has no separate HDMI inputs and no video passthrough.
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What this page compares
Bar 8 is the pick for a direct 4K 120Hz HDMI source connection. Bose Smart Ultra suits a shallower, lower space and comes with ADAPTiQ headset calibration.
Only the Sony offers a source input
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A high-refresh source should run through the bar
One HDMI input on the Bar 8 has documented 4K 120Hz passthrough. A suitable high-refresh connection can therefore survive when the source is routed through the bar.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
- Better fit
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- Not suitable
The bar has to sit lower beneath the screen
Compared with Bar 8, it is 2.17 inches narrower, 0.23 inches lower and 0.24 inches shallower. When the TV legs leave little room, those differences can matter.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
- Depends
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
A separate subwoofer and rear speakers come with neither selected listing. Before comparing with a complete surround bundle, check which add-ons are compatible and what they cost in total.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
- Depends
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- Depends
Sony suits a console connection, Bose suits a tight shelf
Bose trims the cabinet width by 2.17 inches and the height by 0.23 inches, while Bar 8 adds one direct HDMI source route.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
- Depends
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HT-A8000 is 43.31 inches and 882963-1100 is 41.14 inches. The gap is 2.17 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
How we worked this out
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |43.31 - 41.14|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Where HT-A8000 takes 1 direct HDMI source, 882963-1100 takes 0. Any other players need suitable TV inputs or a switch you choose separately.
How we worked this out
Only HDMI source inputs are counted, and the HDMI output/eARC TV connection is left out. Recorded inputs: 1 and 0. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Sony suits a console connection, Bose suits a tight shelf
Bose trims the cabinet width by 2.17 inches and the height by 0.23 inches, while Bar 8 adds one direct HDMI source route.
How we worked this out
HDMI inputs are 1 for Sony and 0 for Bose. 43.31 - 41.14 = 2.17 inches. 2.52 - 2.29 = 0.23 inches.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
Passes these checksIt measures 43.31 inches wide and 2.52 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input and 4.7 inches of total width to spare.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
Sony, HT-A8000
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
You get the same connection options as the Bar 9 from the Bar 8, in a cabinet almost eight inches narrower. When the TV stand is tight, it is the more practical Sony to start with, as long as you budget for a subwoofer and rears if you add them later.
- Best for
- Growing into Sony surround without the widest soundbar cabinet
Facts we checked
- The bar is 1,100 × 64 × 113 mm.
- Upward-firing drivers are among the eleven speaker units.
- Passthrough for 4K 120 Hz and VRR is supported on the one HDMI source input.
- Support covers HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi music and Sound Field Optimization.
Option B
Bose, 882963-1100
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
If your TV sits low and you want room calibration that does not depend on an iPhone, the Smart Ultra is a good match. The cabinet is low but still needs more than 41 inches of width, and every video source has to connect through the TV.
- Best for
- A low-sitting TV, and one calibrated bar to start with
Facts we checked
- The cabinet is 41.14 × 2.29 × 4.21 inches.
- Inputs are HDMI eARC and optical audio, and there is no separate HDMI source input.
- Dolby Atmos playback is supported by physical upward-firing speakers.
- Room calibration through the ADAPTiQ headset is included.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, Bluetooth and dialogue enhancement.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 | Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 43.31 in | 41.14 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 2.52 in | 2.29 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 1 | 0 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | No | No | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | No | No | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | Yes | A suitable ceiling and a clear path upward are required for these. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
- It has a single separate HDMI input.
With Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- The Bose bass module and surround speakers are extra purchases.
Decision guide
How to decide
Bar 8 fits a direct 4K 120Hz HDMI source connection, while Bose Smart Ultra suits a shallower, lower space and brings ADAPTiQ headset calibration.
Only the Sony offers a source input
One HDMI input on the Bar 8 has documented 4K 120Hz passthrough. A suitable high-refresh connection can therefore survive when the source is routed through the bar.
The Bose is the easier one to fit on the cabinet
Compared with Bar 8, it is 2.17 inches narrower, 0.23 inches lower and 0.24 inches shallower. When the TV legs leave little room, those differences can matter.
Set aside separate expansion money for each
A separate subwoofer and rear speakers come with neither selected listing. Before comparing with a complete surround bundle, check which add-ons are compatible and what they cost in total.
What this page can’t tell you
- The conclusions here come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was involved.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 31 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
31 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8
A high-refresh source should run through the bar
See price & reviews on AmazonBose Smart Ultra Soundbar
The bar must sit lower beneath the screen
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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