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Sony HTX8500 Soundbar

Sony HTX8500 Soundbar

By Sony · Soundbars · Desk & Streaming Setup · More from Sony

  • 2.1-channel soundbar with built-in subwoofer
  • 890 x 64 x 96 mm (35.1 x 2.6 x 3.8 in)
  • 3.1 kg (6 lb 13 oz)
  • 32 W power consumption
  • Dolby Atmos / DTS:X support

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Used, refurbished, open-box

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Problems, parts and running costs

Summary

A 2019 single-box 2.1 soundbar with built-in dual subwoofers, HDMI eARC/ARC, one HDMI input, optical, Bluetooth 5.0, and virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS:X via Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine; no up-firing drivers, separate subwoofer, Wi-Fi, or discrete center. Requires the correct Sony 24V adapter (ADP-85NB A) and RMT-AH501U remote; a “soundbar only” sale is not usable without them.

Strengths

  • Space and simplicity: 35-inch wide, 2.6-inch high self-contained bar avoids floor subwoofer, satellite cords, and pairing. Bluetooth, TV optical, eARC, and one HDMI video input cover common sources.
  • Movie impact for a single bar: What Hi-Fi? found convincing scale and weighty sound relative to TV speakers; RTINGS found voices understandable despite dark tonal balance. A May 2026 verified owner reported enjoying movie sound after ~3–4 years.
  • Modern codec compatibility for its age: HDMI IN and eARC pass high-quality Dolby/DTS from Blu-ray/streamer with 4K60 Dolby Vision/HDR pass-through. More source-routing choices than optical-only Sonos Ray.
  • Useful remote functions: voice enhancement, night mode, bass trim, and surround selection allow basic adjustment without an app.

Weaknesses

  • HDMI ARC/eARC dropouts and long reconnection: June 2020 AVForums owners described audio disappearing 2–3 times/day; April 2022 owner reported 40–50 second reconnects on input switches; September 2023 Reddit owner on LG TV + Sky Stream experienced dips between broadcasts/ads and occasional pops. These are specific anecdotes, not a population defect rate.
  • Power failures: July 2022 verified owner reported intermittent unplugging needed, then complete power loss after ~2 months; repair took ~2 weeks, attributed to power cord. February 2025 owner reported failure after 5 weeks, returned for refund; March 2024 Reddit post describes loud buzzing then sound loss. Insufficient evidence to distinguish software from hardware; do not generalize to systemic mainboard failure.
  • Muffled dialogue/bass masking: What Hi-Fi? found bass overwhelms mids, dialogue thick and unnatural; RTINGS calls output boxy/dull but fairly intelligible; no discrete center channel. Voice/News preset and bass adjustment help but cannot create real 3.1 center response through DSP alone.
  • Underwhelming bass extension and spatial cues: RTINGS finds almost no deep rumble, weak height sense, unimpressive surround. “7.1.2” label is DSP simulation. No evidence optional Sony wireless rears/sub can pair to this unit.
  • CEC-dependent no sound and no firmware updates: Sony article warns HDMI ARC may not output if Control for HDMI disabled; hold VOICE 5 seconds to toggle. If CEC off required, also connect optical cable. Manufacturer downloads page has no files since 2020; AVForums owners years earlier lamented no firmware update for handshake issues. Do not promise software fix or 4K120 support.
  • Sound mode visibility: no front text menu/OSD; settings difficult to identify per 2022 owner. Missing genuine remote is costly because multiple settings require remote key combos.

Verified specifications

Dimensions890 × 64 × 96 mm (35 1/8 × 2 5/8 × 3 7/8 in); 3.1 kg (6 lb 13 oz).
Drivers/channelstrue 2.1 with two internal bass drivers; 3 amplifier channels (S-Master digital).
Spatial formatsDolby Atmos and DTS:X accepted via HDMI eARC; processing uses S-Force PRO Front Surround / Vertical Surround Engine, virtual Dolby Speaker / DTS Virtual:X. Not a 7.1.2 speaker layout.
Connections1 HDMI IN, 1 HDMI OUT with ARC/eARC, 1 optical TOSLINK input, Bluetooth 5.0 (AAC/SBC), USB-A for firmware servicing only. No AUX 3.5 mm, Ethernet, AirPlay, Chromecast, or Wi-Fi.
Video pass-through4K/60p YUV4:4:4, HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDCP 2.2/2.3, HDMI CEC/BRAVIA Sync. No 4K120, VRR, ALLM, or full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 source passthrough.
DecodingDolby Digital/DD+, TrueHD, Atmos, DTS/DTS-HD MA, DTS:X via HDMI IN/eARC. Optical support is narrower; lossless TrueHD Atmos must not be promised over ordinary optical.
Controlsremote sound modes Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports, Standard; Voice mode, Night mode, adjustable bass, Vertical Surround. No automatic room correction, treble adjustment, or graphic EQ. LED indicators only.
Power~32 W consumption (Sony quote, measurement situation not specified). External 24V/3.55A adapter (ADP-85NB A); adapter’s ~85W capacity is not soundbar’s continuous draw.
RemoteRMT-AH501U (Sony part 149354111 / 1-493-541-11), 2×AAA batteries.
Factory contentsbar, remote, 2×AAA, HDMI Premium High Speed-equivalent cable, external AC adapter, AC cord, wall-mount template, manuals/start-up guide. No optical cable, no separate subwoofer.
Warranty1 year limited US video/audio for original eligible authorized purchase.
FirmwareUS downloads page states “no downloads for this product” (checked 2026). Do not copy firmware from HT-X9000F or newer soundbars.
Full research notes and sources

HDMI ARC/eARC and handshake behavior

Owners describe audio dropouts across TV inputs, video apps, or digital audio format changes. Source audio codec switching may explain short gaps but not all extended outages. Test ARC port, HDMI cable, CEC/eARC settings, TV app vs HDMI IN, and stereo PCM vs Dolby. Sony instructs holding VOICE 5 seconds to toggle Control for HDMI for a no-sound TV. The 2020 firmware explicitly improved HDMI ARC compatibility, but the current installed version on a used unit is unknown. Hardwired Ethernet can remove one network variable if Wi-Fi discovery issues appear.

HDMI ARC/eARC and handshake behavior

Owners describe audio dropouts across TV inputs, video apps, or digital audio format changes. Source audio codec switching may explain short gaps but not all extended outages. Test ARC port, HDMI cable, CEC/eARC settings, TV app vs HDMI IN, and stereo PCM vs Dolby. Sony instructs holding VOICE 5 seconds to toggle Control for HDMI for a no-sound TV. The 2020 firmware explicitly improved HDMI ARC compatibility, but the current installed version on a used unit is unknown. Hardwired Ethernet can remove one network variable if Wi-Fi discovery issues appear.

Sound quality: bass, dialogue, and virtual surround

What Hi-Fi? praised spaciousness, treble sparkle, weighty bass, and dynamics but criticized thick, muffled midrange, recessed dialogue, and lack of definition. Reducing bass made it lightweight but did not resolve the muffled character. RTINGS describes a boxy/dark profile with clear vocals, no discrete center, no room correction, and no graphic EQ. TechRadar found the internal subwoofer “a proper beast” with bass to 50 Hz but warned it can overpower voices. Virtual surround has a pronounced sweet spot: wraparound effects are strongest sitting square-on and weaken off-axis.

Parts and consumables

  • Original Sony remote RMT-AH501U (OEM part 149354111 / 1-493-541-11), 2×AAA batteries. Walmart third-party compatible (not OEM) was $17.64 in October 2026; eBay aftermarket versions roughly $12.88–12.99. Genuine part identity confirmed by replacement specialist; current US OEM checkout price not verified.
  • External DC supply ADP-85NB A, 24V 3.55A (~85W max adapter rating). Exact-model aftermarket US 24V/4A was $33.91 in October 2026 (ChargerFirst); Australian genuine Sony seller offered AU$89.50 with mains cord (not a USD price). Sony USA original part retail price not found. Confirm voltage, polarity, connector dimensions, UL/ETL compliance, and matching bar label before substituting.
  • AC mains cord: included originally. Exact currently purchasable US OEM SKU/price not found. Replace only if frayed/damaged; use approved type.
  • HDMI Premium High Speed-equivalent cable: supplied. Replace if loose/broken with correctly certified cable; no mandatory yearly replacement. Higher-rated HDMI cannot upgrade bar hardware to 4K120.
  • Optical TOSLINK cable: not included; ordinary digital optical lead for optical TV hookup. Brand-specific official replacement price not found; no recurring interval.
  • Paper wall-mount template / screws: template supplied, wall-suitable fixing hardware not standardized. Exact US Sony wall mount kit and price not found.
  • Built-in drivers, DSP/HDMI board, Bluetooth radio, DC input, LED array: no verified US owner-serviceable original parts price catalogue, expected replacement interval, or safely authorized DIY process. Qualified service only, especially for power electronics.

Running costs

No required proprietary consumables or annual license fee. Two AAA remote batteries are the main periodic expense. Sony quotes ~32W device power but actual standard test conditions are not supplied; 24V 3.55A describes adapter maximum delivery, not typical usage.

Explicit hypothetical calculation (not an exact field measurement): 32W continuously for 3 hours/day = 0.032 kW × 1,095 h = 35.04 kWh/year, or $7.01/year at assumed $0.20/kWh. If 21 further hours/day at assumed 0.5W standby, add 3.83 kWh ($0.77), totaling ~$7.78/year under those assumptions. Actual draw and standby wattage unverified.

Unscheduled external power replacement $33.91 aftermarket, remote $17.64 aftermarket if failed/missing, plus tax/delivery; no representative annual repair frequency or expected service spend available.

Support and warranty

Sony US Video & Audio limited warranty PDF (updated July 15, 2026) states 1 year from eligible original authorized purchase for materials/workmanship, Sony-choice repair or replacement, proof-of-purchase requirements, exclusions for unauthorized sellers, accidental damage, misuse. A 2019-generation used bar purchased in 2026 almost certainly has no remaining original warranty; manufacturer benefits do not automatically transfer through resale.

Sony’s HT-X8500 support page supplies setup manuals and troubleshooting; model downloads page lists no available firmware. Model-specific button shortcut: hold VOICE 5 seconds. The July 2022 verified owner report describes ~2 weeks for a power repair with poor communication/delayed part updates. These illustrate variation, not quantitative reliability. Typical median repair time, approved claims rate, out-of-warranty part cost, firmware fix success: no reports found.

Is it worth it?

$60–80 local fully working with remote and adapter = useful bargain. $80–120 delivered fully complete = potentially fair with return privileges and verified ARC. $120–150 = conditional on codec/HDMI requirements, flawless test, and inclusion of original equipment. Over $150 = generally prefer a new ~$200–220 soundbar unless Sony’s exact Dolby/DTS HDMI format/4K60 passthrough is essential. $250–300+ = poor 2026 value for a 2019 2.1 unit. These are buyer-value judgments, not inferred national market statistics.

Which model this is

This page covers the Sony HT-X8500 (also written HTX8500), 2019 release, black, 2.1-channel single-box soundbar with integrated dual subwoofers. Remote variants RMT-AH50IU, RMT-AH501U, RMT-AH501J may vary by country/region. Do not merge with HT-ZF9, HT-G700, or Bravia Theater bars. ASIN B07MNB8RP7.

Sources

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