Sony HT-S700RFFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 18 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment17%
PROS 17%
CONS 83%

Rank based on 18 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want powerful, booming bass for movies and music on a budget
  • You're okay running wired rear tall-boy speakers instead of wireless
  • You mainly want a big cinematic sound upgrade over an older system

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need true, crisp 5.1 channel separation over raw bass
  • You want a fully wireless rear speaker setup
  • You expect reliable long-term service and spare parts support from Sony

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Value
Sony DAV-DZ350~$250 · 1.6× cheaper
Long-term durabilityDIY improvable via modsGood value on resale marketConfusing bass and volume behaviorOverheating without a cooling fanDifficult 5.1 setup with external sources
Sony DAV-DZ350~$250 · 1.6× cheaper
Long-term durability
DIY improvable via mods
Good value on resale market
Confusing bass and volume behavior
Overheating without a cooling fan
Difficult 5.1 setup with external sources
You are here
2Mid
Sony HT-S700RF~$400
Powerful, booming bassSubwoofer fan not spinningQuestionable 5.1 separationHDMI ARC / TV compatibility problems
Sony HT-S700RF~$400
Powerful, booming bass
Subwoofer fan not spinning
Questionable 5.1 separation
HDMI ARC / TV compatibility problems
3Value
Sony HT-S500RF~$300 · 1.3× cheaper
Cinematic Movie ExperienceDolby Digital 5.1 SupportPowerful Bass and Sound QualityUnclear or Insufficient Rear Speaker Cable LengthSubwoofer Fan MalfunctionWeak Rear Surround Speaker Volume
Sony HT-S500RF~$300 · 1.3× cheaper
Cinematic Movie Experience
Dolby Digital 5.1 Support
Powerful Bass and Sound Quality
Unclear or Insufficient Rear Speaker Cable Length
Subwoofer Fan Malfunction
Weak Rear Surround Speaker Volume
4Mid
Sony HT-S40R~$400 · similar price
Immersive surround soundStraightforward setup with manual guidanceGood value when discountedPoor dialogue claritySetup and compatibility bugsRear speaker volume and connectivity issues
Sony HT-S40R~$400 · similar price
Immersive surround sound
Straightforward setup with manual guidance
Good value when discounted
Poor dialogue clarity
Setup and compatibility bugs
Rear speaker volume and connectivity issues

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Bass and overall power win over many owners. Commenters repeatedly highlight booming, powerful bass as the standout trait, with several calling the system 'awesome' and worth the money months after purchase. One user specifically recommends the 700RF over the 500RF for its larger 20cm subwoofer, noting the extra size matters at high volume. Long-term owners after 7-8 months still call it the best home theatre for the price, suggesting the bass and cinematic feel hold up over time despite other complaints.

True 5.1 separation is questioned by several users. Multiple commenters report the system sounding more like 2.1 than genuine 5.1, with one describing a store demo as misleadingly showing 5.1 footage that was actually 2.1 source material. Another long-term user directly compares it unfavorably to a JBL 2.1 setup, saying separation is poor and clarity suffers despite good bass. Others struggled to get 5.1 output via HDMI ARC from their TVs, adding to doubts about consistent full-channel performance.

Hardware reliability issues center on the subwoofer fan and wiring. A notable cluster of comments describes the subwoofer's cooling fan not spinning, with one user reporting the same fault persisted even after a warranty replacement unit. Others ask fellow owners to check if their fan works, suggesting a widespread pattern. Separately, the wired rear tall-boy speakers are criticized as a hassle to install discreetly, and users report frustrations with unresponsive service centers and difficulty sourcing spare parts after warranty expires.

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