Sony HT-XT3 review

You could be forgiven for thinking the HT-XT3 is a slightly chunky-looking soundbase. Next to a Philips Fidelio XS1 SoundStage, it's about twice as tall. However, when you realise that Sony has packed a pair of downward-firing subwoofers into the base, as well as a multitude of connection methods, you can begin to excuse the added heft.

In order to give the downward-firing subwoofers some clearance, the HT-XT3 sit on protruding feet, which add to the overall height. With a television sat on top, it's not exactly the most elegant setup. The HT-XT3 is able to support up to 50kg or 65in TVs, but due to the height, you're not going to be able to use it with larger televisions, which typically have two separate feet at either end for support rather than a central pedestal. This is worth bearing in mind, as the thinner Philips Fidelio XS1 is able to fit between the feet of many larger televisions, while the HT-XT3 is simply too tall. Where the HT-XT3 is more of an all-in-one option for those who don't want to have to worry about the placement of a separate subwoofer, the Fidelio XS1 has a separate wireless subwoofer to consider which has helped reduce its height. 

Aside from its height, the HT-XT3 is a good-looking soundbase. There's a glossy piano black finish across its top, which is a bit of a dust and fingerprint magnet, and the front is dominated by a seamless speaker grille. The grille is detachable if you want to show off the pair of tweeters, but the exposed holes the grille clips into aren't particularly attractive. Weighing a reassuring 10.5kg, it doesn't suffer from any discernible rattle, even with the subwoofer turned all the way up. 

The LCD display behind the speaker grille has several brightness levels, or it can automatically turn off after a few seconds so it doesn't prove distracting when watching television at night. The touch-sensitive controls along the top match those used across many of Sony's more recent speakers, including its multiroom models. 

You have the choice of either HDMI ARC or an optical cable when hooking up the soundbase to your TV. HDMI ARC will be preferable if you have it available, as the HT-XT3 can then essentially replace your television's built-in speakers, including being able to adjust the volume and power on and off using one remote control. You'll still need the HT-XT3 remote for changing inputs and other settings, but HDMI ARC will make the most basic activity of watching television with sound far simpler. Usefully, the HT-XT3 has three HDMI inputs for adding a set-top box or games console, and even has HDCP 2.2 for 4K pass-through if you have an Ultra HD set. There's an auxiliary connection and USB port, too, so you're well covered for both inputs and outputs.

The remote itself is the basic Sony design that hasn't seemed to have really changed in the last two decades, so it looks a little dated, albeit with a sort of retro charm. It's got all the controls you'd want, with quick access to changing the sound modes and other settings.

You can also connect via Bluetooth. The HT-XT3 supports Sony's LDAC codec, which can support up to three times the bitrate of Bluetooth SBC. This means it can handle transmission of even high-resolution audio at up to 990kbps. You'll need to have an LDAC-compatible device as an audio source and, unsurprisingly, Sony's high-resolution Walkman audio players are among them. There's a handy NFC contact point so you can quickly pair a device.

The HT-XT3 is an internet-connected soundbase, too. You can either use the Ethernet port on the back, or the built-in Wi-Fi. once connected, the soundbase becomes a Google Cast-compatible speaker, and there's Spotify Connect if you have a Spotify Premium account. You can also use the soundbase in conjunction with other Sony multiroom speakers, using the SongPal app for iOS and Android. You can play music independently, or simultaneously by grouping together different speakers. Grouping speakers only takes a couple of taps. Like many of Sony's current crop of audio devices, the HT-XT3 is capable of high-resolution audio playback, and you can stream files from a network drive or PC.

A pair of forward-facing woofers and tweeters at opposite ends of the soundbase, placed in a coaxial configuration deliver the HT-XT3's sound. This means that the mids and trebles radiate from one location, as the coaxial tweeter is located directly in front of the woofer. The sound is crisp, with a wide soundstage. The subwoofer is independently adjustable to your taste, but you won't want to push it to its maximum as it can begin to slightly distort, unsurprisingly impinging on the other frequencies. About halfway delivered the best results.

Throw on a Gregory Porter track and vocals are delicate, floating nicely above the sound of the double bass. Movies and television, which will arguably be your main sources, have good delivery, too. Dialogue is easy to follow, even without fiddling with the Voice settings. There are three distinct settings; one standard, another with dialogue enhancement and a final with dialogue enhancement and adjustments for the frequencies that are often lost for the hard of hearing. There are different preset EQs for Movies, Games, Music, Sport and a Standard setting, as well as something called ClearAudio+.

The latter is available on many of Sony's audio devices and provides an automated optimised experience. Needless to say, you have plenty of options to find a setting you like. Watching Interstellar, the dialogue was crystal clear even during the more intense action sequences where the soundtrack can often make dialogue indiscernible, and the low rumble of the many spacecraft throughout the film was well represented. You're well covered for surround sound decoding, with support for Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master.

Overall, there's a lot to like about the HT-XT3. It's not as elegant-looking as the Philips Fidelio XS1, but it still looks classy and delivers great sound. Its HDMI pass-through ports, internet connectivity and multiroom capabilities are a real boon. You've got a good degree of future-proofing with the 4K pass-through support, too. With the HT-XT3 or the Fidelio XS1, you have two great soundbases; which is better for you will depend on whether you value a svelte design or greater connectivity. For other alternatives, have a read of our best soundbars guide.