Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Verdict: The Sony Bravia Theatre Trio is worth its roughly $2,000 US launch price if you want a wide, height-capable home-theater presentation without installing a conventional speaker package. It is less compelling if you only want the simplest single-bar setup, need deep bass immediately, or expect a full surround system without buying optional speakers.
What the Bravia Theatre Trio is
The Bravia Theatre Trio is a three-piece wireless LCR system: a low-profile centre speaker and separate left and right speakers. Sony’s idea is to split a soundbar’s front stage into three physical units. As What Hi-Fi put it, “The solution to the solution, then, is to break the soundbar down into three parts: a centre, a front left and a front right.”
Used by itself, the Trio is a 3.0.2 system with Sony-claimed 405W amplification. The centre speaker has two front-firing woofers and a tweeter. Each side speaker combines a woofer, tweeter and up-firing driver, giving the system a physical foundation for height effects before Sony’s processing creates additional virtual positions.
The result is a system aimed at large-screen television owners who want more width and dialogue focus than a single bar normally provides, but who do not want three front speakers connected by traditional speaker cable.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Key specifications and capabilities
| Feature | Bravia Theatre Trio |
|---|---|
| Speaker layout | 3.0.2 standalone LCR system |
| Amplification | 405W claimed by Sony |
| Centre speaker | Two front-firing woofers and one tweeter |
| Left/right speakers | One woofer, one tweeter and one up-firing driver per speaker |
| Spatial processing | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping; Sony claims up to 24 phantom speakers |
| TV connection | HDMI eARC |
| Video passthrough | One HDMI input with 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM support |
| Immersive formats | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X |
| Wireless services | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect |
How setup and room calibration work
The Trio is designed to be installed without a receiver. The centre unit sits below or in front of the TV, while the left and right speakers can stand on furniture or be wall-mounted. The centre has a low profile and includes spacer feet. The side speakers have flat backs intended to simplify wall mounting.
- Position the speakers. Place the centre under the screen and the left and right units at the edges of the television, keeping their up-firing drivers clear of shelves or other obstructions.
- Connect the TV. Run HDMI from the centre speaker’s eARC port to the television’s eARC/ARC port. Connect a source such as a console or player to the Trio’s dedicated HDMI input if you want its video passthrough.
- Open Bravia Connect. Use Sony’s Bravia Connect app to add the system and complete wireless setup.
- Attach the calibration microphone. Sony supplies a dedicated USB-C calibration microphone that plugs into a phone. The speakers also contain built-in microphones.
- Run Sound Field Optimisation. The app measures the room and speaker placement, then adjusts the output for the actual listening environment.
- Check the result from your seating position. Because the system creates virtual speaker locations, large changes in furniture, speaker position or wall placement can justify running the optimisation again.
The calibration is important to the Trio’s concept: 360 Spatial Sound Mapping uses the real speakers as an anchor and synthesises additional positions around the room. The “up to 24” figure is Sony’s processing claim, not a count of physical drivers.
Connections, formats and gaming support
The dedicated HDMI input makes the Trio a credible match for current game consoles and gaming PCs. It accepts 4K at 120Hz and supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) passthrough, so a compatible source can pass those features through to a suitable television. The TV itself connects over eARC for audio return.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For music and general streaming, the system supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported for compatible films, shows and games.
Owners of compatible Sony BRAVIA televisions receive additional integration, including on-screen controls and Voice Zoom 3 dialogue enhancement. With other televisions, detailed status information is handled through the Bravia Connect app and status lights rather than a conventional front-panel display.
What it sounds like
What Hi-Fi’s standalone listening test found that the Trio sounded substantially larger than even strong conventional soundbars. Effects spread convincingly to the left and right, dialogue remained anchored to the screen, and Atmos material produced persuasive height. The publication called it “one of the finest lifestyle Dolby Atmos systems” it had tested and wrote, “Compared with even the best conventional soundbars, the Trio sounds huge.”
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
TechRadar’s hands-on preview also heard powerful, warm sound and smooth movement from the front toward the sides and rear. In its demonstration configuration, however, vocal separation was more subdued than expected. These are listening impressions from the two publications, not laboratory measurements, so room acoustics, placement and content will affect the result.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The system’s main sonic advantage is coherence across the front. The centre channel gives speech a stable screen reference while the separated left and right speakers create more lateral space than a single enclosure can normally achieve. The up-firing drivers and processing then add height and surround-like movement without requiring rear speakers.
Do you need the Rear 9 speakers and Sub 9?
No. The standalone Trio is usable as a complete 3.0.2 system. The optional speakers address specific limitations rather than completing a missing basic function.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Add Rear 9 for physical rear envelopment
Two Rear 9 speakers add dedicated wireless rear channels. What Hi-Fi reports that the expanded system produces more convincing rear envelopment and smoother movement around the room than the standalone arrangement.
Add Sub 9 for deeper bass
The Sub 9 is the upgrade for listeners who want more low-frequency extension and impact. The review describes its bass as deeper and controlled, but the enclosure is substantial: 23.3kg and approximately 39 × 40 × 35cm. It needs floor space and a mains-power connection.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhat the full expansion claims
| Configuration | Claimed layout/power | Listed launch add-on price |
|---|---|---|
| Trio alone | 3.0.2; 405W | £1,999 / $2,000 / AU$2,999 at launch |
| Two Rear 9 speakers | Rear-channel expansion | £699 / $750 / AU$1,299 per speaker, listed by What Hi-Fi |
| Sub 9 | Wireless subwoofer | £899 / $900 / AU$1,299, listed by What Hi-Fi |
| Trio plus two Rear 9s and one Sub 9 | 5.1.4; 1,185W claimed total | List-price arithmetic before any country-specific bundle discount |
Those are launch or separately listed prices reported in 2026 coverage, not a guarantee of current stock or retail pricing. Bundle discounts vary by country, so check the price in your market before buying.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Trio versus a soundbar, Theatre Quad or full surround package
A conventional soundbar remains the simpler choice: one enclosure, one mounting position and no separate front speakers. The Trio trades that simplicity for a wider physical front stage and stronger dialogue anchoring. It also takes more shelf, stand or wall space than a single bar.
The Bravia Theatre Quad is the other Sony option named in the review coverage. The practical distinction for a buyer is architectural: the Trio deliberately concentrates on a three-speaker LCR front stage and lets processing create additional positions, while a Quad comparison should be judged on how much of the room you want occupied by separate speakers, how much physical surround you expect and what each package costs in your region. The available coverage does not establish a controlled head-to-head measurement between the two.
Other named alternatives include the Bravia Theatre Bar 9, Sonos Arc Ultra or Ultimate Immersive Set, and Samsung’s HW-Q990H. They represent different approaches to the same decision—single-bar convenience, an expandable lifestyle system or a more complete surround package—but this review does not provide directly comparable measurements or current prices for them.
| Prioritize this | The Trio makes sense when… | Look elsewhere when… |
|---|---|---|
| Soundstage width and dialogue | You want left/right separation with speech fixed to the screen. | You prefer the smallest possible one-box installation. |
| Height effects | Your room and ceiling allow the up-firing drivers to work, and you are willing to calibrate. | You cannot position the speakers with clear upward-firing paths. |
| Bass | You are satisfied initially with the Trio’s built-in bass capability. | You expect cinema-level low end without adding a subwoofer. |
| Surround coverage | You want a strong front stage now and may add Rear 9 later. | You require physical rear channels from the first day. |
| Gaming | You need HDMI passthrough for 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. | Your equipment does not use those features and a less expensive connection set would suffice. |
Important trade-offs before buying
- Premium cost: The initial price is high for a system that does not include a subwoofer or rear speakers.
- Expansion can become expensive: Adding two Rear 9s and a Sub 9 substantially increases the total, even before regional bundle pricing.
- Placement still matters: Wireless does not mean placement-free. The side speakers need suitable positions, and the up-firing drivers need room to project upward.
- No traditional display: Status lights and the app replace a conventional information screen.
- Calibration is part of the experience: Skipping Sound Field Optimisation leaves the system less adapted to your room.
Buying recommendation
Choose the Bravia Theatre Trio if your priorities are a broad front soundstage, firmly anchored dialogue, convincing Atmos height and modern gaming passthrough in a visually tidy package. It is particularly logical for a large TV where a single bar sounds too narrow but a receiver-and-speaker installation is undesirable.
Buy the standalone system first if you are unsure about rear speakers or a subwoofer; it is a functional 3.0.2 system rather than an incomplete starter kit. Add Rear 9 only when rear envelopment is the specific weakness you want to fix, and add Sub 9 when bass extension matters more than preserving floor space and budget.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
