Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch 600W soundbar with subwoofer and wireless rear speakers (Bluetooth, HDMI)
Product description
The essentials
The Sony HT-S40R is a 5.1ch soundbar kit aimed at people who want more “room-filling” TV sound than a basic TV speaker can manage, without getting into a full AV receiver and a forest of cables. On paper, it combines a slim 3-channel soundbar, a subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers, with Dolby Digital surround sound in a 5.1ch format.
It’s also a fairly practical setup for everyday homes: the rear speakers are wireless (so you’re not planning cable routes around the room), and the system includes multiple ways to connect your TV and music sources. If you watch lots of films and dramas, or you simply want clearer dialogue with some weight behind the soundtrack, this kind of package tends to make the most noticeable difference.
What stands out day to day
Where the HT-S40R feels more purposeful than a “normal” soundbar is in how it’s designed to spread sound beyond the front. The rear speakers are powered via wall-mountable wireless amplifiers, which helps keep the layout tidy and reduces the hassle of hiding speaker wires.
You also get a straightforward connection mix. There’s an HDMI output for TV connections, Bluetooth for wireless pairing (including with Bravia), and the option to play audio from a USB memory stick via the included USB port. That last bit matters more than people think: it gives you an easy “plug and play” route for music when you don’t want to rely on streaming.
Controls and listening modes are handled by a mode button approach, with options such as Auto, Standard, Cinema and Music. It’s not trying to be a one-size-fits-all audiophile system, it’s built to be usable quickly.
Key specifications
- Type: 5.1ch soundbar system
- Total power: 600W
- Surround format: Dolby Digital
- Front audio: 3ch soundbar
- Subwoofer: included
- Rear speakers: two wireless rear speakers
- Wireless amplification: wall mountable wireless amplifiers
- Video/audio connection: HDMI output
- Wireless music: Bluetooth
- Music from storage: USB port for USB memory stick
- Sound modes: Auto, Standard, Cinema, Music
Tech value vs expectations
The 600W figure and 5.1ch setup are the headline numbers, but it’s worth keeping expectations sensible. In most living rooms, this sort of kit can bring clearer dialogue, more impactful movie effects, and a wider sense of space than a basic bar. However, like most soundbar packages in this “soundbase” style, it’s unlikely to match the depth and control you’d get from higher-end, room-calibrated speaker systems.
Another small limitation to bear in mind is that performance will depend quite a bit on placement. The subwoofer is described as unobtrusive and the system is designed to complement Bravia TVs, but the best results still come from sensible positioning rather than just unboxing and hoping.
It also sits in the “convenience first” category. If you’re the kind of buyer who wants maximum expandability or highly flexible routing, you might find other home cinema approaches more satisfying.
Who it suits (and who should pause)
It makes sense if you want an easy upgrade for TV nights: better surround feel, wireless rears for less hassle, and enough connection options to cover daily use. It’s also a good match if you like the idea of switching between modes (Cinema for films, Music for background listening) rather than constantly tweaking settings.
It might not be the best choice if you have very specific sound preferences and want the most precise “tuned” performance possible. You may also want to skip it if you’re planning to build a more complex multi-source home cinema setup, because this product is clearly aimed at simplicity rather than deep AV control.
Practical tips for setup
Before buying, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll place both the soundbar and the rear speakers. Even though the rears are wireless, their placement still affects how convincing the surround effect feels in your room.
A quick example: imagine watching an evening film—start with Cinema mode, then do a brief check while a scene with dialogue and background effects plays. If the voices sound too forward or too distant, you may need to adjust the TV/soundbar positioning first (and then consider mode changes). With this kit, switching between Cinema, Standard and Auto is part of the intended experience.
Is it worth it?
Buy the Sony HT-S40R if you’re after a straightforward 5.1ch soundbar setup that focuses on surround impact, wireless rear speakers, and practical connectivity (HDMI, Bluetooth, plus USB playback). It’s especially appealing when you want an upgrade that doesn’t turn into a weekend wiring project.
Don’t rush in if you already know you need very flexible, high-end home cinema features, or if you want the most nuanced sound performance regardless of placement. For many people, it’s a sensible “step up from TV speakers” package, but it’s not designed to replace a fully fledged audiophile or top-tier room treatment approach.
FAQ
Can I connect it to my TV using HDMI?
Yes. The HT-S40R includes an HDMI output for TV connection.
Does it support wireless audio?
It supports Bluetooth, so you can stream music wirelessly from a compatible mobile device.
Are the rear speakers truly wireless?
They’re described as wireless rear speakers, powered via wall mountable wireless amplifiers, so there are no wires between the front and rear of the room.
Can I play audio from a USB stick?
Yes. There’s a USB port included to plug in and play audio from a USB memory stick.
What sound modes are available?
Modes mentioned include Auto, Standard, Cinema and Music.