The Kaleidescape Strato C Movie Server is designed for high-end local media playback and integrates with a proprietary ecosystem, while the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System is a versatile, wireless-enabled system focused on immersive audio and modern streaming capabilities. The choice depends on whether the user prioritizes local media quality and integration with a Kaleidescape system or broader connectivity and streaming features.
| Attribute | Kaleidescape Strato C Movie Server | Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Kaleidescape Strato C Movie Server | Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System |
| Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby MAT PCM, and PCM (up to 7.1ch, 96kHz/24-bit) | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD High Resolution Audio, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS ES, DTS 96/24, LPCM, 360 Reality Audio |
| Video Resolution Support | 4K Ultra HD with HDR. Resolutions supported: 2160p60/50/30/25/24, 1080p60/50/24, 1080i60/50, 720p60/50, 576i, 576p, 480i, 480p. Supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. | 8K and 4K/120p passthrough, Dolby Vision. Supported HDMI video formats include 8K 24/25/30/50/60 Hz, 4K 24/25/30/50/60/100/120 Hz, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, and 480p |
| Storage Capacity | The Strato C does not have internal storage. It requires connection to a Kaleidescape Terra Movie Server. Terra servers come in various sizes, such as 8TB, 12TB, 24TB, 48TB, 72TB and 96TB. | Not applicable |
| Number of HDMI Inputs/Outputs | HDMI 2.0a (combined with video on the Video connector), HDMI 1.4 (audio-only on the Digital Audio connector), digital coaxial RCA and optical Toslink connectors | 1 HDMI input, 1 HDMI output with eARC/ARC |
| Wireless Connectivity | No support for Wi-Fi. | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Speaker Configuration | Up to 7.1 channel audio via HDMI | 4.0.4 channel system (up to 12 phantom speakers with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping), expandable to 4.1.4 with optional subwoofer |
| Total System Power Output | Max Consumption: 20W, Typical: 17W, High Power Standby: 12W, Lower Power Standby: 0.5W | 504 watts |
| Streaming Service Integration | It does not directly integrate with streaming services. It downloads movies from the Kaleidescape Movie Store. | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Multi-room Audio Capability | Yes, it supports multi-room viewing. When paired with a Terra Movie Server, it can support multiple players across different zones. A Terra movie server can support up to 10 simultaneous 4K Ultra HD playbacks. | Yes, via Sony Music Center App |
| Calibration Tools and Features | Not available | Sound Field Optimization (calibrates sound to the room using dual microphones in each speaker) |
| User Interface and Navigation | Intuitive on-screen interface, UI is displayed in 4K Ultra HD at 60 frames per second | On-screen user interface, integrated UI with select Sony BRAVIA TVs, OLED front panel display on the control box |
| Physical Dimensions of Components | 7.87in x 1.52in x 10.0in (W x H x D) (20.0cm x 3.9cm x 25.4cm). Weight: 4.2lb (1.91kg). | Control Box: 6 x 2.1 x 6 inches (150 x 52 x 150 mm); Speakers: Height: 12.3 inches, Width: 6.29 inches, Depth: 5.78 inches; Product Weight: 30.86 pounds |
| Price | Not available | Not available |