ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is accessible now, with encompass audio system offered individually (and individually).
- The sound produced by these audio system is wealthy, deep, well-blended, and spacious.
- I simply want the setup course of was extra seamless and easy.
For months, I used to be 100% sure the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar could not be beat. It gives unbelievable readability of sound, wealthy bass, and sensible encompass through two wi-fi audio system.
When Yamaha despatched me the True X Bar 50A to overview, I assumed it would not be capable to stand as much as the sound the JBL delivered. On condition that the Yamaha sells for roughly half the worth of the JBL, that assumption was a reasonably secure guess. And though my audiophile ears might simply inform the distinction between the 2 (with the JBL popping out on prime), for the cash, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is tough to beat.
Additionally: I changed these 5 soundbar settings for a better TV viewing (and listening) experience
One factor to recollect is that I used to be additionally despatched a True X Speaker 1A, which is offered individually and runs for $150 every. In order for you encompass (which you need to), now you are speaking about $850 for the entire equipment. One other factor to remember is that I solely reviewed this related to my tv and did not choose to check how music would possibly sound through this speaker. For me, a soundbar serves a single objective… to exchange built-in TV audio system that hardly ever provide sound of a lot high quality.
With that in thoughts, let’s dive into the overview.
The specs
- Drivers – Entrance L/R: 4.6 × 6.6 cm (1-3/4 × 2-5/8″) cone × 2, Top L/R: 5.2 cm (2″) cone × 2, Constructed-in Subwoofer: 7.5 cm (3″) cone × 2, Wi-fi Subwoofer: 16 cm (6-1/4″) cone
- Output energy – 280 W (Entrance L/R: 30 W × 2-ch, Top L/R: 30 W × 2-ch, Constructed-in subwoofer: 30 W × 2, Subwoofer: 100W )
- Dimensions – Middle unit: 1,015 × 63 × 112 mm (40″ × 2-1/2″ × 4-3/8″), Subwoofer: 187 × 407 × 409 mm (7-3/8″ × 16″ × 16-1/8″)
- Inputs – HDMI, digital optical
- Sound expertise – Dolby Atmos with stereo, normal, film, and recreation modes.
- Bass extension
- Wi-fi streaming
My expertise
The very first thing to notice about this soundbar is that the setup generally is a bit finicky. It took me a number of makes an attempt to attach the subwoofer and encompass audio system. The difficulty with the encompass audio system turned out to be a low battery — they wanted to be absolutely charged through USB-C earlier than they might join. Even then, the setup course of is considerably complicated, requiring you to obtain a handbook in your telephone utilizing a QR code for steerage.
Additionally: This stereo amp made me feel like I was hearing my favorite band for the first time
For some motive, the subwoofer would not join proper out of the field both. I needed to undergo the handbook setup just a few occasions earlier than it lastly linked with the primary speaker. However as soon as every little thing was related, the distinction was spectacular.
Many soundbars on this worth vary (with out the extra encompass audio system) are inclined to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which is sensible since that is the place vocals sit. Nonetheless, an excessive amount of give attention to the midrange may end up in tinny or harsh sound. That is not the case with the True X Bar 50A. As a substitute, it delivers a well-balanced combine that provides richness to the sound. When the subwoofer kicks in, it provides depth and punch for a extra immersive expertise.
As soon as every little thing is about up, the True X Bar 50A is simple to make use of, because of a well-designed distant that allows you to change between modes (Normal, Film, Music, Recreation, and All), alter the bass, and management encompass ranges.
Whereas this soundbar does promote Dolby Atmos for a extra immersive sound expertise, mid-range techniques like this aren’t fairly able to delivering the complete impact. The True X Bar 50A will get shut however would not absolutely obtain the true Atmos expertise. That mentioned, it nonetheless fills the room with sound fantastically, and while you add the encompass audio system, the sound actually involves life.
Additionally: I swapped my high-end soundbar for a JBL, and it surprised me in the best way
My solely gripe with the encompass audio system is that they lack the quantity energy of a JBL system. With JBL, the sound is so immersive that you simply typically surprise if it is coming from the audio system, someplace in the home, and even outdoors. Compared, the Yamaha is extra refined. Even with the encompass audio system set to max, the impact is extra understated. Nonetheless, the All mode, which sends sound to each the primary and encompass audio system, is a superb answer — particularly for watching TV or films the place dialogue could be onerous to listen to.
Hit the All button, and you will have no hassle understanding dialogue. There’s additionally a Clear Voice choice that enhances vocal readability. I examined it with just a few movies the place the dialogue is notoriously onerous to listen to, and the Clear Voice characteristic simply solved that subject. Specifically, Oppenheimer—which is thought for its difficult dialogue — sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha’s Clear Voice expertise.
You will doubtless end up utilizing this characteristic usually, particularly with extra movies leaning into complicated sound design.
The one draw back
As I discussed earlier, establishing the True X Bar 50A is not as simple correctly. With JBL, it was so simple as unpacking, plugging in, and getting began. The Yamaha setup, then again, requires a little bit of endurance and luck. However as soon as it is up and working, you are good to go.
Additionally: I swapped my high-end soundbar for a JBL, and it surprised me in the best way
Here is a tip: if you buy the encompass audio system, maintain the soundbar on as soon as every little thing is related. Whenever you flip the soundbar off, you may should manually change every encompass speaker again on. Whereas the audio system provide round 12 hours of battery life, I like to recommend holding them plugged in through USB-C, particularly for those who mount them on the wall. In the event you select to make use of them wirelessly, make sure to cost them frequently. In any other case, you threat dropping sound mid-movie—like throughout Prometheus—and ruining the expertise.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
If you do not have the funds for a $1,000+ soundbar, however you continue to need high-quality sound, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a superb choice. And for those who can afford it, add the encompass audio system for a way more immersive expertise.
Simply make sure that to offer your self loads of time for setup, and do not be shocked if it’s important to undergo the steps just a few occasions at the start connects correctly.
If it weren’t for the distinctive sound of the JBL Bar 1000, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A would simply be my prime decide. With its deep, wealthy bass, well-balanced mids, and crisp highs, this soundbar is a big improve out of your TV audio system and can doubtless outperform any midrange soundbar you are presently utilizing.