Which Yamaha soundbars are best?
Even high-quality televisions often have disappointing built-in speakers, which detract from the enjoyment of watching movies or TV shows. Connecting a Yamaha soundbar will give you far higher-quality audio, so you won’t need to put up with distorted bass and tinny highs.
There’s plenty to consider when choosing a Yamaha soundbar, including the overall sound quality, what audio formats it’s compatible with and its size.
What to know before you buy Yamaha soundbars
Sound quality
You’re buying a Yamaha soundbar to improve on your TV’s built-in speakers, so the sound quality is important. You want a decent balance of lows, mids, and highs without any distortion, even at high volumes. Ideally, you should be able to adjust the sound balance or choose from presets for sports, movies, music, and so on.
Audio format compatibility
Even though a soundbar has all its speakers in a row in a single unit, new technology allows some Yamaha models to replicate the effects of surround sound, though to varying degrees of success. Some Yamaha soundbars are compatible with top surround-sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Port types
The bulk of Yamaha soundbars feature HDMI ports to connect to your television. Likewise, the vast majority of new televisions have at least one HDMI port, making it easy to hook up your new soundbar. If you prefer to use an optical cable, check that your chosen soundbar has the correct port.
Size
Yamaha soundbars tend to have fairly slim designs, so you don’t need to worry about a large, bulky soundbar looking out of place in your lounge. If you want a soundbar of roughly the same length as your TV, you’ll need to check the dimensions, as they vary between models.
What to look for in quality Yamaha soundbars
Subwoofer
The majority of Yamaha soundbars have built-in subwoofers, but a handful of models feature separate subwoofers, which is ideal for anyone who’s passionate about bass. A separate subwoofer is great for capturing impressive lows, such as explosions and bass-heavy music.
Wi-Fi connectivity
High-end Yamaha soundbars are able to connect to your home Wi-Fi so that you can control them via an app or using a smart home system, such as Alexa.
Sound beam effect
The sound beam effect is used in some Yamaha soundbars to create surround sound without true surround sound speakers. Beams of sound are directed to certain spots in the room and bounced off walls to give you an incredibly realistic field of sound.
How much you can expect to spend on Yamaha soundbars
The least expensive Yamaha soundbars cost around $100, whereas top-of-the-range models can be priced at over $1,500. You do get what you pay for, so the more you have to spend, the more impressive the sound quality will be.
Yamaha soundbars FAQ
Why should I choose a soundbar made by Yamaha?
A. Yamaha has been making audio equipment since 1922 and is known for its quality, reliable products — Yamaha soundbars are no exception. What’s more, Yamaha soundbars tend to offer great value for money. Sure, not all of them are inexpensive, but they are reasonably priced when you compare them to other options of similar quality.
Where should I position the subwoofer for the best effect?
A. Some Yamaha soundbars include a wireless subwoofer that can be positioned anywhere in the room. Since subwoofers give out directionless sound, there’s no single spot that works best for them — it will depend on your room layout and your preferences. Experiment by moving into a few different spots to see what works best for you.
What are the best Yamaha soundbars to buy?
Top Yamaha soundbar
Yamaha SR-C30ABL Indoor Bluetooth Soundbar
What you need to know: With its included wireless subwoofer and Bluetooth connectivity options, this soundbar has everything you need to create a cinematic experience in your home.
What you’ll love: It has specialized modes for stereos, video games and movies. It automatically highlights dialogue and low-volume sound, so you won’t struggle to hear people speaking in movies.
What you should consider: It’s not as feature-packed as some of the more well-known models.
Top Yamaha soundbar for the money
Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer
What you need to know: This affordable soundbar includes more features than you might expect at this price.
What you’ll love: It has engaging, 3D sound. It’s easy to set up and includes a wireless subwoofer. It’s compatible with Alexa and Bluetooth, and you can control it with an app. It has a booming base and super clear dialogue.
What you should consider: It lacks Apple AirPlay and MusicCast features.
Worth checking out
Yamaha Audio YAS-109 Sound Bar with Built-In Subwoofers
What you need to know: This inexpensive soundbar makes it easy to play music from your phone or laptop.
What you’ll love: It’s affordable and produces powerful, three-dimensional sound. It has Alexa capability and works with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s optimized for popular streaming apps, and you can stream easily from your phone or laptop. It’s slim and wall-mountable.
What you should consider: The remote control isn’t very user-friendly.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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