ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is obtainable now, with encompass audio system bought 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 a hundred percent sure the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar could not be beat. It provides unbelievable readability of sound, wealthy bass, and sensible encompass by way of two wi-fi audio system.
When Yamaha despatched me the True X Bar 50A to evaluate, 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 despite the fact that my audiophile ears may simply inform the distinction between the 2 (with the JBL popping out on prime), for the cash, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is difficult to beat.
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One factor to recollect is that I used to be additionally despatched a True X Speaker 1A, which is bought individually and runs for $150 every. If you’d like encompass (which it’s best to), now you are speaking about $850 for the entire equipment. One other factor to remember is that I solely reviewed this linked to my tv and did not choose to check how music may sound by way of this speaker. For me, a soundbar serves a single goal… to interchange built-in TV audio system that hardly ever provide sound of a lot high quality.
With that in thoughts, let’s dive into the evaluate.
The specs
- Drivers – Entrance L/R: 4.6 × 6.6 cm (1-3/4 × 2-5/8″) cone × 2, Peak 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, Peak 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 know-how – Dolby Atmos with stereo, customary, film, and sport modes.
- Bass extension
- Wi-fi streaming
My expertise
The very first thing to notice about this soundbar is that the setup is usually 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 by way of 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 steering.
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For some purpose, 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 principle speaker. However as soon as every little thing was linked, the distinction was spectacular.
Many soundbars on this worth vary (with out the extra encompass audio system) are likely to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which is sensible since that is the place vocals sit. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of deal with the midrange can lead to tinny or harsh sound. That is not the case with the True X Bar 50A. As an alternative, 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 straightforward to make use of, due to a well-designed distant that allows you to change between modes (Commonplace, Film, Music, Sport, and All), modify the bass, and management encompass ranges.
Whereas this soundbar does promote Dolby Atmos for a extra immersive sound expertise, mid-range methods like this aren’t fairly able to delivering the complete impact. The True X Bar 50A will get shut however does not absolutely obtain the true Atmos expertise. That stated, it nonetheless fills the room with sound fantastically, and while you add the encompass audio system, the sound actually involves life.
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My solely gripe with the encompass audio system is that they lack the amount 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 exterior. As compared, the Yamaha is extra refined. Even with the encompass audio system set to max, the impact is extra understated. Nevertheless, the All mode, which sends sound to each the principle and encompass audio system, is a superb answer — particularly for watching TV or films the place dialogue could be exhausting 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 exhausting to listen to, and the Clear Voice function simply solved that situation. Specifically, Oppenheimer—which is thought for its difficult dialogue — sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha’s Clear Voice know-how.
You will doubtless end up utilizing this function usually, particularly with extra movies leaning into complicated sound design.
The one draw back
As I discussed earlier, organising the True X Bar 50A is not as simple accurately. With JBL, it was so simple as unpacking, plugging in, and getting began. The Yamaha setup, alternatively, requires a little bit of endurance and luck. However as soon as it is up and working, you are good to go.
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This is a tip: if you buy the encompass audio system, maintain the soundbar on as soon as every little thing is linked. While you flip the soundbar off, you may must manually change every encompass speaker again on. Whereas the audio system provide round 12 hours of battery life, I like to recommend maintaining them plugged in by way of USB-C, particularly in the event you mount them on the wall. In the event you select to make use of them wirelessly, you should definitely cost them repeatedly. In any other case, you danger shedding sound mid-movie—like throughout Prometheus—and ruining the expertise.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
If you do not have the finances for a $1,000+ soundbar, however you continue to need high-quality sound, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a superb choice. And in the event you can afford it, add the encompass audio system for a way more immersive expertise.
Simply ensure to present your self loads of time for setup, and do not be stunned if it’s a must to undergo the steps just a few occasions at first 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 choose. 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 at the moment utilizing.