One of the best-value soundbars I’ve tested delivers glorious sound for any movie or TV show

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is on the market 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 100% sure the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar could not be beat. It provides unimaginable readability of sound, wealthy bass, and good encompass by way of two wi-fi audio system.

When Yamaha despatched me the True X Bar 50A to assessment, 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 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 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 bought individually and runs for $150 every. If you’d like encompass (which it is best to), now you are speaking about $850 for the entire package. One other factor to bear in mind is that I solely reviewed this related to my tv and did not decide to check how music would possibly sound by way of this speaker. For me, a soundbar serves a single objective… to exchange built-in TV audio system that not often provide sound of a lot high quality.

With that in thoughts, let’s dive into the assessment.

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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 – Heart 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, customary, film, and recreation modes.
• Bass extension
• Wi-fi streaming

My expertise

The very first thing to notice about this soundbar is that the setup could be 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 totally 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 guide in your cellphone 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 purpose, the subwoofer would not join proper out of the field both. I needed to undergo the guide setup a couple of instances earlier than it lastly linked with the principle 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 likely to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which is smart since that is the place vocals sit. Nonetheless, an excessive amount of give attention to the midrange can lead to 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 ready up, the True X Bar 50A is simple 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 techniques like this aren’t fairly able to delivering the total impact. The True X Bar 50A will get shut however does not totally obtain the true Atmos expertise. That stated, it nonetheless fills the room with sound fantastically, and whenever 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 generally marvel 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. Nonetheless, the All mode, which sends sound to each the principle and encompass audio system, is a good answer — particularly for watching TV or films the place dialogue will be laborious 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 a couple of movies the place the dialogue is notoriously laborious to listen to, and the Clear Voice characteristic simply solved that subject. Particularly, Oppenheimer—which is thought for its difficult dialogue — sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha’s Clear Voice expertise.

You may possible 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, however, 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 are going to buy the encompass audio system, maintain the soundbar on as soon as every little thing is related. Once you flip the soundbar off, you will need to 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 if you happen to mount them on the wall. Should you select to make use of them wirelessly, make sure to cost them repeatedly. In any other case, you threat 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 an excellent choice. And if you happen to can afford it, add the encompass audio system for a way more immersive expertise. 

Simply be sure to provide your self loads of time for setup, and do not be shocked if you need to undergo the steps a couple of instances 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 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 possible outperform any midrange soundbar you are at present utilizing.