Yamaha True X Bar 50A Soundbar
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is on the market now for $499, 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 had been extra seamless and simple.
For months, I used to be 100% sure the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar could not be beat. It gives unimaginable readability of sound, wealthy bass, and good encompass through two wi-fi audio system.
So once I began testing the Yamaha True X Bar 50A, which sells for roughly half the worth, I assumed it would not have the ability to stand as much as the sound the JBL delivered. However although my audiophile ears might simply inform the distinction between the 2 (with the JBL popping out on high), for the cash, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is difficult to beat.
Additionally: I replaced my Bluetooth JBL speaker for this Bose model, and it’ll be hard to give it up
I additionally examined the soundbar with its companion 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 bear in mind is that I solely reviewed this linked to my tv and did not decide to check how music may sound through this speaker. For me, a soundbar serves a single function… to switch 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.
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 totally charged through USB-C earlier than they’d join. Even then, the setup course of is considerably complicated, requiring you to obtain a guide in your cellphone utilizing a QR code for steering.
Additionally: 5 easy ways to instantly improve your soundbar’s audio (without spending a dime)
For some cause, 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 primary speaker. However as soon as every part was linked, the distinction was spectacular.
The Yamaha sub is on the left and the JBL Bar 1000 sub is on the best.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Many soundbars on this value 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 concentrate on 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 part is about up, the True X Bar 50A is simple to make use of, due to a well-designed distant that permits you to change between modes (Commonplace, Film, Music, Sport, and All), alter 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 total impact. The True X Bar 50A will get shut however does not totally obtain the true Atmos expertise. That mentioned, it nonetheless fills the room with sound fantastically, and once you add the encompass audio system, the sound actually involves life.
Additionally: The viral wireless audio dongle for in-flight entertainment is better than ever
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 just 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 resolution — particularly for watching TV or motion pictures the place dialogue may be laborious to listen to.
These encompass audio system are small however they produce spectacular sound.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Hit the All button, and you will have no hassle understanding dialogue. There’s additionally a Clear Voice possibility 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 concern. Particularly, Oppenheimer—which is understood for its difficult dialogue — sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha’s Clear Voice expertise.
You will seemingly end up utilizing this characteristic usually, particularly with extra movies leaning into advanced sound design.
The one draw back
As I discussed earlier, establishing the True X Bar 50A is not as easy appropriately. With JBL, it was so simple as unpacking, plugging in, and getting began. The Yamaha setup, however, requires a little bit of persistence and luck. However as soon as it is up and operating, you are good to go.
Additionally: The best sound systems you can buy: Expert tested
Here is a tip: if you are going to buy the encompass audio system, preserve the soundbar on as soon as every part is linked. Once you flip the soundbar off, you may need to manually change every encompass speaker again on. Whereas the audio system provide round 12 hours of battery life, I like to recommend preserving them plugged in through USB-C, particularly should you mount them on the wall.
In case you select to make use of them wirelessly, make sure to cost them repeatedly. 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 an excellent possibility, particularly with Amazon’s present low cost. And should you can afford it, add the encompass audio system for a way more immersive expertise.
Simply be certain to present your self loads of time for setup, and do not be shocked if you must undergo the steps a couple of instances 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 high 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 seemingly outperform any midrange soundbar you are presently utilizing.
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
This story was first revealed on September 12, 2024, and was up to date on July 24, 2025.
