Are you a fan of the brand and want to understand which is the best Yamaha soundbar to buy to enjoy movies, music, and TV series? Here is the ranking with the seven best models of the brand.
In the soundbar sector, Yamaha is one of the most interesting brands, with a decidedly competitive catalog both in terms of features and prices.
The soundbar Yamaha has the advantage of offering a well-known indisputable audio quality at all levels, particularly high and technologically advanced components in addition to building quality.
Among the other brands available in the soundbar sector, Yamaha has an offer of models that cover all needs, both in terms of price and technical specifications.
Some of the Yamaha soundbars are ready for wireless expansion, so if one day you decide to go into multizone technology or to expand the system to 5.1 surround, trusting the brand is definitely a smart choice.
For these reasons, we have decided to draw up a ranking dedicated to Yamaha soundbars, listing the best models of the brand available today, starting from the high-end ones, up to the cheapest, to better understand what to buy based on your listening needs and budget.
1. Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400
The best Yamaha soundbar
The best Yamaha soundbar is the MusicCast BAR 400, consisting of a soundbar and wireless subwoofer, suitable for those who want to watch movies with a 3D surround and excellent sound balance thanks to the addition of low frequencies.
You will spend a little more than the other models because this version will allow you in the future to expand the speaker set and add wireless speakers to transform your system into a true 5.1 surround or to arrange the extra speakers in different rooms of the house and have multizone audio. For this purpose, the Yamaha MusicCast 20 speakers are the ideal choice.
We recommend it for televisions from 55 inches upwards, it is simple to install, and just connect the HDMI cable to the ARC input of the Smart TV to hear the audio. Then download the MusicCast App smartphone application to access the guided installation, it is really intuitive and you will be ready in no time to enjoy your content.
In total, we have an HDMI input and an HDMI output connection, an optical digital input, and an analog input. Among the technical specifications, we also find Bluetooth connections, WiFi, and AirPlay connectivity, to listen to audio via mobile device.
Inside the bar there are 4 1.75 “woofers and two 1” tweeters. The external wireless subwoofer is larger in size than common soundbar woofers, thus helping to create a full sound filling the room with low frequencies.
For watching movies, the soundbar works wonderfully. We have a perfectly intelligible dialogue with sound effects that envelop us from many directions, the addition of the subwoofer is the key to a much more immersive experience, and the preset we prefer is a 3D surround with the addition of the Clear Voice option.
You can access these settings conveniently through the app and try to adjust the audio settings according to your preferences.
For listening to HiFi music it is not the best choice, but for everything related to movies and TV, it is a soundbar of indisputable quality.
Pros:
- Virtual 3D surround technology
- Clarity of dialogue and enveloping sound
- Expansion capability with wireless speakers
Cons:
- Not great for music playback
2. Yamaha YAS-209
The best Yamaha 2.1 soundbar for value for money
Designed to satisfy demands to surround sound palates and to greatly improve TV sound, the Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar is recommended for those who love to immerse themselves in watching a movie and appreciate all the nuances that a quality audio system can offer. , without having to install complicated home theater systems.
The YAS-209 is a 2.1 soundbar, consisting of a combination of a front soundbar and wireless subwoofer. A strong point of this model is the implementation of two dedicated microphones for Alexa, this will allow you to control the system through the use of your voice.
It fits easily under your TV and is thin enough not to block the TV’s infrared receiver. For those who intend, it is also possible to install it on the wall.
The 6.5-inch subwoofer is rather bulky, which is not necessarily a negative feature, on the contrary, it means that the sound produced is of quality. To get the best out of the sub’s performance, it should be placed in an open place, just in front of the soundbar, and we will therefore avoid placing it in a closed place such as a shelf or very close to the wall.
The available connections are HDMI in and HDMI (ARC) out, a digital optical connection, and Bluetooth. There is also the possibility of connecting it to the home network via ethernet cable or WiFi to get access to services such as Spotify Connect and Amazon Alexa. There is no support for Apple AirPlay2 or Google Chromecast. For now, it is not possible to connect additional wireless speakers to the MusicCast system, so it must be kept as a 2.1 system without the possibility of expanding.
The performance of the soundbar is the main reason to rely on this system, the value for money is one of the best on the market and the sound produced while watching a movie is nothing short of exceptional, you will be almost convinced that you have purchased a home system Theater and not a soundbar.
Honestly, for those intending on the same price range, the only attractive alternative is the Sonos Beam, which on the one hand offers multiroom capabilities to expand the sound in different rooms of the house, but which on the other, does not reach the audio quality. of the Yamaha YAS-209.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Voice control with Alexa
- Surround effect with DTS Virtual: X
Cons:
- No AirPlay connectivity 2
- It does not support the MusicCast system
3. Yamaha YAS-207
The best Yamaha TV soundbar under $300
For those looking for a model under $300, the Yamaha YAS-207 offers an ideal quality solution to enhance TV sound with a soundbar and subwoofer system to immerse yourself in the sound of a movie or TV series.
With this model, Yamaha was the first to implement DTS Virtual: X technology in its soundbars, so performance suffers a little and you feel it needs improvement.
The performances without the DTS Virtual: X activated are however extremely convincing, the audio is clear and crystal clear and the addition of the wireless subwoofer is what it takes to give depth and tone. For comparison with other brands, we will tell you that compared to the Sonos Playbar and the Bose Soundbar 500, this model lives up to the same sound quality, if not better thanks to the presence of the sub.
Right out of the box it sounds great, without having to set up too many elements. Installation is as always very easy and intuitive, and the remote control included in the package is useful for switching between the different modes (stereo and surround) and different presets for listening.
For those who want to customize the audio experience, there are options to increase the clarity of the dialogues and to strengthen the power of the bass, you can play with the different options to find your favorite settings depending on the room in which you have installed the home theater system.
While the audio quality is unquestionably high, we find some flaws in the area of wireless connectivity and support for new technologies. This is why we recommend the soundbar to those who do not have great wireless connectivity needs.
Specifically, you can connect a mobile device via Bluetooth to hear audio from your smartphone through the soundbar, but this is the only wireless streaming option. You will not be able to connect the soundbar directly to your home internet, there is no support for AirPlay and Chromecast.
At the same price, between the Yamaha Yas-209 and the Yas-207, the 209 is slightly better for audio quality and additional features (such as wireless playback via WiFi). However, the difference is not much, if you find the 207 at a much lower price than the 209, we still recommend it.
Pros:
- Exceptional stereo sound quality
- Advantageous value for money
Cons:
- No AirPlay, Chromecast and other next-generation technologies
- Unconvincing DTS Virtual: X performance
4. Yamaha MusicCast YAS-306
The most complete of technological options
Among the best soundbars ever, not only from Yamaha, the MusicCast series models are very popular in the home entertainment sector.
For those looking for a model of the MusicCast category then, without going to the high price range, the Yamaha YAS-306 represents an excellent compromise to improve the sound of the TV and, at the same time, have access to multizone technology.
Installed alone, without adding other BlueTooth speakers, the soundbar already works perfectly and allows you to receive a generous upgrade from the integrated audio of the TV to a much more immersive sound.
The total output power is 120W, the two front speakers (right and left) each have 30W and are composed of two 5.5 cm woofers and two 1.9 cm tweeters. The internal subwoofer consisting of two 7.5 cm speakers is 60W, with bass reflex positioned on the sides of the bar.
The quality is truly exceptional, in our opinion, only a little boost in the bass is missing (because an external subwoofer is missing), but the good news is that if you decide to buy one in the future, it will allow you to make the connection via output. dedicated.
The connection options are many and very useful. There is the Ethernet port to connect to the home network, or WiFi for the same reason, there is the coaxial and S / PDIF connection to receive a surround signal or the analog stereo connection. The HDMI port is missing.
With the integrated MusicCast system, you will have access to Yamaha’s proprietary dedicated application, with the ability to control the soundbar from your mobile phone, add Bluetooth speakers around the sofa or in other rooms, and the AirPlay connection will allow us to synchronize with Apple devices.
The width of the bar is 95 cm, we recommend it for a 55 ”TV or similar, if you use it with smaller televisions you will notice the disproportion and it will not be pleasant to see.
Lovers of home order will find it particularly useful because it does not need a lot of space in front of the TV, there is no external subwoofer to be placed on the ground, and the cable connection is very simple. Plus, you can use the TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume, so you don’t have to use several remote devices at the same time.
Pros:
- IR passthrough
- Good sound quality
- Complete with many options
Cons:
- No HDMI connections
- Low emphasis
5. Yamaha YAS-109
Crystal clear sound, Amazon Alexa and 3D surround capabilities
What is the difference between the YAS-209 and this Yamaha YAS-109? The first (described above) is supplied in two pieces with a sound bar and separate subwoofer, while the second is composed only of an element where the woofers for the low frequencies have been implemented inside the same.
Clearly, the difference in price and the absence of a dedicated woofer indicate that the YAS-109 has a smaller frequency range than the 209, but this does not mean that it is a model to be discarded. On the contrary, it is suitable for users who want less space and a smaller expense, for a much better sound than that of the TV.
Plus, you’ll have all the benefits of Yamaha’s new technology, which lets you control the soundbar by voice with Alexa. Yamaha technicians have in fact worked with Amazon to produce a bar that integrates perfectly with the voice assistant, it will not be necessary to shout the voice commands while watching a movie because the YAS-109 is able to lower the volume as soon as it hears the voice. our voice. If you don’t like this option you can obviously disable it or turn off the voice commands function.
The YAS-109 also comes with support for Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, and the new DTS Virtual: X post-processing technology that is tasked with delivering a more immersive three-dimensional surround experience. In addition, the Clear Voice function can be activated to make dialogues more intelligible.
As for the connections on the back, we find two HDMI (many entry-level soundbars in this price range do not have an HDMI connection, and rely only on the digital optical port), one for ARC and one for input. This allows you, for example, to be able to connect a game console or streaming device directly to the soundbar. The HDMI input also works as a 4K HDR passthrough (including HDR10).
The setup is super simple. Once the soundbar is mounted on the wall or placed under the TV, connect it via the HDMI ARC port to the TV. It depends on the model of your TV, but you can usually control the volume of the soundbar directly with the TV remote right away.
To start using Alexa, simply download the Yamaha Sound Bar Controller smartphone application and follow the installation instructions.
Pros:
- Audio quality with Clear Voice
- Connectivity options
- Alexa integrated
Cons:
- Low frequencies leave something to be desired
6. Yamaha YAS-107
Perfectly intelligible dialogues and exceptional price-quality
The YAS-107 is another marvel of Yamaha soundbars, always in a very attractive price range. Here too we only have the soundbar and not the external subwoofer, but you can later decide whether to buy in the future as it has a dedicated sub output ( see here our ranking on the best subwoofers ).
As with other soundbars, you can mount it on the wall, or keep it leaning against the TV cabinet. It is equipped with rubber pads so as not to damage both the wall and the surface of the table.
Inside, we find a speaker combination that includes two 1 ”tweeters, two mid-range drivers, and two bass woofers with bass reflex ports on the outer sides of the chassis. A 30W amplifier is dedicated to boosting the left and right drivers, while a 60W amplifier handles the low frequencies to be sent to the subs.
The inclusion of the HDMI port is very convenient for connecting the devices that interest you most, you can connect a console, a Blu Ray player, or a network player, and send a 4K UHD signal to the TV directly through the soundbar. This is a particularly useful feature for those with a 4K HDR TV because this way you can connect the audio system without losing video quality.
Also, again for connoisseurs of video formats, the YAS-107 supports 4: 4: 4 color technology, while other soundbars in the same category are 4: 2: 0. This is extremely important for viewing movies in a wider color gamut and enjoying HDR10 content to the fullest.
On the other hand, if you opt for the direct connection to the TV (without Blu Ray or external player) then you can choose the HDMI port with ARC Audio Return Channel function. This allows you to use your smart TV’s built-in streaming services and hear the sound through the soundbar.
As soon as it is turned on and connected to your compatible devices, you will immediately understand that you have made the right choice. This Yamaha soundbar is exceptional in reproducing dialogue and even without activating the Clear Voice function, you will have a new dimension of sound that was previously completely unknown to you, if you were using the internal audio of the TV.
Not only for dialogue, it also has a satisfying dynamic range for scenes with many sound effects, with good reproduction of low frequencies to offer depth and tone. For those who want an even more dynamic range, there is the option to add an external subwoofer.
Pros:
- Value for money
- 4K UHD HDR passthrough
- Possibility to add an external subwoofer
Cons:
- HLG and Dolby Vision not supported
- No support for MusicCast
7. Yamaha C20A
Simple and essential soundbar with a qualitative sound
Pros:
- Small and space-saving
- Powerful and precise sound
- Very easy to install
Cons:
- Low-bodied bass
- No subwoofer output
- Completely absent surround options
The C20A is one of the best Yamaha soundbars available today for under $200 , it is a model of 2021, small and not bulky, but with a really convincing sound. Among the price-quality soundbars (not only of the Yamaha brand), but it is also highly recommended.
The soundbar measures only 60 cm, making it suitable for installation under a 32 to 50 inch TV. The output power is 100 Watts and is composed of 2 front left-right speakers of 20W each and an internal 60W subwoofer.
Extremely easy to install with any modern TV equipped with an ARC-type HDMI port, just connect the Yamaha C20A to the mains and make the HDMI connection and you can immediately hear the sound of the TV through this speaker.
The difference is immediately noticeable, the soundbar gives off a clear and quite full sound. The dialogue is well emphasized and the sound balance is precise. From the low frequencies, you should not expect exceptional results, but given the size and price, this aspect is still appreciable in comparison with other models of the same class.
The remote control of the bar is done using the convenient remote control supplied, which offers good options for clearing the voice, increasing the body, selecting the input, adjusting the volume, and so on. The LEDs positioned on the front of the soundbar are also very convenient (clearly visible even from a distance, without distracting) to know which sound source has been selected.
In addition to playing the contents coming from the TV, the Yamaha C20A is also able to receive a Bluetooth signal to be able to stream from the smartphone. In addition, the digital optical port and analog input can be used to connect other sound sources to the soundbar.
Photo: amazon.com