This soundbar delivers audio above its price point, and it’s not by Sonos or JBL

Yamaha True X Bar 50A Soundbar

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is offered now for $499, 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 have been extra seamless and simple.

For months, I used to be 100% sure the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar could not be beat. It affords unimaginable readability of sound, wealthy bass, and sensible encompass by way of two wi-fi audio system.

So once I began testing the Yamaha True X Bar 50A, which sells for roughly half the value, I assumed it would not have the ability to stand as much as the sound the JBL delivered. However although 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.

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 bought individually and runs for $150 every. If you need encompass (which it’s best to), now you are speaking about $850 for the entire package. One other factor to remember is that I solely reviewed this linked 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 goal… to switch built-in TV audio system that not often 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 is usually a bit finicky. It took me a number of makes an attempt to attach the subwoofer and encompass audio system. The problem 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 handbook in your cellphone utilizing a QR code for steerage.

Additionally: 5 easy ways to instantly improve your soundbar’s audio (without spending a dime)

For some motive, 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 thing was linked, the distinction was spectacular.

Many soundbars on this worth vary (with out the extra encompass audio system) are inclined to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which is smart 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 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 thing is ready up, the True X Bar 50A is simple to make use of, because of a well-designed distant that permits you to swap between modes (Normal, Film, Music, Recreation, 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 complete impact. The True X Bar 50A will get shut however would not totally obtain the true Atmos expertise. That stated, it nonetheless fills the room with sound superbly, and if 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 generally marvel 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. Nevertheless, the All mode, which sends sound to each the principle and encompass audio system, is a good resolution — particularly for watching TV or films the place dialogue could be laborious to listen to.

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 just a few movies the place the dialogue is notoriously laborious to listen to, and the Clear Voice function simply solved that situation. Specifically, Oppenheimer—which is understood for its difficult dialogue — sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha’s Clear Voice know-how.

You will probably end up utilizing this function usually, particularly with extra movies leaning into advanced sound design.

The one draw back

As I discussed earlier, organising 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, then again, requires a little bit of endurance 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

This is a tip: if you are going to buy the encompass audio system, hold the soundbar on as soon as every thing is linked. If you flip the soundbar off, you will need to manually swap every encompass speaker again on. Whereas the audio system provide round 12 hours of battery life, I like to recommend protecting them plugged in by way of USB-C, particularly should you mount them on the wall. 

In case you select to make use of them wirelessly, make sure you cost them frequently. 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 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 sure to offer your self loads of time for setup, and do not be shocked if you must 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 decide. With its deep, wealthy bass, well-balanced mids, and crisp highs, this soundbar is a major improve out of your TV audio system and can probably 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 know-how – Dolby Atmos with stereo, normal, film, and sport modes.
• Bass extension
• Wi-fi streaming

This story was first printed on September 12, 2024, and was up to date on July 24, 2025.