For months, I used to be 100% sure the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar could not be beat. It presents 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 value, I assumed it would not have the ability to stand as much as the sound the JBL delivered. However regardless that my audiophile ears might 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.
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 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 related to my tv and did not decide to check how music may sound through 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 generally is 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 absolutely 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 steerage.
For some purpose, the subwoofer would not join proper out of the field both. I needed to undergo the guide setup just a few instances earlier than it lastly linked with the principle speaker. However as soon as all the things was related, the distinction was spectacular.
Many soundbars on this value vary (with out the extra encompass audio system) are inclined to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which is sensible since that is the place vocals sit. Nonetheless, an excessive amount of deal with the midrange may end up in 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 all the things is about up, the True X Bar 50A is straightforward to make use of, due to a well-designed distant that allows you to swap between modes (Normal, Film, Music, Sport, and All), regulate the bass, and management encompass ranges.
Whereas this soundbar does promote Dolby Atmos for a extra immersive sound expertise, mid-range programs like this aren’t fairly able to delivering the total impact. The True X Bar 50A will get shut however does not absolutely obtain the true Atmos expertise. That mentioned, it nonetheless fills the room with sound fantastically, and while you add the encompass audio system, the sound actually involves life.
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 marvel if it is coming from the audio system, someplace in the home, and even outdoors. 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 arduous to listen to.
Hit the All button, and you will have no bother 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 arduous to listen to, and the Clear Voice characteristic simply solved that concern. Particularly, Oppenheimer—which is thought for its difficult dialogue — sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha’s Clear Voice know-how.
You will seemingly end up utilizing this characteristic typically, 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 simple accurately. With JBL, it was so simple as unpacking, plugging in, and getting began. The Yamaha setup, then again, requires a little bit of persistence and luck. However as soon as it is up and working, you are good to go.
This is a tip: if you are going to buy the encompass audio system, hold the soundbar on as soon as all the things is related. If you flip the soundbar off, you will must manually swap every encompass speaker again on. Whereas the audio system provide round 12 hours of battery life, I like to recommend retaining them plugged in through USB-C, particularly in case you mount them on the wall.
For those who select to make use of them wirelessly, make sure to cost them often. 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 price range for a $1,000+ soundbar, however you continue to need high-quality sound, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a superb choice, particularly with Amazon’s present low cost. And in case you can afford it, add the encompass audio system for a way more immersive expertise.
Simply be certain that to offer your self loads of time for setup, and do not be shocked if it’s important to undergo the steps just a few instances at the beginning 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 seemingly outperform any midrange soundbar you are at the moment utilizing.
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 recreation modes.
- Bass extension
- Wi-fi streaming
This story was first printed on September 12, 2024, and was up to date on July 24, 2025.
