This soundbar distributes audio above its value point, and it is not by Sonos or JBL

Yamaha True X Bar 50 A Soundbar

Key takeaways of zdnet

• The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is now available for $ 499, in which the surround speakers are sold separately (and individually).
• The sound created by these speakers is rich, deep, well mixed and huge.
• I just want the setup process more comfortable and straight.

For months, I was one hundred percent certain JBL Bar 1000 Soundbar Could not be defeated. It provides sound, rich bass and incredible clarity through two wireless speakers.

So when I started the test Yamaha True X Bar 50AWhich sells for about half the price, I assumed that it would not be able to stand for the sound distributed by JBL. But even though my audiofile ears could easily tell the difference between the two (coming to the top of JBL), for money, it is difficult to defeat Yamaha True X Bar 50A.

Also: I replaced my Bluetooth JBL speaker for this Bose model, and it would be difficult to leave it.

I also tested the soundbar with its partner True X Speaker 1AWhich is sold separately and runs for each $ 150. If you want a surround (what you need), now you are talking about $ 850 for the entire kit. One more thing to keep in mind that I only reviewed it related to my television and did not choose to test how the music could be through this speaker. For me, a soundbar provides a single objective … to change the underlying TV speakers who rarely provide a lot of quality sound.

Keeping this in mind, let’s dive into the review.

My experience

The first thing to note about this soundbar is that the setup may be a bit. This made several attempts to connect me with subworm and surround speaker. The issue with surround speakers became a low battery-they needed to be fully charged via USB-C before connecting. Nevertheless, the setup process is somewhat misleading, so that you need to download a manual on your phone using the QR code for guidance.

Also: 5 easy ways to improve your soundbar audio immediately (without spending)

For some reason, the subworm will not connect not out of the box. I had to go for some time through a manual setup before being associated with the keynote speaker. But once everything was connected, the difference was impressive.

Many sounds in this price range (without additional surround speakers) maximize the midrange frequencies, which have since been understood where the vocals sit. However, focusing too much on midrange can cause tinni or rigid sound.

This is not the case with the right X bar 50A. Instead, it provides a well -balanced mixture that adds prosperity to the sound. When kicks in the subprout, it adds depth and punch to more immersive experience.

Once everything is set, the right X bar is easy to use 50A, thanks to a well -designed remote that lets you switch between the mode (standard, film, film, music, game, and all), adjusts the bass, and controls the level of control.

Although it advertises the Soundbar Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience, such a mid-range system is not quite capable of giving full effect. The true X bar becomes closer 50A, but does not achieve a completely true atomos experience. He said, it still fills the room with the sound beautifully, and when you add surround speakers, the sound actually comes into life.

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My only grip with surround speakers is that they have a lack of volume power of the JBL system. With JBL, the sound is so scary that you sometimes wonder if it is coming from the speakers, somewhere in the house, or even outside. In comparison, Yamaha is more subtle.

Even set to Max with surround speakers, the effect is more deemed. However, all mode, which sends sound to both the main and around, is a great solution – especially to watch TV or movies where it can be difficult to hear dialogue.

Kill all the buttons, and you will not have any trouble in understanding the dialogue. There is also a clear voice option that increases vocal clarity. I tested it with some films, where it is very difficult to hear the dialogue, and the convenience of clear voice easily resolved the issue. especially, Oppenheimer-What is known for their challenging dialogue – Yamaha’s clear voice looks crisp and clear with technology.

You will probably find yourself using this feature, especially inclined into complex sound design with more films.

Only negative side

As I have mentioned earlier, the installation of the right X bar 50A is not as straight as it should be. With JBL, it was as simple as to start in unpacking, plugging. On the other hand, the Yamaha setup requires little patience and luck. But once it is up and running, you are good to go.

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Here is a tip: If you buy a surround speaker, keep the soundbar once everything is connected. When you turn off the soundbar, you have to manually switch to each surround speaker. While speakers offer about 12 hours of battery life, I recommend putting them in plug through USB-C, especially if you mount them to the wall.

If you choose to use them wirelessly, be sure to charge them regularly. Otherwise, you risk the sound of losing the mid-movie-like Prometheus—Ad wasting the experience.

ZDNET purchase advice

If you do not have a budget for $ 1,000+ soundbar, but you still want high quality sound, Yamaha True X Bar 50A There is a great option, especially with the current discount of Amazon. And if you can tolerate it, add surround speakers to too much more immersive experience.

Just be sure to give yourself a lot of time for setup, and don’t be surprised if you have to go through the steps for some time before adding everything properly.

If it was not for extraordinary sound JBL Bar 1000Yamaha True X Bar 50A will easily be my top pick. With your deep, rich bass, well -balanced mids, and crisp high, this soundbar is an important upgrade from your TV speaker and will possibly perform better than any midrange soundbar you are using.

Glasses

• Driver-Funt L/R: 4.6 × 6.6 cm (1-3/4 × 2-5/8 “) cone × 2, height L/r: 5.2 cm (2”) con × 2, underlying subwoofer: 7.5 cm (3 “) cone × 2, wire-2, wireless subcontinent: 16 cm (6-1/4”)
• Output Power-280 W (Front L/R: 30 W × 2-CH, Height L/R: 30 W × 2-CH, Underlying Subwoofer: 30 W × 2, Subwoofer: 100W)
• Dimular-centers 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”))
• Input – HDMI, Digital Optical
• Sound Technology – Dolby Atomos with stereo, standard, movie and game mode.
• Bass expansion
• Wireless streaming

The story was first published on 12 September 2024, and was updated on 24 July 2025.