Yamaha has been making soundbars for more than 20 years. Throughout the first 15 years, its flagship models were among the best you could get. Since 2015, however, it shifted its focus to more accessible models with lower prices, ceding the top of the market to brands like Sonos, Sennheiser, and Samsung.
Now Yamaha is back in the flagship business, big time. The recently launched True X Surround 90A is also its most capable Dolby Atmos soundbar yet. It comes with a wireless subwoofer and a pair of fully wireless, portable surround speakers that can also be used individually or as a stereo pair when connected to your smartphone.
It’s also the first soundbar with Auro-3D, an immersive spatial audio processor typically only found on high-end AV receivers. The price for this package is eye-watering: At $3,500, it’s one of the most expensive soundbar systems you can buy. After spending a week with it, I’m still on the fence as to whether I think it’s worth it.
Tricky Setup
Photograph: Simon Cohen
Soundbars, by definition, are meant to be a simpler option than an A/V receiver for home theater sound. But Yamaha’s approach to the True X Surround 90A is anything but straightforward.