New Yamaha soundbar with Dolby Atmos technology addresses past system issues, yet a primary worry persists
Yamaha, a pioneer in the soundbar industry, has announced the release of its latest offering: the True X Surround 90A. This new soundbar system promises to deliver an unprecedented Dolby Atmos experience, with significant improvements over previous models.
Redefining Height Performance
The True X Surround 90A's key innovation lies in its enhanced height performance. The system features a clever, bespoke set-up that adds two arrays of upward-firing beam speakers to each end of the soundbar. These arrays, inspired by those used in the YSP-1, are designed to reflect sound off the ceiling, creating a more immersive sense of height.
The new hardware is accompanied by Yamaha's exclusive YSP beam speaker technology, which incorporates twelve ultra-precise, DSP-controlled beam speakers (six per side). This technology reflects sound off the ceiling to create realistic height channels, essential for immersive Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and AURO-3D playback.
Advanced Technologies for Superior Sound
The True X Surround 90A is powered by a Qualcomm QCS407 64-bit processor, which enables AI-driven spatial sound optimization. This technology analyses audio in real-time, five times per second, enhancing the height effects and overall immersive experience intelligently.
The system also boasts newly developed, eye-shaped front speakers. These drivers have optimized shape, structure, and magnetic circuitry that significantly improve cone strength and high-frequency clarity, reducing distortion and delivering rich midrange tones.
Slim Design and Wireless Capabilities
Despite the advanced hardware, the 90A maintains a slim 3.3-inch profile (2.8 inches wall-mounted), fitting modern TVs without blocking the screen. The metal enclosure and vibration-dampening feet improve acoustic precision.
The system includes battery-powered wireless rear speakers that can detach and function independently, adding flexibility to surround and height effects. The Symmetrical Flare Port wireless subwoofer produces clear, dynamic bass that complements height channels by providing balanced low frequencies without distortion.
The Price and Competition
With a price tag of around £2500 in the UK, the Yamaha True X Surround 90A is more expensive than the current benchmark soundbar, the Samsung Q990F. However, it is still in the same ballpark as a full 5.2.2 speaker package with an AVR.
The True X Surround 90A will have to meet a very high standard to be recommended, as it is expected to cost significantly more than the KEF XIO, a recently reviewed premium Dolby Atmos soundbar that has dethroned the Sennheiser Ambeo Max as the recommended premium Dolby Atmos soundbar.
Early Impressions
Lewis, a soundbar tester, found the Yamaha True X Surround 90A's performance in the area of height to be promising. The second reason for excitement about the True X Surround 90A is Yamaha's focus on improving the system's performance in the area of height.
The Yamaha True X Surround 90A soundbar system offers a significant leap forward in height channel accuracy and presence in Dolby Atmos reproduction, creating a more enveloping, three-dimensional soundstage compared to older Yamaha models that lacked these refined beam speaker arrays, AI optimization, and advanced driver designs.
[1]: Yamaha Press Release [2]: TechRadar Review [3]: What Hi-Fi Review [4]: CNET Review [5]: Trusted Reviews
- The True X Surround 90A, a new soundbar system from Yamaha, promises to buy a Dolby Atmos experience with significant improvements over previous models.
- Lewis, a soundbar tester, is looking forward to reviewing the True X Surround 90A, praising Yamaha's focus on showcasing its innovations in height performance.
- The system features advanced technologies such as the Qualcomm QCS407 64-bit processor, YSP beam speaker technology, and newly developed eye-shaped front speakers designed for superior sound.
- The True X Surround 90A is expected to be expensive, possibly costing around £2500 in the UK, making it a gadget for tech enthusiasts and audiophiles.
- When comparing it to competitors like the Samsung Q990F and the recently reviewed KEF XIO, the True X Surround 90A will have to deliver a top-notch performance to be recommended.
- Preview and reviews for the new Yamaha soundbar system can be found in tech publications like TechRadar, What Hi-Fi, CNET, and Trusted Reviews.
