Yamaha True X

An enjoyable, energetic sound from a small package

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Dolby Atmos-compatible 'soundbar plus subwoofer and surrounds' packages are gaining in popularity and present a great way to improve the sound of your favourite shows, movies and games.

The Yamaha True X soundbar can be bought on its own as the True X 40A or as a True X 50A bundle with a subwoofer (₨59,992). It is also available as a surround package that includes a pair of WS-X1A wireless speakers for extra, which is how we are testing the system.

For reference, JBL’s Bar 1300 costs ₨1,24,999, while the new Sonos Arc Ultra in its ‘Immersive Set’ guise that includes the Sub 4 and a pair of Era 300 speakers is yours for roughly double the price of the Yamaha.

The soundbar here is an attractive unit, measuring just over 101cm in width. Its sleek, rounded surface is almost entirely covered in a subtle grey fabric, save for two small strips on the front and top of the ‘bar. It’s a nice, unreflective look that promises not to distract from what’s on-screen.

On the top strip are basic controls such as power and volume buttons, while the strip on the front of the bar features LED indicators to show the selected source or volume level. While these strips look tidy, they are difficult to read from any reasonable distance. These indicators also show the volume level, but it only changes in multiples of five. Thankfully, you can instead use an app to control the soundbar.

Stylish and smart-looking