TRIED AND TRUE - Yamaha True X SR-X50A

Yamaha's soundbar bundle delivers all you could need, including one of the best subwoofers at this price

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Yamaha, the brand that kicked off the entire 'soundbar' thing in the first Y place, is back in the Dolby Atmos soundbar game - and with a modular system it calls 'True X'. It consists of a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar, a wireless subwoofer and battery-powered wireless speakers. So has the wait for Yamaha's return to Dolby Atmos soundbar action been worth it?

Received wisdom is that a center-channel speaker driver is essential in a Dolby Atmos soundbar - after all, the centre channel handles dialogue. But Yamaha's engineers have gone for a 4.1.2-channel arrangement, as it allows for a wider sound and better bass drivers.

This lack of a dedicated centre channel doesn't seem to hold the Yamaha SXR-X40A soundbar back in the slightest. No matter if the scene is purely dialogue, or if it's a verbal exchange in the midst of a colossal fire-fight, speech is detailed and distinct.