The introduction of a new product, especially when we’re talking about a groundbreaking model from a renowned manufacturer, is often preceded by an announcement from the brand, followed by the actual news and an official launch: a (press) moment where ‘product X’ is shown to the gathered onlookers for the first time. And after that, there’s room for the first reviews. At least, in most cases.
Yamaha True
Yamaha was the first soundbar manufacturer to not only develop Beam technology but also incorporate it into their soundbars. Through digital processing and a large number of drivers in a soundbar, Yamaha creates a realistic soundstage, enabling a surround sound experience from a single, slim cabinet.
With the recently released Yamaha True X Surround 90A soundbar, Yamaha takes the next step and presents a combination of soundbar, separate subwoofer and surround speakers, supplied together as a bundle. More than twenty years after the introduction of a YSP-1 soundbar with its Beam technology, Yamaha is still the leader in this field.
Beam technology
With the introduction of the True X Surround 90A, Yamaha once again uses the high-performance amplifier from the YDA-141 and combines it with six Beam speakers placed on each side of the soundbar. Controlled via DSP to create a true height image using reflection via a ceiling for Dolby Atmos and AURO-3D playback. With a height of only 85 mm, the soundbar can easily be placed under any TV on its plastic feet. These ensure a large contact surface and prevent damage to furniture.
Of course, a 90A can also be hung on the supplied wall brackets, in which case it is only 76 mm high. For the left and right playback, Yamaha mounts a woofer with an elliptical shape and a corresponding tweeter at each end of the soundbar. For the important center channel, two woofers are used with a tweeter in between. As mentioned earlier, a total of twelve Beam technology drivers provide the surround experience. In/outputs are for HDMI, HDMI ARC/eARC digital optical. The True X Surround 90A also works with Bluetooth and WiFi, while the subwoofer and surround speakers are controlled wirelessly via a proprietary protocol. The soundbar measures 118×8.5×14.3cm.
Sub and surround
The standard subwoofer features a 17cm woofer and a 100-watt amplifier. It’s a bass reflex system with a special port to prevent port noise. The trumpet-shaped tips on both sides of the port reduce port noise by 20dB compared to a standard port. With a response that extends from 120Hz to 33Hz, the subwoofer contributes to an intense movie and music experience.
With dimensions of approximately 24x38x41cm and a wireless connection, this subwoofer is easy to place. The surround speakers belonging to the True X Surround 90A are small, wireless columns of only 88x220x88mm. In addition to an amplifier, they contain two active and two passive drivers.
No cables are needed; they work wirelessly with the soundbar using a dedicated Yamaha protocol, not Wi-Fi. You can use the surround speakers with the soundbar, or take them with you and use them as Bluetooth speakers. The built-in battery provides the speaker with approximately 12 hours of power. Charging is done via a dedicated USB charger. It’s perfectly fine to leave the speaker permanently connected to the charger in a surround sound setup at home.
MusicCast
To control the whole thing, Yamaha’s own MusicCast App is used, compatible with a large number of streaming services such as Spotify and Qobuz. Apple AirPlay 2 for Apple Music is also implemented in MusicCast. The app not only controls the volume, but also the settings for the Beam speakers, and Clear Voice can be activated for better intelligibility. A special feature of the True X Surround 90A is AURO-3D playback, which has not previously been found in any soundbar. Stereo or Dolby Atmos can be converted to an AURO-3D format with the soundbar, thanks to the use of advanced Qualcomm chips.
Watch and listen
Of course, an introduction also includes a listening session. We started with pop music so that the subwoofer could really be put to work. The True X Surround 90A is, in my ears, not a worthy replacement for a serious stereo or surround system, and it also has a very different price tag, but it is a nicely integrated setup for those who simply want to be able to listen to music without large speakers and all the necessary wires on the floor.
A piece of classical music, played with video from Netflix in Dolby surround, is definitely worth listening to and watching on the TV set up. Here the two rear speakers come in handy to create the feeling of space. The icing on the cake is a DVD with AURO-3D sound that shows the true performance of the True X Surround 90A.
With a wide, deep, and high soundstage, Yamaha truly demonstrates the power of Beam Technology. A spectacular film is naturally the perfect setting for this, with bullets flying around your ears while the interior of a building is shattered. Even someone like me, not a true film buff, is deeply impressed by what Yamaha has achieved here.
Completely
With a history of 130 years, Yamaha is still one of the largest suppliers of musical instruments. Yamaha knows better than anyone how real instruments sound and uses this knowledge in the development of, among other things, a True X Surround 90A soundbar, subwoofer and surround speakers. Not only is the reproduction of a high level, the finish of the various components is also very good, unobtrusive, not too big and functional. Anyone looking for a soundbar that is as complete as possible, with all components contained in one package, should definitely delve into the Yamaha True X Surround 90A to enjoy AURO-3D reproduction. Or simply internet radio, because that is also possible.
