Yamaha's advanced Dolby Atmos soundbar addresses a persistent problem in previous audio systems for me, though a significant worry still persists.
Yamaha has entered the fray of premium Dolby Atmos soundbar systems with the launch of its flagship offering, the True X Surround 90A. This soundbar system is distinguished by its premium sound quality, advanced design, and a comprehensive multi-speaker setup aimed at delivering immersive 3D home theater audio.
Key Improvements and Features
The True X Surround 90A boasts an extensive speaker array that includes 12 up-firing drivers, three tweeters, and four full-range drivers, paired with two wireless surround speakers and a redesigned wireless subwoofer. This vast array supports superior three-dimensional sound and height channel accuracy for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content.
Yamaha's new soundbar features eye-shaped front speakers and sound beam height speakers that create a realistic overhead soundstage, significantly improving Dolby Atmos immersion. The system also incorporates Yamaha's Surround:AI processing, which analyzes and optimizes spatial sound in real-time—five times per second—to create an adaptive and precise surround sound experience.
The wireless subwoofer uses Symmetrical Flare Port technology for clear, dynamic bass, while the wireless surround speakers offer one-touch Solo mode and come with charging cradles, allowing flexibility in placement and ease of use. The soundbar system also supports multiple streaming and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, and MusicCast multi-room audio.
The soundbar has a slim, elegant design with a high-rigidity metal enclosure and vibration-dampening feet, promoting both aesthetic appeal and acoustic precision. The subwoofer and surrounds are also designed to seamlessly integrate into home environments without being intrusive.
Notably, the True X Surround 90A is the world’s first soundbar to incorporate AURO-3D support, advancing 3D sound beyond standard Atmos implementations.
Performance Compared to Other Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbars
In demonstrations, the True X Surround 90A impressed reviewers with its large and immersive 'dome of sound' that convincingly renders elevated and spatial audio effects better than many current soundbars offering half-hearted Atmos effects. The soundbar system is considered on par or potentially superior in soundstage scale and height effect fidelity, with significant improvements in wireless surround performance compared to previous Yamaha models and some competitors.
Price Comparison
The Yamaha True X Surround 90A is priced at around $3,300 USD (£2,499 in the UK), placing it higher in price than many competitors like the Samsung Q990F.
| Soundbar Model | Approximate Price (USD) | Performance Notes | |----------------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Yamaha True X Surround 90A | $3,300 | Flagship device with 12 upward-firing drivers, advanced AI processing, AURO-3D, full wireless surrounds, and high build quality[1][3] | | Samsung Q990F | $1,999 | Current benchmark in premium Atmos soundbars with solid performance, lower price than Yamaha 90A[2] | | Yamaha True X 2024 Flagship| $949 | Previous generation model, less expensive but with fewer advanced features than the 90A[2] |
With its extensive speaker array, advanced AI processing, and AURO-3D support, the True X Surround 90A is an ultra-premium, spec-heavy Dolby Atmos soundbar system suitable for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts seeking a highly immersive 3D audio experience. Its price point is significantly higher than many competitors, reflecting its flagship status and enhanced capabilities. The True X Surround 90A will need to sound sublime and offer clear improvements over soundbars like the Samsung Q990F and KEF XIO to be recommended.
- The Yamaha True X Surround 90A, a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar system, showcases 12 up-firing drivers, three tweeters, and four full-range drivers, aiming to deliver an immersive 3D home theater audio experience.
- This new soundbar from Yamaha, equipped with eye-shaped front speakers and sound beam height speakers, improves Dolby Atmos immersion with a realistic overhead soundstage.
- The True X Surround 90A is the world’s first soundbar to incorporate AURO-3D support, taking 3D sound beyond standard Atmos implementations.
- This soundbar system offers multiple streaming and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, and MusicCast multi-room audio.
- In reviews, the True X Surround 90A has been praised for its large and immersive 'dome of sound' that outperforms many current soundbars in terms of Atmos effects.
- The Yamaha True X Surround 90A is priced at around $3,300 USD, making it higher in price than competitors like the Samsung Q990F.
