Yamaha revisits its initial soundbar design for its new Dolby Atmos system, a move that I find commendable
Yamaha's Soundbar Evolution: From YSP-1 to the Immersive True X Surround 90A
Yamaha made history in 2005 with the launch of the YSP-1, the world's first soundbar to use beam-firing speakers to create a surround sound experience. This innovative soundbar, equipped with 40 beam-firing drive units, revolutionised home theatre soundbar design by reflecting sound off walls[2][4].
Over the past two decades, Yamaha has continuously refined this beam speaker and DSP (digital signal processing) technology, leading to the latest True X Surround 90A Dolby Atmos soundbar system. This advanced system boasts:
- 19 drive units, including four custom eye-shaped oval full-range drivers for rich midrange and distortion-free audio.
- 12 DSP-controlled beam speakers mounted on top (six on each side) that create realistic height channels via ceiling reflections, enabling authentic Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound.
- A newly developed Symmetrical Flare Port® subwoofer for pure bass reproduction.
- Support for Yamaha’s True X Surround wireless speaker system and proprietary SURROUND:AI technology inherited from their premium AV receivers.
- Integration with Yamaha’s MusicCast network system and compatibility with various music streaming services[2][4].
The True X Surround 90A system delivers a much richer and more immersive 3D soundstage than earlier models, combining advanced beamforming with height effects for Dolby Atmos playback. Yamaha has leveraged its original YSP technology foundation in conjunction with modern driver designs, amplification, and AI-powered signal processing to redefine soundbar surround sound performance[2][4].
During a listening session of Top Gun: Maverick, the True X Surround 90A delivered a wonderful Atmos sound, marking a significant leap from the original YSP-1 concept. Yamaha's latest soundbar system appears to be an introspective product, combining advancements from the last two decades with what made its very first soundbar special[2][4].
In the world of soundbars, other hi-fi manufacturers have looked back to their heritage with retro revival speakers, but this is less common compared to the TV brands and hi-fi companies, including Sonos, Sony, Samsung, LG, JBL, Sennheiser, KEF, and Marshall, that have dabbled in the soundbar market.
The True X Surround 90A system is eagerly awaited for AV testing, with hopes it can recapture the magic of the original YSP-1 in the full review. Modern soundbars have redesigned drive units, smart platforms for music streaming, and room calibration systems to tailor the sound to your space. Some soundbars are even bundled with surround speakers and subwoofers.
The YSP-1, launched in April 2005, used a clever processing system that beamed sound around the room, bouncing it off walls to create a surround sound experience. This pioneering soundbar laid the groundwork for Yamaha's continued leadership in beamforming soundbars and surround sound innovation, directly influencing the capabilities and design philosophy of their latest True X Surround 90A model, which sets a new standard for immersive home cinema audio with cutting-edge technology developed over two decades.
[1] Samsung launched its first soundbar in 2008, but hasn't implemented fresh takes on older technologies into its soundbars like Yamaha has with the True X Surround 90A.
[2] Some soundbars are capable of handling immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
[3] Yamaha's claims regarding the potency of its height channels in the True X Surround 90A soundbar system were less exaggerated than initially thought.
[4] Other hi-fi manufacturers have also looked back to their heritage with retro revival speakers, but this is less common in the world of soundbars.
[5] Yamaha seems to be considering heritage with its new soundbar system, which is often overlooked in this sector of the market.
[6] Yamaha has incorporated the upward-firing drivers from its first soundbar, the YSP-1, into the True X 90A system.
[7] The YSP-1 had 40 small driver units, each backed by an individual amplifier, and two built-in bass drivers.
[8] Soundbars are a common component in the current home cinema scene.
[9] This paragraph does not provide any additional self-contained facts that are not already covered in the earlier bullet points.
- The True X Surround 90A Dolby Atmos soundbar system, a testament to Yamaha's continuous innovation, features 19 drive units and 12 beam speakers.
- The 12 DSP-controlled beam speakers in the True X Surround 90A system reflect off ceilings, creating authentic Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound.
- Yamaha's MusicCast network system is compatible with the True X Surround 90A, enabling integration with various music streaming services.
- other hi-fi manufacturers have looked back to their heritage with retro revival speakers, but this is less common in the soundbar market compared to brands like Sonos, Sony, Samsung, LG, JBL, Sennheiser, KEF, and Marshall.
- Modern soundbars, like the True X Surround 90A, are equipped with redesigned drive units, smart platforms for music streaming, and room calibration systems.
- The YSP-1, launched in 2005, used a unique processing system to beam sound around the room, setting the stage for Yamaha's continued leadership in beamforming soundbars.
- The first soundbar, the YSP-1, had 40 small driver units, each backed by an individual amplifier, and two built-in bass drivers.
- Soundbars have become a common component in the current home cinema scene, with some models even bundled with surround speakers and subwoofers.
- In the realm of home theatre soundbars, Yamaha's latest soundbar system, the True X Surround 90A, combines advancements from the last two decades with what made its very first soundbar special.
