It comes as no shock that the Sonos Arc Ultra is one of the best soundbars I have seen in recent times. And I am not the only one, since hardcore reviewers have testified this fact over the months. Since the U.S launch last year, the Sonos Arc Ultra has set a high bar, prompting competitors, including those new to the soundbar market, to challenge its dominance. First, it was Marshall that embraced the challenge with its first-ever soundbar launch earlier this year. Then came JBL and KEF with their respective models. Lately, Yamaha, a seasoned player, is vying for a share of the market with its latest offering, the True X Surround 90A soundbar.
Announced yesterday, True X Surround 90A by Yamaha aims to redefine home entertainment with Dolby Atmos capabilities. Promising exceptional cinematic sound, seamless streaming, and a versatile design, it poses a serious challenge to Sonos’ reign. So, what makes the soundbar stand out? Firstly, the soundbar system comes with a bespoke subwoofer and a pair of portable wireless surrounds, which set up a strong case for challenging the authority Sonos has attained over the months.
Then there are advanced technologies like proprietary sound beam height speakers, Surround: AI, and the world’s first AURO-3D, all of which Yamaha employs to support a soundbar, offering a three-dimensional sound field that rivals traditional home theater systems. However, the core highlight among these is the number of speakers Yamaha incorporates in its soundbar system.
The Yamaha’s exclusive YSP beam speaker technology features twelve ultra-precise DSP-controlled beam speakers (six per side) powered by the Yamaha YDA-141 high-performance amplifier. These create height channels that reflect off ceilings, delivering realistic Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, and AURO-3D playback. The AURO-3D Auro-Matic function up-mixes stereo content into a rich, three-dimensional soundscape, making even older media feel lifelike.
The soundbar also incorporates Yamaha’s Surround: AI, powered by the Qualcomm QCS407 64-bit processor, the same used in Yamaha’s premium AVENTAGE AV receivers. This technology analyzes audio in real-time, optimizing dialogue, music, and effects five times per second for a tailored, immersive experience.
The audio accessory has a newly developed eye-shaped speaker drivers that enhance cone strength and high-frequency clarity, minimizing distortion while delivering rich midrange tones. Paired with a Symmetrical Flare Port subwoofer and two wireless True X Speaker 3A units (as aforementioned), the system produces a robust 5.1.2 surround sound setup. The rear speakers, battery-powered and portable, can switch to Solo mode, functioning as standalone Bluetooth speakers for on-the-go use.
Unlike bulkier high-end soundbars, the True X Surround 90A maintains a slim 3.3-inch profile (2.8 inches when wall-mounted), ensuring it complements modern TVs without obstructing the screen. Its high-rigidity metal enclosure and vibration-dampening feet enhance acoustic precision while adding elegance to any living space.
Other features include integration of Yamaha’s MusicCast platform, enabling seamless streaming from services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Qobuz, Pandora, and SiriusXM via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirPlay 2. The intuitive MusicCast app allows users to control audio across compatible devices, creating a multi-room audio ecosystem.
Also Read: Amazon is Offering $500 Discount on Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar, Hurry Before It’s Gone
As reported by What Hi-Fi, which has conducted a hands-on review of the model, the soundbar system is set to launch in the U.S. this September. Gizmodo reports it to be priced at $3,500 (entire setup) or $2,800 for a standalone soundbar (without surround speakers). For more details, jump over to the official website of the USA Yamaha.
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