Yamaha has re-entered the flagship soundbar market with the True X Surround 90A, a $3,500 system featuring a wireless subwoofer, portable surround speakers, and Auro-3D support. The WIRED review praises its detailed audio performance but criticizes setup complexities and limited features. After a week of testing, the reviewer remains undecided on its value.
Yamaha, a veteran in soundbars for over 20 years, shifted away from top-tier models after 2015 but now returns with the ambitious True X Surround 90A. This package includes the main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two fully wireless True X Speaker 3A surrounds that double as portable Bluetooth speakers with IP67 water- and dustproof rating and 12-hour battery life. Priced at $3,500, it marks Yamaha's first soundbar with Auro-3D immersive audio, typically reserved for high-end AV receivers.
Setup proves tricky, requiring the full user manual and the MusicCast app for Wi-Fi connectivity, streaming access, and advanced menus. The soundbar weighs nearly 25 pounds, features a metal design with six beam height drivers, and offers basic controls via remote, but deeper adjustments need onscreen navigation. Ports are limited to one HDMI input, an HDMI ARC/eARC output, optical input, Ethernet, and a service USB port—no analog stereo or additional HDMI inputs, disappointing for the price.
Audio performance stands out for clarity and nuance across volumes. In Dolby Atmos tests like clips from Unbroken and Ford v Ferrari, it outperformed a $3,000 Sonos Arc Ultra setup in surround placement and detail, revealing shouts amid chaos and realistic engine roars. However, height effects feel subtle due to the main bar handling all elevation, and center-channel dialog lacks clarity even with Clear Voice mode active—users cannot adjust the center level independently, only subwoofer and surrounds.
Gaming support includes 4K/60 Hz with Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+, and ALLM, but lacks VRR pass-through and limits 120-Hz to 1080p. Streaming options are restricted: AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, but no Google Cast, Alexa Cast, or Roon; MusicCast app supports Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, SiriusXM, and Pandora. Modes like Surround:AI and 3D Music excel for movies and concerts but require frequent tweaks without presets or room correction.
The reviewer notes, “After spending a week with it, I’m still on the fence as to whether I think it’s worth it.” Strengths in immersion and flexibility appeal to enthusiasts, but omissions like input scarcity and control limitations temper enthusiasm for this pricey addition to home theaters.