For those looking to take a serious step up from their TV's built-in speakers, the Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar and wireless subwoofer combo hits the sweet spot. It delivers the powerful bass and clear dialogue that transforms movie night, without the complexity or cost of a high-end audio system.
Yamaha leverages its deep audio expertise to create a soundbar focused on performance and practicality. With features like Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue and a dedicated subwoofer for impactful bass, the YAS-209 is built for a better cinematic experience. This review explores if this focus on core audio quality makes it the best soundbar in its class.
PROS
- Excellent sound quality for the price
- Powerful, impactful wireless subwoofer
- Clear Voice feature is great for movies
- Built-in Amazon Alexa
CONS
- Understated, basic design
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support
- App can be a bit clunky
Yamaha YAS-209
A fantastic soundbar and subwoofer combo that delivers rich, powerful sound and clear dialogue for a truly cinematic experience.
Design and Setup: Simple and Unobtrusive
The YAS-209 features a simple, low-profile design that will blend in with any home theater setup. It's wrapped in a clean black fabric grille and is short enough to fit under most TVs without blocking the screen. The wireless subwoofer is a simple black box that can be placed anywhere in the room. Setup is a breeze: connect the soundbar to your TV via HDMI-ARC, plug in both the bar and the subwoofer, and they connect automatically.
Sound Quality: Clear, Powerful, and Immersive
This is where the YAS-209 excels. The sound is a massive upgrade over TV speakers, offering a wide soundstage and excellent clarity. Yamaha's "Clear Voice" feature is a standout, lifting dialogue out of the mix so you never miss a word. The wireless subwoofer adds the deep, rumbling bass that brings action movies and music to life. While it lacks true Dolby Atmos, the DTS Virtual:X processing does a commendable job of creating a sense of height and immersion, making the sound feel much larger than the bar itself.
Features: Smart and Connected
The YAS-209 comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy music streaming. With Spotify Connect and Amazon Music built-in, you can play your favorite tunes directly through the soundbar. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa is a major bonus, allowing you to control the soundbar, ask questions, and manage smart home devices with your voice, no extra Echo device needed.
With its powerful bass and dialogue-enhancing technology, the Yamaha YAS-209 makes every movie night feel like a trip to the theater.
The Verdict: The Mid-Range Champion
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a fantastic soundbar for anyone looking for a significant audio upgrade without breaking the bank. It focuses on the fundamentals—clear dialogue, powerful bass, and a wide soundstage—and executes them brilliantly. The addition of smart features like built-in Alexa makes it an even more compelling value.
If you want a simple, effective, and powerful sound system that will transform your TV viewing experience, the YAS-209 is one of the best and most highly recommended options on the market.