Yamaha True X system brings authentic Atmos sound

Looking for some home theatre kit that won’t tie you to a single room? The new Yamaha True X range aims to please with Dolby Atmos soundbars that can be expanded with optional satellite speakers, which also double as wireless speakers in their own right.

The line-up is headed by the top-tier SR-X50A soundbar, which comes with a separate wireless subwoofer in the box for plug-and play movie nights. The step-down SR-X40A foregoes the subwoofer to bring the price down, but you can add an SW-X100A sub later if you like. Hook up two WS-X1A wireless speakers and you’ve got a 4.1.2 Atmos surround sound setup

Both ‘bars have HDMI eARC outputs, HDMI in and optical audio connections, along with AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for wireless listening. There’s also Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect on-board, plus Amazon Alexa voice control built-in. Each plays nicely with Yamaha’s Sound Bar Controller smartphone app,

They mark the first time Yamaha has used racetrack-style speaker drivers in a soundbar, instead of the circular mid-range and tweeter combo found in previous models. The firm reckons each soundbar delivers a beefier sound as a result.

It’s the battery-powered WS-X1A wireless speakers that make this a flexible system: press the “Solo” button and each tiny cube-shaped speaker can go standalone, ready to be carried around (or outside) the house to stream sound from a paired Bluetooth device. They’re also IP67 water resistant, so don’t need to be rushed indoors should the heavens open during a garden party. Each one should manage up to 12 hours of playback, and charges over USB-C.

The Yamaha True X line-up is expected to go on sale in September. The SR-X50A should set you back £799/€899/, the SR-X40A £549/€599, the SW-X100A £299/€349, and each WS-X1A £149/€169. Everything will be available in a choice of Black, Carbon Grey and Light Grey colours. There’s currently no word on US pricing or availability.

Two bundles are also planned: one with an SR-X50A and two WS-X1A speakers, the other with an SR-X40A, SW-X100A and two WS-X1A speakers.

Related: What’s the best soundbar? TV sound for every screen and budget tested

About

A tech addict from about the age of three (seriously, he's got the VHS tapes to prove it), Tom's been writing about gadgets, games and everything in between for the past decade, with a slight diversion into the world of automotive in between. As Deputy Editor, Tom keeps the website ticking along, jam-packed with the hottest gadget news and reviews. When he's not on the road attending launch events, you can usually find him scouring the web for the latest news, to feed Stuff readers' insatiable appetite for tech.