Yamaha Electronics has expanded the range of Bluetooth Soundbars with the launch of new SR-C20A and SR-B20A models. The two Yamaha sound bars are respectively inserted in the entry-level segment and immediately below the YAS-109, similar in many respects to the SR-B20A but equipped with integrated microphones that allow you to use the Alexa voice assistant, not supported here.
Yamaha SR-C20A
Yamaha soundbar SR-C20A is characterized by compact dimensions: it measures 600 (W) × 64 (H) × 94 (D) millimeters. Yamaha describes it as a tool to improve not only the sound of a TV but also that of a monitor, precisely because of its small footprint.
This Bluetooth sound bar houses two full-range speakers with a 4.6 cm cone, an integrated subwoofer with a 7.5 cm cone, and two passive radiators. The declared power is equal to 20 W x 2 plus 60 W for the subwoofer for a total of 100 W in total.
The SR-C20A can recreate a virtual surround effect and relies on Dolby Audio; therefore, it is capable of handling tracks in Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II format. The Clear Voice function allows you to increase the intelligibility of dialogues, making them stand out from the background noise. The user then has four listening modes available, optimized for as many scenarios. We find Stereo (music), Standard (TV shows), Movie (movies) and Game (for video games).
Connectivity includes an HDMI output with ARC (the audio return channel), two optical digital inputs, an analog input on a 3.5mm jack, and Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, SBC, and AAC. Thanks to the Yamaha Sound Bar Remote application you can control all the functions of the device via mobile. However, the remote control is supplied.
Yamaha SR-C20A Bluetooth Soundbar has been priced at $179.95 and it is now available to pre-order via the Bhphotovideo.com website.
Yamaha SR-B20A
B20A Bluetooth soundbars, on the other hand, comes in a more conventional guise with its 910 (L) × 53 (H) × 131 (D) millimeters. The configuration of the internal components is also different. There are two 5.5cm cone woofers, two 2.5cm tweeters, a double 7.5cm subwoofer, and a double bass reflex port. The declared power is 30 W x 2 plus 60 W overall for the subwoofers for a total of 120 W.
The higher-end model recreates the virtual surround effect using DTS Virtual:X technology. The difference from Dolby Audio is the ability to expand the sound vertically as well. DTS is added to the formats supported by the C20A. The rest of the equipment basically follows what we have already described for the C20A with the exception of connectivity. The B20A forgoes the analog input but provides the output for connecting an external subwoofer.
Yamaha SR-B20A price is slightly higher, $199.95, and it is also available to pre-order through the Bhphotovideo.com store.
Last month, Samsung Electronics announced the release of two new Q-series Soundbars. These are Premium Wireless Soundbar models: HW-Q900T, and HW-Q950T.
