Even the most undemanding user to the sound one day desires to replace the built-in speakers in the TV with better acoustics. However, not everyone is ready to shell out for a home theater kit. In addition, a decent area is required to accommodate components.
In this case, it is logical to pay attention to the soundbar: a compact and practical solution.
In his best
The soundbar will easily fit into the interior of even a small studio. It has a thin body 6 cm thick, and there is always a place for it under the TV on the cabinet. The soundbar is small, and it is logical to use it in tandem with not the largest TV: from 40 to 50 inches. Alternatively, you can hang the soundbar on the wall using a couple of plastic spacers and screws from the kit. At the same time, use a cheat sheet with a template for accurate installation – everything is thought out, you don’t have to spend a lot of time on installation.
It is easy to assess the aesthetics of the soundbar: it is minimalistic, black, with pleasantly rounded edges, and the body is covered with acoustic fabric. In general, a versatile option for the home with a minimum of wires. Once connected, configured – and everything works well.
The soundbar has large rubberized legs. It will not slip on the surface, while the glossy surface will not scratch.
Bass reflex holes are located on the sides, so it is better not to overlap them with interior elements.
Easy connection
I want to start with the fact that the power cable is connected directly, there is no bulky power supply, which sometimes has to be hidden behind furniture so as not to spoil the view. The plug is hidden in a special hole – a trifle, but convenient. There is a similar one for connecting cables – the space is used efficiently.
Then we select the method of sound transmission to the soundbar. Choose from HDMI with ARC support, a pair of optical inputs, and Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC and AAC support. Plus, there is a USB port, but it is necessary to update the firmware and not listen to songs from a flash drive.
You can control all this business through remote control and by touching the touch keys on the front panel of the soundbar.
For clarity, the selected mode is highlighted, and the backlight can be turned off if it interferes. Or you can choose between two levels of backlighting: brighter or darker. For a complete picture, I would like to get a screen indicating the selected operating mode and volume level.
But I liked the sound control through the SoundBar Remote app better. It is available for both iOS and Android. Through it, sound profiles are configured, the volume changes – everything you need is collected in one place.
Impressive sound
So, the soundbar gives out 120 watts; 75 mm subwoofers give half. Another 30 watts comes from a pair of 55 mm mid-range speakers and 30 watts from a pair of 25 mm tweeters. The volume margin is sufficient for a room of about 20 meters – for a larger area, it is better to look at more powerful devices.
After switching from the TV speakers to the soundbar, the difference is immediately noticeable. The voices of the actors sound differently. What is happening on the screen is filled with life, plus even a large margin of volume and no loss in quality. Moreover, on the Yamaha SR-B20A, you can watch movies with high-quality audio and listen to music and get pleasant emotions.
There is no separate “subwoofer” I approve of outrageous minimalism: there is not always a place for a subwoofer in a room. However, if you wish, you can connect an active wired subwoofer via a separate input. Here everything depends on your capabilities and available space. Additional rear wireless speakers cannot be connected. Keep this in mind. But the built-in subwoofer is excellent: the bass for the basic soundbar is dense and juicy, pleased.
Of course, in addition to the “standard” sound, there are additional audio profiles, a total of four audio modes: “Stereo,” “Standard,” “Cinema,” “Game.” Plus, three additional technologies can be activated to enhance the surround sound effect.
The Clear Voice mode enhances the voice, so the actors are heard better while watching the video. True, at the same time, the overall sound picture is enhanced. If we add Bass Extension, then we get an enhanced low-frequency range. The soundbar is expected “bass.” There is also a 3D Surround option to create the effect of complete immersion in what is happening. The sound becomes brighter and more saturated.
With 3D Surround, the sound becomes the most interesting – at least I liked this setting more than others. We get great bass and clear, bright highs.
How much does Yamaha SR-B20A cost?
The Yamaha SR-B20A soundbar costs $199.95 on Amazon. You can get the best deal from here.
Opinion
For my taste, the soundbar turned out to be just right. The Yamaha SR-B20A has several auxiliary modes. It reproduces both mid and high frequencies well. The soundbar does a decent job even with lows – of course, given the fact that it does not have an external subwoofer. It easily fits into the interior, reproduces the sound of high quality, and fully fulfills its price, replacing the speakers built into the TV and delivering new emotions.
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