Yamaha SR-B20A Soundbar

Overview

Mounting on a wall with the supplied template or standing on a tabletop, this soundbar packs its subwoofers inside the bar itself, so there is no separate box to place. It accepts a TV, console, computer or phone.

Built-in bass drivers and a slim body are the reason to buy: low frequencies come from the bar, and the optical cable and wall template are in the box. The limits are that surround is created by processing, and the page carries stray entries such as Wi-Fi and a battery life that do not fit a soundbar.

Who it's for

Small living rooms and desk or console setups with a TV, game system or PC to connect suit the compact bar. Buyers chasing room-filling bass, or true surround from physical speakers, should look at a larger system.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

Bass comes from drivers built into the bar, so its depth is limited by the cabinet volume. Virtual surround works by processing the signal to suggest sound from beyond the bar, so the effect depends on room shape and seating position. Connection choice matters too, since a digital link carries the signal without conversion.

Specifications