Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar With Built-In Subwoofers (Detailed Review)

You've landed on the right page! Here is a detailed review of Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar With Built-In Subwoofers.

Before we get into our Yamaha Audio YAS-109 Soundbar Review, it's worth noting that Yamaha doesn't need much of an introduction. They are one of those companies that is so well managed that everything they touch seems to be a huge success.

They have evolved over the course of their more than a century and a half in business. It also included the motorcycle manufacturing business until they were split off into separate entities.

At the forefront of Yamaha, today is their involvement in music. It was founded on music, and even the logo has three intertwined tuning forks. They have 64 subsidiaries and work in all aspects of music creation and reproduction.

Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar With Built-In Subwoofers Overview

The YAS-109 is beginning to elevate home entertainment to a whole new level. At first glance, it may appear to be a standard soundbar. But you quickly realize that it is much more than that. It has many basic features that you might expect, but it also has some that you might not expect.

As an example, there is a young lady named Alexa who is hiding somewhere inside. We haven't found her because we haven't looked. She must be quite petite. All you have to do is ask her to find your favorite song or artist, and she will go out and get it for you. Then she plays it from Amazon Music for you.

Minimalistic, but far from primitive. Yamaha quality sound for your favorite movies, music, and games – all from a sound bar that can be placed discreetly in front of your TV or rotated for a low-profile wall mount.

Using the built-in Alexa voice control, you can manage your sound bar, smart home devices, and Amazon shopping list by simply asking. With a simple connection to your TV, setup is a breeze, and Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly stream music and other media.

1. Alexa voice command

All you have to do with Alexa voice control integration is ask. The YAS-109 includes Alexa voice control, allowing you to easily control your sound bar, smart home devices, music, and more.

2. Immersive 3D sound

Take your home theater experience to the next level with sound that comes from above and all around you. The DTS Virtual:X technology in the YAS-109 immerses the audience in exhilarating 3D surround sound from a single bar solution.

3. Music that flows seamlessly

Simply connect your Bluetooth device to the YAS-109 and begin wirelessly streaming your favorite music or video sound to your sound bar.

4. Easy to install, easy to use

The YAS-109 provides the instant upgrade to your TV sound that you've been looking for without requiring a complex system. One cable connects to the power outlet, and the other to your television. You can even use your TV remote control with HDMI-CEC for added convenience.

5. Turn up the bass.

Experience the action blockbuster with immersive audio that you can truly feel. The bass extension feature adds low frequency effects to explosions and car engines, putting you right in the middle of the action.

6. All-in-one design

Simple and elegant. With dual built-in subwoofers, the YAS-109 produces exhilarating, full-range sound. To add to its adaptability, the YAS-109 can be found sitting in front of a TV on an entertainment unit or mounted on a wall beneath a TV.

7. A Loud Voice

Have you ever found it difficult to hear the conversation and lose track of what's going on? With the Clear Voice mode enabled, improved dialog clarity means you'll never miss a crucial scene or plot twist again.

8. All your music

Connecting your sound bar to your Wi-Fi network enables you to browse and stream music from all your connected smart devices including a PC, laptop, NAS (Network-Attached Storage) or smartphone.

YAMAHA YAS 109: THE BUILD

The build and design, like most things Yamaha, have a certain quality to them. This is true even for their low-cost products. This soundbar is constructed of a tough plastic shell that is covered with an attractive but durable textile covering.

It has a distinct style. It has a simple design, but that is deceiving when you consider what is going on inside. On the top of the unit, there is a display of controls that is almost hidden. It measures 37 inches long, 5 inches high, and 7 inches deep.

When you see a soundbar, it is usually as part of a home theater system. If it is not part of a system, it will usually have a subwoofer attached for lower frequencies. The YAS 109 is designed to provide a complete audio experience. This holds true across the board, with no need for additional assistance.

Two one-inch dome tweeters and two two-inch cone tweeters for the mids are housed within the soundbar. There are also two three-inch cone speakers. These serve as the subwoofer, and a port is located on one end of the soundbar.

YAMAHA YAS 109: THE EXTRAS

So let’s return to the elusive Alexa. She's been tucked away in the soundbar to allow you to control features and functions with your voice. If you ask her nicely, she will even answer your questions. We have to be honest and say that we can't predict how she will react to an accent or whether she will understand it.

But the idea is that things can happen without you leaving your chair or even reaching for the remote. However, there will be no tea and biscuits. Perhaps someone is working on it. Are we becoming lazy, or is this just the next step before the machines take over?

Perhaps they have already taken over. In Greek, the name Alexa means ‘Defender.' Perhaps that is another of her defensive abilities.

YAMAHA YAS 109: THE CONTROLS

The setup is easy. As previously stated, you can use either HDMI or Optical connections located on the back of the device. There is also an app that acts as a soundbar controller. Simply put, download it. It will perform functions that are very similar to those of the remote control, which we can see now.

When you're sick of Alexa, the remote control is a welcome addition to the system. It's small and only has a few basic functions, but it does have some interesting ones.

It has six EQ settings in total, as well as source selection options and a Clear Voice button. There's even a button to call Alexa if you're uncomfortable talking to a speaker cabinet.

Alternative Video: Yamaha YS 109 Smart Soundbar With Built In Subwoofer

YAMAHA YAS 109: THE SOUND

Logic dictates that the bass and low frequencies on this soundbar will not be as effective as a true subwoofer. It is simply not possible to deliver a deep, resonant bass without the proper specifications. The built-in subwoofers in this soundbar provide adequate depth for their size.

And, given the size of the acoustic space and the size of the speakers, they're actually quite impressive. However, as previously stated, they cannot compete with a large-coned subwoofer. The sound, on the other hand, has depth, and with the bass extension option, it has some depth without really shaking the room.

Other aspects of the sound experience are truly outstanding. DTS Virtual generates a massive surround sound experience. Previously, surround sound required speakers to be installed in the ceiling or pointing upwards. The sound had a sense of height as a result of this.

DTS Virtual generates a new surround sound experience, complete with the illusion of height. As a result, while the dialogue remains focused in front of you, other sounds surround you. Very astute. The sound is also quite punchy, with this soundbar producing a total of 120 watts.

YAMAHA AUDIO YAS-109 PROS & CONS

PROS

• Quality stylish design.
• Alexa Compatible.
• DTS Virtual surround sound.
• Features Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue in movies.
• Plenty of connections.

CONS

• Does not have the bass of a full-on subwoofer system. But it does have an additional Sub out connection if you want to add one?

CONCLUSION

This is an excellent soundbar and an excellent buy at the price point. With its understated design, it is quite stylish and will not look out of place.

Our only concern is for those who enjoy a deep, throbbing bass. It is not noticeable in music, and the bass extension adds a nice deeper aspect. However, for movies, it sacrifices some of what the soundtrack could provide. Some may not consider this a disadvantage because, in many cases, there is simply too much depth.

However, there will be some that prefer the real depth, and in that case, this soundbar is a little limited. Nevertheless, it is an excellent addition to your home sound experience and is worth the cost just for the DTS Virtual surround sound.

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