The new Yamaha MusicCast Bar 400 supports high-res audio as well as both Dolby and DTS. In addition, it lets you add optional surround speakers wirelessly via the MusicCast protocol.
Yamaha MusicCast Bar 400
Yamaha is expanding its line-up of audio products compatible with the MusicCast system that lets you connect additional speakers wirelessly. Besides multi-room music playback, MusicCast enables you to expand your TV audio system.
The Yamaha MusicCast Bar 400 is a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. Inside there are four woofers and dual tweeters for a total of 100W output (soundbar alone). It supports high-res audio as well as both Dolby Digital and DTS, including DTS Virtual:X that is meant to simulate a surround effect. However, it does not support DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, which is still reserves for Yamaha’s more expensive products.
You can expand the Yamaha soundbar to deliver 5.1 surround sound by adding wireless rear speakers in the form of either the Yamaha MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50. The added flexibility will surely be a welcomed feature in many households but of course it is – at least for now – limited to the Yamaha product family. Some other multi-room protocol allow you to mix and match speakers from different brands.
The company emphasized that Bar 400 offers Bluetooth, Apple Airplay, and Spotify Connect for music playback as well as Alexa voice compatibility (requires an Amazon Echo or Dot). It comes equipped with an HDMI input, HDMI output (with ARC), optical audio, and AUX.
In addition, it supports 4K and HDR pass-through, including for HLG and Dolby Vision. It can be connected to the home network via WiFi or Ethernet.
Yamaha wall also launch a more affordable Bar 40 with many of the same features but without the subwoofer.
The Yamaha Bar is meant to compete with mid-range soundbars from LG, Samsung, Sony, and others. It will be available in the US and Europe in September for $500 / €700, with the optional MusicCast 20 rear speaker selling for $230 / €230.
Yamaha Bar 400 (YAS-408) - specifications
- (Centre Unit) : Four 4.6 cm (1-3/4”) woofers, Dual 2.5 cm (1") tweeters, (Subwoofer) : 16 cm (6-1/2”) cone woofer - 3D surround sound with DTS Virtual:X - Clear Voice mode makes movie dialogue stand out and easier to hear - Alexa voice control compatibility* (*Availability varies by region) - Music streaming services built-in - MusicCast multi-room technology - Wireless subwoofer - Ability to add wireless surround sound speaker/s* (*MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50) - High-Resolution Audio - HDMI (ARC), optical, aux input, Ethernet connectivity
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