Sound quality: Yamaha's ATS-1090 has acceptable overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Stereo sound mode with the bass extension set to off and the subwoofer level control set to provide the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact, but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy, and the deepest bass is lacking. The midrange is somewhat grainy, and a bit hazy, nasal, plasticky, and thin. The treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat sizzly and a bit smeared and papery. This model does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but the overall sound is a bit congested. With stereo program material the two channel sound field extends somewhat above and a bit to the sides of the speaker array, and lacks depth. With multi-channel material played in the Movie sound mode the sound field is wider and taller than with stereo program material. Regardless of the type of program material being played the various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, WiFi, and Bluetooth inputs.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Very good overall.
