Yamaha SR-B20A

Soundbars / Basic Soundbars

A basic sound bar with 2.0 non-surround channels.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Soundbars

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use (TV)

/ 5

Ease of use (Features)

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Type (bar or base)

/ 5

Surround sound system

/ 5

WIFI audio streaming content

/ 5

Built-in digital assistant / voice control

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: Yamaha's SR-B20A delivers sound quality that fall in the Good range. In the Stereo sound mode table mounted bass has good impact, but is slightly prominent and tubby and doesn't go deep. Midrange is somewhat grainy, a bit thin, hazy, and edgy. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat dry and slightly thin, smeared, and sizzly. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience, and sounds a bit congested. With stereo program material sound field extends a bit above and somewhat beyond the width of the speaker array, but lacks front to back depth. The various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. With 5.1 channel program material the Stereo sound mode the sound field extends somewhat above, and well beyond the width of the soundbar, but still lacks depth. The various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth inputs. Note: when wall mounted the midrange becomes more even, but more hazy; the overall score drops in quality but remains in the Good range. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.

TV ease of use: Acceptable overall.

Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.

About

A basic soundbar system with 2.0 non-surround channels which are expandable to 2.1 non-surround channels. The SR-B20A features Bluetooth wireless audio connectivity.

Features & Specs

Features

No. of channels

2 non-surround expandable to 2.1 non-surround

Number of speakers, as supplied

Active subwoofer

Wireless subwoofer

Wireless surround speakers

WiFi audio streaming platform

WiFi streaming audio services

WiFi video streaming platform

Optional multi-room sharing

Has On Screen Display (OSD) Feature

Audio USB host mode

Dolby Atmos

DTS:X

Simulated surround sound

Virtual surround sound

Yes

Dialog enhancement

Yes

Has "Night" Mode and/or Dynamic Range Compression

Yes

Tone adjustments

Bass Boost, Subwoofer level

Built-in digital assistant mic mute indicator

Works with the following digital assistant(s)

None

Programmable to respond to TV remote controls

Can respond to remote controls from TVs with HDMI ARC CEC

Yes

Universal remote

Available app remote control(s)

Yamaha Sound Bar Remote

App operating system(s)

Apple, Android

Maximum pass-through HDMI video resolution

HDR video HDMI pass-through

Dolby Vision video HDMI pass-through

Auto speaker calibration

Speaker set-up test tone function

Updatable software/firmware

Yes

Sound bar/base is wall-mountable

Yes

Included surround speakers are wall-mountable

Included accessories

Remote Control, Digital audio optical connecting cable, free Yamaha Sound Bar Remote app download for Apple and Android mobile devices.

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

24/24

Other features

Since the subwoofer is not a separate unit this model is considered to be a 2.0 channel system.

Specs

Height (in.)

2.75

Width (in.)

35.75

Depth (in.)

5.25

Subwoofer dimensions (HxWxD)

Side surround speaker dimensions (HxWxD)

Rear surround speaker dimensions (HxWxD)

Connections

HDMI in (quantity)

Digital audio optical (input)

Yes

Stereo Analog Audio In (RCA jack)

Stereo Analog Audio In (3.5mm jack)

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Yes

Bluetooth (input)

Yes

Bluetooth (output)

Wireless connection via Bluetooth to many Bluetooth capable TVs

Wireless connection via Bluetooth to some Bluetooth capable TVs of the same brand

USB port

Yes

WiFi connection

LAN connection

Wireless connection via WiFi to some WiFi capable TVs of the same brand

Other connections

USB port used for firmware updates only.

HDMI Out

HDMI ARC

Price & Shop

Yamaha SR-B20A

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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