Sound quality:
Yamaha's True X Bar 40A 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 tone controls set to provide the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. The midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy and a bit grainy and muffled. Treble is somewhat subdued and smeared and the upper treble is muted. This model does a decent job of recovering room ambience but the overall sound is somewhat congested. With stereo program material the two channel sound field extends a bit above and to the sides of the speaker array, and lacks depth.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, WiFi, and Bluetooth inputs.
Multichannel
With multi-channel material played in the Standard sound mode the sound field is wider and taller than with stereo program material.
Dolby Atmos
When Dolby Atmos material is played back in the Movie sound mode the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no sense of depth and there was no rear surround effect; sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes
Regardless of the type of program material being played the other sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Very good overall.
