Sound quality:
Yamaha's TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50ABL) 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, goes deep, but is a somewhat prominent and boomy, and a bit tubby. Midrange is somewhat hazy, and a bit grainy, congested, cup-like/plasticky. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat subdued and a bit smeared. Does a so-so 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. Individual instruments and voices can be identified, but have a two dimensional quality.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes have a significant effect on the sound quality.
5.1 channel
When 5.1 channel program material is played back in the Standard sound mode the sound field extends somewhat past the sides and above the soundbar, but still lacks depth. The various sound modes, Clear voice has a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to the first 3rd of the room but not directly overhead, and there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are two dimensional.
DTS-X
When playing DTS-X material 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 a bit above from the front of the room but not directly overhead, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are two dimensional.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Very good overall.
