YAS-201

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

I used this Yamaha to replace a very rare Niro1 single-point surround system that died. At 1/4 the cost of the Niro, wasn't expecting the world... and while there are some things I miss, I'm very impressed with the Yamaha's performance for the money.

In stereo mode, the speakers provide enough separation to get a good feel for the stereo image of a mix, be it music or film. The subwoofer provides enough bass to make itself known but not overwhelm the sound, as it should be. Many reviewers complain that it isn't powerful enough, but from a technical standpoint, the sub's output is true to the audio and fills out the mix very well. My main complaint isn't with the sub, but instead with the lack of tweeters. With only two drivers, the crispness and clarity of some high frequencies get flattened out and disappear into the mix.

With only two drivers, (as opposed to the 5-7 that the Niro and other higher end bars have), the surround processing is not that impressive. Don't get me wrong, it's much better than the speakers that came with your TV... but it doesn't really "fill the room" with sound like multi-driver one-point systems can. Be sure to use stereo mode for all two-channel listening... leaving it in surround results in a midrange-heavy "phasey" sort of sound.

It may sound like I'm not happy, but I'm just very particular about sound. It does sound very good, especially for the price.

As to the design, it's just brilliant. There's no central amplifier to worry about, no complicated menus or adjustments, just two optical inputs and a very simple and straightforward remote. That it also learns your TV's remote and relays the IR through the rear panel is also a brilliant feature. The simplicity and overall appearance are excellent.

In the end, while it doesn't quite match my $1400 multi-driver soundbar's audio performance, it still makes great sound, and in many ways is a lot easier to live with and enjoy - especially at 1/4 the price.

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

For a 2.1 sound bar, the YAS-201 offers excellent sound. It definitely enhances the TV sound. I wish the mute button on the remote could be transferred to my cable remote. This is a definite disadvantage. To use the mute button, this forces us to a 2 remote system which defeats the purpose of the "learn" technology. Also, the bass at it's highest setting is still low. Yamaha, is there any to overclock the subwoofer to increase the volume?

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

Sound quality is great. Clear Voice feature keeps all voices audible so you don't miss one-off phrases. Univoice feature keeps volume uniform from commercial to commercial. Surround sound replication best heard in a small living room. Do not buy if you have a large living room. The bass is nice for low ends and 'quiet rumbles' but is lacking in overall oomph given the size of the subwoofer. Very simple to connect to TV. Sometimes, the wireless subwoofer interferes with the wireless signal on my computer, which is annoying. All in all, however, this is a great soundbar system value given the price vs. the quality of what you get. You can train the remote to learn the volume setting on your other remote, but you can't tell when you've reached the highest volume, which is annoying.

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

I purchased this Yamaha soundbar to enhance the sound of everyday programming. It has exceeded my expectations. I don't know how I watched TV without it. It was very simple to install and set up.
I also bought the YIT w12 wireless transmitter which lets me play my IPOD music. Wow, that's incredible!!!

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

Am enjoying this system since it does add significant dimension to my HDTV speakers. However, I selected this Yamaha system as a compromise since my room is too open to allow cabling for a high quality 5.1/7.1 surround system, and I watch very few action movies (or Blue-Ray DVD's). I consider this Yamaha system an excellent value and a good compromise. In the future, I will be looking for a full surround system with all wireless speakers.

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

Only con is no hookup for Ipod.

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

I bought the Yamaha YAS-201 two days before Christmas to compliment my first HD tv. After opening presents Christmas morning, my family watched Brave, first movie watched with soundbar, and everyone was impressed with the sound quality especially the subwoofer. Due to lack of wireless capabilities, the only con it has, I use my Apple tv to stream movies and music and I couldn't be happier with this product.

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

I wanted theatre quality sound to go with my HDTV. The YAS-201 fills the bill!

Comments about Yamaha yas-201_black_u:

This is a great product. Looks good with the tv. Doesn't stand out to far from where your flat screen will sit on the wall. The sub is wireless and works great. Can just move it around to where is best for your house. This gives great sound for what it is. If you are looking to rattle your house this isn't the system for you. But it does give really nice clear sound and bass for normal tv and movie watchers. Hardcore enthusiasts will be better off with a bigger system. But for anyone who wants to just make there big screen have good sound since the tv speakers are garbage this is a great piece of equipment. Yamaha always delivers good quality products.