Yamaha’s Under $ 200 Soundbars Seem To Take Crown Of Vizio’s Budget

Yamaha has added two soundbars under $ 200 to its lineup, the SR-C20A and SR-B20A, which offer an all-in-one design and HDMI connectivity. The models also include Bluetooth.

The $ 180 C20A is the compact option at 23 inches long and 2.5 inches, and it includes an “integrated subwoofer” and two passive radiators. It offers four different sound modes (standard, stereo, game, movie), in addition to a virtual surround mode.

Still, for a little over $ 200, the B20A appears to be the top pick, as it would be an update to the older YAS-108 with a similar design and lack of Amazon. Alexa. (The YAS-109, released in 2019, has voice assistant on board but costs more at $ 220). This 35-inch 20A includes two built-in subwoofers, as well as an expansion function that Yamaha launched several years ago – Virtual DTS: X. At this price, only the Vice V21 has this sound mode and it’s one of the most awesome ways I’ve heard to boost movie immersion without adding speakers.

The soundbars can be controlled with your existing TV remote control (HDMI CEC), the remote included in the box or the company’s Sound Bar Controller app for smartphone control. The two soundbars can be wall mounted via integrated keyholes.

Yamaha faces tough price competition, with the excellent Vizio V21 debuting at $ 180 earlier this month. The Vizio overtakes the Yamaha for features with a dedicated wireless subwoofer and (admittedly odd) voice assistant input. Still, if you want something more compact without the need to place a soundbar, the Yamahas offer an intriguing alternative.

The $ 200 SR-B20A will be available in late summer, while the $ 180 SR-C20A will be available in early fall.