TRIED AND TRUE - Yamaha True X SR-X50A

Yamaha's soundbar bundle delivers all you could need, including one of the best subwoofers at this price

Yamaha, the brand that kicked off the entire 'soundbar' thing in the first Y place, is back in the Dolby Atmos soundbar game - and with a modular system it calls 'True X'. It consists of a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar, a wireless subwoofer and battery-powered wireless speakers. So has the wait for Yamaha's return to Dolby Atmos soundbar action been worth it?

Received wisdom is that a center-channel speaker driver is essential in a Dolby Atmos soundbar - after all, the centre channel handles dialogue. But Yamaha's engineers have gone for a 4.1.2-channel arrangement, as it allows for a wider sound and better bass drivers.

This lack of a dedicated centre channel doesn't seem to hold the Yamaha SXR-X40A soundbar back in the slightest. No matter if the scene is purely dialogue, or if it's a verbal exchange in the midst of a colossal fire-fight, speech is detailed and distinct.