Yamaha has a long history of creating soundbars that simulate real surround sound and some of their creations have impressed us immensely. With the YAS-207, Yamaha use DTS Virtual:X for the first time as a surround simulator, which attempts to convince us that the soundscape also has a height dimension.
The HDMI input fully supports 4K image signals, but a straightforward display is lacking. Instead, Yamaha uses small LEDs that highlight selected input and audio mode.
Sound quality
The subwoofer is more powerful than what Philips, Panasonic, and Creative deliver. You get a more powerful and bass heavy sound, despite this a double bass does not sound very musical. It lacks the refinement in the bass for that. But it’s not wrong, as we think music in stereo works pretty well. With wireless Bluetooth as well. A little air is missing on the top, and cymbals and string instruments do not sound quite airy and supple enough. It sounds a little “grey”. The Music mode gives you a little more treble and you can also use Clear Voice to reveal details. The downside is that it sounds harder.
The Yamaha shines when watching movies, since the soundscape in Movie mode is larger in dimension than some of the other soundboards – including Samsung, Sony and LG. You get the sense of height, and on film we prefer to enable the Bass Extension, which provides a deeper and more forceful bass. This works poorly with music, as it sounds too coloured and limp. But film and especially games work brilliantly.
Conclusion
Yamaha YSP-207 shines with a large soundscape on film, which by far provides a sense of surround and also opens up the soundscape in height. The soundbar is among the most powerful in its class, which makes it awesome on movies and games. Music can sometimes sound somewhat crackly in the top, but overall works well.
Except for the lack of display, this is a successful soundbar and a good buy.