Yamaha has expanded its True X soundbar lineup with the introduction of its new flagship models: the True X Surround 90A ($3,499) and the True X 90A ($2,799). Both soundbars share the same core features and internal components, but the Surround 90A includes a pair of wireless rear surround speakers, while the standard 90A leaves them as an optional add-on.
The 90A models build on the foundation of the True X Bar 50A and 40A, offering noticeable upgrades in acoustic design and processing. These include newly developed front-channel speakers, Yamaha’s proprietary sound beam height speakers for enhanced vertical imaging, and the company’s exclusive Surround:AI technology, which analyzes content in real time and optimizes the spatial effects accordingly.
One of the most notable additions is support for AURO-3D, making the 90A soundbars the first in the category to offer native playback of the immersive audio format. Auro-3D has long been favored by audiophiles for its ability to up-mix stereo and multichannel content into a three-dimensional sound field without relying heavily on artificial DSP. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support are also included, ensuring compatibility across modern formats.
Other features include Yamaha’s MusicCast multi-room platform, wireless streaming, HDMI eARC, and control via the Yamaha Sound Bar Remote app. Wrapped in a slim, understated chassis, the True X 90A series focuses on delivering precise, immersive sound without excessive bulk or unnecessary embellishment.
From Alex Sadeghian, director of consumer audio at Yamaha: “The True X Surround 90A represents an exciting step forward in sound bar design,…Yamaha pioneered the sound bar category over 20 years ago with our sound beam technology, and we’ve been refining it ever since. We’ve now brought this together with engineering know-how from our AV receivers and brand-new innovations to deliver an experience that defies expectations for the sound bar category.
The True X Surround 90A package includes the soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, two wireless surround speakers with charging cradles, and wall-mount brackets. As noted earlier, the True X 90A ships without the surround speakers, but they remain compatible and can be added later through an optional purchase.
True X 90A Series Delivers Practical Design with Flexible Surround Setup
The 90A offers a well-balanced blend of clarity, dynamics, and spaciousness from a slim soundbar design that fits easily into most living spaces. It can sit on a stand in front of a TV without obstructing the screen or be wall-mounted for a cleaner, low-profile look. The bar stands 3.3 inches tall on a surface and measures just 2.8 inches in height when wall-mounted.
To achieve a slim profile without compromising sound quality, Yamaha engineered new eye-shaped full-range drivers for the front left, center, and right channels. By refining the driver structure and magnetic circuitry, they improved cone rigidity and high-frequency detail. The design supports rich midrange reproduction and high output levels while using fewer drivers, helping to minimize acoustic interference and maintain clarity across the front soundstage.
True X 90A Height Channels Deliver Enhanced Vertical Immersion
More than two decades after introducing the YSP-1—the first soundbar to use Digital Sound Projection—Yamaha has refined the technology for the True X Surround 90A and True X 90A. Both models feature twelve high-performance amplifiers (six per side) driving DSP-controlled beam speakers that precisely direct sound to create convincing height effects. Unlike traditional up-firing drivers, Yamaha’s beam-based approach offers more flexible and effective vertical imaging. This results in an immersive sound field optimized for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and AURO-3D content.
Portable and Flexible Wireless Surround Sound with True X Speakers
Unlike typical wireless surround speakers, the two True X Speaker 3As included with the Surround 90A are genuinely portable—they can run on wired power or their built-in rechargeable batteries. They also switch easily between Surround mode and Solo mode, transforming into standalone Bluetooth® speakers for use anywhere at home or on the move.
Pro Tip: You can add True X Speaker 3As to the standard 90A soundbar to upgrade it to a full immersive surround system.
Yamaha Surround:AI Enables Smarter Spatial Sound Optimization
Alongside Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and AURO-3D support, the 90A soundbars feature Yamaha Surround:AI, an intelligent audio optimization system. It analyzes incoming audio in real time—five times per second—to enhance critical elements like dialogue, music, ambient sounds, and effects. This dynamic processing is driven by the same high-performance Qualcomm QCS407 processor found in Yamaha’s flagship AVENTAGE AV receivers since 2021, ensuring precise and responsive spatial sound adjustment.
Enhanced Bass Performance with Refined Wireless Subwoofer Design
The included wireless subwoofer features Yamaha’s exclusive Symmetrical Flare Port technology, developed using advanced Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) analysis to optimize airflow. The symmetrical horizontal and vertical port design ensures smooth air release during bass playback, significantly reducing port noise by up to 20 dB compared to conventional non-flared ports. This results in powerful, clean, and deeply resonant bass performance.
Streaming, Multi-Room Audio, and App Control for Seamless Connectivity
The 90A soundbars support Yamaha’s MusicCast platform, enabling wireless access to popular streaming services like Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and TIDAL Connect. Bluetooth connectivity is also included for flexible device pairing. Supported streaming services cover Spotify, Apple Music (via AirPlay), Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Qobuz, Pandora, SiriusXM, Deezer, Internet Radio, and more. All functions can be managed through the intuitive, free MusicCast Controller app. Additionally, the 90As can be integrated with other MusicCast-enabled devices for seamless whole-home audio streaming.
Comparison
| True X Surround 90A (2025) True X 90A (2025) | True X Bar 50A (2023) | True X Bar 40A (2023) | |
| Model Number | SR-X90APKBL SR-X90ABL | SR-X50A | SR-X40A |
| MSRP | $3,499 $2,799 | $699 | $499 |
| Total Power | 630 Watts | 280 Watts | 180 Watts |
| Power Output | Front L/R 100 W × 2 Center 100 W Height L/R 2.5 W × 12 Rear (Not Indicated) Subwoofer: 100W | Front L/R: 30 W × 2 Height L/R: 30 W × 2 Built-in subwoofer: 30 W × 2, Subwoofer: 100W | 180 W Total (Front L/R: 30 W × 2 Height L/R: 30 W × 2 Built-in subwoofer: 30 W × 2 |
| Drivers (Front Facing L/R) | 4-3/8″ x 2-1/8″ Cone type full range x 2 1″ dome type tweeter x 2 | 1-3/4 × 2-5/8″ cone × 2 | L/R: 1-3/4 × 2-5/8″ cone × 2, |
| Drivers (Center) | 4-3/8″ x 2-1/8″ Cone type full range x 1 1″ dome type tweeter x 2 | No | No |
| Drivers (Height Beam L/R) | 1-1/8″ Cone type × 12 | 2″ cone × 2 | Height L/R: 2″ cone × 2, |
| Subwoofer | Wireless Subwoofer – 6-3/4″ Cone type, | Built-in Subwoofer: 3″ cone × 2 Wireless Subwoofer: 6-1/4″ cone | Built-in Subwoofer: 3″ cone x 2 Wireless Subwoofer Optional |
| Passive Radiator | 2 | – | – |
| Wireless Rear Speakers | (True X Surround 90A) 2-1/4″ Full range x 2 (True X 90A) Not included – optional purchase. | Not Included – optional | Not Included – optional |
| Surround Decoding | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X AURO-3D | Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital | Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital |
| Surround Processing Modes | Surround:AI, 3D Music, Stereo, Straight, All | Virtual Surround Technology, Stereo, Standard, Movie, Game | Virtual Surround Technology, Stereo, Standard, Movie, Game |
| Clear Voice | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Music Streaming Services | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AirPlay AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect, | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TIDAL Connect | Yees | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP | A2DP | A2DP |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Wireless Subwoofer | Yes (5 GHz) | Yes | No |
| True X Surround | Yes (5 GHz) | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes (MusicCast) | Yes (Sound Bar Controller) | Yes (Sound Bar Controller) |
| Alexa built-in | No, but it is accessible via the MusicCast App Control | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Connections | 1 in / 1 out (eARC) | 1 in / 1 out (eARC) | 1 in / 1 out (eARC) |
| HDMI Features | Up to 4K resolution Pass-through HDR Pass-through (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+) 3D Video CEC Auto Lip-Sync (max 500 msec) ALLM | Up to 4K resolution Pass-through HDR Pass-through (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) 3D Video CEC Auto Lip-Sync max 500 msec | Up to 4K resolution Pass-through HDR Pass-through (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) 3D Video CEC Auto Lip-Sync max 500 msec |
| Digital Optical Input | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Analog Audio Input | No | No | No |
| Subwoofer Output | No – Wireless Subwoofer Included | No – Wireless Subwoofer Included | No |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 46-1/2″ x 3-3/8″ x 5-5/8″ | 40″ × 2-1/2″ × 4-3/8 | 40″ × 2-1/2″ × 4-3/8″ |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs | 8.5 lbs | 8.5 lbs |
The Bottom Line
When soundbars first hit the market, home theater purists dismissed them as a poor substitute for traditional AV receiver (AVR) systems. Fast forward to 2023, and the soundbar market was estimated to be worth $7.5 billion, with projected growth of 9.5% annually from 2024 through 2030. This surge reflects soundbars evolving beyond simple TV sound upgrades into full-fledged home theater solutions.
By comparison, the AVR market, valued at $1.24 billion in 2024, remains significant but clearly smaller in market share than soundbars, highlighting the shift in consumer preference toward more compact, integrated audio systems.
One key factor driving soundbar popularity is the wide range of options—from budget-friendly models to high-end units from established audio brands. Premium manufacturers have aggressively entered the space with premium-priced soundbars that emphasize both design and performance.
Notable examples include the Steinway Lyndorf at $17,000, Canvas HiFi at $5,000, and KEF’s latest offering around $2,500, signaling that soundbars are no longer just entry-level solutions but serious contenders in the high-end home theater category.
While not reaching the price heights of Steinway Lyngdorf or Canvas HiFi models, the Yamaha True X Surround 90A and True X 90A, priced at over $2,700, sit above the KEF offering. This positioning firmly places Yamaha’s latest soundbars in the higher-end segment of the market, catering to buyers seeking premium performance without venturing into ultra-luxury price territory.
With features like Auro 3D audio, Surround:AI processing, 12-driver sound beaming for height channels, MusicCast streaming with whole-home audio support, and both wireless and wired connectivity, Yamaha’s latest soundbars pack a serious feature set. However, there are a couple of notable omissions. For instance, USB ports are limited to service and firmware updates—no direct content access or music playback via USB is supported.
Additionally, while the inclusion of Auro 3D is a significant plus, the absence of ECLIPSA Audio as an additional surround sound format option might disappoint some audiophiles looking for even more versatility.
Another observation is the significant price gap within Yamaha’s True X soundbar lineup. While the True X Surround 90A and True X 90A sit above $2,700, the other models in the series are priced well below $1,000. This leaves a notable void in the midrange segment, where a model bridging that gap would make sense to better serve customers seeking a balance between features and price.
Pricing & Availability:
- The True X Surround 90A (includes wireless surround speakers) is priced at $3,499.95 MSRP
- The True X 90A (same system without wireless surround speakers) is priced at $2,799.95 MSRP.
- The True Speaker 3A can be added to the True X 90 for $329.95 each.
The True X Surround 90A, True X 90A, and True Speaker 3A are expected to be available beginning in September 2025, from Yamaha and Authorized Yamaha Dealers.
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Tom Farinola
August 10, 2025 at 2:13 am
I believe Steinway Lyngdorf with a $55,000 is the most expensive Soundbar ?
Brian Mitchell
August 10, 2025 at 7:36 am
Hi Tom,
Are you referring to the Model S? I thought that debuted last year for $17K.