Yamaha just introduced the YAS-103 Surround Sound Bar, which adds Bluetooth audio streaming and app control features over the older generation YAS-101 sound bar. The YAS-103 maintains the elegant design, exceptional audio quality and ease of use of its predecessor, as well as its single-body design with dual built-in subwoofers that deliver rich bass without the need for a separate subwoofer.
The new Bluetooth capability not only supports music streaming from smartphones, tablets and computers, but also enables control of the sound bar via Yamaha’s free Home Theater Controller app. The app makes it easy to adjust input selections, surround modes and other settings from Apple iOS and Android devices.
The YAS-103 features Yamaha’s exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME surround sound technology and supports Dolby Digital and DTS to deliver virtual 7.1-channel surround sound with precise positioning and crystal clear dialog not offered by other sound bars. This impressive sound field is created by two full range drivers, two down-firing subwoofers and a bass reflex port. Yamaha’s superior structural design and proprietary Advanced Bass Extension Processing (in surround mode) add a level of bass response that belies the size and weight of this model.
The streamlined YAS-103 offers great installation and control flexibility. Its low-profile design enables it to be placed in front of flat screen TVs. In cases where the sound bar blocks a TV’s remote sensor, its built-in IR repeaters pass the TV remote control signals through for seamless operation. The YAS-103 can also be placed on a separate shelf or easily wall mounted.
The YAS-103 offers a learning feature, allowing select functions to be conveniently operated via the user’s TV remote control.Yamaha’s UniVolume function eliminates the annoying and unsettling spike in volume during commercials when watching TV programming. This sound bar easily connects to any HDTV with a single digital cable (included). It also provides two optical inputs, one coaxial input and an analog input.
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha YAS-103 Surround Sound Bar is available this month for $299.95.
