Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Yamaha YH-L500A Headphones Target Home Theater Fans With Sound Field Technology

With proprietary Sound Field technology, the Yamaha YH-L500A wireless headphones provide personalized cinematic audio for $229.

Yamaha YH-L500A Wireless Headphones Lifestyle

Yamaha doesn’t chase the annual product cycle like some of its competitors. Case in point: their current RX-V and AVENTAGE A/V Receiver lines launched back in 2020 and 2021—and they’re still going strong. Thanks to smart firmware updates, these receivers have kept pace with evolving home theater demands without needing a full redesign. That said, with HDMI 2.2 looming on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see a refreshed lineup from Yamaha by late 2025 or early 2026.

Yamaha has not flooded the headphone market with dozens of models—but when they do release something, it usually turns heads. Their flagship YH-5000SE, the YH-E700B, and the spatial audio-focused YH-L700A are still holding strong, even a few years after launch. Now they’re adding the Yamaha YH-L500A to the mix—a model that takes a slightly different approach. In a crowded and cutthroat category, it takes more than a familiar name to get noticed. Yamaha seems to get that.

yamaha-yh-l500a-low-angle

Yamaha YH-L500A: Your Personal Theater in a Headphone

The YH-L500A wireless headphones are Yamaha’s latest pitch to movie lovers, marketed as “personal theater headphones” that deliver immersive, cinema-style sound from just about any Bluetooth-enabled device. To pull this off, Yamaha has integrated its proprietary Sound Field Technology—a system designed to generate a spacious, three-dimensional audio experience regardless of the source or content.

Sound Field Modes

yamaha-soundfield-music
yamaha-soundfield-cinema

Cinema Mode – Tailored for film and TV, this mode enhances dialogue clarity, heightens sound effects, and boosts background music while expanding spatial cues to mimic the acoustics of a movie theater.

Music Mode – Designed for music lovers, this mode brings out the nuance in vocals, instruments, and ambient details. It aims to recreate the immersive sensation of being at a live concert or intimate performance space, giving each element room to breathe in the mix.

From Alex Sadeghian, Yamaha’s director of consumer audio: “When it comes to reproducing cinema-like sound at home, Yamaha has unequaled engineering know-how from our decades of leadership in home theater AV receivers and sound bars,…The YH-L500A headphones deliver this experience for personal listening on mobile devices. Now users can watch a movie on their tablet or laptop and still experience sonic immersion that enhances every scene’s realism, excitement, and emotion.” 

Comfort

yamaha-yh-l500a-comfort

Built for extended viewing sessions, the YH-L500A headphones are designed with comfort as a priority. They apply gentle clamping pressure to avoid discomfort during long listening periods and feature newly developed earpads that offer a soft, fatigue-free fit. Weighing just 9.3 ounces, the lightweight design helps ensure that marathon movie nights don’t turn into a literal pain in the neck.

Additional Features 

yamaha-headphone-control-app

The YH-L500A headphones provide practical use features, including up to 20 hours of battery life, Google Fast Pair (with Android devices), Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, voice control, gaming mode for low latency, and Yamaha-exclusive Listening Care. A free downloadable app enables control over settings and EQ customization

Additionally, the headphones feature Bluetooth Multipoint, enabling users to connect two devices and switch between them effortlessly.. 

Comparison

yamaha-yh-l500a-l700a-e700b
YH-L500A (2025)YH-L700A (2021)YH-E700B (2023)
Product Type Over-Ear Closed-Back Wireless HeadphonesOver-Ear Closed-Back Wireless HeadphonesOver-Ear Closed-Back Wireless Headphones
MSRP $229.95$499.95$349.95
Folding/SwivelNo / YesYes / YesYes / Yes
DriversDynamic / 40.0 mmDynamic / 40.0 mmDynamic / 40.0 mm
Frequency Response8 Hz – 20 kHz8 Hz – 40 kHz8 Hz – 40 kHz
Line Input3.5 mm stereo mini3.5 mm stereo mini (Power ON: ANC / Ambient Sound enabled) (Power OFF: Driver Direct)3.5 mm stereo mini
Line Input Position Single-sidedSingle-sidedSingle-sided
Hi-Res AudioNoWired connection onlyNo
3D SoundfieldYes (2 modes – Cinema, Music)Yes (3D w/Head tracking, 7 modes)No
Bluetooth Version V 5.4V 5.0V 5.2 
Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP, AVRCP, HFPA2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSPA2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™ AdaptiveSBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™ AdaptiveSBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™
Bluetooth Range32.8 ft. (without interference)32.8 ft (without interference)32.8 ft (without interference)
Charging Time2 h3.5 h3.5 h
Continuous Playback TimeApprox. 20h (Sound Field=ON)Approx. 34 h (with Advanced ANC on, 3D SOUND FIELD off), Approx. 11 h (with Advanced ANC on, 3D SOUND FIELD on)Up to 32 hours
Listening CareYesYesYes
Ambient SoundNoYesYes
Active Noise CancellingNoYes (Advanced ANC)Yes (Advanced ANC)
Listening OptimizerNoYesYes
Gaming ModeYesNoNot Indicated
Google Fast PairYesNoNo
Music and Phone ControlsYesYesNo
Voice AssistanceYes (Siri® / Google Asisstant)Yes (Siri® / Google Assistant)Yes (Siri® / Google Assistant)
AppYes (Headphone Control)Yes (Headphone Control)Yes (Headphone Control)
Weight 9.3 oz.11.64 oz.11.8 oz
Included AccessoriesUSB Power Cable (19.69 in., type A to C)
Audio Cable 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm (9.8 ft.)
USB Power Cable (19.69 in., type A to C)
Audio Cable 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm (9.8 ft.)
Hard Carrying Case
Flight Adapter
USB Power Cable (7.9 in., type A to C)

Audio Cable 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm (Length not indicated)
Carrying Case
Flight Adapter
yamaha-yh-l500a-side-angle

The Bottom Line

The Yamaha YH-L500A carves out a niche as a versatile wireless headphone with a cinematic tilt, thanks to its Sound Field Technology—a callback to Yamaha’s own Silent Cinema legacy. While marketed as a “personal theater” solution, it’s just as capable for everyday music listening, making it a well-rounded choice at the $300 mark.

It borrows much from the higher-end YH-L700A, including a similar design philosophy and immersive audio presentation, but trims features like head tracking and active noise canceling, which may or may not matter depending on your priorities. The inclusion of Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive and Google Fast Pair makes it modern enough to keep up with today’s devices.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

If you’re new to Yamaha headphones or want cinematic flair without overspending, the YH-L500A makes a compelling case. But if you already own the YH-L700A, the upgrade case isn’t airtight. For those leaning more toward traditional music-focused wireless listening, the YH-E700B might be the better fit.

yamaha-yh-l500a-front

Price & Availability 

The Yamaha YH-L500A is available for $229.95 at Amazon or direct from Yamaha and at select Yamaha retailers. 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Monitor Audio Bronze 7G Loudspeakers White

Floorstanding Speakers

Five Monitor Audio Bronze Series 7G loudspeakers bring upgraded drivers, sleek design, and Dolby Atmos support at wallet-friendly prices.

Ikarao Smart Karaoke Speakers Group Ikarao Smart Karaoke Speakers Group

New Products

Ikarao's Shell S1, Break X1, and Break X2 combine wireless and wired music streaming with touchscreens, light effects, and karaoke features for the ultimate...

Musical Fidelity B1xi Integrated Amplifier Front Left Angle Musical Fidelity B1xi Integrated Amplifier Front Left Angle

Integrated Amps & Stereo Receivers

Musical Fidelity’s new B1xi integrated amp ditches streaming for pure Class A/B power, a quality phono stage, and hi-res digital inputs for $879.

AudioQuest Brave Heart Speaker Cable AudioQuest Brave Heart Speaker Cable

Audio Cables

ZERO-Tech speaker cables capable of advanced noise reduction and precise timing for high-end audio systems deserving of geekery loud on specs, quiet on sense.

Ortofon MC X10, X20, X30, X40 Phono Cartridges Ortofon MC X10, X20, X30, X40 Phono Cartridges

New Products

Ortofon’s new MC X Series cartridges bring high-end quad-coil tech and precision tracking to challenge Hana, Dynavector, and Goldring at every price point.

OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak

Bookshelf Speakers

OePhi Lounge Series Loudspeakers aim to prove high levels of musical performance don't have to cost a fortune.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11, 2025

Daily Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a four-day shopping event from July 8-11, 2025 offering the biggest discounts of the year on consumer electronics.

You May Also Like

New Products

Ikarao's Shell S1, Break X1, and Break X2 combine wireless and wired music streaming with touchscreens, light effects, and karaoke features for the ultimate...

New Products

Lexon's Balloon Dog speaker combines wild art with wireless Bluetooth 5.0 sound—no bones about it, this translucent, collectible pooch delivers 360° audio and up...

New Products

With hybrid active noise cancellation, LDAC, 75-hour battery life, and Bluetooth 6.0, the OneOdio Focus A6 Wireless Headphones might be hard to beat for...

Podcasts

Find out which wireless headphones and earbuds offer the best combination of sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, comfort and convenience in 2025.

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Balanced Armature and Dynamic drivers, hybrid active noise reduction, AI-powered Voiceloom speech enhancement, and more take the Status Audio Pro X wireless earbuds up...

Articles

Mediterranean Summer 2025 brought brutal heat, tourist chaos, and locals who’ve officially had it. From Corfu’s charm to Dubrovnik’s GoT overload, here’s why Europe...

New Products

Beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 wireless headphones offer retro style, German-engineered sound, ANC, and travel-friendly features at a competitive price in 2025.

Headphone Amps

Discover the FiiO K15 DAC Headphone Amp: A powerful, affordable desktop solution offering balanced audio, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, all for $549. Compare with top...

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers