Yamaha YHT-S400BL Home Theater System

 

Yamaha YHT-S400BL Home Theater System

 

By : Yamaha
List Price : $599.95
Price : $319.00
You Save : $280.95 (47%)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Yamaha YHT-S400 Home Theater System

Key Features



• Yamaha's exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME delivers 7.1-channel surround sound


• HDMI Audio Compatibility for Blu-ray players


• Powerful subwoofer-integrated receiver delivers robust bass with a powerful kick


• 2-Inch Slim soundbar can fit easily under most TVs


• UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level


• Extended Stereo moves the stereo image further to the sides for wider sound field

A Unique Home Theater Soundbar Package that Fits Anywhere

The Yamaha YHT-S400 is a unique soundbar home theater system that's more compact and versatile than conventional soundbars. That's because Yamaha was able to build a subwoofer into the surprisingly slim receiver, eliminating an extra unit (and cables) and allowing convenient placement in a rack or on the floor. Plus, the YHT-S400 is one of the slimmest soundbars on the market. So no matter the space, you can fit a complete home theater system into even the most unforgiving of rooms.

Extended HD Stereo Compatibility

The YHT-S400 can accept HD Audio signals (linear PCM transmission) from Blu-ray Disc players for enjoying maximum sound quality. Another new technology featured in the YHT-S400, Extended Stereo moves the stereo image further to the sides. With a 31-1/2" wide unit, it is as if you are listening from speakers that are over 6 feet apart from each other. This means that the optimum sound field in front of the unit is much wider.

UniVolume

This welcome feature, made possible by Yamaha-developed technology, maintains a consistent volume level between different channels, programs, commercials and input sources. It can be switched on and off.

Width and Height Adjustable Feet

The speaker unit has height-adjustable and width adjustable feet, so it can be placed in front of most TVs from 32" to 50", no matter what shape and width the TV stand is. The feet can also be removed.

1080p-Compatible HDMI ; CEC Functionality

Three HDMI inputs mean that you can connect three different HD sources to the receiver, each via a single cable. When the YHT-S400 is connected to a CEC-compatible TV, such as Panasonic VIERA Link TV, the YHT-S400 will turn on and off together with the TV, and you can use the TV remote unit to control the YHT-S400 volume. CEC also provides advanced functionality with other components.

Product Specifications

Woofer:

5" cone

Soundbar:

Driver: (3) 1-1/2" x 3-3/4" cone

Max Front Input Power:

50W x 3

Max Sub Input Power:

100W

Frequency Response:

35Hz--20kHz

Soundbar Weight:

3.4 lbs

Sub/Receiver weight:

19 lbs

Soundbar Dimensions (W x H x D):

31-1/2" x 2" x 2-3/4"

Sub/Receiver Dimensions:

17-1/8" x 6" x 14-1/4"

Similar Yamaha Products to Consider

Yamaha YAS-101BL Front Surround System -- The Yamaha YAS-101 is a single speaker home theater Soundbar system with a built-in powerful subwoofer. With easy setup, stylish design, and luxuriously rich surround sound, this soundbar takes video enjoyment to a new level. This powerful sound bar system is designed with a focus on simplicity and elegance.

Yamaha YHT-S401BL Front Surround Home Theater System -- Yamaha's newest soundbar system, the YHT-S401 consists of a soundbar and receiver/subwoofer, which you can position conveniently near the TV. The soundbar has three speakers including a center speaker for clear dialogue from movies and TV programs. Yamaha’s rich, natural sound and expansive surround fields will greatly enhance the enjoyment of all your media sources.

Yamaha YSP-2200 Digital Sound Projector -- The YSP-2200 applies sophisticated sound projection technology to precisely control the orientation of the sound by focusing it through multiple beams. The center channel sound is heard directly, while sounds from other channels are heard after reflecting off walls. The result is true multi-channel surround sound that sounds just like a multi-speaker system--but without the need for extra speakers.

It is an unique home theater package that supports 3D pass-through with a subwoofer-integrated and an extremely slim front speaker that fits in front of almost any TV. It supports 3D pass-through over HDMI (requires latest firmware). The UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level. HDMI CEC functionality with built-in FM tuner, iPod compatibility via optional Yamaha Universal Dock YDS-11. Bluetooth compatibility with Yamaha Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver (YBA-10) and compressed Music Enhancer and four surround modes.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 31.5 x 2 inches ; 3.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 30 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B002ZG7WIA
• Item model number: YHT-S400BL
• Batteries: 2 AAA batteries required. (included)
  

Technical Details

• Subwoofer-Integrated receiver allows one-cable connection
• World's slimmest soundboard (2 inches) can be placed in front of most TVs
• Digital built in amplifier
• Yamaha's exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME
• UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level

Costumer Reviews

Just received from Amazon today... My primary requirements were a low profile, black unobtrusive sound bar to go in the 3 inches of space I have under my wall mounted Panasonic TCP-65S1. Other options from Samsung and other manufacturers that fit my space requirement had fewer features, only 2.1 channels, and reviews indicating sound quality not quite up to snuff. It is replacing a Yamaha YSP-800 that works fine but simply takes up too much space.

I understand there is some doubt out there about the sub combined with the receiver but so far it sounds fine.

In fact the whole setup sounds better than good... very crisp clean surround 7.1ch emulation, louder and better quality/separation than the 5ch YSP-800 it is replacing.

Time (and a bunch of Blu Ray movies) will tell, and I will update this review with further observations as I further evaluate the unit.

Very easy to install and setup, the setup menus are easy to use. I am not a huge picky audiophile so the minimal setup options are plenty for me... and if I were an audiophile I probably wouldn't be getting a soundbar.

I was curious to see how the HDMI-CEC would work with my VieraLink panny, and this was the one area I was disappointed... First off it loses the VieraLink "HD Theater sound control" setting when the TV turns off and back on. Secondly while the input button works to change inputs on the receiver, it doesn't change it to the right HDMI input to match the panny onscreen display. Not sure how much these are the panny's fault and how much the receiver.

On the plus side for controls, since my DVR control can turn the TV power off and on, using the HDMI inputs on the receiver instead of the TV does the trick... I control inputs and volume with the receiver control and am able to eliminate one control (the TV remote) from my coffee table. I know, I know, I should just get a universal/programmable remote but I haven't had good experiences with them, and two remotes is fine for me.

Since the HDMI-CEC wasn't a requirement for me and the HDMI input handling solves my needs, and everything else is great, I'll tip over the edge from four stars and make it five... since this is a subjective review and I am not rating it against higher end solutions, just $500 or lower sound bars.

Anyways, I hope this account helps anyone with similar needs considering this product.

UPDATE 2.11.2010

Still love it, happy with the sound quality but I really like the little remote... just enough buttons not too many, HDMI passthrough works well and let me ditch my TV remote. So the HDMI-CEC complaint is less now, the only reason I cared about that was to ditch a remote... mission accomplished.

I was looking for a Home Theater in a box solution that is minimalist in appearance, without compromising on sound quality or available features. I tried the Bose 3-2-1 system and Cinemate speakers prior to this. I ended up returning both the products. For about $500 less, Yamaha delivers amazing sound quality in a very small footprint ! I highly recommend this product for apartment dwellers or someone who appreciates minimalism.

PROS:

- 3 HDMI Inputs + 1 Analog

- Solid Build Quality + Yamaha reputation

- One-of-a-kind receiver that has a built-in subwoofer

- Great price ; fast shipping on amazon.com

CONS:

-The speaker bar sometimes blocks the infrared port on the TV, thereby making it difficult to use the TV remote.

(This is really not a con, as you can dismount the legs to lower the height or position the speaker appropriately)