The 4K Ultra HD Bazaar, volume 26

After several years to rely on the Sennheiser AMBEO (Max then More) as a reference system for my audio evaluations, I decided to turn a page. Not because of fatigue, but because the market is changing, and it seems to me essential to follow this dynamic in order to remain relevant. From the next issue, my tests will be carried out on the Yamaha True X Surround 90A, a high-end set that embodies a new generation of turnkey home cinema solutions: more modular, more immersive, closer to the room experience.

This change is not insignificant. It marks a transition to a complete system in 5.1.2, articulated around an ambitious soundbar (19 well distributed speakers), a generous box (a 17 cm loudspeaker directed forward and a ground-facing bass-reflex vent, based on exclusive technology) Symetrical Air Port to remove unwanted turbulences from the air flow by reducing the noise of vents by 20 dB compared to conventional models) and from wireless rear satellites (twice 2 broadband speakers). An architecture that exceeds, in immersion, what a bar on its own can produce, even as efficient as the AMBEO.

Handle & design: robustness and consistency

When I unpacked, I felt that Yamaha had not sought to do so in half measure. The soundbar is massive, assumed, almost sculptural. The box, on the other hand, imposes respect by its volume and its finish. Rear enclosures (WS-X 3A), more compact, complete the assembly without visually weighing the part.

The assembly breathes seriousness: robust materials, impeccable adjustments, and an aesthetic consistency that gives the impression of a system conceived as a whole, not as an addition of elements.

Sound signature: size, accuracy and character

What struck me first is the stability of the rendering, even at high volume. The soundbar unfolds a wide, airy scene with remarkable readability of the various sound planes. The dialogues are clear, well articulated, without this artificial accent that is sometimes found on systems seeking to compensate for a lack of clarity.

The caisson was surprised by its balance. It descends low, very low even, but never become invasive. It brings material, impact, but still remains under control. On action scenes, it gives a spectacular foundation; On music, he knows how to be discreet.

Rear satellites play an essential role in the overall coherence. Their contribution is not only decorative: they add real depth, a sense of space that literally transforms the perception of scenes.

Beyond this tonal coherence, the True X Surround 90A It is also distinguished by the way it organizes space. The scene is not content to be large: it is structured, articulated, with effects that move in the environment in a fluid and credible way. The transitions between the front, the sides and the rear do not break, and each element finds its place without ever appearing forced.

This mastery of spatialization gives the soundtracks an additional relief, reinforcing immersion without falling into the demonstration. It feels like Yamaha worked not only on the accuracy of speakers, but also on how each sound information fits into space to serve narrative.

3D immersion: a credible vertical projection

Where the True X 90A It is in the restitution of vertical effects, which is based on 12 speakers. The height channels are projected with amazing precision for a system without ceiling enclosures. The sound trajectories are credible, the "superior" sounds well materialized, and the whole creates an immersive bubble that rivals some more complex installations.

This is not a simple simulation: you feel a real mastery of space processing.

Music: a rare versatility

I didn't expect the system to be so convincing in musical listening. The soundbar delivers a clean, detailed restitution, with a beautiful dynamic. Stamps remain natural, the scene opens wide, the separation of instruments is clear and no hardness disturbs the top of the spectrum.

We are far from the cliché of the soundbar only cut for cinema.

Listening modes, decoding and functions: a complete audio toolbox

Beyond its raw power, the True X Surround 90A is distinguished by the richness of its listening modes and audio treatments. Yamaha has not contented itself with stacking options: each mode has real utility, and the set forms a coherent palette that allows to adapt the rendering to any content.

The SURROWD:AI mode (used in the high-end AV amplifiers of the series) VENTAGE) is probably the most impressive. He analyses in real time the nature of the signal (dialogues, music, effects, atmosphere) and automatically adjusts spatialization to optimize immersion. It is an intelligent mode, often bluffing, which gives the impression that the system "understands" what it diffuses.

The MUSIC 3D mode plays a slightly different role: it serves as a "gate of entry" to the built-in upmixers. It allows you to activate the treatment chosen by the user from DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Surround or Auro-Matic (theupmixer Auro‐3D), in order to turn a classic stereo or multichannel signal into a more enveloping experience. On some musical content or concerts, the Auro-Matic's increase in scale and verticality can be very convincing.

For a more sober listening, the STEREO mode recenters the image, ideal for music. The STRAIGHT mode is the purest: it disables any processing to return the signal as it is encoded, making it the natural choice for tracks already well mixed. Finally, the ALL mode broadcasts the same sound on all speakers, useful to standardize the broadcast throughout the room, especially when listening to the atmosphere.

On the decoding side, the True X 90A supports the three major standards of the moment: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro‐3D (a world premiere on a soundbar). Rare compatibility, which guarantees optimal restitution regardless of the format chosen by streaming platforms or Blu‐ray / 4K Ultra HD.

Two functions complement the set: Clear Voice, which enhances the clarity of dialogues without making them artificial, and Extension of Basses, which adds a seat supplement to the bottom of the spectrum when the content requests it. Simple, but effective tools that quickly adjust the rendering according to the hour, type of program or atmosphere desired.

Connectic & remote control: simplicity and efficiency

The True X Surround 90A does not seek to multiply ports, but to propose the essential with a clear implementation. The connector concentrates around an eARC HDMI input, able to transport Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro‐3D streams without compression, as well as an additional HDMI input for direct sources. There is also an optical input, useful for older TVs, as well as a USB port dedicated to updates. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and integration MusicCast complete the set, making it possible to exploit the system both in home cinema and in daily musical use. The gamers will note a limit: no HDMI 8K or 4K 120 Hz.

The compact and well thought-out remote control takes over most of the controls without getting lost in complexity. Keys are clearly identified: selection of listening modes, activation of Clear Voice and/or Extension of Basses, volume management of surrounds, switching between sources, access to the menu... everything is accessible in seconds. The grip is immediate, and ergonomics avoid unnecessary manipulation. It feels like Yamaha tried to make the experience fluid, whether it was watching a movie or simply listening to music. Only flat: lack of backlight, a detail that counts when light drops.

Ergonomics: total control and comfort of use

Ecosystem MusicCast remains one of the most enjoyable to use. Installation is fast, element synchronization is stable, and streaming options are numerous (Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, etc.). AirPlay 2 perfect the whole, guaranteeing fluid integration with the ecosystem Apple.

On the soundbar, Yamaha reprints the monochrome display of its AV amps: clear, readable, and always informative. Volume, connections, modes... everything is there. To go further, head for the OSD on the TV.

The settings are surprisingly complete for a sound bar: precise adjustment of the caisson level, individual calibration of the three frontal tracks (following a recent update) and surrounds, as well as several parameters dedicated to musical listening. Yamaha even allows to refine the orientation of the elevation speakers, with an adjustable angle from 30° to 90°. Vertically, they project directly towards the ceiling; at lower angles, they re-focus more energy towards the listening area. The default setting, located at 72°, offers a good compromise, and the ability to adapt this projection to the configuration of the part is a real asset to optimize immersion.

I particularly appreciated the possibility of modulating the configuration according to usage: bar alone for fast listening, complete set for a cinema session, and speaker WS-X 3A take away everywhere as an autonomous Bluetooth. In short, a level of flexibility is uncommon.

My recommendations for listening: the sound boost assured

🎬 Films
SURROUND:AI (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D)
3D MUSIC Auro-Matic (DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, Dolby Digital)

🎵 Music
STEREO (source 2.0)
STRAIGHT (multichannel source)

🔊 Audio settings
Clear Voice On (3D MUSIC Auro-Matic)
Extension of Basses On
Volume of Arrears +2
Volume of Graves Ceisson -2


Personal Verdict: maturity according to Yamaha

The Yamaha True X Surround 90A is not only a powerful system: it is a coherent set, designed to offer authentic immersion without the constraints of a traditional home-cinema. It combines magnitude, precision, modularity and realism, with a maturity that has convinced it to adopt it as a new test basis. A choice taken, and an evolution which, I hope, will further enrich my analysis in future issues.