[neekomax]

Line array integrated virtual surround soundbar speaker system thingy.

At $1,900, they ain't giving it away, but it certainly is cheaper than even a mediocre 5.1 system would be.

Could this technology possibly be legit?

Edit: Reduced ginormous photos, sorry about that

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hometheater-systems/digital-sound-projector/ysp-4300_u/?mode=model

[Atlplasma]

Soundbars have been around for some time. If you're curios, I would check out the Secrets of Home Theater site. They are very good at reviewing HT products.

[murphy11]

$1900 for a soundbar and woofer sounds very expensive and it feels 'Bosey' to me. Probably the same buyers would be interested in this product. If you don't have placement or WAF restrictions, it would be very easy to create a 5.1 system that would sound much better for less money.

EDIT: Re-reading above, it reads kind of harsh which was not my intention - sorry. It just seems more like a lifestyle\design type product and people could get 'better' sound for less money if they don't have certain constraints. Also, without having heard a soundbar I can't figure out how front firing speakers can adequately mimic rear speakers.

[neekomax]

Soundbars have been around for some time. If you're curios, I would check out the Secrets of Home Theater site. They are very good at reviewing HT products.

Yeah, I know about soundbars, but Yamaha claims that this system achieves 5.1-like surround sound, without rear speakers. That's what I was curious about.

Will check out that site, thanks.

[srb]

It's legitimate, but it doesn't work as well as separate speakers in discrete locations.  It requires precise manual setup of beam horizontal angle, travel length and focal length.  There will be variations in performance depending upon the reflectivity of wall surfaces, and I think overall it is less effective in large rooms vs smaller rooms.

I had the opportunity to listen to an older version that had 40 beam drivers versus the 22 of the YSP-4300 or the 16 of the YSP-3300.  Because the two "woofers" are only 2-1/2", it requires a fairly high crossover frequency of 160Hz which results in a sometimes obvious localization of the subwoofer and a lean midrange, ala Bose setups with tiny woofers and a high subwoofer crossover frequency.

But for a soundbar installation with no muss, fuss or wires, it is pretty cool.

Steve

Edit: neekomax, because your photos are too large, they expand the width of the post area and requires tedious back and forth horizontal scrolling to read each line.

[neekomax]

Edit: neekomax, because your photos are too large, they expand the width of the post area and requires tedious back and forth horizontal scrolling to read each line.

Thanks, Steve, fixed 'em.

[jqp]

Yeah, I know about soundbars, but Yamaha claims that this system achieves 5.1-like surround sound, without rear speakers. That's what I was curious about.

Will check out that site, thanks.

I used to use "phantom" center chanel effect even a few years ago, but now I have a real center channel because it is better. As srb says its legit, but...I mean, you can get the center and rear channel sounds from just a stereo pair if speakers with a receiver, but at what point do you go with the real thing. Even my laptop can do surround sound for a jet fly-by video, and my good ol' Sony 26" tube has surround sound from stereo speakers - it really works, in the binary sense of works/doesn't work. I think you will find products like these are overpriced for the value, and probably a little offensive if you are in 'audiophile' mode - yet if the wife is thrilled, you may want to go with it

and srb, you need to getcha a 30" Dell monitor now that the new one is out the first and second generation monitors (both excellent) should be found for good prices