Skip to main content

Forget the remote: Yamaha offers two new affordable, Alexa-enabled soundbars

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yamaha made huge strides in recent years when it comes to making some of the best-sounding audio devices at extremely affordable prices. In particular, we’ve been very impressed with the company’s home theater offerings, with several Yamaha models making it onto our list of the best A/V receivers, and the company’s YAS-207 still ranking as our favorite soundbar you can buy.

On Tuesday, the company announced two new models that fans can get excited about: The YAS-109 and YAS 209, both of which are aimed at those who want to add great sound to their setup, but who don’t want to spend a ton of money for cinematic sound.

Perhaps the biggest draw for potential buyers of the new models is something that you can’t see on the surface: Both models feature Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built-in, which means you’ll be able to control everything from volume level to specific inputs without so much as looking at a remote. That’s pretty cool, and makes these an especially great addition to a home that already uses other Alexa-enabled devices.

Speaking of inputs, both new soundbars feature every standard bit of modern connectivity you might expect, with 4K HDMI inputs with ARC, HDR support, and CEC for control with compatible remotes (should you not want to use your voice). Both also have Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and all other Alexa-enabled music services. In fact, you get 90 days of Amazon Music Unlimited free with your purchase.

That main differences between the two models will come in the form of low-end response. The YAS-209 comes with an included wireless subwoofer, so it’ll do a bit better than that YAS-109 model in terms of bass response — the YAS-109 doesn’t come with an included sub.

Honestly, we’d probably go with the YAS-209 if we were in the market, as neither model will cost you an arm and a leg. The YAS-109 carries an MSRP of $240, with the YAS-209 costing $350. As far as we’re concerned, the addition of a wireless subwoofer for a little over $100 is probably worth it. Both models will be available for purchase in July. We look forward to getting our hands on them for a full review.

Editors' Recommendations

Parker Hall
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…
Sennheiser teases new earbuds and a smaller Ambeo soundbar
Sennheiser IE 600 IEMs.

During a virtual press event that was primarily intended to launch the company's latest in-ear monitors (IEMs), Sennheiser executives also dropped two much-anticipated teasers: We'll see the Momentum True Wireless 3 launch as its new flagship wireless earbuds, and there will also be a new and considerably smaller version of the Ambeo Dolby Atmos soundbar. No details on either product were provided, but Sennheiser indicated that the new Ambeo soundbar would be more accessible pricewise when compared to the $2,000 the company asks for its current beast of a bar.
IE 600

The bulk of the event was dedicated to discussing Sennheiser's new entry into the audiophile market with the IE 600, a $700 set of IEMs that will be available this spring/summer. Made from 3D-printed amorphous zirconium, a metal with a glass-like atomic structure, they possess a very distinctive, beaten-metal look. But it's not just about style. Sennheiser claims the exotic metal, which has been used by NASA on its Mars rovers, offers "triple the hardness and bend resistance of high-performance steel," making it a very tough material. This provides both protection from damage, as well as precise housing for the IE 600's internal components.

Read more
Sony’s new $300 soundbar connects wirelessly to Bravia TVs
Sony HT-S400 2.1 channel soundbar.

Sony has just released its latest soundbar, the $300 HT-S400, a 2.1-channel unit that comes with a wireless subwoofer and a dedicated remote control. It can also connect wirelessly to select Sony Bravia TVs, giving buyers the ability to eliminate the HDMI or optical cable they would otherwise need. The HT-S400 will be available to order in April from Sony retailers and on Sony's website.

Wireless soundbar connections are becoming more popular, especially with soundbars that aren't aimed at advanced surround formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. TCL introduced its wirelessly-connecting Roku TV Alto R1 in 2021, and our reviewer concluded that it makes set up and use much easier. When connected to a Bravia TV, the HT-S400's controls are available on-screen and can be accessed by the TV's remote.

Read more
New nail-on solar shingles offer an affordable alternative to Tesla’s solar roof
solar shingles being installed

Installing a solar roof in your home is a great way to reduce both your carbon footprint and your energy costs, but unfortunately, actually getting one on top of your house is usually a rather large undertaking. With traditional solar panels, you have to affix racks and other mounting hardware to your existing roof before you can attach the panels themselves. And if you opt for Tesla's snazzy, modern Solar Roof tiles, you'll have to dish out big bucks for a team of specialists to replace your existing roof shingles completely.

But soon there might be a third option. A new product has surfaced at CES 2022 that could make putting a solar roof on your house a whole lot easier.

Read more