Still struggling with the idea of squeezing all of those speakers into your room for Dolby Atmos? Save the space and grab yourself a soundbar -- specifically the Yamaha YSP-5600.
The YSP-5600 is actually the first soundbar to come packing support for the Dolby Atmos audio format. Dolby Atmos can deliver sound from just about every direction, including overhead. In case that's not enough multidimensional sound for you, the company also plans to add DTS:X with a future firmware update. So how does Yamaha achieve all of that with a single speaker?
Yamaha's Digital Sound Projector technology is what makes the magic. No receiver, surround speakers, or in-ceiling speakers are needed. It helps that the YSP-5600 has 44 speaker drivers, with 12 of those specifically designed for height channels. According to Yamaha, the YSP-5600 setup is equivalent to a 7.1.2-channel speaker system.
Just know that this package does not include a subwoofer, so that's one thing you may want to pick up. Yamaha suggests the NS-SW300 ($549.95), although it will work with any powered sub.
The YSP-5600 also has built-in WiFi and support for Yamaha MusicCast, so you can make it part of a larger whole-house music setup. Like all MusicCast components, the YSP-5600 can even support Bluetooth as an input or an output. This allows you to stream music to the soundbar from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. However, the output perk means you can stream music from the soundbar to other Bluetooth speakers or even Bluetooth-enabled headphones.
Other features include HDMI connectivity, full 4K Ultra HD with 4K 60p and HDCP 2.2 support, and a subwoofer output for hooking up that sub. The SWK-W16 wireless subwoofer kit ($149.95) is also available for those who want to pair this with a wireless subwoofer.
"As multiple speaker systems are not always feasible or desirable in some rooms, the YSP-5600 represents the simplest, most elegant solution for introducing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X into the home," said Bob Goedken, general manager of Yamaha's AV division. "And since it is equipped with MusicCast, this impressive sound bar doubles as an entertainment hub that can stream audio content to other MusicCast products throughout the home."
Yamaha will start shipping the MusicCast YSP-5600 Sound Bar sometime in December, with an MSRP of $1,699.95. The SPM-K30 wall-mount bracket will also be available at that time, priced at $79.95.
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