The Yamaha SR-B20A is a 2.1-channel soundbar from Yamaha, listed at $220. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Yamaha SR-B20A Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓Dialogue enhancement
- ✗No dedicated centre channel - dialogue comes from the left and right drivers
- ✗HDMI ARC but not eARC, so lossless soundtracks from the TV arrive compressed
- ✗No Wi-Fi - music streams over Bluetooth only
Channels and Surround Sound
The 2.1 badge means 2 ear-level channels, 1 subwoofer channel. It does not decode Dolby Atmos. Virtual surround: 3D Surround.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one but does not come with it. It cannot add rear speakers. Wall-mountable: Yes (no bracket supplied).
Connections
The Yamaha SR-B20A has HDMI ARC to the TV (not eARC - lossless formats are compressed on the way); 2 optical digital inputs; wired subwoofer output (Mono-RCA).
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
No Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 35.75 x 2.13 x 5.13 in (W x H x D), or 908 x 54 x 130 mm, and weighs 7.1 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 43-inch TV (37.5 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.13 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Yamaha SR-B20A Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | No |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 1" Dome (2); Midrange: 2.125" Cone (2); Woofers: 3" Cone (2); Enclosure: Ported |
| Power (bar, total) | 120 watts |
| Frequency response | 55-23k Hz |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Virtual surround | 3D Surround |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | No |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | ARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 1.4 |
| Optical inputs | 2 |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Mono-RCA |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Voice control | No |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 35.75 x 2.13 x 5.13 in / 908 x 54 x 130 mm |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.22 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (no bracket supplied) |
| Warranty | 2 Years parts, 2 Years labour |
| List price | $220 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.