The Yamaha SR-B30A is a 2.1-channel soundbar from Yamaha, listed at $280. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Yamaha SR-B30A Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Dialogue enhancement
- ✗Decodes Dolby Atmos but has no height channels, so overhead effects are simulated
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
- ✗No dedicated centre channel - dialogue comes from the left and right drivers
- ✗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 decodes Dolby Atmos, but with no height channels the overhead layer is created by processing rather than by drivers aimed at the ceiling. Virtual surround: Yamaha True Sound.
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-B30A has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; optical digital input; 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 35.81 x 2.56 x 5.19 in (W x H x D), or 910 x 65 x 132 mm, and weighs 8.6 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 2.56 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-B30A Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 1" Dome (2); Midrange: 1.75" Cone (4); Woofers: 3" Cone (2); Enclosure: Ported |
| Power (bar, total) | 120 watts |
| Frequency response | 54-22k Hz |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Virtual surround | Yamaha True Sound |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | No |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 2.0 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| 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) | 35.81 x 2.56 x 5.19 in / 910 x 65 x 132 mm |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (no bracket supplied) |
| Warranty | 2 Years parts, 2 Years labour |
| List price | $280 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.