The Yamaha SR-B40A is a 2.1-channel soundbar from Yamaha, listed at $400. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
Yamaha SR-B40A Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓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 wireless subwoofer is included, measuring 7.63 x 16.5 x 17.25 in (W x H x D). It cannot add rear speakers. Wall-mountable: Yes (no bracket supplied).
Connections
The Yamaha SR-B40A 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.
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 2.63 x 5.25 in (W x H x D), or 910 x 67 x 133 mm, and weighs 6.4 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 2.63 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
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Yamaha SR-B40A Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 1" Dome (2); Woofers: 1.75" Cone (4); Subwoofer: 6.5; Enclosure: Ported |
| Power (bar, total) | 100 watts |
| Frequency response | 33-22k Hz |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| 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 | Wireless |
| 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 2.63 x 5.25 in / 910 x 67 x 133 mm |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 7.63 x 16.5 x 17.25 in (W x H x D), 17.9 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (no bracket supplied) |
| Warranty | 2 Years parts, 2 Years labour |
| List price | $400 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.