The Yamaha SR-C30A is a 2.1-channel soundbar from Yamaha, listed at $300. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
Yamaha SR-C30A Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✓Compact at 23.63 in wide - fits small TVs and tight spaces
- ✗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 Movie.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A wireless subwoofer is included, rated at 50 watts, measuring 6.38 x 13.19 x 15.44 in (W x H x D). It cannot add rear speakers. Wall-mountable: Yes (no bracket supplied).
Connections
The Yamaha SR-C30A has HDMI ARC to the TV (not eARC - lossless formats are compressed on the way); optical digital input; 3.5mm analogue input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
No Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 23.63 x 2.56 x 3.75 in (W x H x D), or 600 x 65 x 95 mm, and weighs 2.9 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 32-inch TV (27.9 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-C30A Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | No |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Midrange: 1.8125" Cone Drivers (2); Subwoofer: 5.125" Cone; Enclosure: Sealed(bar),Ported(sub) |
| Power (bar, total) | 40 watts |
| Power (subwoofer) | 50 watts |
| Frequency response | 40-22k Hz |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Virtual surround | 3D Movie |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | ARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 1.4 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | 3.5mm |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | No |
| 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) | 23.63 x 2.56 x 3.75 in / 600 x 65 x 95 mm |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs / 1.32 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 6.38 x 13.19 x 15.44 in (W x H x D), 12.6 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (no bracket supplied) |
| Warranty | 2 Years parts, 2 Years labour |
| List price | $300 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.