Would you pay $1800 for Yamaha's YSP-4300 sound bar?

[admin]

Soundbars can be lots of things. Yamaha's YSP-4300 soundbar is like an AV receiver with speakers. It has HDMI video switching, lots of surround formats, and even an FM radio. With all that in mind, it's ultimately sound quality that will determine whether or not you'll pony up the $1800 it takes to bring this puppy home.

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Discuss "Yamaha YSP-4300 Sound Bar Video Review" here. Read the article.

 

[3db]

Def Tech has sound bar is around $2400. Its all relative I suppose

 

[gmichael]

Not many people here would, but there are plenty-O-people who don't stress their sound system the way we do. If someone just wants something to plug in and improve their TV speakers without all the wires etc, then it may be a good solution for them.

 

[templemaners]

I would never pay $1800 for something I would put in a guest bedroom (the only place I would bother with a soundbar). That being said, if that's the best you can do speaker wise, it seems like a good choice.

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

Sorry for the delay hitting up this thread. After 3 years of planning and saving, I spent the weekend installing a home network, theater wiring, and a projection system ; more on that later.

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

Def Tech has sound bar is around $2400. Its all relative I suppose

I'm only seeing the SoloCinema XTR at $1999 MSRP, but point taken. If there is one universal truth in Home Theater, it is "there is no upper limit to how much money you can spend". I still read Stereophile to remind myself of just that.

The question becomes, what do I get for the extra money? With the Yamaha, you get a focus on believable surround effects without physical speakers. If that's your priority, and you can't or don't want to go with 5 speakers, you might spend the money.

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

Not many people here would, but there are plenty-O-people who don't stress their sound system the way we do. If someone just wants something to plug in and improve their TV speakers without all the wires etc, then it may be a good solution for them.

I consider myself pretty Home theater savvy...but most other people in my life aren't so much. My dad does alright (he and I have been teaching each other for years now), so he wouldn't struggle with a more complex setup. However, my grandmother couldn't do it. A simple product like a soundbar with auto-setup would be the only thing she could handle without paying the department store squad to do it for her. She's lucky to have my dad and me, and we're lucky to have her too (Love You Grandma!)

I have more people in my life who can't or don't want to setup a 5.1 than who do. There is a huge untapped market of people who are intimidated by Home Theater Tech. They'll appreciate a simple setup, and I'll appreciate it when I'm over at their house and don't have to listen to built in speakers. And, their interest and knowledge can only grow. I started with particle board speakers and an 8-track. Moved up to stereo separates powered off a dedicated receiver. Spent my first money on a Sony HTIB (which I still say sounded damn good, and whose sub is still in use). None of us are born Home Theater knowledgeable, so we have to start somewhere.

 

[Goat1]

Its funny,I bought my parents a samsung speaker bar and they rarely use it. They think the tv speakers are just fine. I personally can't fathom why someone would buy a speaker bar. If its for your bedroom or something,maybe,but for movies and such,head scratcher. I suppose its the same head scratcher as after 20 years of so much better stuff than bose now that people still buy into that stuff..

 

[Midwesthonky]

I personally can't fathom why someone would buy a speaker bar. If its for your bedroom or something,maybe,but for movies and such,head scratcher. I suppose its the same head scratcher as after 20 years of so much better stuff than bose now that people still buy into that stuff..

I have been thinking about adding a soundbar. But then it's for a TV that is used when working out...like on a treadmill for an hour. The TV's speakers just are not loud enough for me to hear dialog over the sound of the treadmill. The receiver I have in that room is so old it does not accept digital audio input. The TV only has digital audio output and I don't use a cable or satellite box. I don't need a big setup, just more volume. A soundbar looks like the simplest way to go...

But to drop $2000 on a soundbar...I'd be hard pressed to go that route unless I was married to a domineering woman who wouldn't let me put in a surround system because of the looks. But I'm not so...

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

I don't know...pop in a zombie movie with surround sound, and you might run a bit faster

I have been thinking about adding a soundbar. But then it's for a TV that is used when working out...like on a treadmill for an hour. The TV's speakers just are not loud enough for me to hear dialog over the sound of the treadmill. The receiver I have in that room is so old it does not accept digital audio input. The TV only has digital audio output and I don't use a cable or satellite box. I don't need a big setup, just more volume. A soundbar looks like the simplest way to go...

But to drop $2000 on a soundbar...I'd be hard pressed to go that route unless I was married to a domineering woman who wouldn't let me put in a surround system because of the looks. But I'm not so...

 

[Cliff_is]

Maybe the Harman Kardon SB-16. Andrew did a review and really liked it.
harman/kardon SB16 Sound Bar & Wireless Sub Video Review | Audioholics

I have been thinking about adding a soundbar. But then it's for a TV that is used when working out...like on a treadmill for an hour. The TV's speakers just are not loud enough for me to hear dialog over the sound of the treadmill. The receiver I have in that room is so old it does not accept digital audio input. The TV only has digital audio output and I don't use a cable or satellite box. I don't need a big setup, just more volume. A soundbar looks like the simplest way to go...

But to drop $2000 on a soundbar...I'd be hard pressed to go that route unless I was married to a domineering woman who wouldn't let me put in a surround system because of the looks. But I'm not so...

 

[andyrau]

Has anybody compared the YSP-4300 / YSP-3300 to the new Martin Logan Motion Vision?

I was all set to buy the YSP-3300, until I read about this new entrant to the soundbar world. It has everything I was looking for in a single package. The only drawbacks I see are the streaming, and connectivity options; I don't mind this since I'm planning to hook up my PS3 and my TV via the 2 optical inputs, and maybe a Logitech bluetooth streaming device via RCA for my music.

Please let me know your thoughts - or if anyone has listened to both the soundbars side-by-side.

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

I haven't heard them side by side, but I'd say that these two products take two very different approaches, and you have to decide which is right for you.

As I noted in my review, the Yamaha YSP-4300 does one thing very well, and that's create surround cues with accurate directional without physical speakers (if you have a rectangular room without wall openings in key places). No amount of psycho-acoustics can compete with physical sound waves coming from the proper direction. If surround is your priority, and you have a compatible room, than I can't think of anyone else off the top of my head that's doing what Yamaha is doing.

However, I didn't think the overall quality of the Yamaha was up to part with other, less expensive, systems that I've heard. I haven't heard the ML, but would wager that the sound, while not as convincingly "surround", would be more accurate overall. Once again, this is without a listen, but if your priority is overall sound quality at the expense of physical surround cues, the ML would win here. In price the two are comparable, though the Yamaha digs a little deeper initially, while the ML gives you the option of adding a more capable sub in later.

If your setup allows for a platform form factor, you may want to wait for the review of the Speakercraft CS3. I've been really liking it so far, and with speakers as with cars, if you can allow for the design, there is no replacement for displacement (or cabinet volume in this case).

Has anybody compared the YSP-4300 / YSP-3300 to the new Martin Logan Motion Vision?

I was all set to buy the YSP-3300, until I read about this new entrant to the soundbar world. It has everything I was looking for in a single package. The only drawbacks I see are the streaming, and connectivity options; I don't mind this since I'm planning to hook up my PS3 and my TV via the 2 optical inputs, and maybe a Logitech bluetooth streaming device via RCA for my music.

Please let me know your thoughts - or if anyone has listened to both the soundbars side-by-side.

 

[andyrau]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I did see your review about YSP-4300. It was very helpful, and I have heard great things about it from other reviews too. Like said earlier, I was planning to get either that or the 3300. Some of the issues I have with the YSP, is that music doesn't sound good on it; and I live in an apartment on the 3rd floor - hardwood floors!! So, I was trying to avoid anything with a separate subwoofer. When I get my own place, I will most probably setup the entire 5.1 / 7.1 system with receiver, speakers, the works

The SpeakerCraft CS3 is a pedestal model, which is good for me now since I have my TV on a TV stand-mode. But, it does not give me too many options when I move. Like I said, I will most probably mount my current TV on the wall in my bedroom / guest bedroom. And get an entire new TV A/V setup for my entertainment room.

My current requirements are a decent surround sound soundbar (that is good for music too) which is better than my TV speakers Also, I should be able to place it in a bedroom later when I move to a different place, with an option to mount it on a wall. What I liked about the Martin Logan is that it does all of these (except stream music) - it also has a "night mode" which supposedly brings down the base and quietens the soundbar. The only drawback I see with the ML is the price! It is $1300 that I will be shelling out for something that is not going to be my primary A/V in the future. The Speakercraft CS3 is priced well - the only drawback is the pedestal form factor (for future use).

Based on the above, if money was not a factor, which one would you recommend that I go for?

I haven't heard them side by side, but I'd say that these two products take two very different approaches, and you have to decide which is right for you.

As I noted in my review, the Yamaha YSP-4300 does one thing very well, and that's create surround cues with accurate directional without physical speakers (if you have a rectangular room without wall openings in key places). No amount of psycho-acoustics can compete with physical sound waves coming from the proper direction. If surround is your priority, and you have a compatible room, than I can't think of anyone else off the top of my head that's doing what Yamaha is doing.

However, I didn't think the overall quality of the Yamaha was up to part with other, less expensive, systems that I've heard. I haven't heard the ML, but would wager that the sound, while not as convincingly "surround", would be more accurate overall. Once again, this is without a listen, but if your priority is overall sound quality at the expense of physical surround cues, the ML would win here. In price the two are comparable, though the Yamaha digs a little deeper initially, while the ML gives you the option of adding a more capable sub in later.

If your setup allows for a platform form factor, you may want to wait for the review of the Speakercraft CS3. I've been really liking it so far, and with speakers as with cars, if you can allow for the design, there is no replacement for displacement (or cabinet volume in this case).

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

Well, if you'll be going to a 5/7.1 system down the road, have you considered a set of bookshelf speakers that could become your main or surround speakers in your new system? You'd need an amp or AVR to drive them, but that can also be useful to you down the road. I think the compact form-factor and ease of use of these soundbar systems is great, but even if money weren't an issue, I'd stick with traditional speakers unless you needed the absolute simplicity or soundbar form factor. You'll typically have better sound for the same $$, even when you factor in amplification, and more options to expand/upgrade down the road.

I haven't heard the ML so I couldn't say which I would prefer between the ML and Yammy, but surround effects aside, I preferred the overall sound of the Klipsch to the Yammy. The Klipsch is less money, but didn't put out quite enough volume for me in my large room. Still, if you already need to keep things reasonable with the neighbors, that won't be an issue.

The speakercraft sounds great, but if you need a wall-mount down the road and won't have a use for a pedestal, than I wouldn't consider it.

Sorry if this is only confusing the matter.

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I did see your review about YSP-4300. It was very helpful, and I have heard great things about it from other reviews too. Like said earlier, I was planning to get either that or the 3300. Some of the issues I have with the YSP, is that music doesn't sound good on it; and I live in an apartment on the 3rd floor - hardwood floors!! So, I was trying to avoid anything with a separate subwoofer. When I get my own place, I will most probably setup the entire 5.1 / 7.1 system with receiver, speakers, the works

The SpeakerCraft CS3 is a pedestal model, which is good for me now since I have my TV on a TV stand-mode. But, it does not give me too many options when I move. Like I said, I will most probably mount my current TV on the wall in my bedroom / guest bedroom. And get an entire new TV A/V setup for my entertainment room.

My current requirements are a decent surround sound soundbar (that is good for music too) which is better than my TV speakers Also, I should be able to place it in a bedroom later when I move to a different place, with an option to mount it on a wall. What I liked about the Martin Logan is that it does all of these (except stream music) - it also has a "night mode" which supposedly brings down the base and quietens the soundbar. The only drawback I see with the ML is the price! It is $1300 that I will be shelling out for something that is not going to be my primary A/V in the future. The Speakercraft CS3 is priced well - the only drawback is the pedestal form factor (for future use).

Based on the above, if money was not a factor, which one would you recommend that I go for?

 

[ImcLoud]

trolling..O
trolls... /l\
-------.l.l

 

[3db]

I wouldn't pay that much for any sound bar regardless of manufacturer. It still fails to sound liek a true surround sound even with all the DSP which tries to mimic the physics of having surround speakers.

 

[cvcgolf]

You buy a soundbar for one of two reasons.. You either have no space at all for speakers due to a very small room or your wife is absolutely against having any speakers in the room.. So when you're left with that dilemma, you still need to pay a premium to experience great sound.. Not only do you need to but you actually want to..

 

[Marshall_Guthrie]

I think the two reasons are size (regardless of what gender the person is who is large/speaker adverse), and simplicity.

You buy a soundbar for one of two reasons.. You either have no space at all for speakers due to a very small room or your wife is absolutely against having any speakers in the room.. So when you're left with that dilemma, you still need to pay a premium to experience great sound.. Not only do you need to but you actually want to..

 

[andyrau]

Marshall:

Thanks for all the feedback. The last one did confuse things a bit more but I stuck to my resolve that i wanted only a soundbar for now. Just purely for simplicity and not to knock the socks off of my neighbors witha powerful system

I went to bestbuy, and got the ML - they haga limited time offer where they have me the dynamo 500 for free!!

The setup sounds phenomenal!! And the sound is just perfect for my apartment. I saw GI Joe: Retaliation (Blu-Ray), and Mud (DVD), both through my PS3. Like the audioholics review, some of the sounds did sound like It was coming from the sides!!

I have an issue where the sub doesn't seem to have an output when I listen to stuff from my TV, but the Ps3 output was perfect, and the sub kicked in. Is something wrong with my setup?

Well, if you'll be going to a 5/7.1 system down the road, have you considered a set of bookshelf speakers that could become your main or surround speakers in your new system? You'd need an amp or AVR to drive them, but that can also be useful to you down the road. I think the compact form-factor and ease of use of these soundbar systems is great, but even if money weren't an issue, I'd stick with traditional speakers unless you needed the absolute simplicity or soundbar form factor. You'll typically have better sound for the same $$, even when you factor in amplification, and more options to expand/upgrade down the road.

I haven't heard the ML so I couldn't say which I would prefer between the ML and Yammy, but surround effects aside, I preferred the overall sound of the Klipsch to the Yammy. The Klipsch is less money, but didn't put out quite enough volume for me in my large room. Still, if you already need to keep things reasonable with the neighbors, that won't be an issue.

The speakercraft sounds great, but if you need a wall-mount down the road and won't have a use for a pedestal, than I wouldn't consider it.

Sorry if this is only confusing the matter.