Yamaha YSP-2500 Sound Bar Projector

Getting true 7.1-channel surround sound from a sound bar was thought to be impossible. Make that sound bar (or digital sound projector, as Yamaha calls it) an ultra-slim model, and the chances draw even narrower. But the Yamaha YSP-2500 sound bar isn’t the run-of-the-mill speaker bar. This digital sound projector has 16 individual speakers powered by 16 discrete amplifiers. It supports Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and there are three HDMI inputs so you can connect and utilize the latest products at the highest possible audio and video quality.

Those three HDMI inputs also support 4K Ultra HD pass-through as well as 3D (and are HDMI 2.0 compatible). A TV remote repeater lets you use your television’s remote control even if the YSP-2500 is blocking the IR signal path.

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Not content with stopping there, Yamaha added Bluetooth capability, so you can stream music to the YSP-2500 wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad or Android-based devices. But what really sets the Yamaha YSP-2500 digital sound projector apart is its true support for 7.1-channel surround sound. Each of the 16 1-1/8″ drivers can beam sound to a specific location in the room. Combined with Yamaha’s DSP-controlled software, the effect is as close to having a full 7.1 speaker system in your home as you’ll get without actually placing speakers around the room. This isn’t just phase-gimmicky DSP, each driver is really pulling its weight within the system.

Yamaha YSP-2500 Subwoofer

To add in the lower frequency range, a pair of 4″ cone woofers supply the important bass frequencies courtesy of the wireless 75 Watt subwoofer.

The entire system features a slim design with a brushed-metal finish and even the wireless subwoofer can be laid down on its side for hiding away under a piece of furniture. The YSP-2500 stands just 2-7/8″ tall—including the feet and drops down to just 2″ without. Because it’s so slim, you can put the YSP-2500 right in front of your TV and the unit won’t block the screen. If your TV is on the wall you can also wall-mount the YSP-2500 with an optional bracket (SPM-K20). 

Setup is automatic, but you can also engage one of many different listening modes. One of my favorites is late-night, where the YSP-2500 sends a targeted beam of sound to your specific listening position, while reducing or eliminating sound to everywhere else in the room. Yamaha also gives you a headphone jack on the front panel so you can listen to movies or music in complete isolation.

The Bluetooth included with the Yamaha YSP-2500 includes apt-X, so you are streaming near lossless quality music to the digital sound bar. The YSP-2500 also has Bluetooth standby mode which lets the speaker system turn on and off automatically, waking up when a device is connected.

Top Features & Specs

• True 7.1-channel surround sound
• Wireless subwoofer
• Bluetooth wireless music streaming w/Apt-X
• Three HDMI inputs
• Brushed-metal finish
• Output Power: 25 W (Center Unit) , 75 W (Subwoofer)
• Beam Drivers: 16 x 1-1/8″
• Subwoofer: 2 x 4″
• Bar Dimensions (W x H x D): 37-1/8″ x 2-7/8″ (2″ w/o stands) x 5-5/8″
• Sub Dimensions (W x H x D): 5-3/4″ x 17-1/2″ x 13-7/8″ (Vertical subwoofer)
• Weight (bar): 8.8 lbs.
• Weight (subwoofer): 17.4 lbs.

Yamaha lets you control the YSP-2500 from your smartphone or tablet with their free Home Theater Controller app. It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices and lets you select surround and Cinema DSP modes or even adjust the sound beams right form your couch.