Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 Review and Specs

Yamaha has extensive experience with sound panels, so when it releases something new in this area, expectations are high. Fortunately, the Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 - a 2.1-channel soundbar consisting of a main unit and a wireless active subwoofer - basically matches them. Follow this Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review for all the Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 specs.

Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review

Features

The highlight of the model is the surround sound in the DTS Virtual: X format, there is also a whole bunch of decoders “on board”: from Dolby Pro Logic II to Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround. No less interesting is the video part. In addition to the Audio Return Channel, which has already become familiar to the technology of this class (ARC - the sound signal from the TV can be sent to the input of the device via an HDMI cable that outputs video signals from the device to the TV), there is a full 4K Ultra HD - Pass-through - 50 / 60 Hz, YCbCr 4: 4: 4, HDR 10, Dolby Vision, HLG. Good old 1080p 3D is not forgotten either. Claimed sound power is 200 W.

Design and build

Stylish and compact (980 x 60 x 110.5 mm, 2.7 kg) soundbar with a wireless weighty subwoofer (180 x 437 x 401 mm, 9.4 kg). The Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 looks as good as its performance characteristics: the slim and stylish body allows you to easily visually combine the system with any TV (the device will not block your screen). Minimalism extends to the display, which consists of a series of simple light indicators at the top of the sound bar - they show the selected source and surround mode, as well as any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections.

Connectivity

HDMI input and output with ARC, optical digital audio input, 3.5 mm audio jack, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The back of the soundbar has an HDMI input and output with ARC. There are also optical and analog connectors.

Setup

Using the MusicCast CONTROLLER application, you can control all the Yamaha MusicCast streaming options, including volume control, input selection, etc. MusicCast can also fully stream a signal when you turn on additional speakers for many rooms.

Pros and Cons