Yamaha True X Surround 90A soundbar brings Dolby Atmos to life with AI precision

Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Yamaha is returning to the soundbar high-end, with the launch of a new premium AV system.  The True X Surround 90A lands with the weight of twenty years of audio innovation behind it, updating the beamforming technology the brand pioneered back in 2004, with the original YSP-1. 

The True X Surround 90A, aka the SR-X90A, is essentially a complete wireless home theatre, comprising a powerful soundbar, bespoke subwoofer, and a pair of portable wireless surrounds.

Unlike lesser all-in-ones that offer simulated immersion, this bundle has been designed to create a fully three dimensional sound field, for immersive movies, gaming and music.

The SR-X90A, is essentially a complete wireless home theatre package, comprising a powerful soundbar, bespoke subwoofer, and a pair of portable wireless surrounds…

Wireless, seamless, cinematic

The system is compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and, unusually, Auro-3D codecs – you can use the Auro-3D Auro-Matic upmixer on regular stereo sources. The soundbar itself stands 85mm tall; connectivity includes two HDMI ports (one with eARC), digital optical audio and Ethernet to support Wi-Fi. 

The engineering detail here is worth lingering on. Mounted just beneath the top panel of the main bar are twelve beam speakers, six per side, angled precisely to reflect sound off your ceiling.

These aren’t simply angled drivers; they’re part of a carefully orchestrated height channel system that enables true verticality in sound, emulating the kind of overhead effects typically reserved for ceiling-mounted speakers.

They’re driven by Yamaha’s own YDA-141 high-performance amplifier, calibrated for pinpoint spatial accuracy.

Also new are eye-shaped front drivers, an unusual design, chosen not for novelty, but because they fit into a slim chassis without compromising midrange clarity or bass weight. These ovals have been engineered from the ground up, their magnetic structure fine-tuned to preserve the integrity of dialogue, instrument timbre, and cinematic depth.

Low frequencies are handled by a compact subwoofer, with a 6.69-inch cone, allied to Yamaha’s patented Symmetrical Flare Port.  The result? Low frequency that is punchy yet composed, powerful without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

When it comes to total power output, this Yamaha is no flyweight . There’s 3x 100W behind the front left/right and centre drivers, with 2.5W x 12 for the rears. The subwoofer has a 100W power plant. 

AI that listens like a sound engineer

Adding further nuance is Yamaha’s SURROUND:AI technology, previously the preserve of its AVENTAGE Series AV receivers, making its debut here in a soundbar.

This artificial intelligence system continuously analyses content in real time, adjusting sonic presentation depending on what it hears: dialogue, ambient detail, music, or effects. It’s kind of like having a live sound engineer tuning your audio, moment by moment. 

The True X system also supports Yamaha’s well-honed MusicCast platform, offering seamless integration with other Yamaha multiroom components. There’s app-based control of everything from channel balance to beam angle, meaning you can tailor the experience to your environment with ease.

Helpfully, the two wireless surround speakers aren’t tethered to your cinema setup; they’re fully portable Bluetooth speakers in their own right. Move them to the bedroom, the study, or even the garden, just don’t forget to bring them back for movie night.

The Yamaha True X Surround 90A will be available from early September, priced at £2,499. Stateside, the system is being sold either as a standalone sound ($2,700) or bundled with rears ($3,499).