Buying guide for best Yamaha Bluetooth speakers
A quality home audio system can elevate any experience, offering impressive sound when hosting events, watching a movie, or simply relaxing on a night in. For anyone who likes music or enjoys high-definition visuals and wants the sound to match, having a system that makes the audio the best it can be makes a world of difference.
Yamaha offers a high-end line of wireless Bluetooth-compatible speakers that are both comprehensive and versatile. These products can work independently or in conjunction with others. The speakers may be voice-controlled, utilized by an app, or centralized in a single receiver.
Due to their impressive quality, Yamaha speakers are a significant investment. It’s worth knowing not only what they offer but also what’s best for your needs. Our buying guide shows you what’s available while sharing the information you need to make the right decision. Read on to learn more about this exciting audio experience.
Key considerations
Device type
Yamaha offers single speakers to provide high-quality sound in one room or the opportunity to create a comprehensive sound system by pairing several speakers. What’s more, they have a central receiver to control and connect your other devices.
When making the decision on what to buy first, consider the spaces you’re trying to fill with sound and what your budget looks like. If you’re a homeowner, you may be looking to invest in a comprehensive home theatre system over time. In this case, a receiver with a couple speakers is a good start. If you’re a renter or have a small space, a single voice-controlled wireless speaker is sufficient. If you have a smart TV setup, a soundbar with a subwoofer is the first item to buy.
MusicCast
MusicCast is Yamaha’s interconnected audio system. MusicCast is built into their receivers, speakers, and subwoofers so you can use one device if you wish or connect a series to create a multi-room speaker setup. As the system is wireless, you use your phone or tablet to direct music, whether you’re streaming it or playing it from storage on a hard drive. AV receivers can be set up to connect an array of speakers or connect to play sound from your TV or computer.
Portability
Yamaha’s collection of Bluetooth speakers can be moved around the house — particularly their MusicCast selection of items, which are meant to fill a room with clear, vibrant audio. However, some larger speakers are best left in one spot. Further, the speakers are designed for indoor use. If you take them outside, they may be damaged by the elements; they’re not shock- or dust-proof like portable Bluetooth speakers.
Wired vs. wireless
Yamaha’s Bluetooth speakers can be controlled remotely, and most pair wirelessly to create a high-end sound system. However, there are some Yamaha speakers that can also be wired, such as their large standing theatre-style speaker. In general, wired connections produce the best sound. Wireless connections can also produce impressive sound, but interference can occur for a variety of reasons. When choosing your speaker, consider whether you may want some wired items, or if you’re going exclusively wireless.
Did you know?
A simple speaker offers 2.1 channels of sound, left and right. Yamaha, like others, offers the chance to add three more speakers to create a comprehensive 5.1 sound system.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Virtual assistant
MusicCast is integrated with two popular virtual assistants: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This means you can control them without having to access an app or use a remote control.
Advanced YST
Most of Yamaha’s speakers come with Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology, version I or II. This feature unique to Yamaha allows for optimal sound without issues. Higher sound pressure levels are more stable and controlled, improving performance and sound quality.
Colors
Unlike most audio equipment, Yamaha offers colors beyond the simple black or white. For some selections, speakers or receivers come in blue or red as well. If you’re going with a specific color, make sure it fits your décor.
"Yamaha is a vast Japanese conglomerate, manufacturing a range of products from pianos to motorcycles to furniture. They first ventured into audio equipment in 1922."
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Entertainment center: WE Furniture TV Stand
Despite being wireless and somewhat portable, your Bluetooth speakers may need a semi-permanent home. The right entertainment center works to house all your electronic devices including a smart TV, console, and soundbar or speaker.
Smart TV: Samsung QLED 9 Series
If you’re going to go all out for an impressive sound system, it’s worth having an impressive visual system as well. Samsung’s QLED is one of the best smart TVs available and provides incredible video to match your top-notch sound.
Yamaha Bluetooth speaker prices
Inexpensive: For under $200, you can find a single speaker or soundbar. Though it may not be the newest series, the quality is still excellent.
Mid-range: Spending between $200 and $500 gets you a soundbar with a subwoofer or a receiver from which to control your system.
Expensive: For over $500 are more elaborate speaker systems, likely from the newest series. They may come with two or three speakers, putting you well on your way to a comprehensive audio system.
Tips
- Clear a line of sight. Bluetooth works best with as little interference as possible. To keep a clear signal, remove objects from its path and keep it away from other Bluetooth devices.
- Make sure your WiFi is strong. The network of speakers uses WiFi to communicate. If the signal isn’t strong, you could have some problems, creating delays and frustration when trying to work the sound.
- Listen before buying. Audio can be a bit subjective, as some people may like the sound of some speakers more than others. If possible, test out various speakers in person before purchasing.
- Buy from authorized dealers. Unfortunately, there is a vast and profitable market of low-quality, fake speakers being passed off as high-quality. Make sure to buy new from a reputable retailer.
Other products we considered
Yamaha makes a variety of home audio devices, including soundbars, speakers, and subwoofers of various sizes and shapes. We like this affordable and quality soundbar, YAS-109, which streams audio from your device, connects to Alexa, or hooks up to your smart TV.
For a newer version of the same soundbar, check out YAS-209, which also comes with a subwoofer for that added bass. Lastly, to enhance your existing audio setup, check out this wireless subwoofer that pairs with a soundbar or other speakers.
FAQ
Q. Do I need a main audio hub or receiver to use the speakers?
A. No, you do not need an AV receiver or hub to operate Yamaha Bluetooth speakers. They have several options for single speakers that can be moved around the house and operated via your phone through Bluetooth and WiFi channels. However, to create a more comprehensive system with multiple speakers and to utilize various forms of audio (from CDs to mp3s), a central receiver is especially useful.
Q. Where should I place my speakers?
A. If you’re buying a single wireless speaker, it can be moved around the house but should generally be placed in the middle of a room. If you’re opting for a comprehensive system, your receiver hub should be in a centralized location, and your speakers can occupy corners of rooms. Make sure that any high-end speaker isn’t blocked by anything so the sound can fill the room. Direct speakers away from walls or pieces of furniture. Soundbars in particular should be in a central location so the sound can be evenly distributed throughout the room.
Q. Why is there a delay in sound between connected speakers?
A. If you have more than one speaker paired, there may be an occasional delay between them, producing audio that’s out of sync. This is likely due to the position of the speakers. Make sure that the line of sight between them is clear. Too many Bluetooth signals can interrupt clarity and performance between speakers.
