Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black)

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Practically everything Yamaha makes is a quality product. The 101 can be added to the list. Very happy with the product and B&H's quality service.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

The sound bar was easy to install, looks great, but best of all sounds excellent. The features we like and use the most are the Clear Voice setting for movies and the UniVolume setting which prevents excessive volume changes, e.g. loud commercials or changing channels.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

When I went to store, there were like 15 different sound bars and I tested all, this one stood above all especially with vocal and music; bass is not that impressive but enough for daily use. Best part is its simplicity to use.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Overall, very impressed with the system. It has great, quality sound, even at a loud volume level. I have a gaming system hooked up to it and also my tv, which is perfect for me. It was very easy to install and start using. If you are looking for something that is easy to use and quick to set up, this is it. I have always been happy with Yamaha products. The system has a couple nice features if you are using it for tv. It has a "Clear Voice" option which amplifies peoples voices during programs and makes it easier to hear what they are saying. It also has a "Uni Volume" option, which keeps the volume at the same level, even during commercials. The only thing I would recommend is to definitely purchase an external subwoofer. The internal subwoofer is pretty weak. You will have to purchase a subwoofer cable also. I am very happy with the system though. Great product!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

This is a fine addition to any large flat screen television but you will not be able to get a synchronizing code from ATT Uverse.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

The YAS-101 is a great soundbar. I hooked the sound to the back of my Panasonic TC-P42S1 Plasma TV using the supplied optical cable. Make sure to turn the sound off on the TV. The soundbar really gets the job done (IMHO)

I struggled way too long trying to figure out how to program my Direct-TV remote to the YAS-101 so I didn't have to use Yamaha's remote. It was a pain using 2 remotes just to mute and change the volume settings. Finally, after too much time searching, I found the procedure to link the YAS-101 to my Direct-TV satellite remote. It worked ok except not being able to mute the sound:

Go to Yamaha's website, go to Home>Support>FAQ's>Search by category>Audio and Visual>Soundbars/Digital Sound Projectors>YAS-101>Click Select. In the following list of FAQ's click on #10 "YAS-101 Programming your TV/Cable/Satellite remote to work with YAS-101" and follow the instructions, then see below on the follow up.

Other thoughts:
I sometimes use my TV or DVD-BD to listen to music over the Web or wirelessly through my networked DVD-BluRay via computer music files or Pandora, etc. This is the only real stereo device I use and it will blast you out of the room (well, at least in my case it does). I have a smaller living room and laminate floors so it is very loud and clear.

BTW- I posted these instructions on Direc-TV's forum as well. Direct-TV should be somewhat embarassed not having the proper instructions available. I spent hours trying to use codes that never worked via their instructions.

Follow up:
As pointed out to me from another poster, the Direct TV remote does not have learning capabilities, so my fix will not work well for a DirectTV remote. However, after using the same instructions while programming the Panasonic TV remote, I was able to get the volume up and down button to work successfully on the Direct-TV remote for the YAS-101 device. Hopefully, other remotes will work for you if the Direct-TV will not. It is definitely worth a try.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

despite mixed bag of picky-picky reviews out there, this model admirably up to task to belt out movie soundtracks AND cd music, streaming, etc. built-in sub-woofer & mid-range both pleasant surprises much better than expected. you can hear the dynamics immediately. unless you demand vehicle-type sledgehammer bass you typically hear out on the streets, this one-piece unit more than adequate for interior dwelling. researched quite a few soundbars in showrooms in same price range + previously owned a couple other brands - none of them in same league as YAS-101 to my ears. this sets a new standard - enjoy!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

UNLIKE THE 1st 1, THIS 1 WORKS FINE.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

despite mixed bag of picky-picky reviews out there, this model admirably up to task to belt out movie soundtracks AND cd music, streaming, etc. built-in sub-woofer & mid-range both pleasant surprises much better than expected. you can hear the dynamics immediately. unless you demand vehicle-type sledgehammer bass you typically hear out on the streets, this one-piece unit more than adequate for interior dwelling. researched quite a few soundbars in showrooms in same price range + previously owned a couple other brands - none of them in same league as YAS-101 to my ears. this sets a new standard - enjoy!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

We purchased this product to replace the Z-Vox 550 that we had been using. SInce both my wife and myself are getting hard of hearing we especially wanted something that made the TV dialog more understandable. The Yamaha was very easy to set up and it hooked readily to the subwoofer that we had already been using with the Z-Vox. The sound quality was just as good as the much more expensive Z-Vox and the understandablity was leagues better. We are extremely pleased with this unit.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Looking to upgrade from the stock speakers in my my Samsung 58" Plasma TV. Saw it recommended on CNET video podcast. Stock speakers in TV were not bad, so I was a little unsure how much better the YAS-101 would be. It did not disappoint. The virtual surround effect is pretty good, and bass response surprisingly good for an internal subwoofer. If you're looking to step up your TV sound quality and don't want to mess with a bunch of speakers and wires all over your room, this is the ticket. And the fact that its piano black finish matches my Samsung perfectly is a plus. I mounted it above the TV, even though the Yamaha instructions never show it that way, and it works very well. Voices seem so come right out of the characters mouths.

Only thing I miss is a digital readout of sound level on front of unit or on TV screen. Level lights are inexact, but can understand why this feature might have been left out to keep cost down.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Finally found a sound bar that I can use with cable remote. This is my 3rd soundbar and I'm keeping this one. Planning to add sub-woofer.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

we wanted to use the yamaha yas-101 for better sound for our living room 40" samsung tv; it set up easily and quickly; the tv has only a 3 1/2 inch clearance below the bottom edge of the viewing screen so the yas-101 covered up about an inch of screen; the yas-101 looks classy but I think it looks more balanced in size with larger tv's; with such a low screen clearance on our tv I think we might have to purchase a speaker that we can place the speaker on top of unless we can find a small tv stand that we can place the yas-101 on a shelf within; I hope we can find a way to make it work because it sounds wonderful

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

My company has this hooked up to a video teleconferencing system via a 55" monitor. Easy set up, easy to use, and great sound! My only grip is that there in no AUX input; you can only hook this up to a TV, receiver, DVD or Blu-Ray player via TOSLink cable.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

This is my first soundbar. Purchased, because I wanted a surround sound system for my HDTV. Without having multiple speakers and a separate sub-woofer.
So far, everything is working fine. Great sound.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

This soundbar has the quality I expect from Yamaha. The clarity is great, and so is the bass in small to medium-sized rooms. Of course, the surround does not compare to a true 5.1 or 7.1 system, but it does give a much wider spatial range of sound than standard speakers. All-in-all, this is a great value for the price.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

We have it in our family room and upgraded from the TV sound alone. The sound sometimes goes in and out but we are still unable to determine if it's the soundbar or the cable.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

I have not had an additional speaker set up for my tv for a long time, and when I replaced the tv and heard the built in speakers in the new unit, I knew I wanted to get a sound bar. This one was so beautiful, and compact(the sub-woofer is built in) that I decided to give it a try. I have not for one moment regretted my purchase.

I stream internet music sites and radio through my TV, and listen to classical CD's and it gives me gorgeous sound in my moderate sized living room. My tv and dvd player only put out 2-channel sound, so I now have to get a 'smart' blu-ray player with dolby digital and dts audio out-put, so I can take advantage of this unit's true capabilities. (I am able to enjoy Dolby 5.1 sound for the programming that passes through my satellite box, and the difference is appreciable.)

The YAS-101 reproduces highs and mids with stunning clarity, and there is enough bass to let you know it is there. It doesn't rattle the china cabinet, but that is a good thing. The surround sound effect is modest, but enough for me, as I am not looking for a home theater experience. Before you buy any other sound bar, listen to this one! For the money, you won't find anywhere near the sound or quality. It is a wonderful product, that delivers way beyond what I had hoped.

The only strange thing is that the only display is a row of 6 LED's which double as performance status and volume increase/decrease indicators. I realize this was done to preserve the sleek and unobtrusive styling though, and am more than happy to live with this.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

I put this soundbar in my bedroom. I originally had a 5.1 speaker set-up in the bedroom - but there were so many wires and speakers - I wanted to remove the 'clutter' and a soundbar seemed a good way to go. I chose the YAS-101 because it had everything in 1 piece of equipment. The sound is much better than the TV speakers - tho - not as good as the original 5.1 set-up - and I've been surprised at the level of bass that is produced. The trade-off has been worth it.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

this unit is good for it's DTS,PL II,and not just PCM bitsteam,avalible with 32 WATTS:per speaker channel!that has LFE: sub preout!this is the first I have found!.I have a psw110 sub by polk connected to the unit,and when set at proper volume levels,you won't go wrong with this package!I'm not using my TV's preout.I have my direcTV box,and WD live streamer connected straight to the unit!I'm using the units own remote. it works really well anyway,and has AAA batteries,not button.also the remote is a good 1/2" thick.you can connect this unit basicly anyway you want,it doesn't have to be connected from your TV's digital preout!I'm mean for the price,and sound quality of this bar,you can't go wrong!the DTS,sounds exelent through my WD streamer!I have it connected to the BD/DVD optical port,and my direcTV to the TV optical port.dolby digital,is set to ON:in my direcTV unit,and the sounbar will decode DTS:on MOVIES when dts audio is detected!direcTV boxes have to be DVR/HD,or just a DVR: unit to get dolby digital ON/OFF option avalible. so this unit will decode DTS,PL II: If your looking for a soundbar unit with a wire sub connection avalible,then you should really consider this one!I had a vizio HD bar wich had 20watts per speaker channel,but it could only decode PCM: bitstream,and I had to turn dolby digital OFF,on my direcTV unit to receive audio.but it sounded great for compressed audio.I also had a sharp sounbar with sub preout but it only had 6 watts. per speaker channel,and it SUCKED! could not preform at all,even with an external sub connected to it. I've been there ,and done that on sounbars,and this is the BEST for a wired sub connection on the market on a BUDGET line soundbar unit! PS: different strokes,for different folks! this unit delivers on DTS,PL II,and PCM:audio very well!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Practically everything Yamaha makes is a quality product. The 101 can be added to the list. Very happy with the product and B&H's quality service.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

The sound bar was easy to install, looks great, but best of all sounds excellent. The features we like and use the most are the Clear Voice setting for movies and the UniVolume setting which prevents excessive volume changes, e.g. loud commercials or changing channels.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

When I went to store, there were like 15 different sound bars and I tested all, this one stood above all especially with vocal and music; bass is not that impressive but enough for daily use. Best part is its simplicity to use.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Overall, very impressed with the system. It has great, quality sound, even at a loud volume level. I have a gaming system hooked up to it and also my tv, which is perfect for me. It was very easy to install and start using. If you are looking for something that is easy to use and quick to set up, this is it. I have always been happy with Yamaha products. The system has a couple nice features if you are using it for tv. It has a "Clear Voice" option which amplifies peoples voices during programs and makes it easier to hear what they are saying. It also has a "Uni Volume" option, which keeps the volume at the same level, even during commercials. The only thing I would recommend is to definitely purchase an external subwoofer. The internal subwoofer is pretty weak. You will have to purchase a subwoofer cable also. I am very happy with the system though. Great product!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

This is a fine addition to any large flat screen television but you will not be able to get a synchronizing code from ATT Uverse.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

The YAS-101 is a great soundbar. I hooked the sound to the back of my Panasonic TC-P42S1 Plasma TV using the supplied optical cable. Make sure to turn the sound off on the TV. The soundbar really gets the job done (IMHO)

I struggled way too long trying to figure out how to program my Direct-TV remote to the YAS-101 so I didn't have to use Yamaha's remote. It was a pain using 2 remotes just to mute and change the volume settings. Finally, after too much time searching, I found the procedure to link the YAS-101 to my Direct-TV satellite remote. It worked ok except not being able to mute the sound:

Go to Yamaha's website, go to Home>Support>FAQ's>Search by category>Audio and Visual>Soundbars/Digital Sound Projectors>YAS-101>Click Select. In the following list of FAQ's click on #10 "YAS-101 Programming your TV/Cable/Satellite remote to work with YAS-101" and follow the instructions, then see below on the follow up.

Other thoughts:
I sometimes use my TV or DVD-BD to listen to music over the Web or wirelessly through my networked DVD-BluRay via computer music files or Pandora, etc. This is the only real stereo device I use and it will blast you out of the room (well, at least in my case it does). I have a smaller living room and laminate floors so it is very loud and clear.

BTW- I posted these instructions on Direc-TV's forum as well. Direct-TV should be somewhat embarassed not having the proper instructions available. I spent hours trying to use codes that never worked via their instructions.

Follow up:
As pointed out to me from another poster, the Direct TV remote does not have learning capabilities, so my fix will not work well for a DirectTV remote. However, after using the same instructions while programming the Panasonic TV remote, I was able to get the volume up and down button to work successfully on the Direct-TV remote for the YAS-101 device. Hopefully, other remotes will work for you if the Direct-TV will not. It is definitely worth a try.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

despite mixed bag of picky-picky reviews out there, this model admirably up to task to belt out movie soundtracks AND cd music, streaming, etc. built-in sub-woofer & mid-range both pleasant surprises much better than expected. you can hear the dynamics immediately. unless you demand vehicle-type sledgehammer bass you typically hear out on the streets, this one-piece unit more than adequate for interior dwelling. researched quite a few soundbars in showrooms in same price range + previously owned a couple other brands - none of them in same league as YAS-101 to my ears. this sets a new standard - enjoy!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

UNLIKE THE 1st 1, THIS 1 WORKS FINE.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

despite mixed bag of picky-picky reviews out there, this model admirably up to task to belt out movie soundtracks AND cd music, streaming, etc. built-in sub-woofer & mid-range both pleasant surprises much better than expected. you can hear the dynamics immediately. unless you demand vehicle-type sledgehammer bass you typically hear out on the streets, this one-piece unit more than adequate for interior dwelling. researched quite a few soundbars in showrooms in same price range + previously owned a couple other brands - none of them in same league as YAS-101 to my ears. this sets a new standard - enjoy!

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

We purchased this product to replace the Z-Vox 550 that we had been using. SInce both my wife and myself are getting hard of hearing we especially wanted something that made the TV dialog more understandable. The Yamaha was very easy to set up and it hooked readily to the subwoofer that we had already been using with the Z-Vox. The sound quality was just as good as the much more expensive Z-Vox and the understandablity was leagues better. We are extremely pleased with this unit.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Looking to upgrade from the stock speakers in my my Samsung 58" Plasma TV. Saw it recommended on CNET video podcast. Stock speakers in TV were not bad, so I was a little unsure how much better the YAS-101 would be. It did not disappoint. The virtual surround effect is pretty good, and bass response surprisingly good for an internal subwoofer. If you're looking to step up your TV sound quality and don't want to mess with a bunch of speakers and wires all over your room, this is the ticket. And the fact that its piano black finish matches my Samsung perfectly is a plus. I mounted it above the TV, even though the Yamaha instructions never show it that way, and it works very well. Voices seem so come right out of the characters mouths.

Only thing I miss is a digital readout of sound level on front of unit or on TV screen. Level lights are inexact, but can understand why this feature might have been left out to keep cost down.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

Finally found a sound bar that I can use with cable remote. This is my 3rd soundbar and I'm keeping this one. Planning to add sub-woofer.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

we wanted to use the yamaha yas-101 for better sound for our living room 40" samsung tv; it set up easily and quickly; the tv has only a 3 1/2 inch clearance below the bottom edge of the viewing screen so the yas-101 covered up about an inch of screen; the yas-101 looks classy but I think it looks more balanced in size with larger tv's; with such a low screen clearance on our tv I think we might have to purchase a speaker that we can place the speaker on top of unless we can find a small tv stand that we can place the yas-101 on a shelf within; I hope we can find a way to make it work because it sounds wonderful

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

My company has this hooked up to a video teleconferencing system via a 55" monitor. Easy set up, easy to use, and great sound! My only grip is that there in no AUX input; you can only hook this up to a TV, receiver, DVD or Blu-Ray player via TOSLink cable.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

This is my first soundbar. Purchased, because I wanted a surround sound system for my HDTV. Without having multiple speakers and a separate sub-woofer.
So far, everything is working fine. Great sound.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

This soundbar has the quality I expect from Yamaha. The clarity is great, and so is the bass in small to medium-sized rooms. Of course, the surround does not compare to a true 5.1 or 7.1 system, but it does give a much wider spatial range of sound than standard speakers. All-in-all, this is a great value for the price.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

We have it in our family room and upgraded from the TV sound alone. The sound sometimes goes in and out but we are still unable to determine if it's the soundbar or the cable.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

I have not had an additional speaker set up for my tv for a long time, and when I replaced the tv and heard the built in speakers in the new unit, I knew I wanted to get a sound bar. This one was so beautiful, and compact(the sub-woofer is built in) that I decided to give it a try. I have not for one moment regretted my purchase.

I stream internet music sites and radio through my TV, and listen to classical CD's and it gives me gorgeous sound in my moderate sized living room. My tv and dvd player only put out 2-channel sound, so I now have to get a 'smart' blu-ray player with dolby digital and dts audio out-put, so I can take advantage of this unit's true capabilities. (I am able to enjoy Dolby 5.1 sound for the programming that passes through my satellite box, and the difference is appreciable.)

The YAS-101 reproduces highs and mids with stunning clarity, and there is enough bass to let you know it is there. It doesn't rattle the china cabinet, but that is a good thing. The surround sound effect is modest, but enough for me, as I am not looking for a home theater experience. Before you buy any other sound bar, listen to this one! For the money, you won't find anywhere near the sound or quality. It is a wonderful product, that delivers way beyond what I had hoped.

The only strange thing is that the only display is a row of 6 LED's which double as performance status and volume increase/decrease indicators. I realize this was done to preserve the sleek and unobtrusive styling though, and am more than happy to live with this.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

I put this soundbar in my bedroom. I originally had a 5.1 speaker set-up in the bedroom - but there were so many wires and speakers - I wanted to remove the 'clutter' and a soundbar seemed a good way to go. I chose the YAS-101 because it had everything in 1 piece of equipment. The sound is much better than the TV speakers - tho - not as good as the original 5.1 set-up - and I've been surprised at the level of bass that is produced. The trade-off has been worth it.

Comments about Yamaha YAS-101 Front Surround Soundbar Speaker System (Black):

this unit is good for it's DTS,PL II,and not just PCM bitsteam,avalible with 32 WATTS:per speaker channel!that has LFE: sub preout!this is the first I have found!.I have a psw110 sub by polk connected to the unit,and when set at proper volume levels,you won't go wrong with this package!I'm not using my TV's preout.I have my direcTV box,and WD live streamer connected straight to the unit!I'm using the units own remote. it works really well anyway,and has AAA batteries,not button.also the remote is a good 1/2" thick.you can connect this unit basicly anyway you want,it doesn't have to be connected from your TV's digital preout!I'm mean for the price,and sound quality of this bar,you can't go wrong!the DTS,sounds exelent through my WD streamer!I have it connected to the BD/DVD optical port,and my direcTV to the TV optical port.dolby digital,is set to ON:in my direcTV unit,and the sounbar will decode DTS:on MOVIES when dts audio is detected!direcTV boxes have to be DVR/HD,or just a DVR: unit to get dolby digital ON/OFF option avalible. so this unit will decode DTS,PL II: If your looking for a soundbar unit with a wire sub connection avalible,then you should really consider this one!I had a vizio HD bar wich had 20watts per speaker channel,but it could only decode PCM: bitstream,and I had to turn dolby digital OFF,on my direcTV unit to receive audio.but it sounded great for compressed audio.I also had a sharp sounbar with sub preout but it only had 6 watts. per speaker channel,and it SUCKED! could not preform at all,even with an external sub connected to it. I've been there ,and done that on sounbars,and this is the BEST for a wired sub connection on the market on a BUDGET line soundbar unit! PS: different strokes,for different folks! this unit delivers on DTS,PL II,and PCM:audio very well!