A soundbar can make a big difference when you want to experience full theater-like sound from your TV or computer. Even the best large-screen TVs can have less-than-great speakers, and costs for high-quality computer speakers can add up. Or, maybe you just want a good speaker system you can place anywhere in the house and can stream music from your phone or tablet.
Yamaha’s SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar is a great solution to all of the above. It produces impressive sound, and it can sync up with a wide range with audio and video equipment. And at just over 23 inches long, it can fit practically anywhere, from on top of your desk to a wall mount. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this soundbar’s features and advantages.
Yamaha Audio SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar, $179.95
As with any speaker, overall sound is key for a soundbar, and the Yamaha SR-C20A provides plenty of punch despite its compact size. With up to 100 watts of output that power two full-range, 1.8-inch cone drivers and a built-in subwoofer (not to mention additional passive bass radiators), this is a system that can deliver crisp highs and a solid bottom end.
Using the HDMI, optical and standard analog connections on the back, you can hook up TVs, game consoles or stereo receivers directly to the Yamaha Sound Bar. You can also switch between four sound modes depending on your source, including regular stereo, more immersive surround sound for movie viewing, and a game mode for more detailed playing environments. Even better, you can connect up to two devices at once to the Soundbar via Bluetooth, so you can stream music from phones and tablets. We also appreciate the Sound Bar’s Clear Voice mode, which raises the volume on dialogue so it’s easier to follow on TV programs and movies.
As mentioned above, the Yamaha Audio SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar is small enough to fit on your desk, a living room shelf or a TV stand (as its length is shorter than a regular 32-inch TV). You can also mount it on the wall using the handy built-in keyholes on the back. The Sound Bar includes a remote, but you can also control it through most remote controls for TVs or media streaming devices, or even on your phone with the free Sound Bar Remote app.
It all adds up to a soundbar that’s easy to move around and set up. We place it with our TV most of the time, while still being able to stream music from our phone and the computer in the next room. Additionally, WhatHiFi’s reviewers proclaim the Yamaha SR-C20A as a “worthy contender for a spot in your living room” for its price point, while GamesRadar+ sees it as an excellent all-in-one desktop speaker solution.
Whatever your needs may be, the SR-C20A Sound Bar makes for a great all-purpose speaker that will elevate your audio experience whether you’re gaming, listening to music or watching TV.
