Another unfortunate omission, especially in a high-end system with surround speakers that can be placed almost anywhere: there is no room correction.
Limited streaming
Yamaha MusicCast via Simon Cohen
Yamaha MusicCast via Simon Cohen
Streaming music is a mixed bag, largely due to the Yamaha's limited capabilities. True X Surround 90A supports Apple AirPlay, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, but does not work with Google Cast or Alexa Cast. It works with DLNA servers, but unlike some other Yamaha products, it doesn't support Roon.
I found the built-in support for streaming services in the MusicCast app to be the most reliable high-quality option, although unfortunately it's a very limited selection: Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, SiriusXM and Pandora. Bluetooth is also available, but only with SBC and AAC codecs and is best suited for everyday listening.
However, listening to high-resolution, lossless FLAC tracks from Amazon Music and Qobuz was immersive, especially when using the “All” listening mode.
The result? Yamaha's True X Surround 90A will captivate you with its clarity and precision. It adds stunning realism to movies and shows, often revealing details that are hidden by smaller soundbars. Much of this performance carries over to music, if you don't mind the limitations of the streaming service. A completely wireless surround sound system provides superior immersion and greater flexibility in both placement and use as a secondary sound system.
But Yamaha charges a hefty price for the True X Surround 90A, and a big investment comes with big expectations. The lack of inputs, lack of center channel level control, and lack of room correction are serious omissions. Apple Music subscribers who want the highest quality audio should also note that there is no way to send a lossless or Dolby Atmos signal to the soundbar without using an intermediate device like the Apple TV 4K. It's a lot of compromises.
This makes it difficult to give the True X Surround 90A an unqualified recommendation. But if you appreciate its strengths and don't mind its weaknesses, Yamaha's flagship makes a good, if pricey, reliable addition to any TV.
