Yamaha YSP-1400 Conclusion
Yamaha has tried to bring the consumer their vaunted beaming technology at a low price point. This is a great idea but the simple fact is that it has to work. I've heard many Yamaha surround soundbars in my life - both in my home and at tradeshows - and I've consistently been impressed. But with a $450 price tag, you really need to bring something to the table. There are plenty of soundbar options out there with wireless subs for less. With the sound quality and the finickiness of the beaming, it's hard to give the Yamaha a high value rating.
I love Yamaha surround soundbars and I will continue to recommend them to my friends. That's not what is in question here. The Yamaha YSP-1400 is attempting to bring Yamaha's vaunted "beaming" technology to the masses at a price they can actually afford. While they have done all that, they had to cut so many corners that is seems that the magic has been lost. With mediocre surround sound, distorted and sibilant lows and highs, and a price tag of $450, the YSP-1400 is a hard sell to any other than those casual listeners that want the Yamaha name and reputation for reliability at the lowest possible price.
Yamaha YSP-1400
$449.95
Yamaha
Electronics Corporation, USA
6660 Orangethorpe Avenue
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 522-9105
www.yamaha.com
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | |
| Appearance | |
| Treble Extension | |
| Treble Smoothness | |
| Midrange Accuracy | |
| Bass Extension | |
| Bass Accuracy | |
| Imaging | |
| Soundstage | |
| Dynamic Range | |
| Fit and Finish | |
| Performance | |
| Value | |
Confused about what AV Gear to buy or how to set it up? Join our Exclusive Audioholics E-Book Membership Program!
Subscribe to our newsletter