YAS-203by Yamaha

TECHWALLA
VERDICT
Clearly above average. Only a couple of issues keep this from being best in class.
85 %
TECHWALLA SCORE
based on the following sites
  • 92%
  • 91%
  • 90%
  • 90%
  • 90%
  • 80%
  • 80%
  • 70%
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PROS

  • The Yamaha YAS-203 soundbar and subwoofer sound great for movies and music playback.
  • The soundbar includes Bluetooth and DTS decoding.
  • The soundbar comes with a rear-mounted IR repeater that can pass your remote control signals through to the TV if the speaker blocks the TV's IR port.

CONS

  • The YAS-203 has limited inputs and no HDMI.
  • The unit has a slightly harsh Bluetooth sound with non-aptX devices.
  • The remote's button layout leaves a bit to be desired.
The Yamaha YAS-203 brings your movies and music to life with a simple soundbar and wireless bass module. Yamaha’s Clear Voice makes dialog more understandable, and UniVolume levels out inter-channel differences. While missing HDMI, the YAS-203 has optical, digital coaxial, and analog audio input, and supports Dolby and DTS. Control your system using the included controller or download an app for your smartphone. The rear-mounted IR transmitter passes TV remote signals front to back when the soundbar blocks the TV’s IR port.
Name YAS-203 Playbar Boost TV S4251W-B4
Manufacturer Yamaha Sonos JBL Vizio
Techwalla Score
85%
84%
83%
76%
List Price $400 $700 $200 $330
92%

This system consists of a sleek soundbar and a wireless subwoofer, both of which are encased in a classic black veneer that adds class and s…

This system consists of a sleek soundbar and a wireless subwoofer, both of which are encased in a classic black veneer that adds class and sophistication to any home entertainment system.

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91%

Sound bars might look the same from the outside, but Yamaha’s YAS-203 knows a good thing when it hears it — by making sure the viewer hears …

Sound bars might look the same from the outside, but Yamaha’s YAS-203 knows a good thing when it hears it — by making sure the viewer hears it too.

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90%

If you're looking at buying a sound bar -- and not a sound base to put your TV on top of -- then the Yamaha YAS-203 now rules the roost.

If you're looking at buying a sound bar -- and not a sound base to put your TV on top of -- then the Yamaha YAS-203 now rules the roost.

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90%

But perhaps the company’s greatest feat in the genre is creating a simple, powerful, and affordable bar that sounds pretty damned good.

But perhaps the company’s greatest feat in the genre is creating a simple, powerful, and affordable bar that sounds pretty damned good.

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90%

Vast improvment over built in tv audio, sounds great for what it cost. But the remote haunts my dreams.

Vast improvment over built in tv audio, sounds great for what it cost. But the remote haunts my dreams.

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80%

Not only does it get plenty loud enough to fill a medium-to-large room, it also creates the illusion of a wide field of sound — the audio sp…

Not only does it get plenty loud enough to fill a medium-to-large room, it also creates the illusion of a wide field of sound — the audio spreads out before you.

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80%

The YAS-203 adds weight and authority to everything from the 9 O'clock News to the latest exploits of Ed China on Wheeler Dealers and epic b…

The YAS-203 adds weight and authority to everything from the 9 O'clock News to the latest exploits of Ed China on Wheeler Dealers and epic battles in Game of Thrones.

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70%

While it isn’t in the realm of stellar, overall audio quality is above average, even with low-end connectors.

While it isn’t in the realm of stellar, overall audio quality is above average, even with low-end connectors.

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In terms of feature set, the YAS-203 is pretty basic, but with a few goodies thrown in for functionality.

In terms of feature set, the YAS-203 is pretty basic, but with a few goodies thrown in for functionality.

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