Yamaha YSP-5600 vs Sonos Playbar

vs

Comparison of Yamaha YSP-5600 and Sonos Playbar will allow us to get comprehensive information about the features of these two devices. And as a result of the comparison, it becomes clear that Playbar is inferior in all characteristics to YSP-5600. According to the results of our comparison, YSP-5600 received 8,4 points out of 10 possible, and Playbar was rated 5.5 points.

Advantages Yamaha YSP-5600 over Sonos Playbar

Advantages Sonos Playbar over Yamaha YSP-5600

Audio features

Each of the compared models received 7 points for the audio features.

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the YSP-5600 and the Playbar.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the YSP-5600 has 7.1.2 channels, while the Playbar has 3.0 channels.

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. A built-in subwoofer is only present in the YSP-5600. Both are not equipped with an external subwoofer.

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The YSP-5600 received rating 8 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Playbar, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in Yamaha YSP-5600.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. The manufacturer has implemented DTS:X technology only in YSP-5600.

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. For the ability to work with streaming services, the YSP-5600 received 10 points, and the Playbar - 7 on a 10-point scale.

The YSP-5600 is featured with AirPlay, but in the Playbar have support for AirPlay 2. The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars.

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: Yamaha YSP-5600 was rated 9 out of 10, and Sonos Playbar was rated 3 out of 10.

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on both devices.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. Modern Bluetooth protocol is the privilege of Yamaha YSP-5600 only.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is a feature unique to Yamaha YSP-5600.

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The ability to control the soundbar using the application is implemented in each of the competitors. Only Yamaha YSP-5600 has a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. The YSP-5600 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

Dimensions