Yamaha YAS-109 vs Polk Audio Command Bar

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Let's take a look at the comparison between Yamaha YAS-109 and Polk Audio Command Bar. It will become clear that among these two devices, the YAS-109 is more suitable for the role of a home soundbar. According to the results of our comparison, YAS-109 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and Command Bar was rated 6.6 points.

Advantages Yamaha YAS-109 over Polk Audio Command Bar

Advantages Polk Audio Command Bar over Yamaha YAS-109

Audio features

The YAS-109 is rated 5 of 10 against 6 for the Command Bar according to the audio features rating.

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 YAS-109 and the Command Bar.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. The number of channels in the considered devices is the same - 2.1. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Yamaha YAS-109 has 120 (overall) W, and 160 (overall) W has the competitor.

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 YAS-109. The Command Bar comes with an external subwoofer. Yamaha YAS-109 has the ability to handle wired connections from an external subwoofer, while Polk Audio Command Bar only has wireless connections.

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 YAS-109 received rating 8 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Command Bar, in the same category, earned 5 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. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these soundbars can work with this technology.

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. This ability to reproduce surround sound with DTS:X technology is not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.

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 YAS-109 received 10 points, and the Command Bar - 5 on a 10-point scale.

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 YAS-109 was rated 8 out of 10, and Polk Audio Command Bar was rated 7 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 the YAS-109.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The competitors in this comparison has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs.

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 basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

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 YAS-109 has its own remote control application. Both soundbars have 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 Command Bar has the ability to use a multiroom system.

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