Comparison of Yamaha YAS-209 and Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 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 Shockwafe Pro 7.1 is inferior in all characteristics to YAS-209. According to the results of our comparison, YAS-209 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Shockwafe Pro 7.1 was rated 7.8 points.
The YAS-209 is rated 6 of 10 against 8 for the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 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-209 and the Shockwafe Pro 7.1.
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 YAS-209 has 2.1 channels, while the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 has 7.1.4 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Yamaha YAS-209 has 200 (overall) W, and 600 (overall) W has the competitor.
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in channels | 2.1 | 7.1.4 |
Amplification type | active | active |
Output power, W | 200 (overall) | 600 (overall) |
Separate speaker (in package) | 0 | 2 |
Separate speaker connections | wireless | wired |
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. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in subwoofer | ✖ | ✖ |
Separate subwoofer (in package) | ✔ | ✔ |
Separate subwoofer connections | wireless | wireless |
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-209 received rating 8 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Shockwafe Pro 7.1, in the same category, earned 10 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 Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.
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 Shockwafe Pro 7.1.
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✖ | ✔ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby TruHD |
DTS:X | ✖ | ✔ |
DTS (other) | DTS Digital Surround | DTS Digital Surround, DTS HD |
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-209 received 10 points, and the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 - 9 on a 10-point scale.
The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars. The streaming audio from Pandora, SoundCloud, it is possible to listen to each of soundbars.
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✔ | ✖ |
Amazon Music | ✔ | ✔ |
Spotify | ✔ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | Pandora, SoundCloud | Pandora, SoundCloud |
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. Connectivity of competitors was rated 8 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-209.
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 YAS-209 has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 got 3/1 HDMI inputs/outputs from the manufacturer.
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.
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
WI-FI | ✔ | ✖ |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 1 | 0 |
NFC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI input/output | 1/1 | 3/1 |
HDMI ARC | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Optical digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Coaxial digital input/output | 0/0 | 1/0 |
Analog audio input/output (RCA) | 0/0 | 1/0 |
Headphone output | 0 | 0 |
Subwoofer output | 1 | 0 |
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-209 has its own remote control application. Only Yamaha YAS-209 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. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | ✔ | ✖ |
App control | ✔ | ✖ |
Microphone | ✔ | ✖ |
Remote control | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room | ✖ | ✖ |
YAS-209 | Shockwafe Pro 7.1 | |
---|---|---|
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in | 93x6.2x10.9/38.6x2.5x4.2 | 114.3 x 7.6 x 7.6/45.5 x 3 x 3.5 |
Weight, kg/pounds | 2.7/6 | 3.1/7.2 |