Yamaha YHT-395BL Complete 5.1-Channel Home Theater System

by Yamaha

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 26.2 x 21.8 x 16.6 inches ; 57 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 57 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B004SL4ADA
• Item model number: YHT-395BL
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #848 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #7 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > Speakers > Speaker Systems

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Yamaha YHT-395 5.1-Channel Complete Home Theater System offers many advanced home theater features at an affordable price, including 4-in/1-out HDMI with 3D and Audio Return Channel compatibility, iPod/iPhone and Bluetooth compatibility, HD Audio with CINEMA DSP compatibility, and SCENE function.

Create your very own home theater experience with the Yamaha YHT-395

This package includes a Yamaha HTR-3064 100-watt audio/video receiver, a Yamaha NS-AP2500 5-channel speaker package, and a powerful Yamaha YST-SW012 8" 100-watt subwoofer.

Featuring 4 HDMI inputs and connections for all your home theater components. View back panel

Enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound without the surround speakers

1080p-Compatible HDMI with 3D and Audio Return Channel

Improve your home cinema experience with 100 watts per channel of powerful 5.1-channel surround sound, with the latest HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. The 1080p-compatible HDMI (4 in/1 out) supports Deep Color (30/36 bit), x.v.Color, 24 Hz Refresh Rate and Auto Lip-Sync compensation, as well as the latest HDMI features like 3D and Audio Return Channel.

CINEMA DSP Digital for Enhanced Surround Realism

Conventional multi-channel audio reproduction systems base their sound on Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, using matrix and steering technologies to create surround sound effects. Yamaha CINEMA DSP is much more advanced, actually creating richly realized independent sound fields that envelop you in an unmatched surround sound experience. With dialogue, music and effects ideally located in these separate sound fields, you will hear sound with accurate placement, smooth movement, exceptional clarity and richness, and startlingly realistic presence. It will seem as if the walls of your room have disappeared and you are in the middle of your own immense theater.

SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP

SILENT CINEMA, a variation of Yamaha's CINEMA DSP technology, makes it possible to listen in private to movies and other multi-channel sources for hours without listening fatigue. Virtual CINEMA DSP lets you enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound without using surround speakers (handy for use in custom installations where some rooms don't have surround speakers). It can be used with the front / center / presence speakers or even with just the two front left and right speakers.

Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)

Yamaha's Adaptive DRC technology automatically adjusts the dynamic range of the sound according to the volume that is selected. Adaptive DRC refines the dynamic range parameters to make low volume sounds easier to hear (narrower dynamic range) while retaining the massiveness felt during high volume (wider dynamic range). And because our ears lose sensitivity to low and high sounds as volume decreases, it continually adjusts these frequency ranges according to the volume and to the input signal level.

Compressed Music Enhancer Refreshes Your Music

Yamaha employs sophisticated digital signal processing with exclusive algorithms to enable playback that improves the performance of compressed music formats, including MP3 and WMA. With the Compressed Music Enhancer, highs and especially lows are richer and smoother, bringing music back to life to be as close to the original as possible.

SCENE: A New Level of Operating Ease

Four SCENE buttons make operating the receiver easier than ever. They are initially set to default settings for DVD Viewing, Disc Listening, TV Viewing and Radio Listening. Push a SCENE button to automatically launch play of the preset source. Other SCENE settings are also available, such as iPod Listening, XM Listening, TV Sports Viewing and Action Game Playing. Browse and select the settings quickly accomplished by rotating the Input knob and watching the on-screen display. The settings can be selected for one-time use, or they can replace the original default settings. You can even change the SCENE names for convenience.

Expand Your Yamaha System with Convenient Connectivity

The optional YDS-12 Universal Dock lets you connect your iPod or iPhone to the receiver. And the YDS-12 is "Works with iPhone"-certified, so you can get the most out of your iPhone music library with zero hassles.

The optional YBA-10 Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver docks to the receiver and supports A2DP stereo audio streaming, so users can enjoy music wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, Windows PCs, and Macs.

Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 100W x 5
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100kHz +0,-3dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.06%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 98dB
• Standby Power Consumption (HDMI Off, Standby Through Off): 0.1W
• Receiver Dimensions (WxHxD): 17-1/8" x 6" x 12-3/8"
• Receiver Weight: 16.5 lbs
• Surround Speaker Dimensions (WxHxD): 4" x 6-3/8" x 4"
• Surround Speaker Weight (each): 1.6 lbs
• Center Speaker Dimensions (WxHxD): 11-7/8" x 4" x 4"
• Center Speaker Weight (each): 2.6 lbs
• Subwoofer Dimensions (WxHxD): 11-3/8" x 11-3/8" x 12-7/8"
• Subwoofer Weight: 18.7 lbs

Product Description

The Yamaha YHT-395 5.1-channel home theater system is a quality entry-level HTiB system with a 100-watt, 5-channel A/V receiver, 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, iPod and Bluetooth compatibility, 4 SCENE buttons, and a powerful 100-watt subwoofer. Supports the latest high-definition audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. Add your iPod or iPhone by connecting optional compatible Yamaha docks like the YDS-12 or Yamaha Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver (sold separately).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent entry-level home theater system, August 3, 2011

By 

LizO (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yamaha YHT-395BL Complete 5.1-Channel Home Theater System (Electronics)

Props to Yamaha for putting out an entry-level system that offers great sound and options within a receiver at a budget price. Some manufacturers skimp on their entry-level or lower priced electronics but Yamaha got this one right and for my needs, they didn't skimp at all.

I upgraded from a 20 year old Sony 2 channel system (connected to the TV via composite cables and PC via 3.5 mm to RCA) that was on its last legs. It served me well through the years but with better quality sound through television, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs and even streaming, it seemed like a great time to retire the old system before it gave out completely. Given my budget constraints and living in multiple-family housing, a high end, blow-your-ears-off music and theater/movie sound wasn't in the cards. Yamaha has a good reputation and reading the reviews on this and other entry-level systems Yamaha has, it was right up my alley.

This system has not disappointed. What can I say; it has great sound for my needs. I have it set up with 16 gauge speaker wire (the speaker wire you get in the box isn't suitable for hemming clothing IMO). Connected to it is a Sony Bravia TV, a Sony BDPS380 Blu-Ray/DVD/streaming player which is a great player for the price and my computer via 25 ft 3.5 mm stereo cable. The TV is connected via Toslink optical audio cable and HDMI. Blu-ray/DVD/streaming player connected via HDMI. The living room is roughly 15' x 14' and even on lower volumes, this sounds great. Piping the music from my computer to watching DVDs, Blu-Ray and streaming movies/TV, I have absolutely no complaints.

Oddly enough, the remote is very intuitive for me. I haven't tried to get the TV and player to accept the remote yet but at this point, it isn't much of an issue. I went from having four remotes to three and hopefully it will be just the main Yamaha remote with the occasional need to use the other two. Bad remotes net a lower rating from me and this has a decent remote that seems to have been researched and well thought out.

I don't listen to the radio at home, but Pandora and my MP3s via the computer sound as good as can be. I am able to convert 2 channel music (which seems to be the case for most MP3 and other audio) to what Yamaha calls "5 Channel Enhancer" so you get a full music experience. Coming from a 2 channel system, it's pretty cool! I don't need to use the various sound field presets, though if you like to have interesting ways to listen to your music, those pre-sets are available (Vienna Music Hall, Roxy Theatre, etc). I listen to a variety of music - most everything except rap and hip-hop and all of it sounds great.

The surround sound for movies and even TV is great. Late nights, though, I keep it at the "5ch Enhancer" setting in order to keep the volume at a respectable level so as not to annoy my neighbors. It's kind of fun to hear the movies with the various surround sound pre-sets though when I do have it in surround mode, I typically keep it at the "Standard" surround setting.

I don't have cable and haven't since 1995 (on purpose) so I can't say how well it works with a cable or satellite box but it has more than enough ports to connect external devices and then some. Over-the-air television can be broadcast in 5.1 (depending on the program) and it sounds very good. Being able to combine a fully loaded receiver without other components (amp, equalizer, etc) is also a bonus for those not needing ultra loud and pure sound and for those whose space is limited.

It's a great value in my opinion. If you want to plop $1200+ on a system, by all means go for it but if your needs are simple, your budget is constrained and you're not looking to create a serious home theater/music listening room, it will suit many people's needs.

BTW, those that are looking for a home theater with a Blu-Ray/DVD and streaming are not going to get that with this system. This Yamaha system is strictly for sound which I think is the right way to do a home theater, even on a tight budget. This gives you more options and as your TV and other video needs change, this system will stand alone and I suspect will serve for many years. Basic audio hasn't changed in 30 years except in the realm of added channels (2.1, 5.1, 7.1) and digital input/output. Video seems to be changing at a rapid rate and perhaps has leveled out for now, but a system like this will provide a host of options, I think, that many home theater systems that are video based can't offer.

EDIT: Feb 08, 2012 I still stand behind this system as an entry level/budget system for quality and sound. No complaints whatsoever and as far as stereo equipment goes, this has been a great investment for my needs. I still haven't figured out how to get my Sony products to accept the remote but I really haven't tried after I read on a Sony support forum that the two don't marry well on Sony's end. Which is fine, there are options on the TV remote that I will not be able to get on the Yamaha remote so it's not a bother at all. I would very much recommend this to anyone looking for a system that doesn't cost a ton of money and isn't looking for a full theater room system.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Home Surround System!!!, May 28, 2011

By 

Vasileios Kalogirou "Vasilios" (Plano TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yamaha YHT-395BL Complete 5.1-Channel Home Theater System (Electronics)

I have long been looking for a surround system around this range and decided to go with itsince its previous model the 393BL had one of the best reviews in the mark for its price range.

I have never owned a surround system before, but I have installed it for several of my friends in the past. I have to say though that even for an amateur though the instructions provided are self explanatory.

I also decided to mount all 5 speakers on the wall and installed the wires through the attic by droping the wires through the wall. It can be a painful process but well worth it in my personal opinion.
If you were to have it installed like I did though, I would highly recommend spending an extra buck to get a better wire than the one that the system comes with.
In my case for a 16x 16 family room I had to use about 120 feet of 16 gauge wire with extra seal protection. I would recommend a 14 gauge if your speakers will be more than 30 feet away from the receiver. Some sellers will recommend a CL2 or CL3 wire, but I ended up using the 16 gauge monster XP that I found better deal on and the performance of the sound rocks. No hickups super crystal clarity for the ability of the speakers. Easy to hear the highs, the lows and the bass.

Overall I am extremely happy with the sound and the performance of this system. I cannot strech enough though how important it is to use good wires, especially if you were to ever upgrade your speakers to some more expensive ones. Believe me you do not want to go through the wire installation more than once for the same room.

Personally I am not a sound maniac, but I love quality and professional performance and this system definetely meets my requirements. The receiver had enough inputs for my PS3, the Wii, my HD cable box, the VCR (wife still wants to keep it) and the iPod Dock, yet there is still room for more devices!!!

If you are looking for a system at this price range do not think twice about it like I did. I live to overanalyze and do my homework before and type of purchase and I am in love with it already!!! Great job Yamaha, always had faith in you.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Home Theater, April 28, 2011

By 

Ostriches - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yamaha YHT-395BL Complete 5.1-Channel Home Theater System (Electronics)

If you're looking for a great home theater system at an affordable price this is it. I have had no problems passing through all of my 3D content to my TV from this home theater system. There is a ton of control for the audio and even offers automatic and manual lip syncing. If you're an audio/video nut and you notice lips being off from audio by only the slightest bit then this is the home theater system for you. The active subwoofer is outstanding for its size. Overall, the whole home theater system is a great value and everything you'd expect. Everything you see on the amazon page for this home theater is true as far as specifications.