Yamaha YHT-S400BL Home Theater System

by Yamaha

Product Features

• Subwoofer-Integrated receiver allows one-cable connection
• World's slimmest soundboard (2 inches) can be placed in front of most TVs
• Digital built in amplifier
• Yamaha's exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME
• UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 31.5 x 2 inches ; 3.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 30 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: B002ZG7WIA
• Item model number: YHT-S400BL
• Batteries 2 AAA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (114 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,911 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #82 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > Speakers > Soundbar Speakers
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 22, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Yamaha YHT-S400 Home Theater System

Key Features

• Yamaha's exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME delivers 7.1-channel surround sound
• HDMI Audio Compatibility for Blu-ray players
• Powerful subwoofer-integrated receiver delivers robust bass with a powerful kick
• 2-Inch Slim soundbar can fit easily under most TVs
• UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level
• Extended Stereo moves the stereo image further to the sides for wider sound field

A Unique Home Theater Soundbar Package that Fits Anywhere

The Yamaha YHT-S400 is a unique soundbar home theater system that's more compact and versatile than conventional soundbars. That's because Yamaha was able to build a subwoofer into the surprisingly slim receiver, eliminating an extra unit (and cables) and allowing convenient placement in a rack or on the floor. Plus, the YHT-S400 is one of the slimmest soundbars on the market. So no matter the space, you can fit a complete home theater system into even the most unforgiving of rooms.

Extended HD Stereo Compatibility

The YHT-S400 can accept HD Audio signals (linear PCM transmission) from Blu-ray Disc players for enjoying maximum sound quality. Another new technology featured in the YHT-S400, Extended Stereo moves the stereo image further to the sides. With a 31-1/2" wide unit, it is as if you are listening from speakers that are over 6 feet apart from each other. This means that the optimum sound field in front of the unit is much wider.

UniVolume

This welcome feature, made possible by Yamaha-developed technology, maintains a consistent volume level between different channels, programs, commercials and input sources. It can be switched on and off.

Width and Height Adjustable Feet

The speaker unit has height-adjustable and width adjustable feet, so it can be placed in front of most TVs from 32" to 50", no matter what shape and width the TV stand is. The feet can also be removed.

1080p-Compatible HDMI & CEC Functionality

Three HDMI inputs mean that you can connect three different HD sources to the receiver, each via a single cable. When the YHT-S400 is connected to a CEC-compatible TV, such as Panasonic VIERA Link TV, the YHT-S400 will turn on and off together with the TV, and you can use the TV remote unit to control the YHT-S400 volume. CEC also provides advanced functionality with other components.

Product Specifications

Woofer:	5" cone
Soundbar:	Driver: (3) 1-1/2" x 3-3/4" cone
Max Front Input Power:	50W x 3
Max Sub Input Power:	100W
Frequency Response:	35Hz--20kHz
Soundbar Weight:	3.4 lbs
Sub/Receiver weight:	19 lbs
Soundbar Dimensions (W x H x D):	31-1/2" x 2" x 2-3/4"
Sub/Receiver Dimensions:	17-1/8" x 6" x 14-1/4"

Similar Yamaha Products to Consider

Yamaha YAS-101BL Front Surround System -- The Yamaha YAS-101 is a single speaker home theater Soundbar system with a built-in powerful subwoofer. With easy setup, stylish design, and luxuriously rich surround sound, this soundbar takes video enjoyment to a new level. This powerful sound bar system is designed with a focus on simplicity and elegance.

Yamaha YHT-S401BL Front Surround Home Theater System -- Yamaha's newest soundbar system, the YHT-S401 consists of a soundbar and receiver/subwoofer, which you can position conveniently near the TV. The soundbar has three speakers including a center speaker for clear dialogue from movies and TV programs. Yamaha’s rich, natural sound and expansive surround fields will greatly enhance the enjoyment of all your media sources.

Yamaha YSP-2200 Digital Sound Projector -- The YSP-2200 applies sophisticated sound projection technology to precisely control the orientation of the sound by focusing it through multiple beams. The center channel sound is heard directly, while sounds from other channels are heard after reflecting off walls. The result is true multi-channel surround sound that sounds just like a multi-speaker system--but without the need for extra speakers.

Product Description

It is an unique home theater package that supports 3D pass-through with a subwoofer-integrated and an extremely slim front speaker that fits in front of almost any TV. It supports 3D pass-through over HDMI (requires latest firmware). The UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level. HDMI CEC functionality with built-in FM tuner, iPod compatibility via optional Yamaha Universal Dock YDS-11. Bluetooth compatibility with Yamaha Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver (YBA-10) and compressed Music Enhancer and four surround modes.Input 2 : HDMI Ver. 1.4 x 1, Digital In Jack x 1, Analog Input Jack x 1, iPod Dock x 1, Antenna x 1. Output 2: HDMI Ver. 1.4 x 1 and Subwoofer x 1.what's in the box: Yamaha YHT-S400 Home Theater Package , Speaker Cable (9.9 feet or 3 m), Remote Control, 2 x Batteries, Indoor FM Antenna, 2 x Speaker Stands, Mounting Template, 2 x Screws for Stands, 4 x Non-Skid Pads, Quick Reference Guide, Owner's Manual (CD-ROM) and 2-Year Parts and Labor Warranty.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 97 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! February 5, 2011

By bubbula

Amazon Verified Purchase

I put up rant style reviews for Vizio VHT 210 and VSB210SW. To tell you the truth I was spoiled by the Vizio products when they worked and the VHT 210 was half the price of this Yamaha unit.

I will tell you I spent many hours on the net and searching in town for a soundbar that I could trust. One store here in town had this unit so the wife and I went to hear it. I had bought a Boston Acoustic system five years ago there that sounded good in the store but turned out to be junk when I got it home so was skeptical about going through that again as the Yamaha sounded good in the store and we liked the styling of the unit.

Bought it through Amazon with three year extended. Works great so far and I actually like the fact that the sub is hardwired to the bar so no wireless problems.

Works very good but have only had it a week. If Vizios customer support had its stuff together it could of been one of their units sitting where this is.

This wont be for everyone but you do have Yamahas reputation behind it and that is most important to us now for all the trouble we went through in the past two months with Vizio soundbars.

This is a simple good sounding unit. Try to hear it first before buying it might just make you reconsider having 7 speakers with wires in the room.

UPDATE...........We havent had it for quite a month yet and still sounds quite good. Great for normal television watching and really powers the sound from DVD\Blu Ray. The bass grows on you as there is plenty of it. Default setting is 0, I first set it on +3 but have been dialing it back as time goes on. I trust this unit. Please Yamaha.........dont let me down!

UPDATE....4/10/2011. So far very good. For the price you cannot beat this unit. Dont even get any other soundbar for this price or under.

UPDATE....7/19/2011. Still working like a champ. I bought a "Y" adapter for the analog RCA ports to hook up my Phillips Songbird MP3 player and that part of this works well. I sometimes play this in lieu of my multi thousand dollar stereo, for one it is much simpler to get going. I listen to FM quite a bit on it also. That is one feature that separates this from other soundbar systems.

UPDATE......4/13/2012. Still works very well for us anyway. I play the FM radio during the day while working in my office. Put on a good classical station and you have something. I do recommend for those wanting to spend more money to try Yahama's Sound Projectors such as the 4000 series. I have not heard one but am told by those who have that they are quite the hi fidelity piece. Most times customers will just buy the sound projector without a subwoofer but I am sure a good sub can only add to the experience. Yamaha prodcuts have always been here, they just dont advertise like the other brands. Anyway, again for the price I believe the YHT-400 is the best you can get.

UPDATE!........6/21/2012. ARE YOU KIDDING ME????.........$299.00??????........I am sorry to say you are a bit touched in the head if you dont buy it for this price. And I thought the $399.00 was a great price. I still think it is...........Still works very well, use it on every DVD we own and some TV. I work from home and listen to a very good FM classical radio channel every day, very clean.

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yamaha's answer to Bose. February 24, 2010

By MADHU S. DANDEY

Amazon Verified Purchase

I was looking for a Home Theater in a box solution that is minimalist in appearance, without compromising on sound quality or available features. I tried the Bose 3-2-1 system and Cinemate speakers prior to this. I ended up returning both the products. For about $500 less, Yamaha delivers amazing sound quality in a very small footprint ! I highly recommend this product for apartment dwellers or someone who appreciates minimalism.

PROS:
- 3 HDMI Inputs + 1 Analog
- Solid Build Quality + Yamaha reputation
- One-of-a-kind receiver that has a built-in subwoofer
- Great price & fast shipping on amazon.com

CONS:
-The speaker bar sometimes blocks the infrared port on the TV, thereby making it difficult to use the TV remote.
(This is really not a con, as you can dismount the legs to lower the height or position the speaker appropriately)

84 of 88 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars exactly what I was looking for, HDMI-CEC disappointing January 20, 2010

By M. V. Camp

Amazon Verified Purchase

Just received from Amazon today... My primary requirements were a low profile, black unobtrusive sound bar to go in the 3 inches of space I have under my wall mounted Panasonic TCP-65S1. Other options from Samsung and other manufacturers that fit my space requirement had fewer features, only 2.1 channels, and reviews indicating sound quality not quite up to snuff. It is replacing a Yamaha YSP-800 that works fine but simply takes up too much space.

I understand there is some doubt out there about the sub combined with the receiver but so far it sounds fine.

In fact the whole setup sounds better than good... very crisp clean surround 7.1ch emulation, louder and better quality/separation than the 5ch YSP-800 it is replacing.

Time (and a bunch of Blu Ray movies) will tell, and I will update this review with further observations as I further evaluate the unit.

Very easy to install and setup, the setup menus are easy to use. I am not a huge picky audiophile so the minimal setup options are plenty for me... and if I were an audiophile I probably wouldn't be getting a soundbar.

I was curious to see how the HDMI-CEC would work with my VieraLink panny, and this was the one area I was disappointed... First off it loses the VieraLink "HD Theater sound control" setting when the TV turns off and back on. Secondly while the input button works to change inputs on the receiver, it doesn't change it to the right HDMI input to match the panny onscreen display. Not sure how much these are the panny's fault and how much the receiver.

On the plus side for controls, since my DVR control can turn the TV power off and on, using the HDMI inputs on the receiver instead of the TV does the trick... I control inputs and volume with the receiver control and am able to eliminate one control (the TV remote) from my coffee table. I know, I know, I should just get a universal/programmable remote but I haven't had good experiences with them, and two remotes is fine for me.

Since the HDMI-CEC wasn't a requirement for me and the HDMI input handling solves my needs, and everything else is great, I'll tip over the edge from four stars and make it five... since this is a subjective review and I am not rating it against higher end solutions, just $500 or lower sound bars.

Anyways, I hope this account helps anyone with similar needs considering this product.

UPDATE 2.11.2010
Still love it, happy with the sound quality but I really like the little remote... just enough buttons not too many, HDMI passthrough works well and let me ditch my TV remote. So the HDMI-CEC complaint is less now, the only reason I cared about that was to ditch a remote... mission accomplished.