Yamaha True X Bar 50A vs Sonos Ray Soundbar
The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is the better buy for most people: it adds a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos height drivers, and Alexa for less money. Its lowest recent price was $174.90 on October 30, against $219.00 for the Sonos Ray on the same date. Pick the Sonos Ray only if you want a small, simple bar for clearer TV dialogue and already use Sonos multi-room audio.
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Yamaha True X Bar 50A
Yamaha TRUE X BAR
Choose the Yamaha True X Bar if you want real bass, Atmos height effects, and voice control from one box.
- Wireless subwoofer gives bass the Ray cannot match.
- Dolby Atmos up-firing drivers add height to movies.
- Alexa built in for voice control and smart home commands.
- Bluetooth plus AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect.
What separates them
| Yamaha True X Bar 50A | Sonos Ray Soundbar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $174.90 low on October 30 | $219.00 on October 30 |
| Subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer included | None; bar only |
| Surround format | Dolby Atmos with up-firing drivers | Dolby Digital, stereo |
| Power | 280 W rated | 10 W max output |
| Voice assistant | Alexa built in | None |
| Streaming | Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect | Wi-Fi only, no Bluetooth |
| Multi-room | Not a multi-room system | Sonos multi-room audio |
| Size and weight |
Price history
- Yamaha True X Bar 50A: lowest $174.90 on Oct 30 at Sam's Club; $199.99 on Oct 31.
- Sonos Ray Soundbar: lowest $219.00 on Oct 30 at Walmart; $219.00 on Oct 31.
Prices at every store
Yamaha True X Bar 50A
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
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- AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
Sonos Ray Soundbar
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Specs compared
| Spec | Yamaha True X Bar 50A | Sonos Ray Soundbar |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Wall Mount | Soundbar Only |
| Assistant Support | Amazon Alexa | No voice assistant features |
| Smart Functions | Voice Control | Multi Room Audio |
| Max Wattage | 180 W | NA (RMS Power) |
| Brand | Yamaha | — |
| Sound technology | Dolby Atmos | — |
| Speaker config. | 2.1 | — |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi | — |
| Accessories | Sound bar, subwoofer, optical cable, remote, po… | — |
| Features | Built-in Voice Assistant | — |
What reviewers say
Sonos Ray Soundbar
Owners generally rate the Ray as a solid, simple upgrade over TV speakers for small rooms, with clear dialogue and easy Sonos app setup. Many note it lacks bass depth and HDMI, and some find it limited for larger rooms or action-heavy content.
- Dialogue clarityPraisedOwners say voices on TV shows and movies come through much clearer than from TV speakers.
- BassCriticisedReviewers say low-end is thin and a Sub or larger bar is needed for action movies and music.
- SetupPraisedThe Sonos app walks users through Wi-Fi and optical setup quickly.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for movies?
- The Yamaha. Dolby Atmos height drivers and a wireless subwoofer give it more depth and bass than the Ray's stereo Dolby Digital output.
- Which is better for small rooms?
- The Sonos Ray. It is compact and light, while the Yamaha is 40 inches wide and comes with a separate subwoofer to place.
- Do I need a subwoofer with the Sonos Ray?
- You cannot add one; the Ray is a bar-only design. The Yamaha includes a wireless subwoofer in the box.
- Which has voice control?
- Only the Yamaha, which has Alexa built in. The Sonos Ray has no voice assistant.
- Is the Yamaha worth it at the latest prices?
- Yes for most buyers. At $174.90 on October 30 it undercuts the $219.00 Ray while adding a subwoofer, Atmos, and Alexa.
- Can I use the Sonos Ray with other Sonos speakers?
- Yes. It joins a Sonos multi-room system over Wi-Fi, which the Yamaha does not offer.