…multichannel soundbar system with expandable expansion capability!
here is Yamaha’s 2023 answer to brand supporters call, with Yamaha Tru-X series!
the system starts with a 600euro 2.2.2 bar branded as True X Bar 40A which packs a left+right stereo front channel drivers, 2 height shooting drivers, and 2 3inch low frequency integrated subwoofers.
in another retail package with a dedicated wireless subwoofer package in, the system is rebranded as TRUE X 50A.
wireless surround speakers are sold separately.
the Yamaha True-X system according to official specification listed in European page, is not DTS-X or IMAX-Enhance Audio Certified.
currently not listed for sale in Singapore Official Site yet.
everything in one system, ready for expansion, yet… expansion products only available in European market, not SG. no idea whether is this a hiccup in SG’s sales and marketing team or what, such as global distribution control.
Sony have the same stuff with their HT-A5000, but expansion product available like HarmanKardon Citation 1100, and Bose soundbars as well.
from one computer sound product accessory manufacturer to challenge another established marque whose first multichannel soundbar is on the verge of considerably old in engineering…
SonicGear’s first Dolby Atmos soundbar system that comes in 3 configurations is priced… ehh… to challenge Creative’s SXFi Carrier that comes with just one 10inch wireless sub, and PRISM+ systems that comes with different sized subs, depending on the models one may eye on.
to take on PRISM+ multichannel entry model, the RIPPLE, SonicGear’s $499 StudioBar 3000 comes with a bar in 3.0.2 configuration and a wireless sub-woofer shown above the packs a down firing 8inch driver.
to take on the SYMPHONY system from PRISM+, SonicGear’s $699 StudioBar 6000 system may look identical to StudioBar 3000 in terms of content but comes with addition of 2 wireless surround speakers that pushes up the system configuration to 5.1.2.
SonicGear’s $999 StudioBar 9000, to take on Creative’s SXFi Carrier that’s now on the way priced low to clear stock, making way for probably 2nd Version that might come in 2024, comes with the same package as StudioBar 6000 but with an addition of another sub-woofer, that pushes up the system configuration to 5.2.2.
SonicGear’s Atmos Soundbar package doubles as Karaoke Soundbar system that which ever package one chooses, will have 2 wireless mics included.
check out SonicGear’s listings for more details.
the full specifications here…
on a side note…the finalize prices seems to be jacked up from initial launch.
…or was the previous prices were actually pre-order deposit figures?
being a sound accessory manufacturer in the computing field, yes, Creative is the first local marque to push out their first uber expensive Atmos soundbar, the SonicCarrier. in the computing field, Razer’s offering stays in 2.1 configuration without virtual Atmos processing hardware, while Creative pushes out their Stage360 to beat most other competitors
it seems like Nakamichi had added numbers of soundbar makes to their budget friendly APOLLO range with numbers of Atmos capable models.
from the aesthetic looks of the APOLLO range of products, including the earlier release of 5.1.2ch APOLLO 520 available to local market, it seems pretty obvious that this range of products are OEMs that is slapped with NAKAMICHI badge, while the SHOCKWAFE and DRAGON range is NAKAMICHI’s own designed and engineered products.
out of the new additions, only 5 systems are Atmos capable.
the POSEIDON 310 is a 3.1.2ch in a single bar system that resonates to SONY STH-5000A or PHILIPS FB1 design, that packs an integrated subwoofer.
POSEIDON 502 is a 180wRMS 5.1.2ch system with a bar that packs 3.0.2ch with a separate wireless subwoofer and 2 satellite surrounds that are battery rechargeable.
the ATHENA 520A carries the same configuration as the POSEIDON 502 above, but comes slightly higher power in total @ 195wRMS.
lastly the APOLLO 580 comes with the same configuration as above, but in a “premium” look design cabinets that kind of resontates to Samsung 9 series soundbars. total power output goes up to 205wRMS.
no pricing yet on all new model listings. the new additions are also not listed any sales platform u might knew of. these new additions may or may not available in local scene, but reference to earlier available APOLLO 520 that’s limited to sales platform like LAZADA and SHOPEE, the new additions to APOLLO series could likely be possible to introduce to local market.
the picture shown above is a 7.2.4ch configuration with driver layout like this…
…while what was introduced to local market earlier is a 5.2.2 configuration.
that means… there’s a probability the SONICGEAR could push out a 7.2.4ch product to “truly” challenge CREATIVE,
…who had been relying on 5.1.2ch configuration to put them onto multi-channel soundbar stage, taking on foreign makes.
in between the widely available Nakamichi Apollo 520 and unavailable Apollo 580 which is listed in the catalog, there’s a Apollo 550 that is recently launched and available thru various platforms… including FairPrice online!
the Apollo 550 is a 5.1.2 system that comes with 2 wireless surround speakers. no info available for reference whether the surround speakers can be connected to BlueTooth for use as external speakers for other BlueTooth devices. one thing for sure, should the wireless surround speakers are dedicated for surround channel use,
the main unit will be a 3.0.2bar with 2 in 1 out HDMI connection, with wireless subwoofer that carries an 8inch driver.
Price?
with “Labor Day festive discount” of 5% off, i see that either from Lazada, FairPrice or even METAPOD, the Distributor’s online platform, the final price falls under $1k. however thru METAPOD, u can opt for second year warranty coverage that would push the final price to roughly $1150, GST inclusive with free delivery. below are the links i can find for ur interest:
