The Yamaha SR-C20A is a good entry-level option that should suit casual listeners looking to amplify the sound produced by their TV at a reasonably low cost. Unfortunately, its wireless connectivity options are limited, and it doesn’t have a subwoofer.
The Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar is an entry-level pick first announced towards the end of 2020. The soundbar’s compact design is perfect for those short on space. It also has a prominent bass response and is very easy to set up. Owners get four sound modes to choose from, and unlike many high-ranking speakers, it can be controlled through either the TV remote, the soundbar remote, or the Sound Bar remote app, offering impressive flexibility.
While this soundbar doesn’t have WiFi connectivity, it does feature Bluetooth support, and its port selection consists of one HDMI ARC port, two digital optical inputs, an analog audio port, and a USB port. The best soundbars have many more inputs for users to choose from, but if you’re more keen on a soundbar with its speaker drivers visible for a more retro look, you might be interested in our Samsung HW C400 review.
Consensus
our Verdict
The Yamaha SR-C20A offers good sound quality in a compact package, making it a suitable choice for those short of space. Its sound quality is well-balanced, especially in a nearfield setup, with clear voices and balanced highs. It boasts flat bass response down to 60Hz, which is impressive for its size. However, it does have its drawbacks. While it performs well in smaller spaces, it may not provide enough volume for larger rooms.
Its input options don’t include a HDMI In port, and there’s no dedicated smartphone app for more sound control and customization. Overall, if you need a compact soundbar with good sound quality for personal use, the SR-C20A is an excellent choice to consider for a pocket-friendly price.
Reason to Buy
Compact size and a perfect fit for small spaces
Great sound quality for nearfield listening with clear voices
Good bass response
Analog input for connecting to various audio sources
Simple installation with options for both HDMI and optical connections
Reason to Avoid
Not suitable for larger rooms due to volume limitations
No adjustable equalizer, limiting sound customization
No smartphone app for added control or customization
The Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar is an entry-level pick first announced towards the end of 2020. The soundbar’s compact design is perfect for those short on…
The Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar is an entry-level pick first announced towards the end of 2020. The soundbar’s compact design is perfect for those short on space. It also has a prominent bass response and is very easy to set up. Owners get four sound modes to choose from, and unlike many high-ranking speakers, it can be controlled through either the TV remote, the soundbar remote, or the Sound Bar remote app, offering impressive flexibility.
While this soundbar doesn’t have WiFi connectivity, it does feature Bluetooth support, and its port selection consists of one HDMI ARC port, two digital optical inputs, an analog audio port, and a USB port. The best soundbars have many more inputs for users to choose from, but if you’re more keen on a soundbar with its speaker drivers visible for a more retro look, you might be interested in our Samsung HW C400 review.
Even though it is larger than the Bose TV Speaker, the Yamaha SR-C20A misses out on some features that the Bose TV speaker comes with,…
Even though it is larger than the Bose TV Speaker, the Yamaha SR-C20A misses out on some features that the Bose TV speaker comes with, such as support for wireless streaming through Spotify Connect. The Bose TV Speaker can also render Dolby Atmos content for a more immersive viewing experience, while the Yamaha soundbar cannot, and it also has seamless compatibility with Siri and Apple Homekit, which the Yamaha soundbar does not. However, an alternative with many more sound enhancement features for an improved listening experience is the Samsung HW-S60B, which we’ve covered in our Samsung HW-S60B review.
Besides its compact size, the Yamaha SR-C20A doesn’t have as many advantages over the Sony HT-X8500 since the Sony soundbar has support for Dolby Atmos…
Besides its compact size, the Yamaha SR-C20A doesn’t have as many advantages over the Sony HT-X8500 since the Sony soundbar has support for Dolby Atmos format, two HDMI ports instead of one, and it also works with voice commands. Check it out in our Sony HT-X8500 review.
The Yamaha SR-C20A is much smaller than the Yamaha YAS-109, but the Yamaha YAS-109 has WiFi connectivity and supports voice commands through Alexa. Another difference…
The Yamaha SR-C20A is much smaller than the Yamaha YAS-109, but the Yamaha YAS-109 has WiFi connectivity and supports voice commands through Alexa. Another difference is that the YAS-109 has a microphone input for karaoke, while the SR-C20A does not. Both soundbars have good vocal clarity, but if you’re looking for a soundbar that significantly enhances vocal content, then our Zvox AccuVoice AV157 review might be worth a look.
