> Yamaha MusicCast BAR 40

$599 From yamaha.com

Sporting Yamaha’s signature high–quality build and sleek design, the MusicCast BAR 40 features HDMI in–and–out with ARC support, optical audio in, 3.5mm analog port and an ethernet connection. There’s also Wi–Fi and Bluetooth as well as AirPlay, Spotify and Alexa support. Inside, two front–firing speakers contain a 4.6cm woofer and 2.5cm tweeter each and have 50W power per side. There’s DTS Virtual: X support which creates the illusion of surround from a stereo source, and DTS Digital Surround though no Dolby Atmos. You do get MusicCast,

Yamaha’s multi–room technology that lets you stream between compatible Yamaha devices, controlled by an app.

There’s plenty for movie buffs like clear dialogue modes but also balanced music playback too. The optional subwoofer extends the bottom end, though it needs placing carefully for optimum effect. It’s quite an expensive extra too.

Suits music and movies

Good connectivity

No Dolby Atmos

Sub is an extra $300 GREAT