Yamaha YSP40D

The basics

The Yamaha YSP40D is a multi-channel surround sound system with features that include a DAB tuner, 1080p-compatible HDMI, iPod compatibility and an analogue to HDMI digital video up-conversion capability. Weighing at 16 kg, the whole unit is less obtrusive than the conventional multiple-speaker boxes and can easily be mounted or placed on a shelf or rack.

The good

Inform your other half you’re buying 42 speakers for the living room and you risk a one-way trip to Match.com. Reveal that those 42 speakers are housed in a single sleek unit that fits neatly under a (42-inch) telly and, well, you’ll probably still get a slap for being a smart-arse. The YSP-40D blows other soundbars away, looping and curving soundwaves around the room to create a totally convincing surround sound environment. It’s well house-trained for today’s digital home, coming with an (optional) iPod link, two 1080p/24fps HDMI inputs and even upscaling analogue input video to 720p/1080i. One-touch auto calibration means a welcome reduction in phase- and bass-related swearing during installation.

The bad

Serious audio geeks will tut, shake their heads and possibly even suck air through their teeth at the Yamaha’s inability to handle multichannel PCM and other HD audio formats. But they’re welcome to their nine-speaker, multi-thousand pound chaos – we’re just here for the fun.

The bottom line

The Yamaha YSP-40D compares to most soundbars the way a slab of 70% cocoa organic dark chocolate with tiny bits of cherry compares to a finger of Fudge. Classy, rich and satisfying, and a partner-pleaser to boot.