Not every soundbar needs to cost hundreds of dollars. In fact, some of the best models on the market are priced lower than $500, including the Yamaha YAS-209BL 2.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, which we named the best overall soundbar under $500. And this week, you’ll be able to purchase the Yamaha bar at Amazon or Walmart and pay only $170. The full MSRP on this model is $350.
The YAS-209BL has been on the market for a minute, but sometimes the adage “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” means the manufacturer doesn’t need to replace a product that’s already perfect at what it does. In the case of this Yamaha system, you’re looking at a great upgrade to everyday TV audio. The YAS-209BL produces a warm and balanced sound with crystal-clear dialogue and vocals, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
The YAS-209BL can be connected via HDMI ARC or digital optical to your TV. There’s also a Bluetooth input and an Ethernet port; the latter is used for hardwiring the bar to your network to use features like Spotify Connect and the built-in Alexa voice assistant (though the bar does have Wi-Fi, too).
Even though the YAS-209BL doesn’t have enough speakers to be able to virtualize Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio formats, the soundbar can downmix Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 codecs for a simulated surround experience. It’s not the most convincing emulation, but it’s a nice step up from plain ol’ left-right stereo.
Save $180 when you purchase the Yamaha YAS-209BL 2.1ch Soundbar today, and be sure to have a look at our collections of the best soundbar deals, best TV deals, and best Bluetooth speaker deals before you head out.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.