Yamaha YHT195 HT System

Performance
While playing the system we used a PS3 via HDMI through to Sony Bravia X series; and another input was my HTPC soundcard via optical cable, to test pure audio. Setting up the speakers in our acoustically treated room was easy; we did not need the YPAO. Nonetheless, the calibration took less time and performed fine.

First off, the frequency response was quite impressive, though not absolutely refined. We were playing pure stereo music like Jamiroquai and Sarah McLachlan CD. The high mids were a little crisper than usual, though tolerable. Bass was better, with the sub doing its bit, and making its presence felt all right, though again the crossover point had to be tweaked in the AV receiver (or the bass sounds boomy). For our room it was at about 100Hz. The sound was loud enough for an average-sized room, and there was no distortion.

PS3 games came next, with all their surround-sound glory. This time I liked the performance better. This is typical of HTIBs; they are actually meant for surround-sound entertainment, not critical audio. The sub thudded out the SFX quite nicely, even in Blu-ray movies such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Ratatouille.

I then switched back to stereo CDs, this time to check the CINEMADSP modes. There were many of them, and let me just say they didn't appeal to me. Except of course Dolby Pro Logic, a tried-and-tested feature that does a good job of creating artificial surround sound.

Conclusion
This system costs Rs 26,000, and is one of the more reasonable products available in its realm. The performance is very good for games and movies, though music lovers and audiophiles might find the sound a little insensitive. It’s great for someone looking for a 5.1 sound system for the living room, and the price is right too. Check it out.