Yahama Receiver with Built in Subwoofer

Ok, this has to go down as one of the strangest ideas I've ever seen. This is Yamaha's answer to a really low space receiver/soundbar system.

The Yamaha YHT-S400BL has a subwoofer built into the receiver, and a very skinny soundbar.

Hight Ratings

Here's the weird thing. This unit gets 4 stars from Amazon buyers. I understand the convenience of not having to have a separate subwoofer on the floor somewhere, really I can. But the design has some real flaws when you stop and think about it.

• The electronic components will be subjected to constant shaking from the sub
• The receiver will likely be in a cabinet, which will also be shaken by the subwofer
• If there is a TV sitting on the cabinet then it too will be shaken by the subwoofer

None of these things should be shaking, especially the electronic components in the receiver. There is a good reason companies like Onkyo, Denon and Marantz spend so much effort on chassis and feet design on their receivers so they DON'T shake.

If you must have a system that takes up a little space, consider one of these. They do not include the receiver so no shaken electronics but they will still move the cabinet they are in.

• Panasonic SC-HTB10 120W 2.1-Channel Slim Sound Bar System with 3D Pass Through (Black)
• ZVOX 550HSD Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System with Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs