Yamaha YHT-S400 Packages a Sound Bar and Sub-Receiver

Already a great way of cutting down the enormity of home theater equipment, the sound bar just wasn’t enough space savings for Yamaha this go round. The audio manufacturer has introduced its YHT-S400 system, which includes a sound bar and a receiver with integrated subwoofer. Yamaha’s calling the receiver/sub the world’s first, and we can’t say that we’ve ever seen it done.

The sleek sound bar measures 32″ long by 2″ high and is designed to fit in front of most 32 to 50-inch TVs. The receiver features three HDMI inputs, an HDMI output, HD Audio compatibility and Yamaha’s UniVolume technology, which provides volume consistency across inputs and programming sources. Yamaha’s AIR SURROUND XTREME creates an optimal, faux-surround-sound experience.

It’s unclear how well a receiver tucked into the center shelf of an entertainment center will be able to belt out lows, but it’s certainly an intriguing solution for small-apartment dwellers. Why not take the boxiest, least placement-fussy speaker out of the equation and hide it somewhere else?

The YHT-S400 retails for $599.95 and is available now. [via Gizmodo]