Yamaha is stepping into the portable Bluetooth speaker market with the new Yamaha WS-B1A. The Yamaha WS-B1A is designed to be used on the go outside as it offers up to 12 hours of autonomy and benefits from an IP67 certification. All of this in an ultra compact format (8.8 x 10.5cm)! So, is the Yamaha WS-B1A Bluetooth speaker, which retails for €129, a trial run or a real success?
Yamaha WS-B1A: packaging & accessories
The Yamaha WS-B1A portable Bluetooth speaker comes in an elegant box. Inside, the device is securely held in place by two blocks of polystyrene. Alongside the speaker is a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, as well as a quick start guide.
Yamaha WS-B1A: presentation
Design
130 years after its creation, Yamaha is testing the waters with its first portable speaker. A true jack of all trades, the Japanese company is continuing to develop its portable devices after the recent Yamaha TW-ES5A True Wireless earbuds and the Yamaha YH-L700A Bluetooth headphones. With the WS-B1A, the manufacturer has chosen to combine matte plastic and fabric. The Yamaha WS-B1A Bluetooth speaker is available in three different finishes: light gray, carbon and black. We were provided with the black model for our review.
As soon as it is unboxed, this elegant speaker catches your eye. The Yamaha WS-B1A combines rounded edges with fabric for a soft, harmonious look. This first encounter creates the impression of a precious object, made for the living room. But the Yamaha WS-B1A Bluetooth speaker is destined to accompany you outdoors, wherever you go.
Designed to be used both at home and on the go, the Yamaha WS-B1A portable Bluetooth speaker is ultra-compact. With a base measuring 8.5cm x 8.5cm, it can sit in the palm of your hand and is only 10.5cm tall. Consequently, it can be placed on a piece of furniture in the center of your living room, on your desk or even in a backpack to enjoy a day at the beach thanks to its IP67 certification (dust and water resistant).
Better still, with its robust and waterproof design, it can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. However, even though it has an insert for a wall bracket on the back, this portable speaker doesn’t feature a strap, which is a pity. It is possible to take the Yamaha WS-B1A to the poolside or the beach without about any sand or water damaging it. However, while we appreciate the elegance of the fabric used on the speaker, it does get dirty pretty easily.
Battery life
As we’ve mentioned, the Yamaha WS-B1A can follow you outside, but for how long? In terms of battery life, Yamaha is right up there with the market standards, promising up to 12 hours of music playback at moderate volume. In other words, the Yamaha WS-B1A can keep you entertained for an entire evening.
There are two ways to charge the battery. The first, conventional option, is to use the USB-A to USB-C cable supplied with the Bluetooth speaker. Simply connect it to a powered USB port for 3 hours for a full charge. The second solution consists in using the optional Yamaha CC-T1A charging base. The latter isn’t included with the speaker and is a discreet way to charge the speaker’s battery. You simply have to place the Yamaha WS-B1A on the wireless base. This is an ideal solution when using the speaker at home.
Acoustic design
Yamaha’s first ever portable Bluetooth speaker doesn’t go overboard. This sealed enclosure speaker is equipped with a 2” driver and two passive radiators. This ultra-compact model is powered by a 10-watt amplifier, which is enough to provide background music for a dinner party with friends or an afternoon out. The size-to-power ratio is convincing. The Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker can provide sustained volume for a barbecue with friends, for example.
Controls
The control interface is situated on top of the Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker. It includes an on/off button, which is also used for Bluetooth pairing, as well as volume and playback controls. In between the latter is the Clear Voice button, which enhances dialogue when watching a video or listening to a podcast, for example. To navigate through your playlists with this interface, you have to use the play button. Two presses skips to the next song, and three presses skips to the previous track.
An LED provides information about the status of the Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker. When it is blue, this means that the speaker is connected via Bluetooth. When the battery is below 20%, it flashes blue and orange.
Bluetooth and connectors
Designed to follow you wherever you go, the Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Thanks to its range of approximately 10 meters, you can enjoy great freedom of movement whilst remaining in control of your playlists. Unfortunately, the speaker isn’t compatible with multipoint connections and can only be connected to one device. Moreover, unlike JBL and Sony, it isn’t possible to create a stereo pair with Yamaha’s first Bluetooth speaker. It is therefore impossible to combine two WS-B1As or to use it as a surround speaker with a Yamaha soundbar.
The speaker’s Bluetooth compatibility allows you to play music from online music platforms such as Qobuz, Spotify and Deezer, but also to stream audio files stored on a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer. However, it is a shame that Yamaha hasn’t included the WiFi compatibility that one can find on the Sonos Roam SL, for example. In addition, the speaker isn’t compatible with the MusicCast multi-room system. As for connectors, the USB-C port on the back of the Yamaha WS-B1A can only be used to charge the battery.
Yamaha WS-B1A: key specifications
- Total power: 10W
- 1 x 2” driver + 2 x passive radiators
- IP67 certification
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz and Tidal
- 12-hour battery life
- Compatible with the CC-T1A charging base
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 88 x 105 x 88mm
- Weight: 490g
Yamaha WS-B1A: configuration
Yamaha has developed a Bluetooth speaker that is both accessible and easy to use. Set-up is quick and easy. You’ll be used to it by now: simply press the main button for 3 seconds to switch on the Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker. An audible signal clearly indicates that it has been switched on. Then, a second short press on this button initiates pairing. The speaker immediately appears in the list of available devices on the smartphone. Pairing is quick and intuitive. During this review, we listened to Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz and podcasts played from Spotify.
Yamaha WS-B1A: listening impressions
During this review, we took the time to listen to various musical genres to really test the Yamaha WS-B1A Bluetooth speaker’s abilities. We were pleased to observe that despite its compact format, this model from the Japanese manufacturer delivered deep and solid bass. Naturally, it can’t compete with large models such as the JBL Boombox 3 and Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20, but that isn’t the speaker’s goal. The bass was tight when listening to tracks at a moderate volume. The mids were globally well-defined. The vocals were clear and detailed.
The sound reproduction was coherent and balanced. The first distortion appeared when the volume rose above 80%. The highs were sometimes too bright, notably on the track Funkytown by Lipps Inc. It is important to take the time to try different listening positions to find the ideal axis. To fully enjoy the Yamaha WS-B1A’s performance, we opted for a listening position facing the speaker, and slightly offset to the left or right. Unlike models such as the Marshall Emberton, the Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker had difficulty providing a consistent 360° reproduction. This isn’t surprising for a device equipped with only one driver.
With bass-heavy rock tracks, the lows were accurately distributed. The bass drum effectively dictated the tempo, and the sound was dynamic. This observation was confirmed during our various listening sessions with the Yamaha WS-B1A portable speaker. The device remained true to the authentic Yamaha sound. As for podcasts, we chose to listen to a panel discussion with several participants. The dialogue filled the soundstage effectively. It was even more precise when activating the Clear Voice mode, which reduced the lows to highlight the mids. This mode is perfect for podcast and radio show fans.
Yamaha WS-B1A vs Marshall Emberton
Sold for €149, the Marshall Emberton Bluetooth speaker offers the brand’s signature retro aesthetic. Yamaha, on the other hand, opts for a more understated and elegant look with its superb fabric. Sound-wise, the Japanese speaker can compete with its rival, particularly in the lows. However, the True Stereophonic technology allows the Marshall model to provide an effective 360° sound diffusion, something the WS-B1A can’t offer. Both of these portable speakers also differ concerning their IP rating. The Yamaha speaker is as water-resistant as its counterpart, but adds full protection against dust.
Yamaha WS-B1A vs JBL Flip 6
Available for €119, the JBL Flip 6 portable speaker has the same battery life as the Yamaha WS-B1A. However, the American device has the advantage of offering stereo pairing with several compatible models. The two models are very similar when it comes to audio performance. They both tend to focus on the bass and can be somewhat limited in the highs. Design-wise, the American speaker comes in several fun colors, including red and pink. It can also be positioned vertically or horizontally. More versatile, the Yamaha speaker is equipped with an optional charging base and a wall mount. In addition, its control interface is more comprehensive.
Yamaha WS-B1A: who is it for?
The Yamaha WS-B1A portable Bluetooth speaker is designed for adventurous music lovers that appreciate elegant objects. Versatile, it can play bass-heavy music as well as podcasts thanks to the Clear Voice mode. Don’t be fooled by its classy design, this speaker is 100% portable! The Yamaha WS-B1A can follow you everywhere, both outdoors and at home. With its IP67 certification, it is dust-resistant and waterproof. Lastly, its compact and lightweight format allow it to be slipped into a bag or placed on a piece of furniture in your living room with equal ease.
Yamaha WS-B1A: conclusion
Yamaha makes a compelling entry into the portable Bluetooth speaker market with this first model. Featuring a superb fabric finish, the small Yamaha WS-B1A speaker surprises with its outdoor capabilities. Aided by its compact size, it’s easy to carry despite the absence of a strap. Able to withstand sand, dust and water splashes, it’s perfect for a weekend away with friends or a day at the beach.
Its sonic qualities include a tight bass and textured mids. However, the highs would benefit from more clarity as the volume increases. The Clear Voice mode is a real asset for podcast fans who want to enjoy background sound while cooking, for example. Finally, the optional Yamaha CC-T1A base offers a discreet charging solution for integration into a workspace or your living room.
We liked
- Its simple and elegant design
- Its IP67 certification
- The Clear Voice mode
We would have liked
- A strap
- Bluetooth multipoint
