It makes sense comparing Yamaha YAS-209 vs Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, YAS-209 has a total rating of 6.4 out of 10 versus 7.8 for Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, microphone and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Yamaha YAS-209 has 2.0 versus 7.1.4 for the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The output power is different and equal to 200 W for the YAS-209 versus 600 (overall) W for the Shockwafe Pro 7.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Yamaha YAS-209 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 8 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Only the Yamaha YAS-209 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Yamaha YAS-209 has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 3/1 of the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the YAS-209 received a rating of 7/10 versus 8/10, respectively. App control is available for the YAS-209. A built-in microphone is present only on the YAS-209. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Only the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the Shockwafe Pro 7.1. For multichannel surround Yamaha YAS-209 got a rating of 6, and Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 10 out of 10.