Nakamichi Dragon: Two minute assessment
The Nakamichi Dragon is an 11.4.6-channel soundbar system that pushes the outer limits of what a soundbar is able to. It’s extra akin to an AV receiver in its design, options, and execution. Utilizing it, I used to be steadily reminded of AV receivers by all the pieces from the system’s closely buttoned distant management to its intensive, detailed setup menu. The Dragon is just not aimed toward somebody considering easy plug-and-play sound (although it does present fundamental setup choices and is simple to rise up and working) however somewhat customers who prefer to dig in and painstakingly tweak settings.
At $2,999.99 (round £2,400 / AU$4,750), the Nakamichi Dragon prices double what you’ll pay even for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars in the marketplace such because the Samsung HW-Q990D. That’s rather a lot to pay for a soundbar system, and it takes you into an AV receiver and separate audio system bundle value territory. However an vital Dragon benefit is that it’s a wi-fi system, although one with the excessive channel depend you’d get from a receiver-based house theater audio rig.
The Dragon isn’t as feature-packed as anticipated given its comparatively lofty value. There’s processing onboard for Dolby Atmos and the Professional model of DTS:X, and there are 4 HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC) that help 4K 120Hz and Dolby Imaginative and prescient pass-through. The system comes with a full-scale distant management that gives fast entry to a wide selection of audio changes and it has Bluetooth aptX HD for wi-fi music streaming. There’s no AirPlay or Chromecast help for streaming over Wi-Fi, and the system’s management app is primarily used for system setup.
Computerized setup and room EQ options, both the extra fundamental ones you get in premium soundbars just like the Sonos Arc Ultra, or superior ones akin to Audyssey or Dirac Dwell in AV receivers, are additionally nowhere to be discovered. Primary setup of the Dragon soundbar system is surprisingly simple, nonetheless.
The Dragon system’s sound does its identify justice. It might probably go extremely loud and the twin subwoofers, every with two 8-inch opposing drivers, present deep-reaching and really full-sounding bass. Having two subwoofers additionally helps to even out bass efficiency, which compensates to a level for the shortage of room EQ processing. (Two subs are supplied with the system configuration I examined, however it helps as much as 4 subs.)
With six up-firing Atmos peak drivers between the soundbar and the encompass audio system, which additionally present each facet and rear encompass channel driver arrays, the extent of immersion offered by the Dragon system surpasses some other soundbar system I’ve heard. Not all is ideal with the Dragon’s sound, nonetheless: it will probably come throughout as aggressive and treble-forward with some content material, favoring readability and presence over subtlety. But when your fundamental factor is motion films or gaming, there’s not an excessive amount of right here to complain about.
At 58.1 x 7.7 x 4.4 inches, the Dragon system’s soundbar is pretty big – it nearly match my TV stand, which is designed to help TVs as much as 75 inches. The soundbar’s stainless-steel enclosure is superior to the plastic ones you get on finances fashions, and the system’s design strikes a pleasant stability between operate and magnificence. A big entrance panel LED show might be custom-made to indicate the names of sources (Blu-ray, Xbox, and so forth.) and it will probably additionally present visible suggestions past fundamental supply and quantity settings whenever you hit the Information button on the distant management.
Paying $3,000 for a soundbar system may sound a bit outrageous, however the Nakamichi Dragon isn’t any peculiar soundbar system. It delivers a degree of efficiency that’s extra like what you get from a standard AV receiver-based house theater system from an enormous honkin’ soundbar with wi-fi subwoofers and encompass audio system. If that each one sounds interesting to you, you’ll discover the Dragon to be a very good worth.
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Value & launch date
- Launched in October 2023
- $2,999.99 (round £2,400 / AU$4,750)
The Nakamichi Dragon soundbar system with two dual-opposing eight-inch subwoofers is listed at $3,999.99, however sells for $2,999.99. It’s accessible within the US on Amazon, and might be bought and shipped internationally via B&H Photograph Video.
Together with the bottom configuration reviewed right here, the Dragon will also be bought in configurations with two 12-inch subwoofers ($4,199) or 4 12-inch subwoofers ($7,199). Dragon pricing is excessive in comparison with different premium soundbar programs such because the Samsung HW-Q990D and LG S95TR, each of which have a decrease total channel depend and decrease rated energy.
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Specs
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Soundbar: 58.1 x 4.4 x 7.7 inches (1476 x 112 x 196mm) |
| Speaker channels | 11.4.6 |
| Connections: | 4x HDMI 2.1 (1 w/eARC), optical digital audio enter and output, 3.5mm Aux enter and output, Bluetooth aptX HD |
| Dolby Atmos/DTS:X | Sure/Sure |
| Sub included | Sure (2) |
| Rear audio system included | Sure |
| Options | 4K 120Hz and Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDMI pass-through |
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Options
- 11.4.6-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- 4 HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz and Dolby Imaginative and prescient pass-through
- Bluetooth aptX HD wi-fi streaming
The Nakamichi Dragon combines a sizeable 58.1 x 7.7 x 4.4-inch fundamental soundbar unit (1476 x 112 x 196mm) that includes a chrome steel enclosure with two wi-fi subwoofers and wi-fi rear encompass audio system. The soundbar gives processing for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Professional and options 4 HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz and Dolby Imaginative and prescient pass-through together with optical digital audio and three.5mm aux inputs and outputs. There’s no onboard Wi-Fi for streaming, however the Dragon soundbar does help Bluetooth aptX HD for streaming music.
The soundbar’s speaker array consists of three 1.5-inch “Air Movement” folded ribbon-type tweeters, every flanked by a pair of 3-inch mid-range drivers for the left, middle, and proper channels. Two pairs of 3-inch peak audio system are arrayed on the soundbar’s high floor, with the pairs angled at 10 and 20 levels, respectively, to evenly distribute Atmos peak results from the entrance towards the again of the room. Together with these, 3-inch drivers are situated on the soundbar’s facet panels for an enhanced encompass sound impact.
Nakamichi’s tall, tower-like dual-opposing wi-fi subwoofers every home a pair of eight-inch drivers inside a ported cupboard. The system’s Omni-Movement Reference wi-fi encompass audio system every include facet and rear encompass speaker arrays consisting of a 1.5-inch Air Movement tweeter and three-inch mid-bass driver, with a three-inch peak speaker mounted on high. A PerfectHeight adjustment on the Omni-Movement Reference’s high floor allows you to rotate the peak speaker up 180 levels to optimize peak results on your particular room format and set up.
In contrast to different premium soundbars in the marketplace from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Sonos, the Dragon has no automated setup or room EQ options. The system’s twin subwoofer configuration does assist to evenly distribute bass in your room and compensate for room modes, nonetheless, and the intensive sound degree and delay changes enable for a exact handbook setup.
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Efficiency
- Highly effective, immersive sound
- Deep, impactful bass
- Overly aggressive sound with some content material
The Dragon system sounded good out of the field however strongly benefitted from a handbook calibration within the Superior Sound Setup menu. As soon as that was completed, I cracked open a brand new 4K Blu-ray disc of the current Twisters remake that I had purchased particularly for this check.
On the Dragon system, the sound of violent tornadoes ripping via area within the Twisters soundtrack was potently rendered, offering an nearly unnerving sense of being instantly inside the trail of destruction. Automobiles propelled via the air and crashing to earth had a robust affect, a lot in order that I discovered myself dialing again the bass adjustment – conveniently situated proper subsequent to the amount button on the system’s distant management.
On Prime Gun: Maverick, one other film that I commonly use to check soundbars, the sounds of jets within the first coaching scene early within the film had a powerful trajectory as they swooped from the entrance to the again of the room, and there was spectacular verticality to the sound as they crisscrossed overhead. The drums and bass in The Who’s Gained’t Get Fooled Once more that performs on this scene got here via with equal energy, with Roger Daltrey’s yawps hovering together with the jets on the soundtrack.
Dolby Atmos music streamed from Apple Music on my Apple TV 4K sounded equally vivid and thrilling on the system, particularly tracks like Kraftwerk’s Nummern / Computerwelt. This observe sounded nearly endlessly huge and immersive, showcasing the advantages of six separate peak audio system for delivering Atmos mixes. The low-end on this observe was highly effective and deep but additionally well-integrated with the remainder of the combination, the system’s twin subwoofers working collectively to energise my room with bass.
With extra subtle-sounding fare – Severance season 2 on Apple TV Plus, for example – dialogue was very clear, and that was the case with most reveals and films I watched. As a part of my preliminary setup, I chosen the system’s Film (Film 1) sound preset (Music, Recreation, and Night time modes are additionally accessible) and likewise dialed again the treble to the minimal setting. That’s as a result of the Dragon system, whereas it has a substantial roar, can sound aggressive and even a bit harsh with some content material.
I’ve listened with a number of audio system that use the identical Air Movement-type tweeter that’s present in Nakamichi’s system and people typically had a way more laid-back high quality to the treble. This tells me that the Dragon was voiced to have a daring, even in-your-face sound that befits its identify.
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Design
- Giant soundbar and subwoofers
- Soundbar peak might block the TV picture
- Strong total construct high quality
At 58.1 x 7.7 x 4.4 inches, the Dragon’s design is something however delicate. This can be a large soundbar, and its 4.4-inch peak means the highest edge will certainly obscure the display screen backside of some TVs. At 32 kilos (14.5kg), it’s additionally a heavy one – not stunning given its stainless-steel enclosure. Nakamichi sells non-obligatory ground stands for the Dragon, which is able to enable it for use with wall-mounted TVs and projectors.
Apart from being huge, the Dragon soundbar has an interesting design, with high panel controls that gentle up when touched, angled entrance corners, and uncovered Air Movement tweeters poking via the steel mesh entrance. The identical design chops carry over to the Omni-Movement Reference wi-fi encompass audio system, which additionally get non-obligatory stands. Nakamichi’s wi-fi subwoofers have a plainer, extra utilitarian look, however their tall type issue lets them tuck pretty unobtrusively into the corners of a room.
The Dragon soundbar’s front-panel alphanumeric LED show is a characteristic I absolutely anticipate to see in a soundbar at this value. Whereas it’s welcome, I’d have appreciated an choice to dim the show or to close it off fully with the distant when viewing, which is a characteristic you get on some AV receivers.
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Setup & usability
- Straightforward wi-fi speaker setup
- In depth handbook sound changes
- Alphanumeric entrance panel LED show
The essential setup of the Dragon system was extremely simple. After positioning the soundbar on my TV stand, the place it occupied almost the stand’s full width with an inch to spare on both sides, I situated the subwoofers within the entrance corners of my room and the encompass audio system at both facet of my couch. After plugging all audio system in, they made an computerized wi-fi connection to the soundbar, with a blue LED indicating that the system was up and working.
After connecting my sources to the soundbar’s HDMI inputs, and my TV to the HDMI eARC port, I renamed the inputs within the setup menu so they might present up on the entrance panel show as “Blu-ray disc participant, Xbox One X console, and Apple TV 4K.” I subsequent made a Bluetooth hyperlink to my telephone for music streaming by urgent the Bluetooth button on the distant management, which put the Dragon into wi-fi pairing mode.
A lot for the straightforward half – the following a part of the setup was way more laborious. Nakamichi offers you a simple out by offering Small, Medium, and Giant room choices. (Steerage on which possibility is finest on your specific room is offered within the detailed and well-organized PDF proprietor’s handbook.) Sound with the Small possibility chosen – the closest match for my room – was good out of the field, however for my check, I needed to undergo the complete handbook setup to see what distinction it could make.
Pulling out my tape measure and trusty previous Radio Shack SPL meter, I manually entered the listening distance for every channel and likewise ran the pink noise output to regulate the sound degree. With 11.2.6 whole channels for the Dragon system I examined, we’re speaking loads of audio system to regulate! The trouble was utterly price it, although, since sound readability and bass evenness acquired a right away increase.
Nakamichi’s distant management is massive, has an aluminum faceplate, and is full of buttons to entry a variety of nice changes for issues like particular person speaker channel ranges, together with peak and subwoofer channels. There’s additionally a Dragon management app that provides you most of the identical changes. The one factor I didn’t like concerning the distant is that the keypad doesn’t have the identical backlighting characteristic usually present in AV receiver distant controls providing the identical degree of granular changes.
One other gripe I had with the Dragon was the setup menu, which requires you to leap out of any program you’re watching to make changes aside from those with devoted keypad controls on the distant. My annoyance with this was primarily throughout my preliminary setup and early use, nonetheless. As soon as I had dialed in my most popular settings for films/TV and music, these changes may very well be saved within the two accessible Favourite Settings buttons on the distant for simple recall.
- Setup & usability rating: 3.5 / 5
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Worth
- Distinctive worth proposition
- Different premium soundbars accessible for a lot much less
- Approaching AV receiver-based system value vary
The Nakamichi Dragon occupies a singular area within the house theater audio world, combining most of the capabilities of an AV receiver in a excessive channel-count soundbar plus wi-fi encompass audio system and subwoofers bundle. At $3,000, you’re getting so much on your cash right here, and there’s actually nothing on the market that parallels it.
Whereas not as elaborate or high-impact because the Dragon, different premium soundbar programs can present a equally satisfying and immersive house theater audio expertise. For round $1,500, you may get the Samsung HW-Q990D, an 11.1.4-channel system that additionally has a number of HDMI inputs with 4K 120Hz passthrough. And for underneath $1,000, there’s the LG S95TR, a 9.1.5-channel system. Each of those soundbars help Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and so they supply distinctive audio processing options designed to work with Samsung and LG TVs.
Another choice is the Sony Bravia Theater Quad (round $2,200). This 4.1.4-channel wi-fi speaker system gives audio processing options designed particularly to work with Sony TVs, however it will also be used with any TV or projector setup. It’s a extra compact and chic different to soundbar-based programs, and with Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping at work, it doesn’t skimp out on audio immersion.
Lastly, the Dragon’s $3,000 value is a threshold the place you must also contemplate an AV receiver-based system. You should purchase a 9.2-channel receiver such because the Onkyo TX-RZ50 for as little as $999, after which the sky is the restrict in relation to which audio system you add to your setup. The benefit to this feature is that receivers supply intensive switching and management choices, and so they additionally present computerized setup and room correction processing options akin to Audyssey and Dirac Dwell. However going the AV receiver route means working wires – a number of them – plus a extra sophisticated setup.
Ought to I purchase the Nakamichi Dragon?
| Part | Notes | Rating |
| Options | Wi-fi Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and 4K 120Hz pass-through however no auto-setup or Wi-Fi for music streaming | 3.5 / 5 |
| Efficiency | Highly effective and dynamic with vivid peak results on Atmos soundtracks, although sound might be too aggressive with some content material | 4 / 5 |
| Design | Strong, substantial construct high quality for a soundbar system and above-average appears | 4.5 / 5 |
| Setup & usability | So long as you do not thoughts making changes to an 11.4.6-channel system manually, all the pieces you want is provided | 3.5 / 5 |
| Worth | A singular worth proposition occupying a center floor between premium soundbars and AV receiver-plus-speakers-based programs | 3.5 / 5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Nakamichi Dragon assessment: Additionally contemplate
How I examined the Nakamichi Dragon
- Examined for over a month
- Served as my fundamental system at house
- 4K Blu-ray discs, TV streaming apps, and Apple Music used as sources
The Nakamichi Dragon arrives in a transport container concerning the dimension of a coffin, so anticipate to enlist assist when lifting it into your private home. As soon as unboxed, I set it up in my near-3,000 cubic foot house theater room and linked TV, Apple TV 4K, Xbox Collection X, and 4K Blu-ray sources through HDMI. For music testing, I listened to Dolby Atmos music streamed on the Apple Music app by the Apple TV 4K.
I listened with the system for over a month, utilizing it as my fundamental system for informal TV watching, films, and music. I carried out an in-depth audio calibration, measuring the gap between all speaker channels and my listening seat, after which inputting that information within the Dragon’s setup menus. This additionally concerned adjusting the sound degree for every channel with pink noise generated by the soundbar that was measured with a sound stress degree (SPL) meter.
I’ve 20-plus years of expertise reviewing house theater speaker programs and elements, together with soundbar programs. Previous to testing the Dragon, I used Sony Bravia Theater Quad wi-fi audio system as my fundamental house theater audio system, and earlier than that an AV receiver-based 5.1.4-channel speaker system, so I’ve a very good understanding of the place the Nakamichi Dragon sits amongst its wi-fi and wired speaker competitors.