Xiaomi YU7: No Longer Free Speakers, Is It Worth Paying 6000 for Optional Upgrade?

It seems that everyone may have noticed that this time the Xiaomi YU7 doesn't come with a refrigerator or a speaker.

The standard self-developed audio system comes with 14 speakers, while the 25-speaker system offers features like Dolby sound effects, karaoke mode, and simulated sound waves, which are not available in the standard version.

Should I spend an extra 6,000 yuan for the upgrade? How is the sound quality?

Today, we conducted a comprehensive test on this Xiaomi YU7 Max version equipped with 25 speakers to see how its audio performance truly measures up. Let's take a look.

Sound quality level

First, we will reset all sound modes to their default settings and conduct an objective pink noise test.

From the curve, there is a certain rise in amplitude at low frequencies. Objectively speaking, the Xiaomi YU7 speaker can output a relatively high sound pressure level in the low-frequency range. Similar to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra we tested earlier, Xiaomi’s self-developed audio system maintains a relatively consistent tuning style in the low-frequency part.

When playing electronic music, rock, and other genres that emphasize bass and rhythm, it can provide a stronger effect.

However, there are some fluctuations in the mid-frequency range, and when playing music with a lot of mid-frequency instruments, such as guitars, pianos, or vocals, the sound balance is not optimal.

Some frequency bands may be overly attenuated or amplified, resulting in inaccurate timbre, and the vocals may not be full or clear enough, slightly affecting the overall listening comfort. You can experience this in the upcoming listening session.

The overall coverage of the mid and high frequency range is relatively complete, but the curve drops noticeably as it approaches the very high frequencies, resulting in some instrument overtones and sound details not being well reproduced.

Sound field performance

The Xiaomi YU7 has three sound modes: "Standard," "Theater," and "Concert Hall." The standard mode is more balanced and naturally restores the sound.

The theater mode primarily simulates the realistic sound effects in that environment, enhancing the surround sensation and soundstage. Audibly, there is also a certain enhancement in the low-frequency aspect.

The concert hall mode simulates a wider soundstage in a concert hall through reverberation. In terms of frequency response, it enhances the clarity and airiness of high frequencies, while significantly optimizing the midrange, making instruments and vocals sound fuller.

Unlike the standard version, the version with 25 speakers includes overhead height speakers to create a 7.1.4 surround sound system.

Supports Dolby Atmos content provided by platforms such as NetEase Cloud Music and QQ Music. Whether watching movies or listening to music, you can enjoy a more immersive audio experience.

Trial Experience

In the equalizer adjustment, there are five modes: "Standard," "Pop," "Classical," "Folk," and "Custom." We selected songs corresponding to each style and switched between them and the "Standard" mode to compare and experience the listening differences between the various modes.

In pop music, due to fluctuations in the midrange frequencies, vocals may not exhibit a particularly smooth and rich sound, resulting in certain frequency bands being insufficiently prominent or being masked.

However, the advantage of low frequencies can make the rhythm section more prominent and enhance the sense of groove in the music.

In the performance of classical music, the overall presentation is relatively faithful, but during ensemble playing, the layering between the instruments is not very clear.

Moreover, the lack of extremely high frequencies can make it difficult to perfectly present the sense of space created by high-frequency harmonics in some classical music.

From the folk mode perspective, the most prominent feature is the significant reduction in midrange and the considerable gain in upper midrange.

Folk music often focuses on the combination of vocals and simple instruments, with vocals at its core.

Personally, I think reducing the midrange makes the vocals lose some fullness and appear thin. You can adjust it between 0.0 to -1.0dB depending on the singer's vocal range.

Here is a version with equalizer settings that we have adjusted ourselves for your reference.

In Conclusion

According to our tests, the Xiaomi YU7 received a total score of 76 under the AudioLab 2.0 rating system.

Regarding the differences between the 14-speaker and 25-speaker systems in terms of features like sky channels and simulated engine sound, would you pay an extra 6,000 yuan to upgrade to the 25-speaker system for the Xiaomi YU7?