Nakamichi Dragon Soundbar Gets Key Upgrade, But Its Beastly Price Remains a Problem

The Nakamichi Dragon soundbar’s latest upgrade slims down the setup while aiming to keep its mighty bass — but that jaw-dropping price tag still stings.

If you’re like me—a fan of home theater audio gear—you’ll appreciate this: Nakamichi has finally listened to the grumbles. The premium soundbar world just welcomed a leaner version of the Nakamichi Dragon soundbar, and that’s definitely a cause for excitement. The Dragon was already a beast in the sound department, but let’s be honest, it was a hulking, unwieldy beast that didn’t quite fit every living room. Now, Nakamichi is rolling out a new 11.1.6-channel configuration that promises to breathe fresh life into this monstrous setup.

Slimming Down the Dragon Without Losing Roar

Originally, the Dragon came with a hefty setup: the main bar, two rear speakers, and two subwoofers. The new model trims that down to a single, but colossal, subwoofer. Nakamichi says this change makes the whole system more compact—and the “streamlined footprint” should make it a more practical sound choice for many audiophiles.

This new subwoofer is no lightweight—it features a 12-inch (about 30.5 cm) driver housed in a massive enclosure and tips the scales at a hefty 79 pounds (36 kg). The company claims it delivers “powerful, physically palpable bass presence” that sets a new bar for home theater setups with easy plug-and-play installation. The driver is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and works alongside a passive carbon radiator, which the brand says extends the low-frequency range and boosts tactile feedback.

Both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro are onboard to ensure a truly cinematic surround sound experience—the kind that pulls you right into the action.

Price and Availability in the U.S. Market

Here’s the catch: the revamped system launched at a whopping $3,800. To put that into perspective, that’s more than double the launch price of Samsung’s top-tier HW-Q990F soundbar, which started at around $2,000. The steep price is the Dragon’s biggest stumbling block—and for now, buyers can only get it through major U.S. marketplaces or specialty shops that import electronics. Official distribution channels haven’t caught up yet, so pricing will likely vary depending on shipping and middlemen fees. Considering the size and weight of that subwoofer alone (36 kg!), shipping costs could be quite hefty.

The Original Dragon’s Mixed Reception

The original Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 soundbar didn’t exactly set the world on fire when it first appeared. Sure, the immersive surround sound and tightly controlled bass were impressive, but many felt the overall sound was a bit too harsh and aggressive—leading to a lukewarm three-star rating from reviewers.

Add to that the cumbersome design—it had five heavy components that were a pain to move and set up. It felt like an overkill for everyday use. That’s why this pared-down package might actually be a smart move; it could simplify setup and day-to-day enjoyment without sacrificing the Dragon’s signature power.

We haven’t had the chance to test the new version ourselves yet. But if swapping two subs for one uber-subwoofer really cuts down on bulk without losing bass impact, it could mark a major leap forward for this home theater giant.

Using the Nakamichi Dragon Soundbar in the U.S.

Though the Nakamichi Dragon soundbar is a premium product designed for the global market, using it in the U.S. comes with no headaches thanks to its region-free design.

Here are the key things to know:

1. Power Supply: The unit comes with a power adapter that supports 100-240V voltage, but it is fitted with a U.S. style plug. No converter needed for Americans, but if buying from abroad, you might need a high-quality plug adapter or cable swap.
2. Supported Technologies: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro work universally, no matter where you’re located.
3. User Interface: Setup menus and controls will likely be in English, which fits perfectly for U.S. users.

“The new subwoofer provides powerful, physically palpable bass presence, setting a new standard for home theaters with simple connectivity.”
— Nakamichi

Summing Up: Is the Slimmed-Down Dragon Worth It?

The Nakamichi Dragon’s new iteration looks promising—especially if you’ve been put off by the original’s bulk and complicated setup. By ditching one subwoofer and keeping the power intact, Nakamichi may have struck a nice balance between epic sound and practical design.

But that price… oh boy, the price. $3,800 is no joke, even for a high-end soundbar, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re paying a premium for exclusivity and brand cachet as much as for performance.

If you’re a hardcore audiophile who demands the best cinematic soundscape and can accommodate the size (and cost), the Dragon remains a powerful contender. For everyone else, the price tag might still be a dealbreaker.

FAQ

• What makes the new Nakamichi Dragon different from the original?
  The updated version reduces the number of subwoofers from two to one large 12-inch subwoofer, making it more compact while aiming to maintain powerful bass.
• Does the Dragon support modern surround sound formats?
  Yes, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro, delivering immersive 3D audio experiences.
• Is the subwoofer heavy and difficult to move?
  Yes, the new subwoofer weighs about 79 pounds (36 kg), which makes it a significant piece to handle.
• Can I use the Nakamichi Dragon soundbar in the U.S. without issues?
  Absolutely, it supports 100-240V power and includes a U.S. plug, plus the setup interface is in English.
• Where can I buy the Nakamichi Dragon soundbar?
  Currently, it’s available through major U.S. marketplaces and specialty importers, but not through official nationwide retail channels yet.

If you’re inspired by this powerhouse and want to bring a piece of its cinematic magic home, why not shop your favorite album cover poster at our store? A perfect complement for any sound lover’s wall. Explore the collection here.