Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector (black)
Manufacturer: Yamaha Part number: YSP-4000/B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The addition of enhanced video connectivity options cements Yamaha's already excellent Digital Sound Projector technology as the go-to choice for single-speaker surround sound.
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CNET editors' review
Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector (black) price range: $1,128.00 - $1,599.99
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 11/02/2007
- Released on: 10/22/2007
The good: Single-speaker surround system with 40 1.5-inch "beam" drivers and two 4.25-inch woofers; built-in digital amplifiers, Dolby Digital, DTS, Neural, and proprietary surround processing; eliminates the need for an AV receiver; HDMI connectivity with analog video upscaling to 1080i; XM satellite radio-ready and FM tuner; autosetup with the supplied microphone.
The bad: Expensive, lacks the dynamic muscle of an equivalently priced 5.1 channel system; no Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding; no S-Video inputs or outputs; setting up multiple sources is likely to confuse and frustrate most users; most listeners will want to invest in a subwoofer for additional bass.
The bottom line: The addition of enhanced video connectivity options cements Yamaha's already excellent Digital Sound Projector technology as the go-to choice for single-speaker surround sound.
Editors' note: The rating of the Yamaha YSP-4000 has been changed since publication to better reflect its value compared to competing home theater systems.
If you're one of those people who don't want to "live with wires and boxes all over my living room," Yamaha's Digital Sound Projector series of single-speaker surround systems may be exactly what you're looking for. Building on the success of earlier models, the company's 2007 lineup comes in three flavors: the YSP-900 ($900), the YSP-3000 ($1,200), and the subject of this review, the YSP-4000 ($1,800). The top model is the first to offer 1080p/720p HDMI switching, analog video upscaling to HDMI, XM surround compatibility, and an FM tuner. The long, sleek YSP-4000 speaker has built-in power amplifiers, proprietary signal processing, plentiful connectivity, and uses 40 "beam" drivers to create a convincing illusion of multichannel sound. Just add a disc player and a TV and you're set.
The YSP-4000 is expensive, but it obviates the need to buy an AV receiver. The YSP-4000 delivered the best, most convincing surround sound we've ever heard from just one speaker. We only wish Yamaha invested more time in making the setup routine fully user-friendly: the surround calibration is a snap, but assigning inputs for multiple sources is likely to induce headaches for all but the most experienced users.
Design
A large perforated metal grille dominates the YSP-4000's front panel; the LED display relates volume level and processing status (there's also a volume control and input selector). We mostly used the remote control to handle those functions and execute the setup routines. It's not backlit, but we found the remote fairly easy to use in our dimly lit home theater. The speaker is 40.5 inches wide, 7.6 high, and 5.75 deep, and it weighs 34.6 pounds. It can be wall mounted with the optional SPM-K30 bracket ($80) or positioned on a shelf above or below your TV.
Yamaha's Digital Sound Projection Technology works by reflecting sound off walls, so bare walls work best, and objects in the room such as chairs, drapes, or furniture may have an adverse effect on the quality of the surround sound. Yamaha's IntelliBeam autosetup and calibration system couldn't be easier to use. Just bring up the onscreen menu (available over the HDMI connection), plug in the supplied microphone, and the completely automated procedure takes just a few minutes to complete. (Setting up multiple AV sources is considerably more challenging; see below.)

Yamaha now offers two matching subwoofers for use with the YSP speakers--the YST-FSW150 ($280) and the YST-FSW050 ($200)--they're slim, rack-mountable designs. It's also worth mentioning that the YSP-4000 is available in either black or silver.
Features
The YSP-4000 is more than just a speaker--it has built-in power amplifiers and the switching capabilities of an entry-level AV receiver. The speaker's 40 1.5-inch microdrivers project the front-left, front-right and surround channels' sound to reflect off your room's walls; the center channel's sound is projected directly from the YSP-4000 to the listening position. SRS Lab's TruBass technology is said to enhance the two 4.25-inch woofers bass response (the microdrivers and woofers are each powered by their own digital amplifier). Total power is rated at 120 watts.
Surround processing modes include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS Neo:6, Neural Surround and Yamaha's proprietary Cinema DSP technology. The only thing missing is the latest Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD formats found on Blu-ray and HD DVD discs.
Most of the speaker's connectors are recessed into the rear panel: there are two sets of stereo analog inputs; two optical and two coaxial digital inputs (for surround sources); a dock terminal for Yamaha's YDS-10 iPod dock; an XM antenna jack for use with XM's Mini-Tuner Home Dock; and a subwoofer output. The two HDMI inputs (and one output) can handle video and audio. Video-only connectors include two sets of component-video and three composite-video inputs; and one set of component and composite-video outputs. Annoyingly, S-Video connections are completely absent. The RS-232C interface and IR input and output jacks are provided for use in custom installation systems. The front panel has a 3.5mm jack for handy connection with portable players.

We experienced some considerable headaches when setting up the YSP-4000 to use multiple AV sources (an Xbox 360, an Apple TV, a DirecTV DVR, and a Panasonic Blu-ray player). Assigning inputs becomes confusing when you move beyond the two HDMI or two component inputs--one each can assigned as "DVD," for instance. Be prepared to invest some time and effort, along with possible limitations (one video input seemed to only match with a coaxial audio input, one with an optical, and so on). Likewise, we experienced problems getting the YSP-4000 to lock into our Dolby Digital surround signal, having the display recognize only "stereo" instead. Those with more than three or four sources might want to consider using an HDMI switcher or going with a traditional AV receiver, and using the YSP-4000 simply as the speaker system instead--or do so with one of the less-expensive stepdown models, the YSP-3000 or smaller YSP-800, instead.
On the brighter side, the YSP-4000 offers analog video upconversion to HDMI. That means that any of the composite or component inputs can be output via the single HDMI port, as well as upconverted to your choice of resolution--480p, 720p, or 1080i. As a result, you need only a single HDMI cable from the YSP-4000 to your HDTV.
Performance
We started our auditions with a Stephen King thriller, 1408, which some people have compared to The Shining. Well, we wouldn't go that far, but the movie's hyperactive haunted hotel room did show off the YSP-4000's ability to project creepy surround effects way out into the CNET listening room. During the scene where the hotel room turns bitterly cold, we could almost feel the crunch of John Cusack's shoes as he walked across the snowy floor. Later, when Cusack, in panicked desperation, crawls out of the room's window to escape, the traffic sounds of the city below were spatially believable. We noted that Cusack's voice sounded a bit too chesty at times, but we'd prefer that to an anemic or thin sound.
The YSP-4000 projects the left, right, and surround channels' sounds via user selectable modes: 5-Beam mode, 3-Beam mode, Stereo+3-Beam mode, Stereo mode, and My Beam mode, which allows users to focus the sound to a specific position in the room to avoid disturbing others. That might come in handy for late-night movie viewing, but we found the My Beam's sound to be rather nasal and thin. We mostly stuck with the 3-Beam and 5-Beam modes for all of our listening tests. The 5-Beam setting projected sound further into the room, but sometimes at the cost of coarsening sound quality; when that happened we switched back to 3-Beam.
The YSP-4000 stumbled when we played big special effect driven flicks like Mission: Impossible III. The explosions fell flat, the bass was rumbly, and the Yamaha couldn't play loud at all. We hooked up the Acoustic Research HT60 subwoofer to add extra muscle to the sound, and it helped a little, but we still felt the YSP-4000 lacked punch.
While listening to CDs in stereo, the YSP-4000 sounded small. Switching on the 3-Beam mode dramatically opened up the sound, spreading it out to the full width of the CNET listening room. The Perfume soundtrack orchestrated score demonstrated the YSP-4000 refined sound quality. The velvety smooth violins and the score's crisp percussive accents sounded on a par with some of the better $1,000 speaker packages we've heard. The 3-Beam spacious sound wasn't limited to just the listeners seated directly inline with the speaker, the wide-open sound was available for listeners on either side of the couch.
Yes, you could spend the same amount the YSP-4000 costs on a first-class AV receiver and 5.1-channel satellite/subwoofer package that doesn't need to "simulate" surround sound. That system would produce far better overall sound quality, greater dynamic punch, and more spacious surround effects. If the success of Yamaha's previous generations of YSP's means anything, we've learned that buyers will happily pay extra for the elegance of single-speaker surround. And the YSP-4000, despite its performance shortcomings, is the best there is.
Assistant Editor Jeff Bakalar contributed to this review
User reviews
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I'm Loving it!
by ckk21 on December 31, 2007
Pros: No need to run all those cables. Sound quality is excellent.
Cons: The OSD needs a separate video cable (provided) going to the TV. It would have been nice if they could send the OSD over the single HDMI that goes to your TV.
Summary: We have a small 250 sft living room space with hardwood floors. Running cables along the walls was just not an option my wife would agree to. After doing research ...
Summary: We have a small 250 sft living room space with hardwood floors. Running cables along the walls was just not an option my wife would agree to. After doing research online I decided to check out the YSP-4000 and headed to the local Fry's for a demo in their theater. My wife and I were completely surprised by the surround sound coming out of this one very long speaker and the clean lines and finish were something that she really liked. Also, I wanted something that would be able to take inputs from my Comcast HD-DVR, Wii and DVD player. The YSP gives you plenty of inputs for a simple home theater setup.
After reading several reviews here and elsewhere, I was preparing myself for a long evening trying to setup this box. But, I didn't find that to be the case. I simply followed the directions in the owner's manual and had no problems or confusion at all in making all the connections. I was glad that the box comes with some cables that prevented a re-run to Fry's. For example, an optical cable is provided which I used to connect my cable box. It also comes with an OSD video cable, an audio pin cable, a digital coaxial audio cable and an indoor FM antenna.
The auto-setup was a breeze. They give you this cardboard stand that you use to place the provided microphone for calibration. within two minutes the calibration was completed and I was ready for a brand new home theater experience.
I immediately tuned to the HD channels on cable tv to test the surround sound. Dreamgirls was playing on one of the channels and we were totally impressed by the quality of the sound. The vocals were well defined and the music was crisp. Next we watched Bad Boys II and the action sequences sounded great. The surround sound was excellent bringing different sounds from different sides...exploding cars, flying bullets etc.
Bottom Line: Excellent system! Must buy if you don't want to run wires all over the room but still want good quality surround sound.14 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Incredible Sound from a Single Speaker
by Unknown303 on January 6, 2008
Pros: Single speaker means easy placement for Flat panel TV's
Cons: Expensive, and having seating against a wall reduces effects of 5 Beam mode.
Summary: I was truly impress with the sound output from this speaker. I've read reviews talking about it not going as loud as other systems but I've rarely had ...
Summary: I was truly impress with the sound output from this speaker. I've read reviews talking about it not going as loud as other systems but I've rarely had times when I've needed to take a system past 50 percent of the volume so what really is the need of all that volume. The auto calibration of the room is excellent and I've never been happier with any surround sound system.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awsome speaker
by georgio75 on January 29, 2008
Pros: Sound quality
Cons: None so far
Summary: Before I purchased the YSP-4000, I had the YSP-800 and I was really happy with that.
This time I wanted to use the simple HDMI hook up, and boy I ...Summary: Before I purchased the YSP-4000, I had the YSP-800 and I was really happy with that.
This time I wanted to use the simple HDMI hook up, and boy I love it so much.
The set up was a breeze, not to mention the 3 HDMI cables all together for the whole system ( PS3 + Cable box )wich I love.
If you're looking for a simple clean set up, this is the way to go. You won't be disappointed.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Couldn't be happier
by 345gadgets on September 23, 2009
Pros: Good guide, Easy setup, A lot of well labeled input/outputs, nice design, good remote, built-in radio tuner
Cons: It wasn't free.
Summary: I had a midrange true 5.1 surrond sound w/sub with a 32" LCD. Was in the market to upgrade my TV and considered upgrading the audio system as ...
Summary: I had a midrange true 5.1 surrond sound w/sub with a 32" LCD. Was in the market to upgrade my TV and considered upgrading the audio system as well. I was leaning toward a high end surround system. Decided on a Pioneer Kuro 50" Plasma and decided to go with the YSP-4000 along with Yamaha's slim down firing subwoofer to maintain the sleek look and reduce the clutter in my TV/Living Room. The Yamaha sound bar looks amazing with the TV. Setup was a breeze and quite entertaining in itself. Have my cable box running to it along with my PS3 running through the HDMI. When I turn on the PS3 the sound bar automatically switches from my cable audio and runs the audio from the PS3. Great sound throughout everything I have played/watched so far. I am no sound expert but I prefer the experience it gives me versus my previous setup. Some people get on the YSP-4000's case, saying that its not true surround sound and it isn't. Doesn't exclude the fact that it sounds great.
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Simplicity, function, good looks-all in one package.
by highdef1 on December 7, 2008
Pros: All in one. No receiver, no excessive speaker mounting, no dealing with hiding yards of speaker wire througout room,etc.
Cons: Of course, a tru audiophile would never have a receiver but a amp and preamp. So, with that being said, individuals speakers with individual amp/pre-amp setup will always be king.
Summary: Best sound bar, clean install for the money
Summary: Best sound bar, clean install for the money
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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May there are better cheaper alternatives
by pgkiran on November 6, 2007
Pros: Looks good, sounds good
Cons: Expensive compare to competitors
Summary: See here where HTGuys compare various Virtual Home Theater systems:
http://www.htguys.com/archive/2007/August28.html
The Philips Sound bar seems promising:
http://www.ces.philips.com/product_detail....Summary: See here where HTGuys compare various Virtual Home Theater systems:
http://www.htguys.com/archive/2007/August28.html
The Philips Sound bar seems promising:
http://www.ces.philips.com/product_detail.cfm?pageID=2&productID=12
Thanks
Kiran
Co-Founder http://www.viddu.com1 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Part number: YSP-4000/B
- Description: The YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector offers versatile new features such as, 1080p-compatible HDMI, analog video to HDMI digital video up-conversion, and component / composite inputs. Other features include iPod and XM HD surround compatibility, built-in FM tuner, RS-232C for custom installation and a wide variety of beam settings, including My Surround Beam, for a true multi-channel surround sound experience from a single component.
General
- Product Type Speaker system
- Width 40.6 in
- Depth 4.6 in
- Height 7.6 in
- Weight 28 lbs
- Enclosure Color Black
Audio System
- Components AV receiver, Speaker system
- Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
- Built-in Decoders DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX
- THX certified Yes
- Surround Sound Effects CINEMA DSP, IntelliBeam, Neural Surround
- Sound Effects SRS TruBass
- Equalizer Yes
- Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
- DSP Preset Qty 7
- DSP Presets Movie, Music, Sports, 5ch stereo
- Surround System Class 5.1 channel
- Output Power / Total 120 Watt
- Built-in Display Fluorescent
- Display Dimmer Yes
- Additional Features iPod ready, Magnetic shield, On-screen display, XM satellite radio ready, Compressed music enhancer
- Digital Storage Media None
Signal Processing Features
- Video Conversion/Scaling Analog to HDMI up conversion
Connectors
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Input Yes
Equalizer
- Equalizer type Parametric
Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 40 x Speaker - Built-in - 2 Watt, 2 x Speaker - Built-in - 20 Watt
- Driver Details Speaker : 1 x Tweeter driver, Speaker : 1 x Woofer driver
Radio
- Type Radio tuner - FM - Digital
- Digital Tuner Band XM
- Tuning Display Fluorescent display
- Additional Features XM HD Surround Sound
Turntable
- Type None
CD System
- CD system type None
DVD
- Type None
Cassette System
- Cassette system type None
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
MD System
- MD system type None
Headphones
- Headphones Type None
Microphone
- Type None
Remote Control
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Remote Control (2nd)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x IPod docking, 1 x FM antenna, 2 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ), 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ), 2 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ), 2 x Digital audio input (optical), 2 x Digital audio input (coaxial) ( RCA phono ), 2 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ), 1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ), 3 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ), 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ), 1 x Subwoofer output ( RCA phono ), 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x Serial, 1 x XM antenna, Remote control
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
Miscellaneous
- AV Furniture None
- Included Accessories Optimizer microphone
Dimensions & Weight (Shipping)
- Width (Shipping) 46.9 in
- Depth (Shipping) 10 in
- Height (Shipping) 12 in
- Weight (Shipping) 37 lbs
Product series
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Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector (black)
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Specs: Speaker system, AV receiver, None, Black, Surround Sound, 2 Watt, 20 Watt, 120 Watt, Remote control (Infrared), 40.6 in x 4.6 in x 7.6 in
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Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector (silver)
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Specs: Speaker system, AV receiver, None, Black, Surround Sound, 2 Watt, 20 Watt, 120 Watt, Remote control (Infrared), 40.6 in x 4.6 in x 7.6 in
Manufacturer info
- Yamaha
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Yamaha products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.yamaha.com/
- Address:
6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620 - Phone: 714/522-9000
- Email: infostation@yamaha.com



