Yamaha YSP-900
Manufacturer: Yamaha Part number: YSP900BL
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you don't need the HDMI connections found on the step-up model, the Yamaha YSP-900 single-speaker surround system delivers exactly the same overall sound quality for less money.
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CNET editors' review
Yamaha YSP-900 price range: $489.00 - $699.99
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: Matthew Moskovciak
- Reviewed on: 05/21/2008
- Released on: 09/15/2007
The good: Yamaha's single-speaker surround system features 21 1.5-inch "beam" drivers; two 4-inch woofers; built-in digital amplifiers, proprietary surround processing; auto setup with the supplied microphone.
The bad: Minimalist connectivity; nowhere near the dynamic oomph of an equivalently priced 5.1 channel HTIB system; lacks finesse on two channel music; you'll probably have to add a subwoofer.
The bottom line: If you don't need the HDMI connections found on the step-up model, the Yamaha YSP-900 single-speaker surround system delivers exactly the same overall sound quality for less money.
Editors' note: The rating of the Yamaha YSP-900 has been changed since publication to better reflect its value compared to competing home theater systems.
The YSP-900 may be the entry-level model in Yamaha's YSP single-speaker surround lineup for 2008, but it sounds largely the same as its immediate step-up model, the YSP-3000, with which it shares the same basic design. Yamaha's single-speaker surround systems all use advanced technology to project sound into the room to create the illusion of 5.1 channel sound (the ".1" comes with the addition of Yamaha's optional YST-FSW100 subwoofer) without all the messy satellite speakers and wires. Yes, the no-frills YSP-900 lacks the pricier YSP models' 1080p HDMI switching, FM and XM radio compatibility, and optional iPod dock, but that lets it sport a consumer-friendly $700 list price--and it's available for even less online. Like all Yamaha YSP systems, the YSP-900 is self-powered, so you don't necessarily need an AV receiver--but you may still need one if your TV can't handle the video switching duties between your various AV sources (games consoles, DVD players, DVRs, and the like).
A perforated metal grille covers most of the YSP-900's front panel; below the grille, the LCD shows volume level and processing status, and further to the right there's a volume control and input selector. The speaker feels solidly constructed, and measures 31.5 inches wide by 6.1 inches tall by 4.5 inches deep; it weighs 19.8 pounds. The speakers size may make it difficult to fit under your TV, but it can be wall mounted with the optional SPM-K30 bracket.
The included remote control is pretty good for enthusiasts, but its numerous buttons and functions may intimidate those who are less tech savvy. We liked that we could directly adjust individual channel volume levels and that the remote could also control a TV. On the downside, the input buttons are small, the remote isn't backlit, and there's little differentiation of button size within each section, making it difficult to navigate by feel. Of course, you can always upgrade to a quality universal remote.
The YSP-900's 21 1.5-inch microdrivers create surround sound by bouncing the front-left, front-right, and surround channels' sound off your room's walls; the center channel's sound is projected directly from the YSP-900 to the listening position. Your room's acoustics can play a significant role in the sound you hear; bare walls work best, and objects in the room such as chairs, drapes, or furniture may adversely affect the quality of the surround sound. If your room is fairly cluttered with stuff, you may want to opt for a sound bar that doesn't use sound reflection technology, such as the Polk SurroundBar 50 or Definitive Technology SSA-50. A pair of 4-inch woofers (the microdrivers and woofers are each powered by their own digital amplifier) supplies the YSP-900's bass. Total power of the YSP-900 system is rated at 82 watts.
Yamaha's IntelliBeam auto setup and calibration system couldn't be easier to use. Just bring up the onscreen menu, plug in the supplied microphone, and the automated procedure takes just a few minutes to complete. Yamaha's auto setup worked quite well, but we managed to improve the sound by tweaking the manual setup adjustments. If your dealer has qualified technicians they might be able to eke out better performance than you'll get with the auto setup. Surround processing modes include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS Neo:6, and Yamaha's proprietary Cinema DSP technology.
The YSP-900's no-frills feature set is most evident when you check out its rear panel: there are just two stereo analog inputs; a subwoofer output; and, for surround sound sources, two optical, and one coaxial digital input. The YSP-900 doesn't switch video signals, so video connections between your sources, such as Blu-ray, DVD, and cable box must be made directly to your TV (or an AV receiver).
The YSP-900, like all of the other YSP speakers we've tested to date, is capable of projecting a large, immersive soundfield. No other brand's single-speaker surround systems are even close, so Yamaha YSP speakers are state of the art in that regard. That holds true for listeners seated directly in front of the YSP-900 and listeners seated off to the sides of the couch. We could even stand up and walk around the room, and the sound remained spacious. Also, while the speaker can be used without a subwoofer, it won't produce any deep bass. We used a Yamaha YST-FSW100 sub for most of our listening tests.
The Ratatouille Blu-ray Disc demonstrated the YSP-900's tasty sound. The pitter-patter of the rats' feet scampering across the fancy French restaurant's kitchen floor was perfect, as was the hiss of the gas flames, the thick burble of simmering soups, and the plops of ingredients dropping into the large pots were all realistic. Dialogue was nicely balanced.
While the Flyboys Blu-ray Disc made greater demands on the speaker, the aerial ballet of the World War I war planes swooping across the sky sounded pretty good. The rat-tat-tat of the planes' machine guns was appropriately fierce, but when some of the planes crashed and burned, the YSP-900's dynamic range limitations were obvious. Part of the blame can be attributed to the Yamaha YST-FSW100 subwoofer--it didn't have the sock of Polk's PSW111 sub--and the YSP speaker was overtaxed by the war film's highly dynamic special effects. When we heard the speaker straining, we turned the volume down and that did the trick. Surround spatiality is excellent, but judged purely on a sound quality basis; the YSP-900 was less clear than Polk's SurroundBar 50 single-speaker surround system.
We next listened to CDs, and while we liked what the surround processing did to "open up" the sound, pushing it out to the sides of the room, the YSP-900's sound was better--clearer and cleaner--in stereo.
We think the YSP-900 might be the go-to choice in the YSP line. Yes, the YSP-3000 offers more features, including HDMI switching, but even if you have a DVD or Blu-ray player with HDMI, you can send the video straight to your TV and use the digital audio connections to enjoy the YSP-900's sound. Sure, you'll lose out on some of the extra resolution available on Blu-ray's Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks, but the difference isn't significant on a system like this. Sonically, the YSP-900 and YSP-3000 are pretty much the same thing; the larger YSP-4000 sounds better, but not as good as Polk's SurroundBar 50.
User reviews
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Thebest combination of quality convenience practicality
by manupuri42 on September 7, 2009
Pros: ease of installation
looks great
great movie sound quality
surround sound that actually works
solidly builtCons: Should have had more Digital input
needs a sub for best resultsSummary: Well i bought my Ysp 900 around a month back and is a great upgrade from the puny sound you get from regular plasma or lcd screens.
i have never ...Summary: Well i bought my Ysp 900 around a month back and is a great upgrade from the puny sound you get from regular plasma or lcd screens.
i have never been an audiophile but wanted a good, decent no nonsense system which i could place in my bedroom without ruining the decor with wires and speakers hanging all over the place. Actually it looks very neat and classy sitting there under my plasma with an attractive white display. Initially i was thinking of buying a set of bose stereo speakers but when i was introduces to the ysp 900 it completely changed my perspective.
Obviously it cannot beat a good 5.1 speaker system and i guess no body should expect it to, but as i didnt had the luxury of a separate room for a home theater this was the best choice for me.
My room is 18'x18' feet and i guess its right for about this size only on the max side any bigger and it will lack the oomph. but having said that i sit on my bed on the opposite side right against the back wall which is not the right place as it is not able to bounce off the sound waves from the rear wall but still i have to say the system works really well and it actually does make u smile when u hear thing coming from left and right, a surround bar that actually works. i have a ysw 215 sub attached to it and they make a perfect combination. The setup of surround sound is also very simple with a click of a few buttons and the mic supplied with the system and it is calibrated and ready for use in about 2-3 minutes As for normal music it is not as outstanding as it is with movies but nevertheless the performance is more than adequate.
The only down side is lack of more digital input, its got one coaxial and two optical thats about it the rest are analog and also a little bit more volume can help or maybe upgrade to ysp 4000 if you got rooms bigger than mine in sq. ft.
Bottom line I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't have a dedicated home theater room.
Manu Puri -
Give big sound to your mid-sized entertainment center with minimal effort.
by fox-orian on June 30, 2008
Pros: Superb sound quality. Truly expansive sound field. Solid, reliable quality. Loads of customization. Low power consumption. Great remote control.
Cons: Surround beams don't work if seated against a wall. Target Mode doesn't really work. Connections hard to access when placed on a shelf. Wall bracket not included. Subwoofer can be recommended.
Summary: I actually own the YSP-800, which is about 98% identical to the YSP-900. I've owned the YSP-800 for a year and a half now, and I can say that ...
Summary: I actually own the YSP-800, which is about 98% identical to the YSP-900. I've owned the YSP-800 for a year and a half now, and I can say that it's a truly reliable, quality product. It's made nearly entirely out of metal, and the display on the front is a very attractive off-white.
The sound quality is great enough that games, movies, and television all come alive with rich yet balanced mids and highs, and surprisingly adequate bass output. I'd place the audio quality of the YSP-800/900 on par with that of some sets of Yamaha Studio Monitors I've tested before. The bass put out by the unit is natural sounding. It sounds good, but don't expect to get room rattling booms out of it. For that, you'll need a subwoofer. Yamaha makes a subwoofer designed to go with the YSP's, the YST-FSW100, but I can't personally recommend it. The YST-FSW100 only sounds like a minor upgrade from the bass already put out by the YSP. Your best bet would be to go for a more substantial subwoofer that could even be used in future setups after the YSP.
The virtual surround field generated by the YSP's beams does indeed work, and you can clearly pinpoint left and right speakers FAR off from where the YSP actually is. It's really quite an interesting experience. Unfortunately, however, the surround L+R beams only operate properly if allowed to ricochet off the rear wall. This means that if you're seated too close to the rear wall, the surround beams will never quite make it. The surround beams will instead sound like a much wider, grander stereo field, which is still cool, but not surround. I have tested my YSP-800 in a room that actually allowed me to hear the surround channels, and I can confirm that they work -- and work well.
While it is true that the YSP-800/900 doesn't quite perform the best with music, that's not to say it doesn't do it well at all. Music can be quite enjoyable on the YSP. You just have to get some settings right to truly make it sound its best. Even though "Stereo" mode might seem like the best solution to listen to music, 5Beam or 3Beam mode set to Music Surround can give the best quality result, where the voice actually appears in the Center, FR, or FL channel. The "Target" mode which can channel a beam to your location in the room doesn't really work like you'd think. While the intensity of the bean is strongest at its focal point, it can still be heard rather clearly around the rest of the room. At best, Target can be useful for LOW-level night time listening. Though, expect to lose nearly all of the audio quality -- the sound is reduced to that of laptop speakers on Target.
Setting up the YSP was not hard at all. Even the box it comes in is smaller than any surround system you could purchase. I keep my YSP on the first shelf under the TV of an IKEA "EXPEDIT" entertainment center. It really couldn't have been any more of a perfect fit. Unfortunately this means that accessing the connections are difficult since they point down. This was done so that folks who wall-mount their YSP can still access their connections. It's a small gripe, thought. The actual setting up of the system is simple thanks to a logical menu hierarchy on the unit, and the special calibration microphone that can handle most of the dirty work for you. The auto-setup works excellently, and though this may just be my anal tendencies, I like to go in and tweak the settings chosen by the calibrator even further to my liking.
In terms of connectivity, the YSP is really good enough for all things audio. I have the following equipment hooked up to my YSP-800:
RCA 1 - Sound from HDTV sources
RCA 2 - Apple Airport Express
Optical 1 - Playstation 3
Optical 2 - Xbox 360
Coax - HD Cable STB
Subwoofer - YST-SW225
The connections available was rather perfect for the equipment I own, and since the YSP-900 shares the same connection panel, there's no reason you couldn't connect the same types of things. You can also rename the YSP's inputs so that you can better identify the one needed. Also helps not to have your DVD player connected under "VCR", you can just rename it!
Something I'm not used to saying, is actually how nice the remote control is for the YSP. It has great feeling buttons and can control both the TV and YSP without needing to switch between "TV/YSP"
Overall, I was initially impressed by the YSP and I'm still pleased with it even today. I have no plans to replace it within the near future, as it's still continuing to deliver great, spatial, immersive sound.. If you have an entertainment center that can accommodate a YSP, or if you're looking for a great, simple and attractive way to provide sound for your wall mounted TV, I can easily recommend considering the YSP-900 or greater.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Part number: YSP900BL
- Description: It is generally accepted that in order to fully enjoy the benefits of surround sound at home, you must endure the agony of wiring and installing a great number of speakers in the hope that your listening room will give you the same kind of surround sound experience as your local movie theater. YAMAHA YSP-900 Digital Sound Projector challenges this preconception that complicated speaker setup and troublesome wiring go hand-in-hand with the enjoyment of multi-channel surround sound. This slimline unit does away with the need for complicated wiring and installation worries, leaving you with a unit that is not only easy to set up, but which is also capable of reproducing the kind of powerful surround sound you have been waiting for from its built-in 2 woofers and 21 full-range small speakers. You can fine-tune the parameters of this unit to adjust the delay time for separate sound beams, resulting in highly directional sound that comes in on the listening position from all directions. The YSP-900 projects sound beams containing surround sound information for the front right (R), front left (L), surround right (SR) and surround left (SL) speaker positions, which are reflected off the walls of your listening room before reaching the actual listening position. With the addition of center (C) sound beams, this Digital Sound Projector creates true-to-life 5.1 channel surround sound that makes you feel as if there are actual speakers around the room. Sit back and enjoy the real sound experience of this simple, yet stylish Digital Sound Projector.
General
- Product Type Five channel speaker
- Width 31.5 in
- Depth 4.5 in
- Height 6 in
- Weight 19.8 lbs
- Enclosure Color Black
Speaker System
- Speaker Type Active
- Nominal (RMS) Output Power 82 Watt
- Total Harmonic Distortion 10%
- Magnetic Shield Yes
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Built-in Decoders DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II
- Controls Volume, Input selector, EQ mode selector
- Detachable Grilles Yes
Speaker System Details
- Speakers Included 1 x Five channel speaker - 82 Watt - Wired
- Driver Details Five channel speaker : 21 x Full-range driver - 40 mm, Five channel speaker : 2 x Woofer driver - 100 mm
Connections
- Connector Type 2 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ), 2 x Digital audio input (optical) ( TOSLINK ), 1 x Digital audio input (coaxial) ( RCA phono ), 1 x Subwoofer output, 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ), 1 x Microphone ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Optimizer microphone
- Remote Control Universal remote control - Infrared
- Remote Control Features Multi-brand compatibility
- AV Furniture None
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power AC 230 V
- Power Consumption Operational 30 Watt
Battery
- Type None
Manufacturer info
- Yamaha
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Yamaha products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.yamaha.com/
- Address:
6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620 - Phone: 714/522-9000
- Email: infostation@yamaha.com
