Yamaha YSTMS50 2.1 Subwoofer and Speakers - Solid Construction and Excellent Sound
Written: Aug 15 '03 (Updated Dec 01 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent sound, solid construction, easy to connect and use, 1 year warranty
Cons: Somewhat expensive
The Bottom Line: I am happy with my purchase. The Yamaha YST-MS50 produces excellent sound and is easy to use.
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| dkozin's Full Review: Yamaha YST-MS50 Speaker System |
Recently, I decided to upgrade my computer’s speakers from the Altec Lansing 220 to something with better sound quality. So I go the Yamaha YST-MS50, which features 80 Watts of power and consists of two 2-way speakers and a powered subwoofer. Normally, this system sells for about $120, but I managed to get it for $52 (after a mail-in rebate).
Although the system is also available in white, I chose the black version, since my LCD monitor is black as well and I dislike white peripherals. The system came in a relatively large box and, according to FedEx, weighed 24 pounds.
The package contains the, relatively large, subwoofer, two speakers and 3 cables: multi-pin cable, connecting the subwoofer and the right channel speaker, the cable to connect the right channel to your computer (or another device) and a RCA cable to connect the sub to the left channel speaker.
The subwoofer looks good, but the speakers could look more high-tech. In general, the system looks conservatively-styled. Perhaps it is a good thing. Sometimes the hi-tech look is combined with poor quality, and it is not the case here.
Connectivity
The subwoofer has a power button on the back as well as a level control on the front panel. The right speaker has a power button (this is the one which is used to turn the system on), a volume control and a headphone jack.
The subwoofer has a permanently-attached power cable. All three connecting cables are different, so there is no way to make a mistake and connect the components in the wrong way.
The back of the right speaker has 2 inputs. One is to connect the computer and another one to connect another device, e.g. CD player. Both inputs use the same headphone-style jack and both can be used together – the signals from both will be mixed together in this case.
The system seems solidly constructed and has clear labeling for inputs and controls. The speakers are magnetically shielded and can be placed close to the CRT monitors without causing picture distortion.
Performance
According to Yamaha, the system produces 20 W per channel and 40 W through the subwoofer. I had to turn the subwoofer level control (located on the subwoofer) almost all the way up to balance the bass with the left and right channels.
I placed the sub under the desk, close to the wall. The subwoofer can be placed either vertically (which I did) or horizontally. With the subwoofer level almost all the way up, the system produced excellent sound. I tested it playing MP3s encoded at 225 kbps as well as 160 kbps. So far, I tried variety of music including Dire Straights, King Diamond, Soundgarden...
The sound is crisp with very good bass, solid midrange and excellent treble. The 2-way speaker design along with a separate subwoofer really pay off, if you plan on listening to music either from your computer or another device.
It is easy to connect even a portable CD player to this system and have excellent sound without spending substantially more money for a similarly-sounding full-fledged audio system.
Warranty
The system comes with full (both labor and parts) 1-year warranty. The included product registration card is even prepaid. With most other manufacturers, you get shorter labor warranty and have to put a stamp on the product registration card. In any case, the warranty does not require the return of the product registration card and you can also register the product online at Yamaha’s web site.
Bottom Line
I am happy with my purchase. The Yamaha YST-MS50 produces excellent sound and is easy to use.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 52
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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 in Electronics |
 - Top 10 |
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Location: California
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About Me:
I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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