Description:
Ready for multimedia surround sound? Or maybe you just need a sound system for that hot DVD player in your living room or your computer. Either way, there's a good chance that this is the system for you. Yamaha's CinemaStation NX-SW10 includes a 50-watt powered subwoofer, a center-channel speaker, and a pair of small rear-channel speakers (the subwoofer sends 25 watts each to the center and rear speakers). This system is designed specifically as a companion to Yamaha's CinemaStation VS-10 controller and stereo speakers, and please note that it won't work correctly without that set. When used together, however, the two create a complete 5.1-channel home-theater sound system. The subwoofer's bass-reflex enclosure uses a 6.25-inch long-throw driver powered by a hefty 50 watts. In addition, Yamaha's Active Servo circuitry helps correct anomalies between the incoming audio signal and the actual motion of the driver, which creates not only deep bass (well, reasonably deep for a driver this size) but accurate bass, so your music and movies will sound just the way they should. No controls are available from the woofer because all adjustments are made at the VS-10 control unit. Three sets of spring-clip connectors and a set of marked speaker wires connect from the subwoofer to the center-channel and surround speakers. The center channel uses dual 3-inch cones, while each surround speaker uses a single 3-inch cone. The surround channels can be mounted either on a wall with the supplied brackets or on optional stands. With the entire rig dialed in just so (not a difficult task, thanks to Yamaha's clear instructions and intuitive ergonomics), we get excellent speaker-to-speaker timbre matching (each speaker's character matches the next, critical for proper multichannel sound) as well as an impressively large and pleasantly seamless soundstage (an impression of the events before and around you). The center channel does a fine job of fixing dialog at the screen, and provides good if not outstanding off-axis performance (the ability to root sounds at the screen from extreme left/right listening positions). The subwoofer also performs admirably. It may not have the "slam" we hear with more beast-like woofers, but it's fast, punchy, well-defined, and provides reasonable thrills with action-packed DVDs. Keep in mind that Yamaha's NX-SW10 works only with the company's VS-10, which provides the digital processing and controls, along with a stereo amplifier and speakers. Nice as each system is, they are complete only when used together and are meant for small-to-medium-sized rooms. Like its mate, the NX-SW10 is a high-quality package. We evaluate a lot of compact home theater rigs, and this one is definitely a cut above average. Good stuff, Yamaha. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Well made
- High-quality sound
- Easy to set up and operate
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Must be used with Yamaha's VS-10
- Restricted to use in small or medium-size rooms
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