Features:
- For use with any USB-equipped computer, computer game, or audio source (such as CD, minidisc, or cassette player)
- Virtual Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) Virtual 5.1 reproduce multichannel sources with just 2 speakers
- 8 DSP modes
- 7-band graphic equalizer
- 2-year parts and labor warranty
Description:
Designed for the serious high-tech audio enthusiast, Yamaha's DP-U50 personal sound processor brings sophisticated DSP (digital signal processing) right to your desktop. A two-channel device capable of decoding Dolby Digital as well as DTS (Digital Theater System) surround signals, the DP-U50's Virtual Surround capability simulates multichannel sound in installations where multiple speakers are not practical. Note, however, that the DP-U50 does not contain an amplifier. To get sound you'll need either an outboard amp with a pair of speakers or a pair of active speakers with onboard amplification. Yamaha provides a fairly generous set of hookup options, including USB, three sets of stereo RCA analog inputs, two optical digital-audio inputs, one coaxial digital-audio input, stereo preamplifier outputs, a subwoofer output, one optical digital-audio output, and a front-panel headphone jack that simulates surround in stereo headphones. Although you can hook it up to your PC or Mac using analog audio cables, you'll surely want to take advantage of the advanced features available through the DP-U50's USB port. Simply download the System Application software with the supplied CD-ROM to adjust DSP parameters, Virtual 3-D effects, dynamic range, the seven-band graphic equalizer, and a lot more right from your computer. Yamaha also supplies a remote control, but we prefer computer or manual control, given that the unit will likely be just an arm's length away. The DP-U50 is handsome and well built. Its vertical chassis is finished in an elegant, beaded silver with four input-selector buttons at the top, a small display window in the middle, and an oversized volume knob--for adjusting the volume of active speakers or headphones--down below. (Even though its vertical chassis takes up relatively minimal space on your desktop, by the time you add an amplifier and a pair of speakers you've devoted a lot of valuable real estate to a sound system. Like we said, this rig is for serious enthusiasts.) Matching the DP-U50 with good speakers and amplification brought an astonishing sonic improvement over the relatively decent outboard speakers that came with our Mac G4 Cube. Never before have music CDs been so wonderful an accompaniment to work, so much cleaner, fuller, and more detailed than they are with this system--and a subwoofer makes it even better. And though we're not often impressed by virtual surround simulation, we must admit that the DP-U50's DSP makes games and DVD movies a lot more fun. The only drawback we see to this unit comes from the existence of Yamaha's AP-U70 personal amplifier, which offers everything you get here, plus amplification (saving you a step, but costing you a little, too). Whichever way you go, the investment in a computer sound system of this quality is substantial. And, thankfully, so are the rewards. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Excellent design and construction
- Effective DSP and Virtual Surround modes
- Terrific connectivity options
- USB connection and software access to advanced settings
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Space consuming
- Requires additional amplification
| 
