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Yamaha YSP 900: Review

Posted to Lifestyle/ Mini Systems 2009-11-06

The Yamaha YSP 900 is a no-frills sound system and is the lower level system in the 2008 Yamaha line-up. It does not have 1080p HDMI switching, FM and XM radio compatibility, or an optional iPod dock, but what it does deliver is a decent sound with little fuss. It will work perfectly fine for someone who just wants a nice simple home theater sound system for a small space.

With the Yamaha YSP soundbar, surround sound no longer has to mean several annoying and unattractive speakers spread around a room. The YSP 900 delvers 21 beam drivers and two 4-inch woofers along with a built-in digital amplifiers all in one package to deliver the sound that consumers are searching for. The device could probably benefit from a bigger amplifier but it is not necessary and the sound is nice enough without anything extra.

Rating:

2.6 out of 5

Features

The basic issue with the Yamaha YSP-900 is that there really are no real features. It's a pretty straight-forward plug and go system. It does have subwoofers installed into the device but they don't deliver the familiar subwoofer sound that we all have come to know and love. If you really like the familiar booming sound of a great sub this product probably won't do it for you, but if you simply want some added volume then the system will do just fine.

The connection options are really limited and the lack of expansion items really leaves the YSP as a one pony show... but that is the point. Yamaha could have added a lot more to this product to make it worth while however, the more features added, the more it would compete with full home-theater-in-a-box systems. You won't find the familiar EQ options on this device and you surely won't find a ton of connections so you will be left out in the cold if you wanted to connect a ton of devices.

Ergonomics

The Yamaha system is really easy to set up and delivers what it promises. It's not a huge package and most people who buy the item are looking exactly for that. While the sound is not going to be overly boisterous the Yamaha design offers a nice solid package and an easily portable system. There are no big hook up issues and there is no problem with finding a place to put it so if form is more important than function this is the right system for you.

Summary

The 900 model is lacking with sound quality and audiophiles should likely opt for a more powerful and comprehensive system. They will hear every subtle problem with the sounds. Those who do not consider themselves audiophiles will like this system just fine and will be more than happy with the sound quality. It is in the subtle difference that this system begins to lose points.

Pros

Small footprint
Nice design

Cons

Easy connection
Woofers are weak
Lack of 1080 switch limits the system