Bookshelf speaker Yamaha NS-800A Pianoblack

Yamaha NS-800A two-way bookshelf speaker with Harmonious Diaphragm™ cones and patented resonance suppression systems

The NS-800A is a two-way bookshelf speaker with bass-reflex tuning, built around a combination of a 16 cm cone woofer and a 3 cm dome tweeter with a crossover frequency of 2.6 kHz. Both drivers use the newly developed Harmonious Diaphragm™, made from a blend of ZYLON® fibre — offering a high speed of sound propagation and suitable internal damping — and spruce wood, the very material Yamaha uses for the soundboards of its concert grand pianos. Using the same material basis across the entire frequency spectrum contributes to a consistent tonal rendering of instruments, with no audible break around the crossover frequency.

The cabinet design draws on the methodology Yamaha applies to the development of musical instruments: laser vibrometer measurements and finite element method (FEM) analysis identified the places where vibrations need to be damped and where the cabinet should be allowed to work. The cabinet's cross brace is deliberately reinforced, reducing parasitic panel vibrations. Internal standing waves are not addressed with an excessive amount of damping material, but by the patented Acoustic Absorber in the form of a resonance tube optimised specifically for the NS-800A — the volume of absorbing material can therefore be reduced and the music retains its energy and dynamic contrast.

Behind the tweeter sits the patented R.S. (Resonance Suppression) Chamber with two specially shaped tubes that cancel unwanted resonances arising behind the diaphragm. The result is clear legibility of subtle vocal nuances and the decay of instruments. The Twisted Flare Port bass-reflex port changes the way the airflow expands at the opening and limits turbulent noise, which translates into more precise, better defined bass. The frequency range extends from 40 Hz to 65 kHz (-10 dB), sensitivity reaches 86.5 dB with an impedance of 6 ohms (minimum 3.8 ohms) and a power handling of 40 W nominal, 120 W maximum.

The crossover is fitted with high-quality components, including audiophile Mundorf MCap® SUPREME Classic capacitors and a massive woofer coil, reducing losses and distortion in the signal path. Brass speaker terminals shaped to fit the fingers allow a firm and repeatable contact. The finish uses the same lacquering process as Yamaha grand pianos. For optimal placement, the SPS-800A stands are intended.

Key features

• Diaphragms: Harmonious Diaphragm™ made of ZYLON® and spruce wood
• Drivers: 16 cm woofer and 3 cm dome tweeter
• Resonances: Patented R.S. Chamber and Acoustic Absorber
• Bass reflex: Twisted Flare Port with lower turbulent noise
• Crossover: Mundorf MCap SUPREME Classic capacitors