Yamaha's YSP-900 Digital Sound Projector: a 5.1 sound bouncer that works

The YSP-900 Digital Sound Projector joins Yamaha's high-end YSP-1100 in their digital sound projector line-up of simulated surround-sound speaker-bars. As a followup to the YSP-800, the YSP-900 comes in silver or black and introduces the "My Beam" and "IntelliBeam" functions previously found only in the YSP-1100. Just press and hold a button on the remote control and the My Beam function will instantly "beam" the sound in your direction -- useful for the hard-of-hearing or late-night movie fests while the rest of the household slumbers. IntelliBeam then, is the auto system calibration software which optimizes the unit's placement in the room. Just keep in mind that the sound will bounce best in a rectangular room with the couch offset from the center of the back-wall. That limitation aside, Yamaha's sound projectors come highly touted for quick and not-so-dirty home theater setup. Hitting Japan on February 22nd for ¥94,800 or about $602. Better yet, these will come Stateside soon enough.

[alpha @ Feb 15th 2007 9:53AM]

I saw it at bestbuy the other day. You sure this is new?

[andy @ Feb 15th 2007 10:15AM]

900 is new with the auto setup.


I have the 1100 and it works. Base is very weak, even with my def tech 12" sub, but I haven't tweaked it at all yet.

I hear the front 3 very sell, and some rear effects, and my room is very large and extremely odd shaped.

I approve, and if this is cheaper than the 1100, I would have welcomed it.

[Mr. B @ Feb 15th 2007 10:34AM]

While the MyBeam function is new for the x00 series, IntelliBeam was also avaliable for the 800.

This story caught my eye in a big way this morning since I just purchased the 800 as a gift.

[capn @ Feb 15th 2007 10:36AM]

dope.

[DaMaDo @ Feb 15th 2007 10:50AM]

I have the 800 and love it. The bass with an X series sub from av123.com ($199) is awesome.

[Vasu Tummala @ Feb 15th 2007 5:26PM]

Ditto, I love my YSP-800, though contrary to the post, it DOES have Intellibeam, just not the MyBeam feature

[Chris F @ Feb 15th 2007 1:12PM]

Had my YSP900 since last year! (here in England). Wouldnt say its set my world on fire though...

[James @ Feb 15th 2007 3:59PM]

How does this compare with the Polk Surroundbar? Anyone tried both?

[Uncle Fester @ Feb 15th 2007 9:37PM]

I am envious of all your comments, we probably won't see this piece of kit down in New Zealand.
http://www.av1.co.nz

[Joe Davenport @ Feb 16th 2007 4:23AM]

Wow, I wasn't expecting to see so many positive comments! I call B.S. ~ This is just an over-grown center channel! IT doesn't work because most people do not place these in an ideal rectangular-shaped room that is closed on all four sides. Save your money for a 5.1 receiver and speakers. The sound is similar to attached speakers on a flat tv. The benefit of this unit is it's simplicity, this is not for anyone that demands home theater performance.

Yes, I do not own this system, ..with good reason. But I do own a home theater company and have clients that have purchased these units before calling me. I have seen all of the models, they all disappoint.

If you are sold on buying this unit, make sure that you pair it with a powered subwoofer.

[Philly @ Feb 16th 2007 6:20PM]

I am a home theater junkie... and I have the equipment to verify my addiction. Now, would I use the Yamaha sound projector in a dedicated home theater... no way. i have my B&K's in there. But, in my bedroom this is perfect... and the sound is quite good. Does it give a full, enveloping surround sound? Yes, it does. As good as my B&K in a sound-isolated, dedicated home theater... no... but I wouldn't expect it to.

I tested all these units... and I would agree with you on the Polk Audio units and some of the other junk on the market claiming surround sound out of a speaker bar. BUT, the Yamaha sound projectors are a whole different class. Listen to yamaha's before you bash.

Philly

[Joe Davenport @ Feb 16th 2007 8:39PM]

I have listened to the units, in many homes and circumstances. You are one of the few people that are using this unit in a closed-on-4-sides room. Most living rooms have one or two open walls leading to other areas of the home.

The person that should be listening to the unit is the author of this article.

[Brian @ Jul 18th 2007 11:03AM]

Can you use the yamaha sound bar with a 5.1 amp as a center channel speaker.