Yamaha NS 6490 speakers: specifications and reviews

Manufacturers of acoustic systems infrequently pamper their fans with experiments. Such devices are characterized by technological complexity and, as a consequence, high price. Accordingly, companies do not want to take risks, they become more and more familiar with more familiar directions. But from time to time the market is replenished with original models, which impress both appearance and internal execution. Approaches to the implementation of technical stuffing and design can be different, but the main goal remains the same - the satisfaction of music requests of the consumer. In this sense , the Yamaha NS 6490 speaker system causes conflicting opinions. Obviously, the creators produced a unique in many respects the development, but the practice of using is not so attractive, as the elegant appearance and declared characteristics promise.

General information about columns

The model is first of all surprising in that it refers to inexpensive acoustics, but it is positioned as a full-fledged three-way system equipped with filters without inductances on the same capacitances. According to the manufacturer, this configuration was implemented in order to minimize distortions, but in the end, due to the limitation of technical implementation, only the cost decreased. On the one hand, this is not bad, but on the other hand, users have to independently improve the model of Yamaha NS 6490. Refinement usually applies only to filters, but handy audiophiles are also recommended to pay attention to isolation. As for sound, opinions differ about it. If we take into account the rather low positioning in the segment, then the quality is quite bearable. It's not for nothing that the columns have been popular in the US and Japan for several years, while the market in this class is regularly saturated with new offers. And this despite the fact that the model is not implemented in modern design - a hint of retrostyle, of course, attracts a certain group of music lovers, but due to a single appearance, acoustics will not be in demand.

Model specifications

Generally speaking, there is nothing surprising in the passport data of the model - especially considering that in practice, official indicators can be seriously distorted. However, the model Yamaha NS 6490, the technical data of which are presented below, it does not apply:

• The type of acoustics is in a closed case.
• The number of bands of the system is 3.
• The value of the input nominal resistance is 8 ohms.
• The height is 41.1 cm.
• The width is 26.7 cm.
• The depth is 33.6 cm.
• Weight - 3 kg.
• The lower frequency range is 45 Hz.
• The upper frequency strip is 23,000 Hz.
• The frequency of the section is 2 000 Hz.
• The sensitivity level is 93.5 dB.
• Power - a nominal value of 70 watts.
• The limiting power is 140 W.
• The effect of magnetic shielding is present.
• Separate connection - not provided.

Feedback on the appearance

The columns impress with their majestic and massive appearance. Of course, you can not put this model in the class of acoustic giants, but their impressiveness gives hope for a quality sound. But in terms of the appearance of the owners attracts a different quality - the original styling of the Yamaha NS 6490 Retro, the reviews of which are generally positive. And this is in view of the fact that there are no special delicacies in registration. Moreover, closed-type columns are implemented in a simple form of cheap material. Many owners of the system, by the way, recognize in the walls of the shell an ordinary chipboard. However, stylization can be traced in another accent. First of all, in the "piano" design of the front side and silver membranes. Unfortunately, the frames of the latter are also made in the budget version with cheap plastic.

Design Features

Diffusers of a bass drum at 20 cm and mid-frequency dynamics are cellulose, which, in turn, has a polymer coating. The polymer is made and the membrane of the tweeter, which is supplied with the shelf speakers Yamaha NS 6490 Black. The reviews also note a sharp contrast of visual perception of the dimensions of acoustics and mass, which is only 3 kg. Maybe it's not bad, but weight reduction was not achieved in the best way - due to the use of a thin material in the housing and the total absence of noise-insulating insulators. Audio signals for the radiators are corrected by two electrolytic capacitors, which are represented by standard filters with a slope steepness in the range of about 6 dB. Both pairs of speakers of the system have high-frequency heads that are equally shifted to the right edge of the external panel, which allowed the area to be used rationally. All the speakers are equipped with magnetic screens of good quality.

Reviews about sound quality

It is interesting that the first impression of most users of this model is deceptive. And this applies to both positive and negative listening experiences. But, despite the apparently modest technical implementation of the Yamaha NS 6490, the feedback on the sound is, in the main, positive. Acoustics demonstrates the clearest, clearest and deepest bass. Also, the model maintains good dynamics throughout the range. Positive emotions are caused by playing heavy rock with popular compositions. The owners of acoustics characterize the sound of such music as hard, bright and emotional. This applies to both shock and electric guitar.

The situation with the classical repertoire is not so unambiguous. In this case, high-frequency spectral information is characterized by harsh colors, which often act as a hindrance for soft and quiet parties. It is often observed the inclusion of the dynamic resource of the Yamaha NS 6490 speakers, which saves the situation a bit. In general, users note that this is a bright and powerful acoustics, whose capabilities are enough to fill the sound of rooms up to 60 m ² .

Acoustic indicators

For starters it is worth noting a very high level of sensitivity, which not every model of this class can boast of. This characteristic is 93.5 dB, which in many respects explains the good bass and decent playback of heavy music. The mid-range frequency section looks good too, though, as the frequency increases, it causes the unevenness of the characteristic. Also, against the background of increasing sensitivity in the range of 3000-6000 Hz, there may be a feeling of brightness of reproduction. It should be noted that the brightness of the acoustics of the Yamaha NS 6490 can be effectively adjusted by changing the arrangement of the speakers. For example, the orientation at a 45-degree angle eliminates unnecessary flashes of dynamics. At the frequency levels of 3000 and 5000 Hz, specific effects of after-sound are noted. As for the distortions, they are practically absent on the basses - at least for the listener the impedance is invisible. This also applies to other frequency levels, except for resonant areas - only a high-quality amplifier will help them.

Finishing the columns

Although for their class the speakers perform well with playback tasks, many users are confused by the very simple design of acoustics. As noted by experts, you can increase the available audio potential by simply upgrading the Yamaha NS 6490 system. Updating the filter with updating the capacitors should make the sound more smooth and stable, and adding damping material, according to users, eliminates shortcomings on the lower band.

To implement this procedure, you need to purchase capacitors of 400 V, a cable for HF and MF, the cross section of which can be 1.04 mm ² , as well as the damping material. Accordingly, the calculation should be done to update the two columns. But before you start to refine, you need to take into account that the effect can be disappointing. For example, from the improvements as a result of the update, there is an increase in the bass and the elimination of the hum at the maximum volume due to the damping material. But we should expect unpleasant distortions in the mid-range. If such a result suits, then you can begin to refine the AC Yamaha NS 6490. Dismantling the body is traditionally done - by dismantling the fasteners. Further, it is necessary to ensure the connection of new elements by soldering with tin and silver - this also applies to speaker wires.

Advantages of columns

The system initially provides a good music scene. Virtually no complaints about the bass and the lower level of the frequency-amplitude range. The middle sounds good, too, with the notes rising, although there are slight distortions during the transitions. Also, the advantages of three-way Japanese speakers include a combination of a small mass and power. Despite the weak design, the acoustics draws even complex compositions, while ensuring a certain detail.

Disadvantages of columns

Practically all the reviews are criticized by the thin walls of the building, the poverty of internal content, the lack of quality insulation and the use of cheap materials. Strangely enough, the listed shortcomings do not have a significant effect on sound quality. Of course, we are talking about the class to which the model Yamaha NS 6490 belongs, since high-level representatives of the three-way speakers are still produced with a more worthy stuffing. But there is also criticism in terms of playing music. A lot of audiophiles still believe that the speakers do not have enough bass. In order to improve the work with the lower level, the owners, in fact, update the system.

Cost of the model

The manufacturer managed to realize a very difficult task - to offer mid-level speakers, which will cost as budget equipment. The price tag of the model varies from 10 to 12 thousand rubles, which is very attractive for a device with such characteristics. Of course, there are similar options in the competitors' lines, but they lose the Japanese model in terms of sound. In turn, the Yamaha NS 6490 acoustics offer good musical abilities, while possessing a body and components of poor quality. It is saving on components and made it possible to produce such a cheap model.

What are the purposes of acoustics?

Many users believe that it makes sense to use speakers in conjunction with low-cost audio systems from the initial segment. After completing the upgrade, you can increase the overall musical level, but it's not worth to hope for a serious disclosure of the potential of powerful players. If we talk about genre directions, then popular music and rock are optimally combined with the capabilities of Yamaha NS 6490. Reviews of audio enthusiasts mark a worthy theatrical front, but it is desirable to use such speaker capabilities either with products of the same manufacturer or with equipment of similar price class. In addition, acoustics can perform the tasks of the subwoofer - of course, within the declared characteristics.

Conclusion

Provided a good amplifier is selected, the model can provide an attractive sound background. As the popularity of compact soundbars grows, traditional systems are gradually losing relevance. Nevertheless, the Yamaha NS 6490 shelf speakers have been actively bought by fans of the volume sound "picture" for several years already. In many ways, high demand supports a low price tag for such a system, but the direct playback function can not be ruled out. Acoustics translates bass in its entirety, and also processes complex musical parts with vocals. By the way, after the completion of many noted increase in the detail of speech and voice. The speakers have obvious drawbacks, but they can be reconciled, including due to the unusual external performance of the system. Styling for retro design hides the disadvantages of a cheap design of the case and gives acoustics a light aesthetic entourage.