Jun 282013
Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System
- 2-way satellite speakers with 2.5″ woofer & 1/2″ tweeter
- 2-way center speaker with dual 2.5″ woofers & 1/2″ tweeter
- Magnetic shielding (all speakers),Connector: Type Spring Clip
- 8″ 100W cube-type high power subwoofer
- Wall hanging capability
The Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-channel home theater speaker package is a low cost, convenient way to enjoy the full benefits of 5.1-channel home theater sound. The NS-SP1800BL features advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology (Advanced YST), which is a unique system in which the speaker and amplifier work together to cancel out impedance so the speaker unit has a perfectly linear motion. Advanced YST helps to ensure the highest levels of sound pressure and overall performance.Dimensions: Front Speake
List Price: $ 229.95
Price: $ 119.00
[3-year Update: still going strong!] Except for broken center channel and flimsy cable, works fine…,
Using this with a Sony BD player and Onkyo 5.1 amp linked via coax audio; TV via HDMI. After all settings were completed, the action and big explosions sounded great. If you listen to movies using TV speakers, you don’t know what you’re missing.
BUT I couldn’t hear dialog. Checked all settings, and searched online forums. I tried to boost the dB for the center but still couldn’t hear. Speakers are connected via Monster Cable instead of the flimsy speaker cable provided (so small the connectors won’t even hold it). Then I used the test tone from the amp to find out the center channel speaker doesn’t work. I’m using an existing bookshelf speaker for center for now.
Otherwise, the bases sound fine and rest of the speakers seem more than powerful enough for my tiny home theater room. Watched Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D with 6-year old, and the combination 3-D video and 3-D audio were a winner with him.
For a small room, with a decent amp and proper cables (do yourself a favor, and get at least 16-gauge) this set should work just fine for most movie lovers. Audiophiles should look elsewhere. And test all speakers before you throw out the packaging (as I did).
UPDATE: after mentioning to Amazon the center channel was not working but I didn’t want to pack everything up, they promptly shipped me a new set FOC – with pre-paid return as well. Next day. New center channel works great, and sound has greatly improved. Nicely done!
UPDATE 02/17/2012 (3 years later): Have had absolutely no issues with this speaker set. I just purchased a new Onkyo receiver and was looking for additional speakers, because they have held up so well. My family enjoys watching movies and we use these at least 30 hours a week. Came across my own review and figured I’d provide an update. My original opinion stands: audiophiles look elsewhere, but everyone else: you can’t go wrong with these (bought from Amazon). Now if only I could just get two more speakers….
Update 8/2/2012: Yes, I bought another set. Using two of the speakers to complete my 7.1 audio in my TV room, and using the 3.1 left over for a second location. I had no issues whatsoever buying another set because I knew it would be good. Also upgraded to 5 stars as this set was perfect. Seriously recommend this set!
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Best bang for your buck…,
For the price I didn’t expect much from these speakers, and when I got them they definitely exceeded my expectations. I have always been a fan of Yamaha audio equipment and when I was looking for a decent (cheap) set of 5.1 speakers for my Onkyo SR606 I came across this set and thought I’d give them a try. Much to my pleasure they work great! I am only using 3.1 right now but the sound is far superior to any pre-packaged HTS that I have looked at.
PROS – Price, quality of build, sound quality
CONS – plastic casing/style (not the greatest for displaying around your house) This is a very minor con!
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Better than more expensive systems.,
It took me weeks of research before I purchased this product. I liked the idea of the Yamaha name, but was concerned the quality would be less than optimal because the price was so low. While I am not an audiophile I like to have the best my limited money can buy. The 6 Ohm rating was a big hiccup for me as well, as 8 ohm is what all receiver ratings are calculated on. But after looking closely at the manual for my receiver I found it supported 6-16 Ohm speakers. So we were good there. My receiver, a Pioneer VSK-519 showed up before my speakers so I hooked it up to some Sony book shelf speakers to “test it out”. When the Yamaha speakers came I was only able to hook up three of the five speakers with the included speaker wire, so I used the Sony’s as R and L. The Sony’s put out noticeably more sound than the Yamaha’s which was at first concerning to me. And once I got them out of the way I had to turn the receiver up higher to get the same output. I watch movies right around 50-52 when with the Sony speakers, I was quite happy at 40. I suspect this is related to the 82 db rating (and the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5). But turning the Amp up a little higher is not a big deal and the Receiver has been very happy in it’s low ventilation area, and is in no danger of overheating.
I also upgraded my speaker wire to 16 gauge and have not noticed a difference.
Other thoughts, even though the Sub is a 100W amp, it only produces 50W of output, just like it says on the Manufacture site. So Amazon was a little misleading there. No big deal, because the Sub is quite adequate in my 1200 sqft house, it is everywhere, my poor wife.
My Brother who spent well over $1000 on his surround sound (Mine: $100.98 speakers, $165 receiver, $10 in speaker wire) said my setup sounded better than his, we were watching UP on Blu-ray. That made me very happy! So it was well worth it, and I have been very pleased with the whole set up.
On a side note I definitely recommend the Pioneer VSK-519. It is the only receiver in it’s class (<$200) that accepts and uses audio via HDMI from your sources, where most do “pass through” and therefore make you bring your audio via digital coax or optical. This is great because you need HDMI or 5 pairs of RCA cables (My BD player only has HDMI out) to get true loss-less audio.
I definitely recommend these speakers for people on a budget, but if I had an extra $100 I would have gotten some Energy Take 5 speakers paired with a Polk sub. But no regrets and I don’t plan on upgrading them anytime soon.
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