A high-quality speaker system greatly affects the sound. Without good speakers there is no point in thinking about high-quality sound. The trouble is that high-quality speakers are very expensive, and with a budget option it is almost impossible to achieve a sane effect. However, there are transitional options that are not so expensive and have excellent characteristics. A striking representative of devices of this class is the Yamaha NS 777 speaker system. It has an adequate price and very high-quality sound. Let's take a closer look at this speaker.
About company
The Japanese company Yamaha was founded in 1897. She was engaged in the production of organs. Over time, the company mastered the production of guitars, acoustic systems, various peripherals for them and sporting goods. The diversified and ancient company is well known outside Japan. Yamaha products are famous for their quality and acoustic properties (when it comes to speakers and guitars).
Many professional musicians enjoy using Yamaha guitars and synthesizers. The manufacturer is also famous for its reasonable prices for its products. For example, guitars from Fender and Gibson are much more expensive. Although they are not particularly different from Yamaha products. Musical instruments from this manufacturer are characterized by exceptional reliability. The same applies to speaker systems, amplifiers and other equipment.
Positioning
Yamaha is well known in the music world. Its synthesizers, acoustic systems, headphones, guitars and other equipment are distinguished by their quality and reliability. Many professional musicians choose these products. Therefore, the interest in Yamaha NS 777 speakers is understandable. This is almost the first acoustics from the company that is sold at an adequate price.
The speakers are positioned as a budget option for lovers of high-quality sound. They can satisfy even some “audiophiles”. However, this requires that all system components be at the appropriate level. The amplifier, cables, sound card or CD player - everything must match the level of the speakers. Only then will their full potential be revealed.
General information about the model
Japanese developers offer three-way acoustics from the flagship series. The line of speakers itself is distinguished by its focus on bass frequencies. In this case, a dynamic and bright sound is provided, which is also rich in deep bass. The system is also good because it can be combined with many receivers and amplifiers. With proper configuration, the impressive volume of the cabinets and powerful speakers of the Yamaha NS-777 will allow you to achieve a decent acoustic effect without the use of an active subwoofer. Experts recommend taking a particularly careful approach to choosing an amplifier - it must at least have an appropriate level of quality and characteristics, otherwise the potential of the speakers will remain undiscovered.
Specifications
Yamaha NS 777 belongs to the category of floor-standing speaker systems. The acoustics consist of three bands and four speakers: two low-frequency drivers, one midrange and one high-frequency driver. Many people say that a “correct” speaker should be single-way, but this is not true. The acoustic body is made of MDF panels and varnished. This varnish often becomes a “bone of contention,” but we’ll talk about that a little later. The operating range of the speakers is 30,000 Hz - 35,000 Hz. The power of the speaker system is 100 W. The diameter of the woofer is 200 mm, the midrange is 130 mm, the tweeter is 25 mm. The total output power of the acoustics is 250 watts, and the sensitivity is 89 dB at a constant resistance of 6 ohms. These numbers will mean nothing to an unprepared buyer. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of acoustics before purchasing.
Some owners consider speaker sizes to be a minus. They are really huge. And they weigh a lot - almost 25 kilograms. Such a system requires a spacious room. In a small room there will simply be nowhere to put them. Height - 1100 mm, width - 276 mm, depth - 390 mm. These dimensions are typical for a good speaker system. And Yamaha NS 777 belongs to the Hi-Fi class. And it has the appropriate dimensions.
Speaker placement
To get high-quality sound using Yamaha NS 777 speakers, you need to know some rules for placing the system. Under no circumstances should they be placed close to the wall. The gap between the back of the speaker housing and the wall should be at least a meter. Without this, you won’t be able to get a clear picture of the sound. Also, you can’t place acoustics in corners. This negatively affects the overall sound configuration. Since the speakers are quite powerful, if placed incorrectly they can smash all glass and porcelain trinkets to smithereens.
You also cannot install these acoustics on special shelves nailed to the walls. Yamaha NS 777 - floor-standing speaker. And she should remain that way. And the shelves should be surprisingly strong, considering the weight of the speakers. If you put the speaker system on shelves, you risk losing the lion's share of the bass. And this is the most important component of sound. Without it, it is very difficult to grasp the full picture. However, if you live in an apartment building, your neighbors are unlikely to be happy with this arrangement of speakers. The unrealistically powerful bass at high volume can easily cause both a chandelier and plaster to fall off. You need to be careful with this.
Design and construction
It should be noted right away that the speakers cannot be called mobile. It's a massive setup that takes up a lot of space, and its weight is far from making it easy to move. However, thanks to its impressive size, the good sound quality of this acoustic system is achieved. In the manufacture of the walls, the manufacturer used 12 mm MDF panels, and horizontal struts are provided to add rigidity to the structure. The internal space is characterized by the minimal presence of an absorber. It is important to note that the Yamaha NS-777 speakers are equipped with translucent membranes in both woofers. The mid-range speaker frame is made of proprietary PMD composite. The midrange head has a blocking made of plastic muted caps, and the sound driver coils are equipped with a rectangular cable.
A tweeter equipped with a lens and a thin aluminum dome membrane is responsible for playing high frequencies. Separating filters are made of electrolytic cells and inductors with a ferrite-based core. A massive bass reflex unit is located on the back of the speakers. In terms of design, the speakers also have something to boast about. Although the overall design is reminiscent of a traditional stylistic approach, the presence of a dark lacquer finish in black ash adds its own premium touch.
Interaction with other components
Since the Yamaha NS 777 acoustics are passive (without a built-in amplifier), it needs a high-quality receiver. It’s worth noting right away that Soviet technology (even though it is good) like “Vega” or “Mayak” will in no case be suitable. In addition to connection problems, a number of other difficulties will arise. It’s better to splurge on something sane, like the Sony TA-FB940R, Marantz PVR7200 or Yamaha RX v 663. These amplifiers are quite capable of unleashing the full potential of these speakers.
But receivers are not the only important components of a speaker system. The Yamaha NS 777 acoustics also require very high-quality wires. Without this, you won't be able to achieve decent sound. It is better to throw away the complete wires immediately. They won't be of any use anyway. You need to buy something like Inakustik Referenz LS-502. It would also be good to buy a high-quality interconnect. The DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1 Interconnect RCA will do just fine. With these components, the acoustics will play like you never dreamed of!
Sound quality
Features of the acoustics include fairly stable reproduction of the upper frequency spectrum and smooth transmission in the lower middle. There is also a decrease in sensitivity in the interface zones - the minimum is achieved at the points of intersection of the stripes. Users note a lower limit of 10 dB. Among the signature advantages of this model, it is worth noting the optimal broadband dynamics, due to which the beauty of the sound picture is achieved. Concert classical parts are distinguished by naturalness, and the bass is characterized by bright, powerful and deep reproduction. The Yamaha NS-777 acoustics works on the upper frequencies with enthusiasm, emphasizing every detail, but this is only a plus, especially when turning on heavy rock. If we talk about the weak points of the sound, they relate to transition areas. But it cannot be said that the system begins to clearly sin, since distortions and interference are not observed. Columns rather generalize the image of the reproduced space.
Use with a computer
PCs and laptops have already become such a part of our lives that it is impossible to imagine what would happen if they were absent. Many people prefer to listen to music using a PC. An amplifier for the Yamaha NS 777 is also necessary in this case, but the whole point here lies in the sound card. With a standard card it is impossible to achieve reasonable sound. No matter how cool the speakers are. Here we need an “advanced” sound matrix. You can even use a USB stick. The Asus Xonar STX model is suitable. You just need to use it in ASIO mode.
What is the best way to connect acoustics?
The best option when using powerful amplifiers may be the mentioned bi-amp circuit. It involves the use of two amplifying devices at once. There is an opinion that with such a connection, not only the power of the acoustics increases, but also its quality characteristics. So, there are two ways to implement this configuration - the right way and the wrong way. In the first case, each speaker is connected to an amplifier via the Yamaha NS-777 direct outputs. Correct biamp connection amplifies a specific signal range or part of it. Band separation is performed in the preamplifier filter. The second option involves broadcasting the full signal without restrictions in the frequency range. Separation in this case occurs only through a built-in crossover filter, which passes the necessary frequencies to the speakers.
What to listen to
Now about the audio files themselves. Listening to MP3s using these speakers is unacceptable. Almost all frequencies in these files are mercilessly cut off. It's better to use FLAC, APE or WavPack. They provide a full spectrum of frequencies and reasonable quality. And Yamaha NS 777 Black will help reveal all the beauty of the uncompressed audio file format. These songs, of course, weigh a lot, but the quality is worth it.
But the best option would be to use a good CD player. However, you need to listen only to high-quality ones; you will not be pleased with the sound at all. You can also use a home theater system as a sound source. It is capable of providing proper playback quality. If you want a “warm tube” sound, then the best option would be to use a good record player. “Vinyl” will just be able to provide a “lamp-like quality”. Digital can't do that.
Advantages
The list of positive qualities of this speaker system is very extensive. The speakers have excellent sound. The sound is very detailed. The amount of bass is just right. This is especially noticeable when listening to classical music, hard rock and, in general, any instrumental music. All instruments sound detailed. This is the main merit of Yamaha engineers. They were able to create high-quality and inexpensive speakers for home use.
High and mid frequencies are perfectly rendered. True, in order to hear all this you need to have a good amplifier and high-quality cables. Don’t forget about the rules for placing acoustic systems of this class. A bonus to these speakers is their chic appearance. Yamaha designers certainly don't eat their bread in vain. The acoustics look strict and dignified. It will fit perfectly into any interior. Don't forget about the most important advantage - the price.
Positive reviews
Users place the quality of bass playback in first place. This spectrum is distinguished not only by its dynamics and brightness, but also by its detail. Otherwise, the acoustic characteristics are close to neutral studio ones, which, again, is appreciated by many music lovers. Another plus is the power of the audio system. If the combination of the Yamaha NS-777 with a receiver and amplifier is correctly implemented, then you can count on a full-dimensional sound picture in which not the slightest nuance is lost.
The owners also note the build quality of the Japanese acoustics. It is not only the use of first-class materials that deserves admiration, but also the precision of the fit, the absence of defects and the reliability of the massive case. At the same time, we should not forget that Yamaha has many of its own developments, which are organically introduced into its products. In this case, users note the advantages of a special horn for high and mid frequencies, as well as the presence of a high-quality PMD diaphragm.
Flaws
At this price, looking for cons in the speakers is bad manners. But some people can’t live without it. For all its advantages, the Yamaha NS 777, the review of which we initiated in this article, has disadvantages that may well irritate the so-called “audiophiles” and snobs. Firstly, if the amplifier’s power is insufficient, the tweeters (high-frequency speakers) may burn out. But this drawback occurs only if the owner is insufficiently literate. If a person knows that the speakers must be equipped with a receiver suitable for power, then such a problem simply cannot exist.
Secondly, the notorious “piano varnish” tends to collect fingerprints, dust and all other dirt. When you try to wipe it, it scratches mercilessly. At the slightest impact, whole pieces break off from the varnished panel. This is problem. But with careful use of the Yamaha NS 777 5.0, you can maintain a decent appearance of the speaker system. This disadvantage is not a priority. The main thing is that the speakers sound good.
Reviews
Let's move on to the most interesting part of the review about the Yamaha NS 777. Reviews are very important. Based on them, we can draw a conclusion about the quality of a particular product. Reviews about this speaker system do not allow us to fully draw any specific conclusion. Many of the owners describe their personal subjective feelings. How many people - so many opinions. But positive reviews still prevail. Many people note the excellent sound, chic appearance and good volume reserve.
Negative reviews are lost in the mass of positive ones, but their essence boils down to burnt-out “high-frequency drivers” (due to their own stupidity), poor-quality varnish coating and huge speaker sizes. In general, these complaints do not deserve attention. All these are little things. Especially at this price. It is noteworthy that even in negative reviews the high sound quality is noted.
Summary
The Yamaha NS 777 speaker system is an excellent alternative to terribly expensive Hi-Fi systems. It has high-quality sound, excellent appearance and excellent technical characteristics. The speakers are perfect for use at home both for listening to music and watching movies. In all situations, the acoustics produce crystal clear sound with the required frequencies.
There are some questions about the quality of the varnish coating of the case, but this drawback is insignificant. Especially with the money they are asking for these speakers. And purchasing products from such a brand is good luck. Picky users can look for imperfections in this speaker system as much as they want, but it is worth the money. An excellent choice for those who value high-quality sound at a minimum cost. Just don’t forget about the other components of the audio system.
Price and competitors
The acoustic system is offered on average for 20-25 thousand rubles. Even for high-end products, this is a hefty price tag, and the advantages of the model completely cover it. If we talk about competitors, then first of all it will be the “junior” version of the same line - NS-555. Of course, it costs less and is inferior to the Yamaha NS-777 in terms of power, but in terms of the quality of bass processing it looks decent. A full-fledged alternative to the premium system can be the JBL Loft 50 music complex. In this case, both in terms of price and characteristics, the competitor is very interesting. The differences are expressed only in the corporate and stylistic nuances of the performance of premium audio systems.
