Acoustic manufacturers rarely indulge their fans with experimentation. Such devices are distinguished by technological complexity and, as a result, by a high price. Accordingly, companies do not want to take risks, mastering more familiar areas more and more deeply. But from time to time, nevertheless, the market is replenished with original models that impress both with their appearance and internal performance. Approaches to the implementation of technical filling and design may be different, but the main goal remains the same - to satisfy the musical needs of the consumer. In this sense , the Yamaha NS 6490 speaker system is controversial. Obviously, the creators brought to light a unique development in many respects, but the practice of use is not as attractive as the elegant appearance and declared characteristics promise.
Column Overview
The model is primarily surprising in terms of inexpensive acoustics, but it is positioned as a full-fledged three-way system, equipped with filters without inductors on the same capacities. According to the manufacturer, this configuration was implemented in order to minimize distortion, but in the end, due to the limitation of technical implementation, only the cost was reduced. On the one hand, this is not bad, but on the other hand, users have to improve the Yamaha NS 6490 model on their own. The refinement usually concerns only filters, but handy audiophiles are also advised to pay attention to isolation. As for the sound, opinions about it differ. Given the rather low positioning in the segment, the quality is quite tolerable. No wonder the speakers have been popular in the USA and Japan for several years, while the market in the same class is regularly saturated with new offers. And this despite the fact that the model is far from being made in modern design - a hint of retro style, of course, attracts a certain group of music lovers, but due to the appearance alone, the acoustics will not be in demand.
Model Features
By and large, the model’s passport data is not surprising - especially when you consider that in practice, official figures can be seriously distorted. However, the Yamaha NS 6490 model, the technical data of which is presented below, does not apply:
- Acoustic design type - in a closed case.
- The number of system stripes is 3.
- The value of the input nominal resistance is 8 ohms.
- Height - 41.1 cm.
- Width - 26.7 cm.
- Depth - 33.6 cm.
- Weight - 3 kg.
- The lower frequency level range is 45 Hz.
- The upper frequency bar is 23,000 Hz.
- The crossover frequency is 2,000 Hz.
- The sensitivity level is 93.5 dB.
- Power - rated value of 70 watts.
- Ultimate power - 140 watts.
- The effect of magnetic shielding is present.
- Separate connection - not provided.
Appearance Reviews
The speakers impress with their magnificent and massive appearance. Of course, you cannot put this model into the class of acoustic giants, but their impressiveness gives us hope for high-quality sound. But in terms of the appearance of the owners, another quality is attracting - the original styling of the Yamaha NS 6490 Retro, reviews about which are generally positive. And this is taking into account the fact that there are no special frills in the design. Moreover, closed-type columns are implemented in a simple form from cheap material. Many owners of the system, by the way, recognize the usual chipboard in the walls of the enclosure. However, stylization can be traced in another accent. First of all, in the "piano" design of the front side and silver membranes. Unfortunately, the latter are also framed in the budget version with cheap plastic.
Design features
20 cm bass diffusers and mid-range speakers are decorated with cellulose, which in turn has a polymer coating. The membrane of the tweeter, which is supplied with the Yamaha NS 6490 Black shelf speakers, is also made of polymer. Reviews also note a sharp contrast in the visual sensation of the dimensions of the acoustics and the mass, which is only 3 kg. Maybe this is not bad, but weight loss was not achieved in the best way - due to the use of thin material in the case and the complete absence of noise absorbing insulators. The sound signals for the emitters are corrected by two electrolytic type capacitors, which are represented by standard filters with a steepness of decline over a range of about 6 dB. Both paired speakers of the system have high-frequency heads that are equally offset to the right edge of the outer panel, which made it possible to rationally use the area. All speakers are equipped with magnetic screens of good quality.
Sound Quality Reviews
Interestingly, the first impression of most users of this model is misleading. Moreover, this applies to both positive and negative listening experiences. But, despite the obviously modest technical implementation of the Yamaha NS 6490, reviews about the sound are mostly positive. Acoustics shows the clearest, clearest and deepest bass. The model also maintains good dynamics throughout the range. Positive emotions are caused by playing hard rock with popular compositions. Owners of acoustics characterize the sound of such music as harsh, bright and emotional. This applies to both drums and electric guitar.
The situation with the classical repertoire is not so clear. In this case, high-frequency spectral information is distinguished by hard shades, which often interfere with soft and calm parties. Often there is the inclusion of dynamic resource speakers Yamaha NS 6490, which slightly saves the situation. In general, users note that this is a bright and powerful acoustics, the capabilities of which are enough to fill the sound with rooms up to 60 m 2 .
Acoustic performance
To begin with, 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 largely explains the good bass and decent playback of heavy music. The mid-low-frequency section also looks good - though, as the frequency increases, it increases, causing uneven characteristics. Also, against the background of an increase in sensitivity in the range of 3000-6000 Hz, a feeling of brightness of reproduction may occur. It should be noted that the brightness of the Yamaha NS 6490 acoustics can be effectively adjusted by changing the location of the speakers. For example, orientation at a 45-degree angle eliminates unnecessary flashes of dynamics. At the frequency levels of 3000 and 5000 Hz, specific after-sounding effects are noted. As for distortions, they are practically absent on the bass - in any case, the impedance is invisible to the listener. This also applies to other frequency levels, except for resonant sections - only a high-quality amplifier will help to cope with them.
Column refinement
Although the speakers do a good job of reproduction for their class, many users are confused by the very simple acoustics design. According to experts, it is possible to increase the available audio potential by a simple upgrade of the Yamaha NS 6490 system. Refining the filter with updating the capacitors should make the sound more even and stable, and the introduction of damping material, according to users, eliminates the disadvantages in the lower range.
To implement this procedure, it is required to purchase 400 V capacitors, a cable for HF and MF, the cross section of which can be 1.04 mm 2 , as well as damping material. Accordingly, the calculation should be done to update two columns. But before proceeding with the refinement, it must be borne in mind that the effect may disappoint. For example, of the improvements resulting from the upgrade, there is an increase in bass and the elimination of hum at maximum volume due to damping material. But expect unpleasant distortions in the middle spectrum. If this result is satisfactory, then you can start finalizing the AC Yamaha NS 6490. The disassembly of the case is carried out traditionally - by dismantling the fasteners. Next, it is necessary to ensure the connection of new elements by soldering with tin and silver - this also applies to wires for speakers.
Speaker Benefits
The system initially provides a good music scene. There are practically no complaints about the bass and the lower level of the frequency-amplitude range. The midpoint also sounds good with increased notes, although slight distortions are observed during transitions. Also, the combination of light weight and power is a plus of three-way Japanese speakers. Despite the weak design, the acoustics even draw out complex compositions, while providing a certain amount of detail.
Column disadvantages
Almost all reviews criticized the thin walls of the case, the poverty of the internal content, the lack of high-quality insulation and the use of cheap materials. Oddly enough, these shortcomings do not have a significant impact on sound quality. Of course, we are talking about the class to which the Yamaha NS 6490 model belongs, since representatives of the high level of three-way speakers are still produced with a more decent filling. But there is criticism in terms of playing music. A considerable part of audiophiles still believes that the speakers lack bass. In order to improve work with the lower level, the owners, in fact, update the system.
Model cost
The manufacturer managed to implement a very difficult task - to offer mid-range 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, in the lines of competitors there are similar options, but they lose the Japanese model in terms of sound. In turn, the Yamaha NS 6490 acoustics offers good musical abilities, while still having a case and low-quality components. It was the savings on components that made it possible to make such a cheap model.
For what purposes is acoustics suitable?
Many users believe that it makes sense to use speakers in combination with low-cost audio systems from the initial segment. Having completed the upgrade, you can increase the overall musical level, but you should not hope for a serious disclosure of the potential of powerful players. If we talk about genre trends, then popular music and rock are optimally combined with the capabilities of the Yamaha NS 6490. Audio enthusiasts also note a decent theater front, but it is advisable to use such speaker capabilities either with products from the same manufacturer or with equipment of a similar price class. In addition, acoustics can perform the tasks of a subwoofer - of course, within the stated characteristics.
Conclusion
Subject to choosing a good amplifier, the model is able to provide an attractive sound background. As the popularity of compact soundbars grows, traditional systems gradually lose their relevance. Nevertheless, the shelf speakers Yamaha NS 6490 is not the first year actively bought up by lovers of surround sound "picture". In many ways, high demand maintains a low price tag for such a system, but the direct playback function cannot be ruled out. Acoustics broadcasts bass in its entirety, and also processes complex musical parts with vocals. By the way, after refinement, many note an increase in the detail of speech and voice. Speakers have obvious drawbacks, but you can come to terms with them, including due to the unusual external performance of the system. Styling for retro design hides the disadvantages of cheap design of the case and gives the acoustics a light aesthetic surroundings.