Yamaha YST MS201 2.1 Speaker System - Decent Sound for Less
Written: Nov 06 '03 (Updated Dec 01 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Low price, good performance for the price, sturdy volume knob, easy to use
Cons: Subwoofer volume control on the rear panel, external power supply, no headphone jack
The Bottom Line: Excellent inexpensive speaker system. Highly recommend for ones who want good sound for small amount of money.
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| dkozin's Full Review: Yamaha YST-MS201 2 Speakers |
I bought the Yamaha YSTMS201 computer speakers for my mother’s computer for about $20 after the mail-in rebate at Buy.com. The speakers arrived only 2 days after I placed the order.
General
The MS201 is 2.1 speaker system: left and right one-way stereo speakers with 3.8x1.75-inch oval cone drivers and a 4.5-inch subwoofer. The subwoofer has wooden enclosure and Yamaha’s Active Servo Technology.
The system produces up to 6W per satellite and 18W for subwoofer, giving you 30W of total power. The speakers are magnetically shielded.
Although the system is available in either white or black color, I got it in white since there was no black option on the web site I got it from.
Unpacking
The satellite speakers are relatively light and, aside from being tall, relatively compact. The subwoofer is on the heavy side, since it is made of wood. The right satellite speaker features a volume control knob that doubles as a power switch. I like this idea, since if the system employed a separate power button (the way the Yamaha YSTMS50 does), it would be difficult to turn it on without making the speaker move.
The subwoofer has a separate subwoofer (bass) volume control on its back panel (the YSTMS50 has it on the front panel). It also has a multi-pin jack for connection to the right speaker, an RCA jack for connection to the left one and a DC power input.
The speakers utilize a separate power supply, which is located in the middle of the power cord. It is a more convenient location than if it was plugged in the AC outlet the way most power supplies do, but I would prefer a power supply embedded in the subwoofer.
The system is easy to put together without opening the manual, since all connections are different and you cannot make a mistake. I connected it to my computer to see how it sounds and played some MP3s.
Performance
Surprisingly for their light weight, the satellites produces pretty good sound with clear treble and good frequency response. The subwoofer also provided decent bass. I could detect the lack of some frequencies, but it was expected for this price.
The system sounded very well overall, impressive for its size and price.
It can also play relatively loud. Make no mistake, it is a budget speaker system and has no extra inputs or outs (not even a microphone out). I wouldn’t listen classical music through it, but for the money it sounds great. I am definitely impressed with the system’s performance.
Yamaha continues to impress me with their products’ combination of price/performance. For better sound, check out the Yamaha YSTMS50.
Bottom Line
Excellent inexpensive speaker system. Highly recommend for ones who want good sound for small amount of money.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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 in Electronics |
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Location: California
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About Me:
I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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