Floorstanding loudspeakers — Yamaha NS-2000A

Yamaha builds the NS-2000A as a three-way tower, and the company makes musical instruments as well as audio equipment. The model sits below the NS-5000 in Yamaha's hi-fi range and draws directly on the brand's instrument-building experience - its drivers use a diaphragm material that includes spruce, the wood of Yamaha grand-piano soundboards, and its cabinet was designed using vibration-analysis methods developed for instruments. It is finished in real piano lacquer.

Key specs that matter

The NS-2000A is a 3-way, 4-driver bass-reflex design with two 16cm (6.5-inch) cone woofers, an 8cm (3.25-inch) dome midrange and a 3cm (1.25-inch) dome tweeter. Crossover points are 750Hz and 3.5kHz. Frequency response is 34Hz to 65kHz (-10dB), extending to 100kHz at -30dB. Sensitivity is 88dB at 2.83V/1m and impedance is 6 ohms, with a minimum of 3.5 ohms. Nominal power handling is 60W and maximum 200W. Each speaker measures 330 x 1,134 x 459mm wide, tall and deep, at 32.8kg. Spikes and a front grille are supplied.

Engineering and use context

Every driver in the NS-2000A uses Yamaha's Harmonious Diaphragm, a blend of Zylon and spruce. Zylon is a PBO fibre from Toyobo with very high sound velocity and suitable internal damping, while spruce adds the resonant character Yamaha values in its piano soundboards. Using the same diaphragm material for woofers, midrange and tweeter keeps the character of each driver consistent across the crossover points. The patented R.S. (Resonance Suppression) Chamber is a structure inside the cabinet that suppresses unwanted resonances, and the patented Acoustic Absorber, tuned specifically for this model, controls standing waves within the enclosure without heavy stuffing. Yamaha shaped and braced the cabinet using vibration-analysis technology refined in its musical-instrument work to minimise panel resonance. The crossover parts include audio capacitors from Mundorf in Germany, and the terminals are solid brass with large, finger-shaped screw caps for a secure connection. A dedicated dome midrange reproduces the band where most vocal and instrumental energy lies, separating it from the two woofers below.

Pairing

The NS-2000A's low impedance dips need an amplifier that stays stable into low impedance, such as Yamaha's own A-S2200 or A-S3200 integrated models. Its size suits medium to large rooms.

Alternatives

Yamaha's own NS-5000 is a three-way stand-mount with Zylon drivers throughout.