Subwoofers — Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100

The MusicCast SUB 100, model code NS-NSW100, is a powered subwoofer from Yamaha that can connect without cables to other products in the company's MusicCast network audio platform. It was presented as the first wireless subwoofer from Yamaha and sold in the United States for under USD 500. Two cabinet finishes exist, piano black and piano white, both in a high-gloss lacquer.

Key specs that matter

A single 20 cm (8 inch) cone woofer is driven by a built-in amplifier rated at 130 W into 5 ohm at 10% THD. Yamaha quotes a frequency response of 28 to 300 Hz. For connection the unit offers Wi-Fi on the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, a wired Ethernet port and one analogue input on a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack. The cabinet measures 252 mm wide, 373 mm high and 418 mm deep, and it weighs 12.5 kg. An auto standby function is part of the specification.

Engineering and use context

The enclosure uses two Yamaha technologies that the company also lists for its wired subwoofers. Both Advanced YST and the Twisted Flare Port appear in its specification, the second being a reflex vent that Yamaha shapes to create a smooth flow of air for accurate low-frequency reproduction. The main difference from a wired subwoofer is how the signal arrives. When paired with a compatible MusicCast device, the host unit sends the low-frequency channel over the network, and the crossover point and frequency settings are applied automatically by that master device, so the user does not set them on the subwoofer itself. Because only a mains socket is needed, the cabinet can be placed anywhere the household finds convenient, including spots far from the receiver. MusicCast Surround and MusicCast Stereo are both listed as supported modes. A gain control remains on the unit for level matching, and the analogue mini-jack input or the Ethernet connection offer wired routes when wireless linking is not wanted.

Pairing

Yamaha lists the MusicCast BAR 40 sound bar and the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50 desktop wireless speakers as partners. Among AV receivers, the compatible list covers the RX-V3085, RX-V2085, RX-V1085, RX-V685, RX-V585, RX-V485, RX-D485 and RX-S602, plus the AVENTAGE CX-A5200, RX-A3080, RX-A2080, RX-A1080, RX-A880, RX-A780 and RX-A680. Setup and grouping of these devices run through the MusicCast app.

Alternatives

The Yamaha NS-SW100 is a wired subwoofer with a 25 cm cone, 50 W output, 100 W dynamic power and a 25 to 180 Hz range.