Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector

The all-in-one surround sound speaker options seem to be a popular move these days since they are easy to set up, especially when your TV room is not prewired for sound. I have already told you about Polk Audio’s alternative to a traditional 5.1 surround setup, the SurroundBar. Now, let me introduce you to Yamaha’s Digital Sound Projector.

The YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector offers versatile features such as, 1080p-compatible HDMI, analog video to HDMI digital video up-conversion, and component / composite inputs. Other features include: iPod and XM HD surround compatibility, built-in FM tuner, RS-232C for custom installation and a wide variety of beam settings, including My Surround Beam, for a true multi-channel surround sound experience from a single component.

What is unique about the Digital Sound Projector are the forty 1.625 inch drivers that provide the surround effect from this speaker. Reviews I’ve read say it actually provides the best virtual 5.1 effect of the all-in-one style speakers that are on the market now.

The Sound Projector allows you to hook up your iPod and XM tuner. It will upscale your DVDs via the HDMI out. It also has component and composite outputs and inputs to take care of any TV or component you may need to hook to it. Add a subwoofer via the subwoofer out to get the full 5.1 experience.

Highlights

True surround sound

  • Sensational multi-channel sound from DVDs, digital broadcasting, satellite broadcasting and other digital sources
  • Digital amplifier built-in (120W total power: 2W x 40 + 20W x 2)
  • Large range of optimum listening positions thanks to a wider soundstage
  • 7 CINEMA DSP programs: Three Movie, three Music and Sports
  • Compressed Music Enhancer

Elegant, space-saving design

  • No need for numerous speakers and cables
  • Can be wall mounted or placed on a shelf or rack
  • Design is more elegant, less obtrusive than multiple speaker boxes

Advanced features

  • Analog video to HDMI digital video up-conversion
  • High-Definition Video Upscaling to 1080i/720p
  • IntelliBeam Automated System Calibration with Direct Start
  • HDMI interface (1080p/24Hz and 60Hz compatible)
  • XM ready with XM HD Surround powered by Neural Surround
  • iPod compatibility via optional Yamaha YDS-10
  • Front panel mini jack for connecting portable audio player
  • New modes: My Surround and 5ch Stereo
  • Five other modes: 5 Beam, 3 Beam, 3 Beam + Stereo, 2ch Stereo and My Beam with dual remote doors

Other Notable Features

  • Compressed Music Enhancer
  • TruBass uses harmonics to make the bass from small speakers deeper and richer
  • Night Listening mode and TV Equal Volume
  • Turn On Volume: Volume comes on at a preset level when power is turned on
  • Can be wall mounted or placed on a shelf or rack
  • Custom installation compatibility: IR in, IR out and RS-232C interface
  • IR pass through out
  • iPod song titles displayed in English and Western European languages ISO 8859-1 (Latin1) on the front panel and on-screen display
  • Multi-language on-screen display: English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian and Dutch
  • Built-in FM tuner
  • Parameter settings can be made manually
  • XM Satellite Radio ready with XM HD Surround powered by Neural Surround
  • Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 compatibility
  • Maximum Volume: for avoiding sudden loud sounds
  • Memory Save Lock
  • Detachable AC inlet cable
  • Preset remote unit
  • Front panel lock, extended IR and demo mode

Yamaha also offers the DSP in a variety of models, including the YSP-3050 which has the great features of the YSP-4000 in a smaller package carrying 23 drivers, matching the smaller flat panel TV’s better. There are also the YSP-3000 and YSP-900, which have the same speaker configuration as the YSP-3050. The features get reduced along with the price as the model number decreases. You can take a look at Yamaha’s website to do a side-by-side comparison of the features. Don’t forget, Yamaha does not include the wall mount bracket.

Suggested Retail

YSP-4000 — $1,799.95

YSP-3050 — $1,399.95

YSP-3000 — $1,199.95

YSP-900 — $899.95

The Digital Sound Pojector can be found for about $200 - $500 off the retail price through sources like amazon.com.

If your not interested in features like satellite radio or iPod connectivity, HDMI, an FM tuner or some of the other advanced Yamaha features included on the YSP-4000, you can pick up the older YSP-1100 for under $800.

Reviews

Digital Trends

It really works, and in the right rooms the setup works really well.

Amazon.com customer reviews

Amazing Sound From 1 Speaker; Simple solution for bedroom that works as advertised; THE solution for having both surround sound and an uncluttered room.

Cnet

If you’re one of those people who don’t want to “live with wires and boxes all over my living room,” Yamaha’s Digital Sound Projector series of single-speaker surround systems may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Home Theater Mag

I was able to audition the YSP-4000 to several of my friends who I felt would be the right demographic for this product and they all loved the concept and thought it sounded great.

Audioholics

But for movies, what you’ll get is a convincing facsimile of surround from a single source, undeniable cool factor, and convenience galore.

July 21, 2008 · By Joe · Filed Under Speakers

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