There are +50 user reviews about Active Subwoofer Yamaha NS-SW050, read all reviews before you buy it.
I haven't done laboratory tests, but the subwoofer sounds pretty good along with the rest of the system. I mostly use it for music, and with its volume setting so that it is only just audible alongside the main speakers. I suspect that for movies an increase in volume would be beneficial. The bass is smooth and relatively subtle at the volume levels I normally use, but it does not distort even at levels that cause objects in the room to shake.
The subwoofer is unattractive in appearance, to my eyes. It's just a featureless black cube -- rather like a piece of industrial equipment. It's not offensive to look at, but there's nothing appealing about it, and I don't regret that it's tucked away out of sight.
I don't know if this subwoofer has automatic power standby. Questions here, and the reviews I've read, are ambiguous on this point. What I can say for certain is that when I start playing music, it takes a few seconds for the subwoofer to kick in. I haven't heard it go to standby when I am no longer playing music because, well, how would I hear it changing from silent to off? There is a green light on the back, and it's always lit, whether it's playing or not.
So it looks like it does have some kind of low-power mode, just because it takes a few seconds to start working; but that isn't conclusive. The manual says that the unit remains "connected to the mains even when it is switched off" -- go figure.
The frequency response of the subwoofer, according to the graphs in the manual, has an upper -3dB point at about 100Hz. I believe this is slightly higher than most subwoofers and, as other reviewers have noted, the unit will still produce significant output at 200 Hz or more, particularly if the volume is turned up.
There's no way to adjust the frequency roll-off, so that the sub picks up where the ordinary speakers leave off; even desktop speakers will have a low-frequency response that extends down to 100Hz or so. As a result, it might be difficult to get a good balance between the sub level and the main speaker level. In practice, however, I have not had this problem. My amplifier has a dedicated output for a powered subwoofer, and I expect this output has its own high-frequency cut-off (most similar systems do), which probably helps.
Subwoofers that are intended for music use, rather that for connecting to a television, are usually fabulously expensive, and the size of a refrigerator. £100 is at the very bottom of the market, and the size of the NSSW050 is probably as small as a respectable sub can be with today's technology. Nevertheless, as an adjunct to a mini hi-fi system I have few grounds for complaint at the price.
A few oddities, but little to complain about at this price
I bought this to use with a mini hi-fi system that has small-ish desktop speakers. I don't have room for full-size speakers where this system is installed, and the desktop speakers lack bass. The subwoofer corrects that problem, so I get decent bass without speakers taking up a lot of space. The sub itself lives under a desk, because placement isn't particularly critical.I haven't done laboratory tests, but the subwoofer sounds pretty good along with the rest of the system. I mostly use it for music, and with its volume setting so that it is only just audible alongside the main speakers. I suspect that for movies an increase in volume would be beneficial. The bass is smooth and relatively subtle at the volume levels I normally use, but it does not distort even at levels that cause objects in the room to shake.
The subwoofer is unattractive in appearance, to my eyes. It's just a featureless black cube -- rather like a piece of industrial equipment. It's not offensive to look at, but there's nothing appealing about it, and I don't regret that it's tucked away out of sight.
I don't know if this subwoofer has automatic power standby. Questions here, and the reviews I've read, are ambiguous on this point. What I can say for certain is that when I start playing music, it takes a few seconds for the subwoofer to kick in. I haven't heard it go to standby when I am no longer playing music because, well, how would I hear it changing from silent to off? There is a green light on the back, and it's always lit, whether it's playing or not.
So it looks like it does have some kind of low-power mode, just because it takes a few seconds to start working; but that isn't conclusive. The manual says that the unit remains "connected to the mains even when it is switched off" -- go figure.
The frequency response of the subwoofer, according to the graphs in the manual, has an upper -3dB point at about 100Hz. I believe this is slightly higher than most subwoofers and, as other reviewers have noted, the unit will still produce significant output at 200 Hz or more, particularly if the volume is turned up.
There's no way to adjust the frequency roll-off, so that the sub picks up where the ordinary speakers leave off; even desktop speakers will have a low-frequency response that extends down to 100Hz or so. As a result, it might be difficult to get a good balance between the sub level and the main speaker level. In practice, however, I have not had this problem. My amplifier has a dedicated output for a powered subwoofer, and I expect this output has its own high-frequency cut-off (most similar systems do), which probably helps.
Subwoofers that are intended for music use, rather that for connecting to a television, are usually fabulously expensive, and the size of a refrigerator. £100 is at the very bottom of the market, and the size of the NSSW050 is probably as small as a respectable sub can be with today's technology. Nevertheless, as an adjunct to a mini hi-fi system I have few grounds for complaint at the price.
BOOM, BOOM! Simples
This is a wonderful speaker, first it is not too big to look out of place in a typical English living room (size) but big enough to reproduce those low frequency BASS sounds.It is SIMPLE TO USE, yes I'm shouting this out!, just turn volume to minimum plug in the input cable and power it up then switch on - gently adjust the volume to your preference.
Simple, it only has a volume control, which may upset those Techy types who need to adjust the frequency response and phase shifting (?) to optimise their perceived quality of sound.
This is not designed for outside concerts but for the majority of people who like to feel the explosions in a good film or indeed wish to listen to those outside concerts in the comfort of their own homes (toilet access etc - you know what I mean!).
The only complaint I've had so far is from my wife who asked for the BASS to be turned down, apparently it hurts!, which to me is a good thing, no not an excuse to annoy her indoors!, as it means I can get the bass response from this that I like.
Perfect for home use
My (very) old Wharfdale finally kicked the bucket, and I really missed the deep bass when watching a movie or listening to music. But I didn't want to spend a crazy amount of money, so at around 100 pounds, this seemed like a worthwhile punt.The sound quality is really crisp and carries superbly. You don't even need to turn it up very loud to get the benefits (much to neighbours delight). It has it's own volume control, so you can easily adjust to your needs. A solid bit of kit.
Adds a lot of 'presence' to any music or soundtrack.
An excellent addition to my existing hi-fi setup. The extra bass adds an amazing amount of volume (as in 3D presence not loudness) to any music, even classical music and any music that does not use a lot of bass.When the TV/Sky box sound is routed through the hi-fi, it helps bring out every detail. The only downside is that it can bring out too much background noise on some programs and movies, particularly in outdoor scenes, so occasionally need to be turned down slightly for those.
Overall, very impressed. It is one of Yamaha's cheaper models but I'm not sure you'd get a lot more (in a domestic set up) by getting any of the more expensive versions.
Another great sound from Yamaha
I bought this because an old SW became erratic and failed and I am happy that I made this choice.For me subtle bass and lower frequencies are the most important character rather than the unnatural thumps that some may well prefer. On test this SW can do both rather well and I am confident that most people could make good use of the great sound from Yamaha. Partnered with my Yamaha receiver the quality is good enough for anything from gaming to film soundtracks.
Don't expect booming cinema sound. It is what it is.
You get what you pay for and in this case it's a good level of sound and sound quality that adds to any regular 5.1/7.1 set up. If you're looking for cinema style bass then don't buy a £100 sub; if you want that missing bass and some good rumbles while you're watching a film then this works. I bought it to replace an aging and failing Wharfedale unit and while it doesn't quite have the punch that one appeared to have it certainly holds its own.In short, while it doesn't blow you back in your seat, you know when it's turned off. In my opinion, that's a half decent sub for me...not overpowering but obvious when it's not turned on.
Slightly tech bit for those that might want to know.
On the back... On/Off switch [push button] - Volume - 1 RCA input - Green LED power light [quite bright if you have this unit anywhere near a wall].
There's no variable crossover to tune the sound. I sort of missed this over my Wharfedale but once I got the volume right it wasn't too bad and you can mess with your Amp's settings to tweak anyway.
Great bass
Great subwoofer giving superb bass to my tangent speakers. Very happy by the fact it’s simple to control and only has one button to switch it on and one to control the volume bass. Less time fiddling and more time spent listening to the sound it produces.Good for the money.
Very easy to set up and well constructed. Sounds pretty good but don’t crank on the volume control too much, or it will start to struggle. I have three of these, and I’m planning on an SW100 very soon. Suffice to say that these things, plus my four Monitor Audio floorstanders, provide stomach churning bass where the movie requires it.I cannot believe this was £109. The sound quality in terms of control, substance, blend and clarity is astonishing.
Worth £200. The low reviews are probably due to using low quality cable, I put a QED Reference cable on it,
and as I said the sound is amazing. Initially I had a cheaper cable on it and the performance though good, not
quite as good. I can imagine too low quality and cheap cables could ruin the sound.
Really really nice subwoofer with a lot of power
Really really nice subwoofer with a lot of power! It works really nice with my Yamaha YAS 107 soundbar. I would recommendFantastic Yamaha Sub woofer
This has transform my Yamaha AV system, giving rich bass tones. It is very heavy for its size and not too big. I am very pleased I went for the Yamaha as it looks great and sounds fantasticGood Piece Of Kit
I connected this equipment to a Denon Mini Hi Fi. At first I could not get it to work until I realised it had an on/off button. I switched it on forgetting that it was on full volume. The doctor said I will get back normal hearing eventually. Seriously this improved the already very good sound quality of the Denon hi fi. Particularly when using the record deck through the analogue input.Great piece of kit for the price.
I've wired it to an Audio Pro and now I have a decent stereo for Alexa to shuffle my playlist on.Good value for home cinemas
Great subwoofer for home cinemas; deep sounds and explosions sound great. Perfect for an apartment, so your neighbors won’t hate you. Downsize is that it is not as powerful as similar price subwoofers (i.e. Polk Audio) and music does not sound great. Great for movies, not that much if primary use is to play music.Make a big difference!
Good product! Does bass well. Transformed our MusicCast MCRN470D Hi-Fi System into something that sounds superb. You'll get a lot for a few quid.Best low budget high quality buy
Crisp clear deep bass. Easy to set up. Easy to use. Very impressed. Amazing quality for how cheap it isIf you want bass at a good price then this baby is for you
Easy to use, setup, does what it says on the tin. I wanted to add a sub to my Denon AVR-X2200W which I use as a surround sound system for watching Movies and sports. But also my Denon is used to play all types of music.This Yamaha Sub hasn't disappointed and has enhanced listening in all areas.
Very good - does what it saysThis delivers big bass at a decent price
Smart and high quality
What's not to like ?
Good Value
A good sub-woofer and good sounds.. pretty big size 1’x1’x1’ (foot) easy setup to my sound barDoes what it says on the tin
Unpacked, connected, working. Big sound in a small package, I get a nice foot massage on the really crunchy scenes. What more could you want ?Not for the discerning ear!
Crude sound quality, loud enough but lacks musicality and tone.Its best works
Works ok, have hered better, volume, very critical to opperateDelivery and after sales very good
Unfortunately this was too large for me, had to returnVery Good Subwoofer
Item as described, sound is very good and at a descent price too.Great sound at a low price
This little box delivers stunning sound from my 5:1 system in a 7x4x3 metre room. Very subtle. Love it.Really packs a punch
Fills a decent size room with rumbling.Consumes 6.5W in "standby"
It's a wonderful device, but the absence of an auto power switch might put off some. When switched on without an input signal my meter registers 6.5W, so 24/7 over a year that's about £7 of electricity.Great unit for the money.
Nice looking unit. Good sound, not overpowering, which is what I wanted. Not for someone who likes the wall to shake.Great addition to my amp and sound system
So good my neighbours complained!
GOOD
Good but could be louder.Great does the Job
My old sub had packed up and I wanted just a cheap one for use in my 5.1 surround system for watching films. We have a smaller sized lounge and it fitted fine was easy to set up and gives the deeper sounds the films give out
Happy
Good value for the money.Good Quality Sub-Woofer
Bought this to go with my Yamaha YAS-306 Soundbar. It certainly gives the extra bass that makes films and music come alive. Looks and feels well built, and was simple to set up. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase.An excellent subwoofer.
Nice product that makes its presence heard. A new sound experience has now arrived to my listening.Great Sound improvement
Great improvement in sound qualityTransforms your listening!!!
Yamaha says it all, a great product for the price, plug in and go, makes such a difference !!!Sound is excellent - bought for the cinema room and this thing ...
Does what it says on the tin. Sound is excellent - bought for the cinema room and this thing rocks!!!!Good sub good price
good price for good subwooferExcelelent
The final component for my home cinema. Very good deep base.Sound system better than new now.
Wow, after being without a sub for a year after my very old Tannoy expired I went for this on a deal of the day. Very impressive.Excellent addition to your Home Cinema!
I've learnt a lot about Yamaha since i work in Music Retail and sell their products. Quality and technology is where they excel and even though this is a rather small subwoofer it sure delivers even i our 25x16 extension.Plain boxed as is common with a lot of their equipment and the item is well presented and built well. A phono cable is required to connect the item to your receiver which i didn't know (thought it might be terminals).
Sound quality is excellent. I used Wharfedale Diamond 9's and Diamond pro's at the moment with an Onkyo Network receiver and the quality is great even without the Subwoofer. When added though the sound really does change incredibly, with depth not otherwise possible. Great for movies as well, it shakes the floor.
Excellent build quility
Superb tight deep bass from a small box. Excellent build quility too.Ticks all the boxes!
An inexpensive but quality sub-woofer from Yamaha which ticks all the boxes. I am very happy with it. Only one minor quibble, the power indicator light is on the rear of the unit which seems a bit silly as you can not see it.I have inadvertantly left the unit switched on a few times after turning off the tv and amp. Still, nothing is perfect! Overall I would recommend this unit to anyone wanting a sub.
After a week I believe I have now the best set up and may it be music or movies ...
I have owned this sub for a week, and wow, it had truly transformed my old separates system into something awsome. The speaker was delivered quicker than I expected, well packaged.The instructions were precise and it was very a quick and painless task to connect and setup the speaker.. After a week I believe I have now the best set up and may it be music or movies everything has been brought to life in a understated but dramatic statement of intensity.. Would recommend to anyone with to enhance their systems.