Yamaha YSP-800 82-Watt Digital Sound Projector, Silver (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I've been itching to build a mini theater in our bedroom since I upgraded our TV to a 32' LCD HDTV about a month ago. I've considered a few "theater in a box" but the wife WILL NOT approve of speaker wires around the bedroom and space is also at a premium. I auditioned the Bose 3-2-1 and Cinemate at a local electronic store but was not too impressed by either. The surround simulation was okay but the limited source inputs was really what turned me off on the Bose. That's when I found the Yamaha YSP-800 at the neighboring demo kiosk. The demo wasn't too impressive since these sound projectors utilize walls to bounce off the sound to create that surround effect. Long story short, I took one home to try it out in our bedroom. I've never owned a Yamaha but I know they have a decent presence in home entertainment. The speaker was well packaged and came complete with everything you need for multiple device set up. If you are an "electronically impaired" consumer, you will love this product! The set up was as easy as it can get. The supplied sound optimizer microphone does all the work for you during Auto Set Up. It automatically configures the "best" possible sound based on your room's acoustics.Connections and Adjustments:There are 2 analog, 2 optical and 1 coaxial inputs and 1 system connector. I've used them all including the video and subwoofer outputs. It also has a plethora of DSP and non DSP modes (5 Beam, 3 Beam, St+3 Beam, Stereo, Target, Music, Movie, Sports, Night, etc.) which can be directly accessed through the remote control. The system menu also allows you to perform manual and automatic sound adjustments where you will likely be spending the most time on adjusting the sound to your liking.The Tests:After making all my adjustments, I immediately played a favorite CD and was delighted to hear how good it sounds. It creates a wide soundstage and the mid and high tones were crisp and clean.Okay...let's see how it does with movies. I popped in Star Wars Episode III just because it was the DVD closest to me. Wow...the surround effect was very convincing and the dialogues were crystal clear while accurately distributing the low frequencies to the subwoofer. It was amazing to hear all that sound coming from a single speaker enclosure. I spent a few more minutes jumping scenes on Star Wars before playing my ultimate test material, The Eagles Farewell I Concert DVD set on DTS mode. All of the songs sounded great particularly "You Belong to the City" and "Hotel California". Once I heard those 2 songs, I knew then that my test was over and the speaker was not going back to the store! The YSP-800 successfully simulated the distinct DTS sound separation I expect from a DTS decoder.The Verdict:The Yamaha YSP-800 may not perform like a complete 5.1 home theater set up but it sure does a pretty darn good job pretending to be like one. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone:* Looking to use it in an enclosed symmetrical environment* Who doesn't like having multiple speakers and the hassle of wiring themOther Recommendations:* Yamaha YST FSW100 Subwoofer (see my review)* Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control

WAF= wife acceptance factor.Nice clean installation has aesthetic benefits.I have this mated to the YST-II subwoofer and it sounds much better than the TV speakers. The soundstage is much wider than the TV speakers. I have my TV/speakers in a corner installation. The frontstereo separation is less than a two speaker (4.5' spread) stereo setup--but the sound from surround channels is distinct and appears to come from a wider space than a stereo system provides.The tones are much richer than TV speakers.Has quite a few adjustable settings. Was able to improve performance with manual tweaks to the auto set-up.BE sure to use a subwoofer.I suspect it works better in a center wall installation in a 4-sided room.I have surround sound in my basement and this unit does not provide the same spatial effect.I was able to purchase the YSP-800 for $349 plus $130 for SW in an after Christmas sale. I don't think it is a good value at retail.

*Disclaimer-I am not an audiophile, nor do I play one on TV*I wanted simplicity and quality. I considered a Bose system, but ended up choosing the YSP-800. Wall mounted and paired with the  Yamaha YST-FSW100 Advanced YST II Subwoofer ( Silver )  for more low end punch, the system delivers a very nice surround sound "like" environment. Quite impressive at higher volumes, but even MORE impressive when you turn it way down at night, after the kids go to bed, and you can still hear every audio detail. Crisp, clean, flawless audio. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

Great when working. The two midrange drivers are poor quality and frequently “blow”. Replacements no longer available anywhere. Lots of people with same problem. I would love to know how many of the great reviews here would change if they were updated.

We have always been pleased with the Yamaha YSP product line - sound quality is excellent, though they are on the more expensive end of the scale for this product category. Integrates well with 3rd party control systems. Looks good.One comment, this product arrived slightly damaged - grill dented - though it was easier to pay the $50 locally to have it repaired than to go through the process of RMA.

I am out of the old school where I always knew that it took 5 top-quality speakers to get good sound. Now I'm blown away by 21 1-1/2" speakers in a 35" wide bar, hanging on the wall under my HD/TV.My wife refused to have the room cluttered with wires and big speakers. This unit is so good it will suddenly shock you when the sound erupts during a movie. It's added a big thrill to our High Definition viewing enjoyment.

I'm an avid audiophile, and have been listening to high-end systems for many years. I'm a tough customer.I recently bought a 32" LCD HDTV for my bedroom. My wife didn't want me running speakers to all corners of the room, and I wanted something that sounded good enough to watch movies in bed.Took a chance with the YSP-800 after reading the reviews.Couple of observations:The auto-setup is truly remarkable. Comes with the microphone and it just does its stuff.The unit does not come with the ability to mount to a wall without a special wall bracket that you must buy separately.It has three digital inputs - two optical Toslink and one coax.I used it without a Subwoofer and with. No comparison.Without a subwoofer, don't bother spending the money. With a subwoofer, hold onto your hat.I'm using a Sunfire Subwoofer and the system sounds spectacular. It sounds great for music, TV and movies.Highly recommended.