H X S e r i e s : H o m e T h e a t e r R e f e re n c e S p e a k e r S y s t e m s

Yamaha's goal in developing the HX Series speakers was to achieve the three key elements of accuracy, speed and depth, thereby creating a home theater audio experience comparable to a real movie theater or concert hall. This goal has been brilliantly realized on the HX Series, assuring superb reproduction that expresses every nuance of the soundtrack designer or concert-recording engineer's intentions.

The Waveguide Horns

When conventional direct radiating speakers are used in a home environment, their broad directional characteristics result in a relatively high proportion of reflected sound. Even at frequencies above 5kHz, a significant portion of the sound reaching the listeners' ears has been

reflected from the room's walls.

Modern movie theaters, however, are designed to offer a highly absorptive acoustic environment in which soundtrack recordings with five or more channels can be used to achieve a rich sense

of spatial expression. To achieve a similar level of spatial expression in the home, it is therefore necessary to use speakers with a direct/reflected sound ratio that is quite different from the speakers used for listening to conventional music recordings.

Yamaha's exclusive Waveguide Horns were specifically developed to address this problem, and have now been refined and improved to offer an even higher level of spatial expression in home

NS-8HX Tweeter Construction

30µm Aluminum Dome

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diffuser

 

 

 

 

Surround (Rolled Edge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Face Plate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edge-Wound

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Plate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rectangular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice Coil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Magnet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shielding Yoke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Ferrite, 16,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom Yoke

 

 

Gauss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shielding Magnet

listening environments.

Optimal Direct/Reflected Wave Energy Ratio for Home Theater Sound

Yamaha's exclusive Waveguide Horns differ from conventional horns in that their waveguide features a horizontal control angle of 135° and a vertical control angle of 120°. This allows the sound field to be shaped and controlled for optimal spatial expression in home theater environments.

Diecast Aluminum Waveguides

Yamaha tested a wide range of waveguide materials to determine which offered the best home theater sound reproduction quality. Cherry and other hardwoods were considered, but in the end, diecast aluminum was found to make the detailed nuances of dialogue easier to hear, while providing the incisive attack needed for action and horror scenes.

Flat High-Frequency Directional Characteristics of the Waveguide Horn (NS-8HX)

Front

 

Front

0…

(5 kHz)

(8 kHz)

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

40

30

20

10

0

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10

20

30

40

 

40

30

20

10

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30

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Conv

Con

Wav

Wav

Rear

Rear

 

Conventional Radiation

Waveguide Horn Radiation

High frequency directional characteristics of an installed Waveguide Horn speaker (red lines) and ordinary (blue lines). The Waveguide Horn speaker shows excellent balance in the front direction, with the surround effect to the sides and rear is not adversely affected by reflected sounds.

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Yamaha NS-C5HX Waveguide Horns, Listening environments, Diecast Aluminum Waveguides, NS-8HX Tweeter Construction, Rear
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NS-C5HX, NS-2HX specifications

The Yamaha NS-2HX and NS-C5HX are noteworthy components within Yamaha's acclaimed range of home audio and cinema speakers. Known for their exceptional sound quality, these models integrate advanced technology and sophisticated design to deliver an enriching listening experience.

The Yamaha NS-2HX is a floor-standing speaker that showcases a combination of high sensitivity, a broad frequency response, and remarkable power handling capabilities. Built with dual 6.5-inch woofers, it offers deep, resonant bass while maintaining clear mids and highs. The speaker employs a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter that produces crisp, detailed treble, ensuring that every note and nuance is well-articulated.

One of the standout features of the NS-2HX is its Acoustic Suspension design, which minimizes distortion for a more natural sound. The speaker cabinet is engineered using a combination of dense MDF, which contributes to its rigidity and resonance control. This construction helps in reducing unwanted vibrations, allowing for pure, uncolored sound reproduction. The NS-2HX is also designed for versatility, making it suitable for both hi-fi stereo setups and home theater applications.

On the other hand, the Yamaha NS-C5HX serves as a dedicated center channel speaker designed to complement the NS-2HX in a surround sound system. It employs dual 5-inch woofers along with a 1-inch tweeter, striking a balance between power and precision. This speaker is crucial for delivering clear dialogue and well-defined sound effects, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Like its floor-standing counterpart, the NS-C5HX utilizes a similar construction methodology, ensuring that it produces sound with minimal distortion.

Both the NS-2HX and NS-C5HX are designed with aesthetics in mind, featuring elegant finishes that integrate seamlessly into various interior environments. The speakers are equipped with gold-plated binding posts that provide secure connections and enhance signal integrity.

In summary, the Yamaha NS-2HX and NS-C5HX together offer a powerful combination of high-quality sound delivery, modern design, and versatile applications. They are ideal choices for those looking to elevate their audio experience, whether for music or movies, ensuring that every listening session is immersive and enjoyable. With Yamaha's legacy of innovation and quality engineering, these speakers are a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence in sound reproduction.
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