Yamaha NS-2000A (pack of 2)

The Yamaha NS-2000A mark the Japanese brand’s return to the high-end floorstanding speaker segment, with a singular technical proposition drawing on over a century of acoustic mastery. Positioned just below the imposing NS-5000 in Yamaha’s hierarchy, these three-way towers incorporate an exclusive diaphragm technology called Harmonious Diaphragm, which unifies the entire sound spectrum through a novel composite material combining Zylon fiber and spruce. This consistent approach, where each driver uses the same diaphragm material, is complemented by patented resonance-control technologies and sophisticated cabinetry directly inspired by Yamaha concert grand piano manufacturing methods.

An acoustic design where every detail matters

The NS-2000A are built around four transducers, all using Harmonious Diaphragm technology. This composite membrane marries Zylon fiber—a synthetic polymer with mechanical properties comparable to beryllium—with spruce selected from Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, a region renowned for the purity of its waters and the quality of its traditional papers. This hybrid material offers remarkable acoustic velocity while maintaining optimal internal damping, allowing the drivers to push their breakup modes well beyond their useful bandwidth.

The 30 mm deep-dome tweeter benefits from a sophisticated design with a specific contour profile, the result of several months of prototyping to achieve the desired dispersion characteristics. The 80 mm dome midrange covers a particularly wide bandwidth from 750 Hz to 3.5 kHz, with crossover points deliberately placed outside the most critical region of human perception. The two 160 mm woofers adopt a quasi-conical shape with natural rubber surrounds, a material chosen for its thermal stability and resistance to aging. The speaker frames, in die-cast aluminum alloy, are screwed into metal inserts, while the powerful magnetic motors—particularly substantial on the midrange—benefit from optimized ventilation.

The NS-2000A cabinets reveal a complex construction where nothing is left to chance. The non-parallel panels, up to 27 mm thick, are internally divided into two separate chambers: one for the bass, the other for the midrange and treble. This structure was optimized using laser vibrometry and finite element analysis (FEA), techniques directly derived from the development of Yamaha musical instruments. A strategically positioned transverse brace provides a solid foundation for low-frequency reproduction without unwanted coloration.

Exclusive technologies for sonic transparency

At the heart of the NS-2000A’s acoustic philosophy are two innovations patented by Yamaha. The R.S. (Resonance Suppression) chambers, mounted behind the tweeter and midrange, are tubular structures with a trumpet-like profile, sized differently for each driver. These devices progressively cancel the resonances generated behind the diaphragms without resorting to conventional absorbing materials that can smother musical micro-details.

The Acoustic Absorber tube represents a radically different approach to handling internal standing waves. Whereas traditional speakers use a substantial amount of absorbing material that can diminish freshness, Yamaha has developed a tuned resonator tube that eliminates these unwanted waves while preserving the music’s natural energy and dynamism. This technology, already present on the NS-5000, maintains the liveliness of the musical message while effectively controlling parasitic resonances.

The crossover network reflects meticulous attention to component quality. Divided into two physically separate sections—one at the bottom of the speaker for the bass, the other at the rear for the midrange and treble—it is point-to-point wired without a printed circuit board. Notable components include Mundorf MCap SUPREME Classic capacitors, a recognized audiophile benchmark, as well as a hefty laminated-core inductor for the bass section, built like a power transformer. The crossover frequencies at 750 Hz and 3.5 kHz use gentle 12 dB/octave slopes, prioritizing phase coherence.

Aesthetic refinement inspired by grand pianos

The NS-2000A’s black piano lacquer finish is not just marketing polish. It results from the same lacquering process used for Yamaha concert grand pianos, a treatment reserved for a limited number of products in the brand’s lineup. This deep, lustrous finish turns each speaker into a visual centerpiece, creating a strong aesthetic presence even in the absence of music.

The precisely machined pure brass binding posts offer progressive, secure tightening thanks to their ergonomic shape that naturally fits the fingers. While a bi-wiring configuration might have appealed to some purists, the choice of a single set of terminals simplifies installation while ensuring optimal signal transmission. The rear bass-reflex port features the “twisted flare” design borrowed from the NS-5000 to minimize air-flow noise.

The cast-metal quadripod base deserves special attention. Not only does it ensure perfect stability for these 33.2 kg towers, it also integrates reversible spikes—rubber on one side for hard floors, metal on the other for thick carpets. This attention to practical details reflects Yamaha’s experience in designing equipment for both professional studios and home installations.

Positioning within Yamaha’s lineage

The NS-2000A follow in a rich tradition that began in 1974 with the legendary NS-1000M, the world’s first speakers to use pure beryllium diaphragms. While the current NS-5000 represent the ultimate technological achievement with their Zylon diaphragms coated in Monel, the NS-2000A offer a more accessible alternative while preserving the essence of this philosophy: using a single diaphragm material for all drivers to ensure perfect tonal coherence.

Unlike the NS-5000, which remain imposing bookshelf speakers, the NS-2000A adopt the floorstanding format, better suited to contemporary living spaces. They nevertheless share many technologies with their big sister, notably the R.S. chambers and the Acoustic Absorber tube, while offering a specific implementation with the Harmonious Diaphragm that does not use the Monel treatment found on the NS-5000.

Technical specifications

Speaker configuration

• Woofers: 2 × 16 cm Harmonious Diaphragm cone (ZYLON + spruce)
• Midrange: 1 × 8 cm Harmonious Diaphragm dome
• Tweeter: 1 × 3 cm Harmonious Diaphragm dome

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response: 34 Hz – 65 kHz (–10 dB)
• Rated power: 60 W
• Maximum power: 200 W
• Sensitivity: 88 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Crossover frequencies: 750 Hz, 3.5 kHz
• Impedance: 6 Ω (minimum 3.5 Ω)

Exclusive Yamaha technologies

• Harmonious Diaphragm: ZYLON + spruce hybrid diaphragm inspired by Yamaha pianos for a unified tonal reproduction
• Acoustic absorber tube: eliminates internal standing waves without compromising musical liveliness
• R.S. (Resonance Suppression) chambers: remove unwanted resonances behind the tweeter and midrange for purer sound
• High-end crossover: Mundorf MCap SUPREME Classic capacitors and high-capacity coils
• Optimized cabinet: reinforced structure via laser vibrometric analysis and finite element method (FEM) for optimal vibration control

Connectivity

• Premium pure copper binding post, providing a firm clamp and optimal signal transmission

General information

• Finish: piano lacquer inspired by Yamaha grand pianos
• Origin: Indonesia
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 330 × 1134 × 459 mm
• Net weight: 33.2 kg (per speaker)
• Packaging dimensions: 570 × 1290 × 650 mm
• Gross weight: 45 kg