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Yamaha RP-U100 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard Review

Yamaha RP-U100 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard Features

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Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 27, 2011 19:56:04
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Yamaha RP-U100 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard Feature

• 30 watts per channel x 2 integrated amplifier/digital processors
• Desktop-ready design offers large volume control, USB input, digital and analog audio connections
• MP3, WMA, and Virtual Dolby Digital surround processing, Yamaha exclusive DSP for expansive sound from two channels
• FM/AM tuner built-in; digital conversion of analog sources
• Headphone output for private listening, with headphone 3D (HP3D) effects

Yamaha RP-U100 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard Overview

Yamaha's RP-U100 brings sonic purity and ergonomic convenience to the unwieldy realm of computer audio. Desktop-friendly with its vertical posture and large volume knob, the audio receiver/processor is nothing short of a joy to use. In our experience, the benefits of easy access to input selection, audio processing, and a headphone jack are secondary to the simple fact of the unit's strong (30 watts per channel) amplifier power and high-end digital processing via Yamaha's YSS-918 ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The RP-U100 makes just about all music sound terrific--from CDs and high-bitrate MP3s to low-fi Real Audio snippets.

The two-channel receiver connects to your computer through either traditional analog-audio jacks (left/right RCA on the inputs) or through a direct digital USB 1.1 connection (USB cable included). We recommend the USB connection, which gives you not only direct-digital signal routing for your MP3, WMA, games, and other audio, but access to a convenient graphical user interface and a staggering 208 station presets for the unit's built-in FM/AM tuner. (You can also access a perfectly adequate 40 presets from the front panel itself.)

You'll need to supply your own speakers+ADs- we recommend bookshelf units with wide frequency response and high sensitivity--though with 30 watts per channel at your disposal, the RP-U100 won't be picky about speakers. The system offers auxiliary outputs, so you can hook it up with a powered 2.1 (stereo speakers and a subwoofer) computer-audio system, but that's not your only option when it comes to deep bass--the unit also sports a dedicated subwoofer output for use with a proper home-theater-type sub.

One of the coolest things about the RP-U100 is that it digitizes analog sources, letting you feed it, say, an input from a cassette deck, and capture the sound as digital files through either the USB connection or through the system's optical digital-audio output. You can also make digital files from radio broadcasts. For tone controls, the system offers a powerful nine-band digital equalizer through the GUI (12 steps, 6 dB) but no bass or treble knobs on the hardware itself.

A key strength is the unit's array of simulated surround algorithms, which broaden the perceived space in which you're listening--often through sophisticated acoustical sampling (as with Yamaha's own DSP, modeled after concert halls, cathedrals, and jazz clubs). We weren't uniformly impressed with the results--music almost never sounded better with DSP engaged, but games and certain DVDs proved more engaging with careful surround application. Six different DSP modes offer user-adjustable parameters for effect, initial delay, and room size.

The RP-U100 is compatible with Window 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP, and Macintosh OS 9.1 or higher, but computer control is optional. If you're an audio buff needing a compact and flexible integrated amplifier, you'll enjoy the RP-U100 with or without the USB connection and the GUI. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Intuitive setup
• Strong amplifier
• Large, firm volume control with smooth level increments
• High-quality headphone jack
• Analog to digital bridging for loading material onto your computer

Cons:

• No front-panel tone controls
• No phono input
• Static shock will sometimes disable the speakers

What's in the Box
Receiver, software CD-ROM, USB cable, FM and AM antennas, and a user's manual.

Yamaha RP-U100 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 27, 2011 19:56:04
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