Yamaha YST-SW150 Subwoofers Reviews

Stinkywizlteats

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Sears

Summary:
I think I wrote a review on this once before but I can't seem to find it. Regardless, I would have to agree with a previous post that to compare this sub to something that is considerably more expensive is foolish. Your not going to get the same sound quality out of a sub thats worth 400 dollars vs something that is 1000 dollars or more. With that said, I have owned this sub since 1998 and for what I paid for it I can say that I am satisfied with my purchase. The sound quality varies depending on the source, for instance the sub sounds boomy and distorts when its called upon to deliver rapid fire bass such as with Techno. However with movies, were the sound reproduction is typically not as rapid or successive, it sounds fine. For the best sound I typically have the HI Cut set to 110 Hz and the volume set to 3/4 to Max After listening to higher end subs more recently, this sub does not compare but you get what you paid for.

Now that I think of it I think I gave this sub a really good review the first time I wrote it but considering it was years ago and that I've had considerably more time to demo stuff I am going to recant and revise my original post were ever it might have gone off to.

Strengths:
Sounds good with movies and any type of music that does not require the amp to provide power to the speakers rapidly.

Weaknesses:
The sub is rather large compared to other models, Sound becomes distorted when the speakers are called upon to deliver rapid successive bass, Clips at very high operating levels.

Similar Products Used:
Klipsch, Sony, Bose, Boston Acoustics, Polk

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Sears

Summary:
I have been using the YST-SW150 since 1996. The only distortion is when glasses vibrate off of the coffe table. Absolutely rock solid. Brings dianosaurs to your living room...what can I say.

Strengths:
Awesome Lows. Fills all of the missing low elements in the best DVD home theaters.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Never had to use any other, but I heard how bad many others sound. Just about every other one I have seen. Even alot movie theaters have too many faults.

Price Paid:  $300.00 from The Wiz

Summary:
People who try to compare apples with oranges really irk me. Yeah, you can spend ridiculous $$$'s on a subwoofer so how can you compare high end with mid or low end. C'mon...sound is all subjective just like all tastes and preferences. That's why there's so many models to choose from. You want to compare a Ferrari to a Volkwagen or a Yugo. Go ahead. I'll be laughing at you.

Strengths:
value for the price! Good lows.

Weaknesses:
boomy at high volumes. Auto-on is suspect.

Price Paid:  $120.00 from Sears (Floor model)

Summary:
A good subwoofer for the price. However will not impress an Audiophile simplty does not have the mind-numbimg sonic boom to get one's attention. For the money I pain though. I am not complaining. I will move it to the bedroom and upgrade soon because my livingroom at 22ft x 24ft is simply too large for this sub. If you are on a budget and really want to rock the house, you may need to buy a quality sub in the $300 - $500 price range with at least a 10" woofer.

Strengths:
Tight base, slick design.

Weaknesses:
Inadequate lows.

Similar Products Used:
None.

Price Paid:  $130.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I got a good deal on this because it was an open box and I knew the salesperson. I use it with Bose 301's a Bose center channel and small Bose surrounds. It gives lots of deep bass if you put it in a corner like youre supposed to. It really brings a surround system to life. I would recommend this to anyone using small to mid sized home speakers, to really put some kick into your music and movie experience.

Strengths:
Deep floor rattling bass. Responsive at high input levels. Cant beat it for the price.

Weaknesses:
A little obtrusive due to large cabinet size. Wont shatter windows like $1000 dollar subs do. But you cant expect it to for what they sell for.

Similar Products Used:
Cambridge Soundworks 8 inch sub. Infinity 8 inch sub.

Comments

deejmic (11/29/2008)

Update to my old review. After using this sub for nearly 7 years now, I have to say it has exceeded all expectations. Although it's now been relegated for use in my digital audio workstation in conjunction with a pair of M-Audio monitors, it is still in excellent condition, works flawlessly and outputs exceptional bass in my setup. I have owned this audio product longer than any other piece of gear in either of my theater setups. Very, very impressive in my opinion.

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