Features:
- Includes amplifier/control center and 2 satellite speakers
- Built-in Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) surround processing
- 2 x 25-watt output
- 5 proprietary DSP modes
- Preprogrammed remote control
Description:
Many affordable home-theater systems are mere toys: effective for the price but neither well made nor capable of performing very well. Yamaha's CinemaStation VS-10 is different. Designed to form the heart of a high-quality yet compact home theater, the VS-10 includes a preprogrammed remote control, a pair of fine two-way satellite speakers, and an elegant control module equipped with 25 watts of stereo power and five proprietary DSP (digital signal processing) modes, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1, four-channel Pro logic, and DTS 5.1-channel decoding. Think of the VS-10 as your first home-theater building blocks. Although fresh out of the box it only produces stereo sound, Yamaha's Virtual Surround mode simulates surround effects from the satellite speakers, and Silent Theater does the same for headphone listening. To complete your system, check out Yamaha's NX-SW10, a set including a powered subwoofer, a center channel, and surround speakers. The amplifier/controller is a small yet rugged piece of gear. You can place it either vertically or horizontally, and it accepts three sets of audio-video inputs. Two inputs are on the back and one is located behind a flip-down panel on the front to simplify hookup of camcorders and video games. In addition, you get two optical digital-audio inputs (one on the front panel), and one coaxial digital input. The output suite consists of stereo clip-type speaker terminal outputs, a composite-video output to your TV, an RCA subwoofer output, and a system control connector for the optional NX-SW10 network. Setup is very straightforward from both the front panel and the remote control, and kudos to Yamaha for its clearly written and illustrated owner's manual. The cobalt-blue display is uncluttered and gives information pertaining to input selection, volume level, set-up status, and the various DSP modes: Game, Hall, Concert/Sports Arena, Mono Movie, and Virtual Surround. The sound is impressive, with a good overall balance and feeling of spaciousness. The satellites, naturally limited in dynamic range and frequency response (though TruBass gives a nice added kick), sound inherently musical with CD sources and do a nice job of simulating surround effects when in the Virtual Surround mode. Though serviceable on its own, and fine as a starter kit, we highly recommend pairing Yamaha's VS-10 with its CinemaStation companion NX-SW10 to hear what it can really do. As such it makes an impressive surround package and a sweet value. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Well made
- Impressive sound
- Easy to set up and operate
- Nice array of connectivity options
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Limited bass response
- Satellites shouldn't be wall mounted
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