1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Yamaha NS-555 3-Way Bass Reflex Tower Speaker. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the speaker to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Key Features
- Dual 6-1/4 inch Polymer-Injected Mica Diaphragm (PMD) Woofers for powerful bass.
- 5-inch Cone Mid-Range Driver with Waveguide Horn for clear vocal reproduction.
- 1-inch Aluminum Dome Tweeter with Waveguide Horn for crisp, detailed highs.
- 3-Way, 4-Speaker, Bass Reflex design for balanced audio performance.
- Magnetically Shielded enclosure allows placement near TVs or video monitors without interference.
- Elliptical form cabinet with high-gloss, black piano finish minimizes sound diffraction.
- Monster Cable internal wiring ensures signal purity.
- Bi-wiring capability for enhanced sound quality by separating woofer and other driver signals.
3. Setup
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the speaker from its packaging. Inspect for any signs of damage. Retain all packaging materials for future transport or service needs.
3.2 Speaker Placement
Position the NS-555 speakers on a flat, stable surface. The included matching speaker stand provides stability and minimizes vibration. Due to magnetic shielding, these speakers can be placed near televisions or video monitors without causing picture degradation.
Figure 1: Front view of the Yamaha NS-555 speaker with the grille removed, showcasing its drivers.
Figure 2: Front view of the Yamaha NS-555 speaker with the protective grille in place.
3.3 Connecting the Speakers
The NS-555 speakers feature bi-wiring capability. This allows for separate connections to the woofer section and the midrange/tweeter section, which can reduce modulation distortion and improve sound clarity. Use high-quality speaker wire for optimal performance.
- Ensure your amplifier or receiver is turned off before making any connections.
- Connect the speaker cables from your amplifier to the corresponding terminals on the back of the NS-555 speaker. Match positive (+) terminals (red) on the amplifier to positive (+) terminals on the speaker, and negative (-) terminals (black) to negative (-) terminals.
- For bi-wiring, remove the metal jumpers connecting the high-frequency and low-frequency terminals on the speaker. Connect separate speaker cables from your amplifier's output to each set of terminals (one pair for woofers, one pair for midrange/tweeter).
- Ensure all connections are secure to prevent short circuits or poor sound quality.
Figure 3: A pair of Yamaha NS-555 speakers, illustrating the design with and without the grille.
4. Operating the Speaker
Once properly connected, your Yamaha NS-555 speakers are ready for use. Refer to your amplifier or receiver's manual for specific operating instructions. These speakers are designed for home theater applications and deliver optimal sound quality for both music and film.
- Start with a low volume level on your amplifier and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level.
- Avoid excessively high volume levels for prolonged periods to prevent damage to the speakers and your hearing.
- Experiment with speaker placement and toe-in (angling the speakers towards the listening position) to optimize the soundstage and imaging in your room.
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and appearance of your Yamaha NS-555 speakers, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the cabinet. For the high-gloss finish, a slightly damp cloth followed by a dry cloth can be used. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Grille Care: The speaker grille protects the drivers. If it becomes dusty, gently vacuum it with a soft brush attachment.
- Placement: Avoid placing speakers in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the cabinet finish and internal components.
- Handling: When moving the speakers, lift them carefully from the base. Avoid dragging them, which could damage the stand or floor.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your NS-555 speakers, consult the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Sound:
- Check all speaker cable connections at both the speaker and the amplifier/receiver. Ensure they are secure and correctly matched (+ to + and - to -).
- Verify that your amplifier/receiver is powered on and the correct input source is selected.
- Check the volume level on your amplifier/receiver.
- Distorted Sound:
- Reduce the volume level on your amplifier/receiver.
- Check for loose speaker wire connections.
- Ensure the speaker cables are not damaged or frayed.
- Confirm that the impedance of the speakers (6 Ohms) is compatible with your amplifier/receiver.
- Uneven Sound from Speakers:
- Check individual speaker connections.
- Ensure balance settings on your amplifier/receiver are centered.
- Verify speaker placement for symmetry in your listening area.
If problems persist, consult a qualified audio technician or contact Yamaha customer support.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | NS-555 |
| Speaker Type | Floor Standing |
| Mounting Type | Floor Mount |
| Material | Aluminum (for drivers, cabinet is wood/MDF with piano finish) |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 8.2"D x 12.3"W x 39.4"H |
| Item Weight | 44.1 Pounds |
| Impedance | 6 Ohms |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 200 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 200 Hz (Note: This seems to be a partial spec, typical full range speakers have wider response) |
| Woofer Diameter | 6.25 Inches (Dual PMD cones) |
| Midrange Driver Diameter | 5 Inches (Cone with Waveguide Horn) |
| Tweeter Diameter | 1 Inches (Aluminum Dome with Waveguide Horn) |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 3.0 (as a single speaker, typically used in pairs for stereo or multi-channel setups) |
| Connectivity Technology | RCA, 3.5mm auxiliary, XLR (Note: These are typically amplifier inputs, not speaker inputs. Speaker inputs are usually binding posts. This spec might be for a different product or a general category.) |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo, Surround (when used in appropriate system) |
| Included Components | Speaker, grille |
Note: Some specifications like "Frequency Response" and "Connectivity Technology" might be generalized or refer to associated equipment rather than the speaker itself.
8. Warranty and Support
The Yamaha NS-555 speaker comes with a Limited Warranty. Please refer to the warranty documentation included with your purchase for specific terms and conditions. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact Yamaha customer service.
Legal Disclaimer: This product is sold as a single speaker. For a stereo setup, two units are required.
