Home > Consumer Reviews > Yamaha YSTMS50B 80-Watt 3-Piece Subwoofer/Satellite Computer Speakers (Black)

At this writing, it'll be darn hard to find a better 3-piece system than this!

So that you know where I'm coming from, I label myself a "low-budget semi-audiophile," meaning I squeeze as much value as I can while building my stereo component by component. Translated, I hate all-in-one mini stereos and especially loathe tinny speakers. I demand clarity, warmth, and good, tight bass response. I'm also an amateur musician for the last 15 years, and I was looking for a system that would do reasonably well while I build a somewhat low-to-mid budget computer recording setup.

These Yamahas deliver almost exactly that for this price point, with some qualifications as noted below. They have done exceedingly well in reviews here and elsewhere on the net, even after you weed out the chaff, which was a major reason for me to at least try these speakers.

These speakers will not replace your component stereo (certainly not my Klipsch bookshelf speakers and Polk sub), but at less than 100 USD, that's to be expected. The sub is plenty tight and as loud as you need it for various music--some earlier reviewers, it appears, need to learn that subs are more to be felt than heard. Given the price, I find the crossover to be just fine. Mids are also quite strong. The speakers are generally *very* warm (and I typically dislike most component loudspeakers as too cold and sterile!) with something of a "surround"-type presence.

The qualifications force me to disagree with some reviewers, if somewhat subjectively. The treble is reasonably good, but not great, certainly not brilliant or sparkling as previous reviews and advertising may suggest. There is no treble knob, as there darn well should be (my old Altecs had a treble knob...). As a treble fix, I've downloaded the newest versions of Winamp (2.78) and Sonique (1.95) to use and compare their EQs (less than 10 minutes download on either on a 56K modem). That solves some of my yearning for treble, but to a point, as each EQ appears to affect MP3s far better than direct CD-player audio, where Sonique appears to have a slight, marginal edge (and a 20-band EQ instead of 10 on Winamp). I should underline that I am a perpetual EQ tweaker, and really, the treble with the added EQ is quite good. Still, I've kept my old Altecs chained up to the second (additional) input on the Yamaha's right speaker to add a bit more treble for direct CD-audio.

One other minor qualification is that the power cord is built directly into the back of the sub. This may be typical of the competition, but it's annoying to pack back into the box if you have to move it, and will be subject to stress with much greater difficulties in replacing it, compared to a cord with an adapter that you could remove. The plus is that the plug on the other end is a normal-sized three-prong, not a wall-wart (i.e., big fat AC adapter).

Overall, the sound is excellent at this price point, and I'm very happy with my decision to buy this three piece system. Sure, you can spend $$$ and get something better, but I very much doubt you'll beat the bang for the buck this Yamaha 3-piece provides.

I am always trying to find bargains when it comes to computers. I have wanted a nice inexpensive speaker unit for my computer since I am upgrading slowly with limited money. I done some searching over the net and found great reviews on these speakers on every page so i decided to buy immedietly. (...). I first opened the box and was suprised to see the size of the sub. I hooked the system up and was taken away by the crisp sound and bass I was getting from these speakers. I must say I was using onboard sound at the time and they sounded damn good but I was not gettin the quality I read about. A few days later I bought a sound blaster card for my computer and I was very thrilled to hear the speakers. The became even more crisp and louder, and let me tell you these speakers are LOUD...The bass BOOMS...I live in a dorm and my RA's desk is probably 30 yards from my room. After I installed my sound card, I, being an idiot turned the bass and the highs up as loud as they would go. My ears were almost ready to buckle when I heard a loud bang at the door. My RA told me either turn my music down or I would be written up because she could feel the vibrations at her desk. Needless to say all my roomates plan on buying a set of these speakers. I also hear sounds in my music I never heard before. If you have ever heard surround sound you know what I'm talking about. These may not be a 3D or 5.1 system but I will tell you from experience they are just as good as those more expensive speakers. Dont be dissapointed if your plugging these puppies into onboard sound and you dont get the quality you have heard about. I would suggest you go out and buy a good sound card and I gurantee it will do wonders for this awesome set. Although the speakers are the best I have heard for a computer I dont understand how YAMAHA does it for the price. (...) I have to say the bass from this woofer is beyond explaianable, its very rich and very DEEP. I suggest you buy this system if you plan on upgrading and dont have a very big cash flow.

I purchased these speakers to replace my Altec-Lansing ADA-880 speakers that were fried by a lightning strike/power surge. I chose these speakers because they do not look stupid, like so many of the new speakers being sold. These are very nice looking speakers. They are not some goofy space-man looking piece of crap. They will work great with your computer, or any other audio device with an 1/8th inch stereo plug. They produce respectable sound, and a fair amount of bass. If you like TONS of bass, that you can feel thumping in your chest, (like the exceptional ADA-880 speakers that are no longer available,) you will be a little disappointed. I would have rated them a 5 if they produced more bass.

I have had a set of these for 2 years. I shopped on Amazon for these, and was convinced by the reviews. If I could have heard them in a brick store, I would have plunked down the cash that instant. The headphone jack makes them versatile. Radio, walkman, discman, computer, you name it, they do it. I have listened to symphony, AC-DC, and internet radio off my iBook. My father was entranced when I first set them up and played one of his favorite pieces. He said it was like being there in the concert hall. I use them for DVD's, and games, but they shine with the music. Pick a music company to do good music speakers. You don't need these just for video game explosions.
I'm a bass head, I like the bass to shake my seat. These won't rattle your tooth fillings out, but if for example you play them loud at work in a room that is next to your boss's room, you might be treated to a visit where the phase "sounds like a dance hall" comes up a lot. Bass just goes through walls. (And that was only half volume, boss!) Everyone at work will miss them when they go.
The mid range is clear and sweet, and the orchestra soundtracks come in so very well. For the buck, I can't find you a better pair. I agree with another reviewer, the louder they go, the better the sound. Guess they are discontinued now, but if you can find a set, get them. One last. I got them in the mail and set them up, my family listened to them, and two days later my younger brother had bought a set, just for his ipod.

i was plesantly suprised with these speakers. they are really worth it because they have top of the line sound that you would expect for $200 speakers, but theyre durt cheap!! if you are thinking about buying new computer speakers, buy these!