Yamaha NS-800AFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 26 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment24%
PROS 24%
CONS 76%

Rank based on 26 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You value cabinet craftsmanship, finish quality, and instrument-like construction (spruce cones)
  • You want a speaker with a wide soundstage and good imaging that's easy to drive
  • You prioritize smooth, non-fatiguing highs with excellent top-end air

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're on a budget, since many call the pricing inflated for the components used
  • You want punchy, lively leading-edge transients rather than a softer, rounded sound
  • You need strong deep bass extension, as several note it falls short of the reference

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Mid
Wharfedale Denton 85
Warm, non-fatiguing soundStrong bass without needing a subwooferExcellent build quality and finishCan be overwhelming at higher volumes in smaller roomsLess precise detail retrieval than pricier speakersPlacement-sensitive for best imaging
Wharfedale Denton 85
Warm, non-fatiguing sound
Strong bass without needing a subwoofer
Excellent build quality and finish
Can be overwhelming at higher volumes in smaller rooms
Less precise detail retrieval than pricier speakers
Placement-sensitive for best imaging
2
Yamaha NS-670
Wonderful, balanced soundEnduring build qualityGood cosmetic condition possibleUncertain resale pricingAge-related hesitancy to serviceScratchy potentiometers
Yamaha NS-670
Wonderful, balanced sound
Enduring build quality
Good cosmetic condition possible
Uncertain resale pricing
Age-related hesitancy to service
Scratchy potentiometers
3Budget
Polk Audio Signature S20
Amp compatibilityExcellent value for priceStrong bass response
Polk Audio Signature S20
Amp compatibility
Excellent value for price
Strong bass response
4Premium
Yamaha NS-600A
Wide, immersive soundstageBuild and finish qualityStrong brand loyalty and satisfactionAmplifier pairing uncertaintyHigh price relative to alternativesPlacement sensitivity required
Yamaha NS-600A
Wide, immersive soundstage
Build and finish quality
Strong brand loyalty and satisfaction
Amplifier pairing uncertainty
High price relative to alternatives
Placement sensitivity required
5Premium
Epos ES-7N
Big sound for its sizeArticulate midrangeLong-term owner satisfactionCheap build componentsHigh price relative to build
Epos ES-7N
Big sound for its size
Articulate midrange
Long-term owner satisfaction
Cheap build components
High price relative to build
6Budget
Wharfedale Diamond 8.1
Excellent ValueBalanced, Non-Fatiguing SoundLong-Term Durability
Wharfedale Diamond 8.1
Excellent Value
Balanced, Non-Fatiguing Sound
Long-Term Durability
7Mid
Wharfedale Evo 4.1
Well-implemented AMT tweeterDeep, punchy bass beyond expectationsSolid build quality and attractive cabinetNeeds a powerful amplifierYellow/gold AMT tweeter styling divides opinionBenefits from burn-in before sounding its best
Wharfedale Evo 4.1
Well-implemented AMT tweeter
Deep, punchy bass beyond expectations
Solid build quality and attractive cabinet
Needs a powerful amplifier
Yellow/gold AMT tweeter styling divides opinion
Benefits from burn-in before sounding its best
8Budget
Pioneer BS22
Exceptional value for moneyClear, detailed mids and vocalsSurprisingly strong bass outputRequires adequate amplification to shineCan sound boomy or bass-heavy without treatmentIsolated complaint about cheap construction and poor mids
Pioneer BS22
Exceptional value for money
Clear, detailed mids and vocals
Surprisingly strong bass output
Requires adequate amplification to shine
Can sound boomy or bass-heavy without treatment
Isolated complaint about cheap construction and poor mids
9Premium
Focal Sopra No1
Exceptional detail and resolution
Focal Sopra No1
Exceptional detail and resolution
10Mid
Polk Audio Signature S10
Fits Into a Larger Signature Series SystemDecent Sound QualityGreat for Small RoomsNeeds a Subwoofer to Fill a Room
Polk Audio Signature S10
Fits Into a Larger Signature Series System
Decent Sound Quality
Great for Small Rooms
Needs a Subwoofer to Fill a Room
You are here
31Premium
Yamaha NS-800A
Strong top-end air and timbreExcellent finish and craftsmanshipEasy to driveInflated pricingDull, rounded-off soundLimited bass extension
Yamaha NS-800A
Strong top-end air and timbre
Excellent finish and craftsmanship
Easy to drive
Inflated pricing
Dull, rounded-off sound
Limited bass extension

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Build quality and finish draw genuine admiration. Commenters single out the exemplary finish and the use of spruce for the cones, likening the speakers to musical instruments rather than plain boxes. The craftsmanship is described as 'master crafted,' and one listener specifically praised the excellent top air and timbre quality. This attention to materials and finish appears to be one of the NS-800A's clearest strengths according to those who've heard it in person.

Several listeners hear a softened, dull character rather than lively dynamics. Multiple commenters independently describe the sound as 'dull,' 'rounded off,' or lacking the 'more life' they expected, with leading-edge transients sounding muted compared to reference tracks. Upper mids are called softer than the source, and an unnatural 15kHz peak is cited as biasing measurements while potentially causing listening fatigue over long sessions. Bass extension is also repeatedly noted as less deep than reference or 'big brother' models in the lineup.

Pricing is the most contentious and frequently repeated criticism. Numerous commenters call the NS-800A's price inflated, questioning why cabinets with just a few moving parts and what they perceive as standard components cost as much as they do. Comparisons are made to competitors like the Wharfedale Super Linton and Arendal models offering more satisfying performance for similar or lower cost. Some suspect marketing and audiophile pricing snobbery rather than proportional build cost, though others note Yamaha's speakers were once considered bargains before repositioning upmarket.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?