Yamaha NS-B951From real comments

Verdict distilled from 9 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 9 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want deep, fast bass and clear treble in a bookshelf speaker
  • You have a powerful amplifier to properly drive them
  • You listen to classical or vocal-forward music and want an engaging, detailed sound

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You lack a sufficiently powerful amplifier to drive them well
  • You can't place them away from walls and reflective furniture
  • You're sensitive to forward, prominent vocal mids

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Value
Yamaha NS-670~$399 · 1.3× pricier
Wonderful, balanced soundEnduring build qualityGood cosmetic condition possibleUncertain resale pricingAge-related hesitancy to serviceScratchy potentiometers
Yamaha NS-670~$399 · 1.3× pricier
Wonderful, balanced sound
Enduring build quality
Good cosmetic condition possible
Uncertain resale pricing
Age-related hesitancy to service
Scratchy potentiometers
Best value
2Value
Wharfedale D320~$349 · 1.2× pricier
Exceptional value for moneyWarm, smooth sound signatureDiamond-series shared componentsLacking treble/mid presence for someShipping costs and availability issuesBottom port concerns
Wharfedale D320~$349 · 1.2× pricier
Exceptional value for money
Warm, smooth sound signature
Diamond-series shared components
Lacking treble/mid presence for some
Shipping costs and availability issues
Bottom port concerns
3Mid
Wharfedale Diamond 11~$499 · 1.7× pricier
Outstanding value for priceWarm, rich midrange and vocalsExcellent soundstage and imagingVery placement-sensitiveInconsistent unit-to-unit build (surrounds/tweeter changes)Lacking treble energy/grit for some
Wharfedale Diamond 11~$499 · 1.7× pricier
Outstanding value for price
Warm, rich midrange and vocals
Excellent soundstage and imaging
Very placement-sensitive
Inconsistent unit-to-unit build (surrounds/tweeter changes)
Lacking treble energy/grit for some
4Mid
Klipsch RP-500M~$549 · 1.8× pricier
Improved midrange on II versionPreferred over RP-600M IIGood fit for small/medium rooms and HT surroundsSensitivity spec is inflatedCabinet resonance issuesOriginal version has frequency gaps/missing sound
Klipsch RP-500M~$549 · 1.8× pricier
Improved midrange on II version
Preferred over RP-600M II
Good fit for small/medium rooms and HT surrounds
Sensitivity spec is inflated
Cabinet resonance issues
Original version has frequency gaps/missing sound
5Mid
Sonos Five~$549 · 1.8× pricier
Rich, Full-Range SoundStereo Pair Upgrade ImpactLong-Term DurabilityInconsistent Sub Pairing ResultsHigh Price Relative to AlternativesMuddy Mids/Highs Under Scrutiny
Sonos Five~$549 · 1.8× pricier
Rich, Full-Range Sound
Stereo Pair Upgrade Impact
Long-Term Durability
Inconsistent Sub Pairing Results
High Price Relative to Alternatives
Muddy Mids/Highs Under Scrutiny
6Value
Polk Audio Signature S20~$299 · similar price
Amp compatibilityExcellent value for priceStrong bass response
Polk Audio Signature S20~$299 · similar price
Amp compatibility
Excellent value for price
Strong bass response
7Value
Polk Audio RTi A1~$299 · similar price
Flexible home theater integrationStrong jazz and vocal performanceDetailed, separated soundBright tonal balanceLacking bassSetup confusion for new buyers
Polk Audio RTi A1~$299 · similar price
Flexible home theater integration
Strong jazz and vocal performance
Detailed, separated sound
Bright tonal balance
Lacking bass
Setup confusion for new buyers
8Mid
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1~$449 · 1.5× pricier
Great value for moneyTight, punchy bassWarm, non-fatiguing soundOutperformed by step-up 12.2 modelNeeds proper setup and burn-inOccasional treble harshness
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1~$449 · 1.5× pricier
Great value for money
Tight, punchy bass
Warm, non-fatiguing sound
Outperformed by step-up 12.2 model
Needs proper setup and burn-in
Occasional treble harshness
9Budget
Klipsch R-51M~$199 · 1.5× cheaper
Exceptional value for the priceStrong bass response, especially with a subwooferVersatile across use casesBass can be muddy or thin without treatmentBright or 'shouty' treble at near-fieldMinimal internal cabinet insulation
Klipsch R-51M~$199 · 1.5× cheaper
Exceptional value for the price
Strong bass response, especially with a subwoofer
Versatile across use cases
Bass can be muddy or thin without treatment
Bright or 'shouty' treble at near-field
Minimal internal cabinet insulation
10Budget
Polk Audio Signature S10~$199 · 1.5× cheaper
Fits Into a Larger Signature Series SystemDecent Sound QualityGreat for Small RoomsNeeds a Subwoofer to Fill a Room
Polk Audio Signature S10~$199 · 1.5× cheaper
Fits Into a Larger Signature Series System
Decent Sound Quality
Great for Small Rooms
Needs a Subwoofer to Fill a Room
You are here
14Value
Yamaha NS-B951~$299
Deep, fast bassClear trebleConvincing for classical musicForward midsNeeds a powerful amplifierPlacement sensitivity
Yamaha NS-B951~$299
Deep, fast bass
Clear treble
Convincing for classical music
Forward mids
Needs a powerful amplifier
Placement sensitivity

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The bass on the NS-B951 impressed multiple listeners with its depth and speed. Commenters described the low end as deep and fast-paced, with one even asking if a subwoofer was connected because the bass sounded so substantial. Another compared it directly to the Gold50UE, saying the Yamaha's bass frequencies were noticeably more powerful. This suggests the NS-B951 delivers a robust low end for a bookshelf speaker, at least when properly driven and positioned in the room.

Treble was called clear and enjoyable, though the mids drew mixed reactions. One listener said the treble was clear and good sounding, complementing the deep bass. However, another commenter felt the mids were opened up too much, making vocals overly forward and other instruments harder to hear, suggesting a preference for slightly recessed mids paired with more bass and treble. This indicates tonal balance may vary by system setup and listener taste.

The NS-B951 seems to reward a powerful amplifier and thoughtful placement. One commenter noted the speaker is easy to drive but still needs a powerful amplifier to sound its best, especially on treble. Several other viewers asked whether their own amps, including Yamaha RX-797 and RN 800A models, would suit the speakers. A separate comment warned that placement near walls and reflective furniture, as in a shared living/listening room, compromises the sound.

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