The Yamaha NS-AW150 / NS-AW150W is an indoor/outdoor speaker system designed to deliver quality audio performance in various environments. These speakers are versatile, allowing for placement on bookshelves or mounted on walls/ceilings, and are built to withstand outdoor elements, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Function Description
The primary function of the NS-AW150 / NS-AW150W speakers is to reproduce audio signals from an amplifier or receiver, providing clear and balanced sound. They are designed as 2-way acoustic suspension speakers, meaning they utilize a sealed enclosure to control the movement of the woofer, resulting in tighter, more accurate bass response. This design helps to minimize unwanted resonances and ensures a more natural sound reproduction. The speakers are capable of handling both nominal and maximum input power, making them compatible with a variety of audio systems.
When used indoors, these speakers can serve as main, surround, or effects speakers within a home audio setup. Their design allows for flexible placement to optimize the stereo image and soundstage, ensuring an immersive listening experience. For outdoor use, the speakers feature water-resistant enclosures, protecting the internal components from environmental factors like rain and snow. This makes them ideal for patios, decks, or other outdoor living spaces where durable and reliable audio is desired.
The speakers are engineered to provide a wide dispersion pattern, which means they distribute sound over a broad area. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for outdoor installations, where a large listening area needs to be covered with consistent sound quality. Whether used for background music or more focused listening, the NS-AW150 / NS-AW150W aims to deliver a satisfying audio experience.
Usage Features
The NS-AW150 / NS-AW150W speakers offer several features that enhance their usability and installation flexibility:
- Mounting Options: The speakers can be placed on a bookshelf or mounted using the supplied brackets. For wall or ceiling mounting, 1/4x20 screws are used to fasten the optional bracket into threaded inserts on the back of the speakers. The supplied mounting brackets are designed to allow for installation in corners or under eaves, which helps to minimize exposure to rain and snow when used outdoors.
- Secure Installation: When wall-mounting, it is crucial to ensure the speakers are firmly secured. The manual emphasizes consulting a reliable source for the appropriate type of fasteners for the specific wall construction. Additionally, safety wire can be used between the speaker and the bracket to prevent accidental falls, providing an extra layer of security.
- Vertical or Horizontal Placement: The speakers can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. The base or side knobs can be attached according to the desired orientation, offering flexibility in how the speakers are integrated into the environment.
- Connection Terminals: The speakers feature screw-type input terminals at the rear for connecting to an amplifier or receiver. These terminals are designed to accommodate speaker cables, with clear indications for positive (+) and negative (-) polarity. The connection process involves loosening a knob, inserting the bare wire (after removing insulation), and then tightening the knob to secure the cable. This method ensures a firm and reliable electrical connection.
- Banana Plug Compatibility: For added convenience, the terminals are also compatible with banana plugs. Users can simply tighten the terminal knob and then insert the banana plug into the terminal, providing a quick and secure connection alternative.
- Indoor Placement Guidelines: For indoor use, specific placement guidelines are provided to optimize sound quality. Main speakers should be separated by 6-10 feet to achieve a good stereo effect, avoiding "middle-omission" if placed too far apart or a reduction in stereo effect if too close. The height of the speakers should ideally be at ear level. Center channel speakers are recommended to be placed centered above or below the TV. Surround speakers should be positioned behind the listening area, at least as far apart as the main speakers, and slightly higher than ear level, with an additional 2 feet apart per side.
- Outdoor Placement Guidelines: When used outdoors, the wide dispersion pattern of the speakers allows them to cover a large listening area (100 ft² to approximately 400 ft²). For optimal stereo listening, speakers should be placed 6-10 feet apart. For larger areas (over 400 ft² to about 600 ft²), using two pairs of speakers is suggested to prevent "middle-omission" effects or "hot spots" (areas of excessively loud sound near a speaker).
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the NS-AW150 / NS-AW150W speakers is straightforward, focusing on basic care to ensure longevity and optimal performance:
- Cleaning: The speakers should not be cleaned with chemical solvents, as these can damage the finish. Instead, a dry, soft cloth is recommended for cleaning the speaker surfaces. This gentle approach helps preserve the aesthetic and structural integrity of the enclosures.
- Protection from Physical Shock: Users are advised never to touch the woofer or tweeter units with their hands or expose them to excessive physical shock. Dents or bends in these components can lead to distorted sound, impacting the audio quality.
- Minimizing Outdoor Exposure: While designed for outdoor use, minimizing exposure to rain and snow by mounting the speakers in corners or under eaves is recommended. This proactive measure helps extend the lifespan of the speakers by reducing the impact of harsh weather conditions.
- Proper Handling During Connection: When connecting or disconnecting cables, it is crucial to lower the power amplifier/receiver volume control or turn off the unit entirely. This prevents potential damage to the speakers or amplifier from sudden electrical surges or short circuits.
- Avoiding "Clipping": Users should always reduce the volume control on their power amplifier/receiver if distortion is noted. Driving the amplifier into "clipping" (a form of waveform distortion) can cause damage to both the amplifier and the speakers.
- Preventing Short Circuits: Care must be taken to ensure that bare speaker wires do not touch each other. A short circuit can damage the speaker, the amplifier, or both. Proper insulation and secure connections are essential.
- Stable Placement: Whether indoors or outdoors, stable placement is important. This not only ensures better sound performance by minimizing vibrations but also prevents the speakers from being knocked over or struck by falling objects, which could cause damage or personal injury.
- Secure Fastening: When mounting, it is critical to use appropriate hardware and ensure that the speakers are securely fastened. Fastening to thin plywood or soft wall materials with inadequate screws can cause the speakers to fall, leading to damage or injury. Similarly, using nails, adhesives, or other unsafe hardware for fastening should be avoided, as long-term use and vibrations can cause them to pull free.
By following these usage and maintenance guidelines, users can ensure their Yamaha NS-AW150 / NS-AW150W speaker system provides reliable and high-quality audio performance for years to come, whether installed indoors or outdoors.