Yamaha AP-U70 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard with Integrated Amplifier
Yamaha AP-U70 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard with Integrated Amplifier
Product Description
Amazon.com Review
If you're serious about getting the highest quality sound from your computer, Yamaha's AP-U70 personal amplifier is something to behold. Using a superfast USB audio connection, the AP-U70 delivers a solid 20 watts per channel, a seven-band graphic equalizer, and Dolby Digital and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) Virtual 5.1-channel decoding that simulates multichannel surround sound from stereo speakers.
Hookup options abound. Besides USB, the unit offers three sets of stereo RCA analog inputs, two optical digital-audio inputs, one coaxial digital-audio input, stereo RCA analog outputs, a subwoofer output, one optical digital-audio output, connections for a pair of speakers, and a convenient front-panel headphone jack that also simulates surround effects in stereo headphones.
Although you can hook it up to your PC or Mac using just analog audio cables, you'll surely want to take advantage of the advanced features available through the AP-U70's USB port. Downloading the System Application software with the supplied CD-ROM lets you adjust DSP parameters, Virtual 3-D effects, dynamic range, equalization, and more right on your computer. (The supplied remote is handy, if perhaps superfluous alongside the computer controls.)
The AP-U70 is well made and great looking, with a dramatic, sloping vertical chassis and elegant matte-silver faceplate. Four input selector buttons reside at the top of the control panel, a small display window sits in the middle, and the jumbo volume knob and headphone jack are at the bottom. The vertical chassis configuration takes up a relatively small amount of space, but keep in mind that this unit plus speakers will require a rethinking of you desktop arrangement.
Hooking up the AP-U70 with Yamaha's optional NS-U50 speakers is a staggering lesson in how bad most computer sound is. Even though the outboard speakers that come with our Mac G4 Cube are pretty good, the Yamaha system blows them away. Music CDs and MP3 downloads gain tremendous clarity, detail, and body, though we suggest adding a subwoofer for the ultimate in digital music thrills. And though we're not often impressed by virtual surround simulation, we must admit that the AP-U70's DSP modes (Virtual Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual 5.1, Movie, Hall, Jazz Club, and Church) greatly improve the experience with DVD movies and games.
Yamaha's AP-U70 is a wonderful product. It's well made, makes a huge sonic improvement over standard computer sound, offers a bevy of features and connection options, and comes with a solid, two-year warranty. It isn't inexpensive, yet still represents a very good value. If you're willing to go all the way with equally good speakers and a subwoofer, expect a whole new level of sonic excellence at your work or play station. --Wayne Garcia
Pros:
Excellent design and construction
Effective DSP and Virtual Surround modes
Terrific connectivity options
USB connection and software access to advanced settings
2-year warranty
Cons:
Will consume desktop space with required speakers
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