Yamaha NS-1000M: The Definitive Setup Thread
- Thread starter shortcuttomo
- Start date
According to the 'L' and 'R' designation at the end of the serial numbers on the back of each pair of NS-1000s, the tweeter/mid pairs should be on the outside
I have been using yamaha ns1000m for 11 years. I was running them with tubes, a CJ mv60 amp and a Sonic frontiers power 2 amp. This past year I switched to a solid state Forte model1 class A amp 50watts. The tubes wereI great but this is bliss. It checks all the boxes. I am running a GAS Thoebe preamp fed by a Wright Sound tube phono stage. I sometimes use a tube First Sound Presence preamp which is slightly sweeter in the mids but the soundstaging of the GAS is addicting. And highs and lows are perfect.
I run mine with a Yamaha B-2. If I had the money and space, I might go for a B-1 which from all reports is the ideal, but since I am listening in a small space I thought the B-2 made a lot more sense for me with it's 100W vs 160W and its two speaker outs with individual gain controls and two inputs. I can use all these features in my studio. The meters are a real plus on this amp, too—most aren't—but even the meters on this amp are special, due to their speed. They will register the correct level ±2 dB with only two cycles of a 10 kHz waveform.
I heard of a shootout between the B-1 and a couple of highly regarded power amps where the B-1 absolutely dominated the others in bass power and grip. The bass with the B-2 driving the NS-1000 is some of the very best I've heard and was a completely unexpected surprise when I bought the speakers unheard, based on reputation. I love great bass and these have it, but I think it is worth taking note of Yamaha's placement instructions in the owner's manual which include placing the speakers against the wall, surprisingly.
I heard of a shootout between the B-1 and a couple of highly regarded power amps where the B-1 absolutely dominated the others in bass power and grip. The bass with the B-2 driving the NS-1000 is some of the very best I've heard and was a completely unexpected surprise when I bought the speakers unheard, based on reputation. I love great bass and these have it, but I think it is worth taking note of Yamaha's placement instructions in the owner's manual which include placing the speakers against the wall, surprisingly.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
We have original NS1000M stands if you want accurate measurements of the correct height and design.
vga911s
Well-Known Member
I have and still do own a few models of the Yamaha NS series speakers but I hooked up my 1st pair of NS 1000m's into my system just a few hrs ago. I am blown away by their reproduction / sound stage.
I am using the following gear to drive them and with the exception of rotating CD players or tape decks this is the set up.
Nakamichi PA 7 amp
Nakamichi CA 5 P amp
Tandberg and Nak tape decks
Calif Audio Labs Tercet IV CD player
8 guage 100 % o2 free copper speaker cable
KEK speaker stands/ slight tilt backwrds 2.5" tall max
I am using the following gear to drive them and with the exception of rotating CD players or tape decks this is the set up.
Nakamichi PA 7 amp
Nakamichi CA 5 P amp
Tandberg and Nak tape decks
Calif Audio Labs Tercet IV CD player
8 guage 100 % o2 free copper speaker cable
KEK speaker stands/ slight tilt backwrds 2.5" tall max
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virak
Save the vinyl!
These are the Yamaha stands for the NS-1000M (I'm not 100% sure about the SPS-250, as the width and depth is a bit off IMO):
SPS-250:
330×270×290mm, 6.5Kg
SPS-500:
370×250×290mm, 6.5Kg
The SPS-500 have the option of choosing whether to slant the middle plate or not. The slant supposedly improves the bass, but I don't know how much difference it makes.
I've got a pair, but I just put them together with the slant straight away, because a) I like bass, and b) it looks cooler
They seem to respond well to having some power behind them, so my pair is fed by a Yamaha PC2602.
SPS-250:
330×270×290mm, 6.5Kg
SPS-500:
370×250×290mm, 6.5Kg
The SPS-500 have the option of choosing whether to slant the middle plate or not. The slant supposedly improves the bass, but I don't know how much difference it makes.
I've got a pair, but I just put them together with the slant straight away, because a) I like bass, and b) it looks cooler
They seem to respond well to having some power behind them, so my pair is fed by a Yamaha PC2602.
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Bit late to be responding to this but I have had a pair of 1000ms for years and have used them with a range of amps including Exposure vi, vii and Super viii, Opera Consonance valve amp, a big Marantz integrated (but I can't remember the model number), etc., etc. Most of the time though I stuck with the Exposure amps and they were pretty good with the Yams though the combination could be a bit fierce in the treble at times. My son flew the nest a while ago but left his system as he likes to come home and use it. He puts his macbook pro or his Technics 1210 through a mixer into an ancient Quad 303 power amp to Tannoy Devons. Surprisingly it sounds pretty good. Anyway, one evening with little to do I thought I'd try his Quad amp with the 1000ms. I have a Creek OBH-22 passive pre-amp that's been sitting in a cupboard for a couple of years so hooked that up and connected my Marantz CD player (SA15-s1). The Exposure amps are now up for sale! I was amazed that a amp as old as the Quad could sound so amazing. There's detail and a sense of solidity I haven't heard from other amps with the Yams. It's just so well balanced and it's music instead of hi fi, if that makes sense.
I'm now waiting for a Quad 303 complete with the 33 pre amp to be delivered, bought from a well known auction site. I don't expect the pre amp to be too special but the price for both was far less than a new budget amp.
It may seem unlikely that a Quad 303 and the Yams work so well together but they do. The 303s do need to be serviced though as my son's has been. Quad will still service them and their prices are very low. The amp itself sells in the UK for around £200, a bargain even if you factor in the cost of a service!
Just got to work out now whether to buy a phono stage to use with the passive as I have lots of vinyl or explore active pre amp options with an inbuilt phono stage.
I'm now waiting for a Quad 303 complete with the 33 pre amp to be delivered, bought from a well known auction site. I don't expect the pre amp to be too special but the price for both was far less than a new budget amp.
It may seem unlikely that a Quad 303 and the Yams work so well together but they do. The 303s do need to be serviced though as my son's has been. Quad will still service them and their prices are very low. The amp itself sells in the UK for around £200, a bargain even if you factor in the cost of a service!
Just got to work out now whether to buy a phono stage to use with the passive as I have lots of vinyl or explore active pre amp options with an inbuilt phono stage.
WFHDad
Member
What is your opinion on the difference between the NS-1000s and NS-500Ms? I have them both, but sadly do not have room to A/B demo them on the same setup.
gizzyman47
Addicted Member
That post from vga911s ^^^^ was from 2017.
WFHDad
Member
It’s not uncommon to pick up threads from years ago. No harm in an inquiry with the worst case being unanswered.
gizzyman47
Addicted Member
I was just pointing it out. Many times newer members don't notice the post dates.
WFHDad
Member
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Asmodeus2112
Super Member
You weren't asking me, but I'll give you my opinion. I have NS-1000s and had NS-500Ms. I thought they were very similar. It seems obvious because how we would assume the different drivers would behave, but my ear (or my mind) perceived the midrange being better on the NS-1000, and the bass being nearly the same, but a slight nod to the 500M. I had them side by side to AB compare for many months. When I sold the 500M's the gentleman that purchased them spent some time in my listening room listening to the two side by side as well, and our opinions matched. I'd be happy with either set though....
gizzyman47
Addicted Member
Your Yamaha's look to be in really decent shape. Also like the stands you have for them. who makes them?
WFHDad
Member
Interesting. I actually have 2x sets of NS-500Ms along with a NS-1000M. To my ears, the NS-1000M's Be Mids are superior, and the Tweeters on the NS-500Ms seemed to be more tame and laid back.
Now you made me question my 500M's crossovers. ESR capacitors reading on the 1000M tweeters are still within specs after 40 years, but I didn't get a chance to measure the 500M. Will measure those caps when I get around to it.
WFHDad
Member
Thanks. My brother purchased them new back in the mid 90s, and were still in mint condition. FedEx did a terrible job shipping them, and currently banged up and ready for refurbishment from a cabinetmaker someday.
These stands are OEM and obscure Yamaha SPS-1000 stands, purchased as a set along with the NS-1000Ms at the now closed J&R World in New York City. Powder coated steel channels with stainless hardware, height and width adjustable, with a very 80's design vibe. User: 808_State mentioned that "...The SPS-1000 stands come up on the yahoo jp auction periodically and I think hifido had a pair a few months ago..."
Reference here:
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/ns-1000-speaker-stands.891406/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649845362-yamaha-sps-1000-speakers-stands/images/3788553/
Asmodeus2112
Super Member
No, I apparently didn't communicate well, I and the fellow who purchased my 500Ms both agreed the 1000's mids were better. I thought the tweeters were the same, but my older ears don't hear much above 12KHz. I heard what I think one would assume you would hear from the different drivers.
WFHDad
Member
Ah got it. Thank you and much appreciated for your input.