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Yamaha NS-200M v. NS-50T

SoCal Sam

SoCal Sam

Lunatic Member
I've been very happy with my new to me NS-50T's, they have the familiar Yamaha family Natural Sound which is crisp and accurate. Can the "consumer" grade NS-50T stay with the "Monitor" grade NS-200M? Surprisingly, this is not the slaughter it appears to be. The NS-50T has a well made cabinet that uses thicker particle board than the NS-200M. The 50T also has a cast woofer but only a single tweeter and no gain controls. Both are acoustic suspension. My test rig is a NAD 5325 CDP and a 7175PE receiver that makes 75 wpc and 6 dB of headroom so power is plentiful.

The difference between the two Yammies is a matter of degree and not night and day. As expected, the three way 200M produces a more complete sound with better imaging and definition. However, the 50T is not far behind. The sound is warmer and the overall package is only slightly less resolved for being a two way. The 200M scores in the midrange and is more neutral and lifelike. Both produce nice tight bass and the 7175PE has no trouble controlling the woofers at higher volumes. The 50T has a slightly larger woofer and cabinet and makes more bass but the 200M is better controlled and tighter.

I would say the 50T has 90% of the 200M's sound but the difference is significant only if you are looking for the ultimate sound. You will definitely know where the extra money is spent with the 200M and it is the clear winner. However, the 50T acquits itself well in the company of the 200M.
 

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Thanks for the review- just scored a pair of NS200Ms myself. My comparison was with NS1000Ms, and like you, I think they stood up quite well in their right as well. Imaging was captivating, on certain tracks. I know where there are a pair of NS50s as well- great speaker hunting over here in Japan. I posted a bit of a yarn about the 200s in the vintage section under show us your yammies (probably inappropriate thread):sigh:
 
Congrats on your NS-200M score. I have the NS-1000M's and while the 200M's sound similar, they are different. I found the 200M's to be a touch warmer and the 1000M's to have greater depth all around. While I like the 200M and 1000M equally and for different reasons, I though a NS-200M v. NS-50T comparo would be more interesting because they are about the same size. I also thought comparing a consumer offering to a pro offering would be interesting. Someday, I will have a pair of NS-690II's to compare with the 1000M.
 
I have a pair of the NS-20Ts (purchased from Merrylander about a year ago). The NS-20Ts are quite similar in look to the 50Ts, but have a smaller box and an 8 inch woofer. These little speakers are very nice, solid and are quite capable. They are a bit on the bright side, but the bass response in some ways is better than the larger boxed ADS L-520s or 570s.

I'm not quite sure when the 20Ts or 50Ts were sold/made, but my guess is the mid-1970s; for their sound and size, I think that the 20Ts are pretty hard to beat. They also match-up pretty well with tube amplifiers...they seem quite efficient.
 
The maximum input for the NS-690II is 80W and for the NS-690 it is 60W. There is also a difference in weight. The NS-690II weighs 60lbs and the NS-690 weighs 49lbs. The weight difference indicates that the cabinet of the NS-690II is thicker or has more internal bracing.

I have a pair of NS-690II which I enjoy a great deal. I convinced a friend to buy a pair of NS-690 and listened to those a fair amount. The NS-690 has slightly less detailed IMO but is still a very good speaker.

I just picked up a pair of NS-200M that I'm dying a to hear. I'll try and get a NS-200M and NS-690II comparison up some time in the future.
 
Yam 690 versus 200m?

Anyone done this comparo? If not, how about some educated speculation? Always enjoy vintage speaker discussions, as that is what I'm interested in.
 
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