Featuring detailed and accurate sound, solid cabinet construction, and elegant looks, the Yamaha NS-555 speakers offer an outstanding value. Yamaha has long been making quality loudspeakers and offering them to consumers at very affordable prices, and these gorgeous towers from Yamaha continue in that same tradition. Built with quality drivers and quality cabinet construction, it's hard to believe the low price tag that accompanies these speakers.

The speakers are a 3-way bass reflex design utilizing 6-1/4-inch polymer injected mica diaphragm cone woofers, a 5-inch midrange cone driver and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. Yamaha incorporates their exclusive Waveguide Horns on the midrange and tweeter to minimize reflections and provide better imaging. For what it's worth, the speakers are also wired with Monster Cable on the inside and are set up for bi-wiring with magnetically shielded drivers. The speakers include outrigger-style stands for improved stability (and we think it adds a nice visual touch as well). All this means these speakers offer a lot of value for the asking price.

The NS-555 speakers we reviewed were finished in a very sharp looking piano gloss black that will blend well with even the most elegant of interiors. The cabinets have a very solid feel, and the fact that they weigh in at hefty 44.1 lbs each demonstrates just how well-built these speakers are.

The Yamaha NS-555's have a pleasing yet characteristic sound. The first thing that struck us is how accurate the bass was. It was never boomy or muddy, and was surprisingly low as well. Dual 6-inch drivers have always been a good compromise for a slim line tower speaker designs--highs were detailed and clear and the midrange seemed well balanced too; it was never to forward or too laid back. While midrange suffered a bit from lack of physical attention, we felt overall that the sound was more than satisfactory given the price.

While they lacked the total refinement one would find in more expensive speaker, one has to consider what these speakers cost. For the money, we think they sound great, and can easily recommend them on that basis alone.

Pros: Elegant looks, solid cabinet construction, quality drivers
Cons: Midrange detail and presence

Warranty
2 years