Yamaha DP-U50 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard

by Yamaha

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 12 x 11.1 inches ; 11 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005I9PU
• Item model number: DPU50
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Designed for the serious high-tech audio enthusiast, Yamaha's DP-U50 personal sound processor brings sophisticated DSP (digital signal processing) right to your desktop. A two-channel device capable of decoding Dolby Digital as well as DTS (Digital Theater System) surround signals, the DP-U50's Virtual Surround capability simulates multichannel sound in installations where multiple speakers are not practical.

Note, however, that the DP-U50 does not contain an amplifier. To get sound you'll need either an outboard amp with a pair of speakers or a pair of active speakers with onboard amplification.

Yamaha provides a fairly generous set of hookup options, including USB, three sets of stereo RCA analog inputs, two optical digital-audio inputs, one coaxial digital-audio input, stereo preamplifier outputs, a subwoofer output, one optical digital-audio output, and a front-panel headphone jack that simulates surround in stereo headphones.

Although you can hook it up to your PC or Mac using analog audio cables, you'll surely want to take advantage of the advanced features available through the DP-U50's USB port. Simply download the System Application software with the supplied CD-ROM to adjust DSP parameters, Virtual 3-D effects, dynamic range, the seven-band graphic equalizer, and a lot more right from your computer. Yamaha also supplies a remote control, but we prefer computer or manual control, given that the unit will likely be just an arm's length away.

The DP-U50 is handsome and well built. Its vertical chassis is finished in an elegant, beaded silver with four input-selector buttons at the top, a small display window in the middle, and an oversized volume knob--for adjusting the volume of active speakers or headphones--down below. (Even though its vertical chassis takes up relatively minimal space on your desktop, by the time you add an amplifier and a pair of speakers you've devoted a lot of valuable real estate to a sound system. Like we said, this rig is for serious enthusiasts.)

Matching the DP-U50 with good speakers and amplification brought an astonishing sonic improvement over the relatively decent outboard speakers that came with our Mac G4 Cube. Never before have music CDs been so wonderful an accompaniment to work, so much cleaner, fuller, and more detailed than they are with this system--and a subwoofer makes it even better. And though we're not often impressed by virtual surround simulation, we must admit that the DP-U50's DSP makes games and DVD movies a lot more fun.

The only drawback we see to this unit comes from the existence of Yamaha's AP-U70 personal amplifier, which offers everything you get here, plus amplification (saving you a step, but costing you a little, too). Whichever way you go, the investment in a computer sound system of this quality is substantial. And, thankfully, so are the rewards. --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:

• Space consuming
• Requires additional amplification

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Here is a way to improve PC sound, December 24, 2003

By 

Joongin M. Rhee "edison" (Glendale, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yamaha DP-U50 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard (Electronics)

First of all, it looks sophisticated on your desk, and indeed improves the sound unless you have upgraded your soundcard already. Even so, Yamaha gives us effects (Europe concert hall, Jazz club, church, etc) and they really do make a difference!

The sound is not audiophile smooth, but the soundstage is pretty deep and wide. It is also clear and free from un- pleasant coloration.

You can also use this to put effects on any system between a CD player and an amp or a receiver. Worth the money and does what it saids it will do. I got mine for only $50 - check the web for a sale.

There are many other ways of connecting a computer to a stereo to improve the sound now - one is a product called Xitel (on ebay). Another way is through Phillips Mini systems like this one :

http://www.smartbargains.com/prod.aspx?s=SE1&ev=0&evn=&deptId=2&catId=5&prodId=2010223647

This Phillips sounds sweet! It's a new technology and sets new standard in price/performance ratio - The digital amp. It's creating a buzz among audiophiles - many are buying it for a bed room or a gym.

Yamaha does give you more flexibility in effects - from a computer. Yamaha also makes upscale one with an amp built in, though not that powerful - RPU-100. You can get it for less on Amazon now! (Beginnig of 2004).

You just have to add a nice bookshelf and it would beat most computer speakers. You can also add a sub (yamaha has a sub out)

This is a good product since the web is full of mp3 music, and it's a pity to play it on small computer speakers. If you are a music lover, and have accumulated a sizeable mp3 library, you will be amply rewarded to get this to connect it to an amp and speakers.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars cool but not cool enough, December 30, 2001

By 

oceans (arlington, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yamaha DP-U50 CAVIT External Audio Soundboard (Electronics)

its a cool toy and it sounds pretty good. however for the price it's a little lacking. However this would be an option for someone that has a space saver or a laptop,