Yamaha NS-500 and NS-1000


How do these speakers hold up and compared to whats offered for $1000.00 or less today.

I'm interested in the smaller two way NS-500.
Anyone familiar with them and how they compare to modern speakers. Please comment.
Thanks
mcgarick
My only experience with the NS-500 was with a dealer demo back in the late seventies. They were powered by the legendary Luxman MB 3045 tube monoblocks and the sound was gorgeous! Perhaps lacking a bit in the bottom end but incredible soundstage and dynamic life. It was an extremely seductive presentation.
I've had a pair of NS-500s since ~1980. While I've owned lots of speakers (before and since), these remain among my favorites for 2-channel listening, because of their absolutely terrific soundstaging (stunning breadth and depth and pinpoint localization in 3D space), neutral midrange and sweet but extended top end (that beryllium dome tweeter is a MONSTER, in the best sense...weighs more than many midranges! SWEEEEEET, delicate, nuanced, extended, all at once!) I've not heard ANYTHING comparable, given size and driver-configuration similarities.

As mentioned, however, they will pass along flaws in the amplification stage (along with flaws in the source materials and their playback equipment). The low end is a little lacking compared to some modern speakers, although this is merely relative, as the NS-500 presentation, without other A/B reference(s) is compelling across a reasonable bandwidth. They are VERY balanced. That's why I've been unable to part with them for three decades!

If you get a chance to audition a pair in great shape, I think you'll be impressed. Mine, unfortunately, are now relegated to a closet, due to a recent move...but I STILL won't part with them (I won't be living here forever).
I've had a pair of NS-500s since ~1980. While I've owned lots of speakers (before and since), these remain among my favorites for 2-channel listening, because of their absolutely terrific soundstaging (stunning breadth and depth and pinpoint localization in 3D space), neutral midrange and sweet but extended top end (that beryllium dome tweeter is a MONSTER, in the best sense...weighs more than many midranges! SWEEEEEET, delicate, nuanced, extended, all at once!) I've not heard ANYTHING comparable, given size and driver-configuration similarities.

As mentioned, however, they will pass along flaws in the amplification stage (along with flaws in the source materials and their playback equipment). The low end is a little lacking compared to some modern speakers, although this is merely relative, as the NS-500 presentation, without other A/B reference(s) is compelling across a reasonable bandwidth. They are VERY balanced. That's why I've been unable to part with them for three decades!

If you get a chance to audition a pair in great shape, I think you'll be impressed. Mine, unfortunately, are now relegated to a closet, due to a recent move...but I STILL won't part with them (I won't be living here forever).
Hello to all of the Yamaha fans. I have just picked up a mint pair of ns 200ma speakers, and a mint pair of ns 200 speakers, all within the last 3 weeks. I would like to get replacment drivers for both. Does anyone out there know where i might find good quality OEM drivers for my new speakers. Thanks in advance.