The Yamaha NS-6490 ranks #134 out of 134 total Large Size Bookshelf Speakers for sound quality. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.
Brand: Yamaha
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#134 Yamaha NS-6490: $129.95 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Attractive industrial design with a large 8-inch woofer for the price. Simple direct-driven woofer with capacitor-only mid/tweeter crossovers keeps the design straightforward. Measured bass extension of 54.4Hz (-10dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.6dB.
Cons: Amir found the woofer runs essentially full-range with only a capacitor separating the mid and tweeter, letting all three drivers bleed into each other’s range and causing “rising amplitude” across the response. Extensive narrow peaking indicates numerous cabinet resonances: Amir noted, “we have more of them than I have ever seen.” Distortion is high across the measurement range, and directivity is highly variable, particularly vertically. With a 1.6 preference score, Amir concluded, “I just can’t recommend it,” noting that extensive EQ would not fix the underlying resonance issues. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
How it compares: Just above it: Dayton Audio B652-AIR - $52 cheaper, 2.6Hz lower bass extension (-3dB).
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 16.2H x 10.5W x 13.2D in |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 4” midrange cone, 7/8” balanced dome tweeter (3-way, acoustic suspension) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 70W nominal, 140W max |
| Sensitivity | 89.6dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.17 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.05 |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) each |
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