GEAR REVIEW
YAMAHA DXRMKII SERIES | Kent Morris
among the touring loudspeaker elite. As part of In a live environment, this approach does not
the family, NEXO’s expertise in transducers has work; the full output is never maintained for an
• Increased Maximum Output SPL filtered through the Yamaha speaker line and is entire song. Fortunately, Yamaha does not use
• Enlarged 1.75” Exit Diameter HF Driver evident in the new mkII version of the DXR line throttling nor claim ridiculous power as some
of powered speakers. competitors do (2500 watts from a $299 box)
KEY FEATURES
• Finite Impulse Response Filters
• Available in 8’,10”, 12” and 15” Speaker
Configurations
and specs the LF amp at a realistic 600 watts
The two big changes from the original version
and 100 watts on the HF side continuously.
of the DXR are an enlarged 1.75” exit diameter
HF (High Frequency) driver and increased Today, almost every brand uses some form
It has been called the Black Box Paradox, a way maximum output SPL (Sound Pressure Level). of switch mode power supply and Class D
of expressing the frustration buyers experience The HF is now also based on a Neodymium (Neo) topology as a way to extract high power and
when faced with purchasing a portable magnet structure. Neo offers the advantage reduce weight, but how it is done separates
powered loudspeaker. The black boxes all look of lighter weight over conventional designs, the good from the bad. Yamaha has done their
the same from the outside, though they vary in but (little known fact) can temporarily lose its homework and the DXRmkII DSP is among
price from $299 to $899 each. How do buyers magnetism when subjected to high heat. It is the best available, going so far as to use FIR
know what they are getting for their money? imperative then that heat be dissipated properly (Finite Impulse Response) filters whose chief
Do you really get what you pay for? If so, how in a Neo environment. Yamaha engineers have advantage is balanced response in both
do you explain paying $250 for a concert ticket done a stellar job keeping things cool under frequency and phase domains. Yamaha enjoys
to a headliner show only to be disappointed the hood in the DXRmkII. The larger exit allows a well-deserved reputation for reliability and
at the outcome? (Here’s looking at you Hall more power handling and lower frequencies the DXRmkII continues that legacy through
& Oates). With speakers, the only real way to to be contained in the HF section, making the intelligent design, use of substantial materials
know is to listen to them at full concert level crossover point more pleasing musically since it and excellent build quality in every aspect of the
with live source material. Every speaker sounds is not occurring at critical vocal points. loudspeaker.
maximum and the venue is 95 degrees three The real test of a powered plastic speaker How then, does it sound? Well, to this ear it
hours into the event, it becomes clear which is how loud it can go without distorting or sounds balanced and appropriate, with no
speaker sounds best. Unfortunately, by then blowing up. Some plastic speakers allow the exaggerated highs or false lows that work for
the purchase has been made and it’s too late cabinet to flex during loud passages, essentially music playback but fail when presented with
to change. Here, then, is a pre-emptive look robbing the output level through mechanical a live band. The line includes 8”, 10”, 12”
at a worthy contender for the crown of best deficiencies. The DXRmkII, though, is built and 15” mains with the 12” mating well to the
portable powered speaker not costing four with enough material to provide a rigid, stable companion subwoofer for larger events while
figures: the Yamaha DXRmkII series. enclosure so the drivers can put energy into the the 15” can hold its own sans sub. The 8” and
decent at a low level, but when the output is at
room instead of into the cabinet. In fact, the 12” 10” are perfect for smaller rooms, especially
While most major brands of loudspeakers have and 15” versions reach an impressive 134dB in low ceiling situations. Overall, the tone is
gone through several owners and parents, SPL @ 1m, on axis which translates to the pleasing, the timbre is reserved and the on-axis
Yamaha has remained its own for well over headroom needed for full band reinforcement and off-axis response is smooth and consistent.
a century. Yes, they make motorcycles and in real-world situations. The other thing to Essentially, this is a powered speaker you can
watercraft, but the company logo remains three consider when buying powered speakers is trust to deliver powerful, reliable and accurate
tuning forks, so music matters at headquarters whether the power amplifier is designed for sound in any environment.
in Hamamatsu, Japan. To that end, Yamaha continuous operation at high demand. Many bought NEXO, a leading French manufacturer famous brands use an amplifier protection of concert-grade speaker systems in 2008. technique called throttling, which lets the amp Coupled with Yamaha’s world-class DSP run at full power for a brief moment and then resources, NEXO has continued its lofty perch throttles it back to keep it from overheating.
168
September 2019
Subscribe for Free...
DXR8MKII MSRP $979.00
DXR10MKII MSRP $1049.00
DXR12MKII MSRP $1199.00
DXR15MKII MSRP $1349.00
www.Yamaha.com