The Yamaha THR5 and THR10 portable amps look like something from the 60′s packed with tubes, but they are fully digital inside. The only real difference I can tell between the two models is that the THR10 is a bit wider and has 5 user banks for storing presets. Both models have stereo sound and they both have the ability to connect to a computer or phone. They have all sorts of VCM effects to mimic different amp types, various pedal effects, and more. They even cast an orange glow inside to mimic old tube amps.

You can use the amps on the go with AA battery power or plug them into the wall outlet. Yamaha is also bundling Cubase AI for recording music, and a software package called THR editor for modifying amp and effect properties. Both of the amps will launch in January here in the States, and pricing is unannounced at this time, though you can already find them in Japan, with the THR5 selling for ¥19,800 (~$254 USD) and the THR10 selling for ¥29,800 (~$382 USD)

[via Uncrate via Wired]

The portable speaker has a four-inch woofer as well as a dedicated tweeter in a rugged looking octagonal enclosure. It has a 3.5mm input and a top-mounted iPhone/iPod dock. The monophonic speaker has a sturdy metal handle so that you can lug it about easily.

It comes in white, dark blue, green and black. Each color is accented by a color-matched, perforated speaker grille. The PDX-11 weighs about 3.3 pounds and can be powered by AC or 6 AA alkaline batteries, with a battery life of approximately 8 hours. It sells for $99.95 at Amazon.

[via Uncrate]

Yamaha’s VSP-1 [JP] is designed to mask conversations by projecting “camouflage” noise that covers up what you’re saying. Created to cover up voices specifically, the device is said to mask as much as 89% of the spoken word. And on a bad day, as little as 48%. So even when it’s not blocking everything, it would be pretty difficult to make out an entire conversation with this thing turned on. The compact gadget offers 8 sounds including forest sounds, a babbling river, waves, urban crowds, music and other variants designed to cover voices without being too annoying.

Unfortunately, the VSP-1 isn’t cheap. It’ll sell for ¥105,000 (appx. $1268 USD) when it goes on sale in Japan this April. Still, it might come in handy for locations such as nurses’ stations at hospitals where you might need to provide privacy without walls.

[via Akihabara News via Oh Gizmo!]

The new Disklavier Radio system allows the pianos to play live music broadcasts, including accompaniments to streamed, pre-recorded performances. The new digital radio stations will include music across a variety of genres including Broadway, Classical, Country, Great Piano Solos, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock, Soundtracks and Standards. In addition to playing live streams, many additional tracks can purchased through Yamaha’s new DisklavierMusic Store, and saved directly to the piano for later playback.

The streaming service works with Yamaha’s Disklavier Mark IV pianos, running software version 2.0 or later. It’s available on a subscription basis for $19.95 monthly or $199.50 per year.

[via SlipperyBrick]

The YSP-500 reflects sound from 18 individual sound drivers to deliver truly immersive surround with only a single box. Just like it’s bigger siblings, the box has all the requisite digital and analog inputs for DVD players and other audio sources.

It can decode Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 sound formats. It also offers SRS TruBass enhancement for the low end of things, but you’ll really want to supplement this system with a subwoofer if you really want a solid bass boom. As has been the case with all but the earliest YSP systems, this one includes IntelliBeam automated room calibration, so you you can get up and running with optimal sound in just a few minutes.

Keep in mind that while the surround effect from YSP speakers I’ve tested is pretty amazing, it’s best experienced in a room that has four normal walls, so sounds can be bounced off of surfaces appropriately. From my experience with the original YSP-1, odd-shaped rooms can be a bit of a challenge.

The YSP-500 should hit stores in Japan later this month for about ¥75,000 (appx. $647 USD), making it significantly less expensive than the larger models in the series. Expect to see these stateside within a few months of their Japanese release date.

[via ITMedia]

The top-of-the-line YSP-1100 features 40 high/mid-range speakers and 2 woofers, along with 42 discrete amplifiers to position sound using beam-focusing technologies. Last year, Yamaha improved upon the tricky calibration process of the 1st generation systems by adding their automated IntelliBeam system, and that feature is included in this year’s models as well.

The 1100 is said to have a wider virtual soundstage than prior models, and feature a new “My Beam” mode which allows you to save very precise positioning of the beams to a specific listening location to allow for a more intimate sonic experience.

Both the YSP-1100 and smaller YSP-900 support Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 formats. The 1100 also adds built-in video switching of two component inputs and an RS-232 port and IR in/out ports for remote control installations.

The Yamaha YSP-1100 should be available this month, and lists for $1699.95 USD. The YSP-900 should run $899.

Speaking from personal experience (with the original YSP-1 in my home theater,) the surround capabilities are pretty astounding if you have a reasonably square or rectangular room with walls to bounce the beams off of. Be sure to add on an external subwoofer though for optimal bass reproduction.

[via Audioholics]