DSP-Z9 NEW PRODUCT BULLETIN
Digital Home Cinema Amplifier

DSP-Z9

Yamaha introduces a new benchmark for amplifier performance: the DSP-Z9. This flagship model goes beyond the capabilities of previous high-end Yamaha models with High Definition CINEMA DSP technology, the ability to automatically optimize the sound for the listening room, superior audio and video quality, and the operating ease that Yamaha is famous for. The high end just moved up a step.
Black finish available in some areas.
The DSP-Z9 not only delivers the highest level of sound quality it automatically optimizes the sound for the room!

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If this amplifier doesnt have it, you dont need it! A huge array of features and connections make the DSP-Z9 the worlds most versatile and enjoyable amplifier.
The DSP-Z9 is an Audiophiles Delight
The DSP-Z9 has all the features a dedicated audiophile could want, and then some! Naturally, you get all the benefits of Yamahas industry-leading CINEMA DSP technology, available in a broad selection of 55 surround programmes with 79 variations. SILENT CINEMA allows surround sound to be heard through headphones. The all-new YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) functions as a high-end parametric equalizer to automatically analyzer the room acoustics and optimize the sound output to match. A wide range of audio and video functions are provided, and the user-friendly GUI display offers an extensive choice of useful menus. 9.1-channel, 2,280W powerful surround sound (300W x 7 + 90W x 2 [DIN]) Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) and High Current Amplification Pure Direct mode for high quality 2-channel sound reproduction i.LINK digital audio interface for Super Audio CD/DVD-Audio Heavy-duty, rigid chassis symmetric construction with separate chambers and finest parts used throughout High-Definition* CINEMA DSP by powerful 32-bit Yamaha LSIs (YSS-930 x 4)
* Double the speed and triple the density compared to previous processing system
Compatibility with latest movie sound formats including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24 THX Ultra2 Processing 55 surround programmes (79 variations) with SILENT CINEMA and Night Listening mode 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converter for all channels Digital component video up conversion Progressive Scan Output, Noise Shaped Video, DCDi, TrueLife Enhancer YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) On-Screen Display with GUI (Graphical User Interface) Custom installation compatibility with RS-232C and remote control IR code
Digital Home Cinema Amplifier Black finish available in some areas.

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From digital input, through digital processing, to amplification, maximum signal quality is maintained every step of the way.
Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) is the name Yamaha has given to a design philosophy whose goal is to maximize digital quality while minimizing analogue circuitry. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible today, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available. In the DSP-Z9, Digital ToP-ART can be divided into three categories.

High Performance Digital Circuitry with Burr-Brown 24-bit DACs for all 11 output channels and an Accurate Touch Volume Control with 96.5dB range. High-Definition CINEMA DSP Circuitry with the new powerful 32-bit floating point quantization LSIs (YSS-930 x 4). High Current Amplification with low-impedance design, superior toroidal transformer, gigantic heat sinks and many other advantages.
High-Definition CINEMA DSP Circuitry
High Performance Digital Circuitry
High Current Amplification
Direct Stereo DIR Digital Input Decoder CINEMA DSP and HiFi DSP (YSS-930 x 4) YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) (YSS-930 x 4) SEL

SEL SEL SEL SEL

DAC DAC DAC DAC DAC

VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL VOL

Front L Front R Centre Surround L Surround R Surround Back L Surround Back R Presence L Presence R Subwoofer L Subwoofer R

Multi (8)Channel Input

96 kHz/ 24-Bit ADC Minimal Analogue Processing Selector
DAC 192 kHz/24-Bit DAC for All 11 Channels

i.LINK

Accurate-Touch Volume Control (-80+16.5dB, 0.5dB Steps) YAC-520 LSIs for All 11 Channels

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The DSP-Z9 not only delivers the highest level of sound quality
High Performance Digital Circuitry The DSP-Z9 employs a wide array of sophisticated technology, beginning with Burr-Brown 192-kHz/24-bit digital-to-analogue converters for all 11 channels with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) compatibility. An AccurateTouch Volume Control is also used for all channels (Yamaha YAC520 LSIs). The digital bass/treble tone controls have turnover frequencies for main L/R and centre channels. 8-channel analogue input signals are processed by 96kHz A/D conversion for high sound quality. All circuitry is on a 4layer processing board with fully shielded cabinet for reduced digital interference. The DSP-Z9 also offers i.LINK (IEEE1394) compatibility. Choice of Signal Paths for Higher Sound Quality The DSP-Z9 gives you a choice of five specialized signal paths, ensuring that you can obtain the purest signal quality possible. Pure Direct provides the shortest possible signal path for two-channel or multichannel analog inputs, with no signal processing and no display. Straight outputs the original analog or digital signal without any post-processing. Direct Stereo provides a direct connection for stereo input, with a dimmed display. 2-Channel Stereo processes the multi-channel signal and outputs it via two channels, for those with a two-speaker system. And i.LINK provides a digital connection for DVD-Audio Linear PCM, Super Audio CD DSD (Direct Stream Digital) and other high quality audio sources.

DSP-Z9 Front Channel Signal Flow
Pure Direct (2 Channels, L/R) Pure Direct (Multi-channel, L/R)
+ Pure YAC-520 Direct (2ch) Volume Control

Multi-Channel In

Preout

Analogue L/R

Input Selector

Analogue/DSP

High-sound quality, High Reliable Gold-Plated Relays Balanced Signal Transmission for Lower Noise and Distortion
DSP-Z9 Operation Difference
Operation Source A/D Conversion Decoder Post Processing YPAO/Sp Configuration YPAO/Tone Control YPAO/Speaker Level FL Display Pure Direct Front Panel & Remote 2-Ch Analogue (Direct Input)/ Multi-Ch Analogue No Off Straight Front Panel & Remote Analogue & Digital Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Direct Stereo Programme Analogue & Digital (PCM/DSD) No No No (Bypass) No (Bypass) No No Dimmer
Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24 Bit PCM1792 DACs The PCM1792 is a high-performance, precision 24-bit DAC with ultra-low distortion of only 0.0004% (THD + N) and S/N ratio of 129dB. It offers superior low level linearity, with excellent full-scale performance under varying operating conditions. Its major benefit is performing accurate sound field reproduction for high quality multi-channel reproduction such as Dolby Digital and DTS.
3 Front Operational Modes
Pure Direct: For pure analog audio enjoyment. This mode provides the shortest signal path and eliminates as many control, processing and display functions as possible. It accepts Super Audio CD and DVD-Audio inputs. Straight: For original channel audio enjoyment without post-processing. This mode accepts both analog and digital sources, providing decoding but not post-processing. It can handle two-channel and multichannel sources, and the YPAO speaker configuration, tone control and speaker level functions are applicable. Direct Stereo: For direct twochannel enjoyment. This mode accepts two-channel analog and digital sources, bypassing the DSP and other processing circuits. Note: Mode priority is in the above order.

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it automatically optimizes the sound for the room!
High-Definition CINEMA DSP Circuitry The DSP-Z9 has six times greater DSP capacity than previous models, thanks to an increase from 48kHz A/D converters to 96kHz/24-bit types that can accept 96kHz signals for direct digital conversion and processing. Higher density processing enables approximately triple the amount of early reflection data to be handled, for significantly richer surround sound performance. The DSP-Z9 also employs 192kHz/24-bit D/A conversion and DSP processing and Yamahas 32-Bit Floating-Point Quantization System LSIs (YSS-930 x 4) for high precision decoding of Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES Yamahas Exclusive Discrete 6.1, YSS-930 32-Bit Floating DTS-ES Matrix Point Quantization LSI 6.1, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby Pro Logic IIx formats. There are 55 surround programmes available, with 79 variations, including Quad-Field CINEMA DSP programmes for 6.1-Channel Digital Surround. SILENT CINEMA for surround sound through headphones and Virtual CINEMA Triple the Density DSP for two-speaker systems are also How Sound Propagates (Previous) included. Even though CINEMA DSP has been the premier DSP technology in the world for the Direct Sound Early Reflections past few years, Yamaha has How Sound Propagates (DSP-Z9) upgraded it in the DSP-Z9. In fact, this amplifier has 6 times greater DSP capacity than previous models, thanks to an Early Reflections Direct Sound increase from 48k to 96k signal capability Double the Speed and 3 times higher Expanding Frequency Response density early 044kHz (DSP-Z9) reflections, as 022kHz (Previous) shown in the above Double the Signal Capacity photos. Fs: 96kHz (DSP-Z9)

The DSP-Z9 delivers a huge 300W to each of seven channels (two front, one centre, two surround and two surround back), as well as 90W to the two

Bias Circuit

Speaker Out

Basic Circuit Diagram

Symmetrical power amplifier circuit configuration results in improved slew rate and balanced clipping.
presence (front effect) channels (DIN).
High Current Amplification Principle
The voltage (A) of Block Electrolytic Capacitors and voltage (B) of Power Transistor Collector should be ideally at the same level. However, when the current become large, there will be a big difference in the level of each voltages. There is also a level difference between Output of the Power Amplifier (C) and Speaker Terminals (D), which is reflected by coppers of PCB, Speaker out put relays, cables and so on, resulting damaging the sound quality.
This is more than enough to fill even the largest rooms with vibrant music and dynamic sound effects. 6-4 mixdown is also provided, for enjoying 6-channel input sources from four or five speakers you already have on hand with or without subwoofer. And also The high current amplification system uses symmetrical drive and a full push-pull circuit configuration with a complementary FET input stage. A large toroidal transformer and large capacity block chemical condenser (28,000F) ensure a stable power supply. High Dynamic Power Capability The DSP-Z9 is capable of delivering large amounts of reserve power for accurate reproduction of the high energy peaks that are especially prevalent in digital audio sources. This emphasizes the musics dynamic qualities and provides a sharper sound image. Linear Damping Level variations due to high amp impedance tend to reduce an amplifiers damping factor, and frequency variations cause it to fluctuate. This circuit cancels the effect of these variations, maintaining a high, stable

Power Supply Circuit

GND Amplifier Circuit
Power Supply Circuit GND Amplifier Circuit
Voltage level difference between A (power supply circuit) and B (amplifier circuit).
Voltage level difference between C (amplifier circuit output) and D (speaker terminals).

Conventional Amplifier

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Current Power from Input to Output.
damping factor, for superior articulation of all sounds and better frequency response. Super High Grade Construction and Finest Parts Used Throughout The DSP-Z9 uses a heavy-duty, rigid chassis construction with separate chambers for individual sections to prevent any internal interference. The chassis also has electromagnetic shielding. Large, anti-resonance, aluminium-extruded heat sinks provide effective heat dissipation. Supporting all this is Yamahas ToP-ART base and ART (anti-resonance and tough) feet, which provide stability and complete vibration-damping. The speaker terminals are gold-plated, super-quality, 2-way binding post types. In order to realize the goals of massive power and superlative sound quality, Yamaha technicians completely

Gold-PlatedExtruded Gigantic Speaker Terminals
re-evaluated all the parts used in previous amplifiers. As a result, many were replaced with more expensive or custom-designed units. Two Direct Signal Path Speaker Relays with Gold-Plated Crossover Connection and Shielding Thick PC Board Wiring with 1.6mm Copper Jumper Cables High Sound Quality Schottky Barrier Diode for High Gain S/N Ratio Extra-Thick (100mm) AluminiumExtruded Front Panel Discrete Power Supply Configuration for All Channels
Extra-Large Toroidal Transformer
Preamp Chamber Video Chamber DSP Chamber
3-Layer Construction Extra-Large Custom-Made Block Electrolytic Capacitors (28,000 F) Gold-Plated-Extruded Gigantic Speaker Terminals
Power Amplifier (Left) with Large, AntiResonance, AluminiumExtruded Heat Sink (Left) Providing Effective Heat Dissipation Control Section
Two Direct Signal Path Speaker Relays with Gold-Plated Crossover Connection and Shielding Power Amplifier (Right) with Large, AntiResonance, AluminiumExtruded Heat Sink (Right) Providing Effective Heat Dissipation
Two Direct Signal Path Speaker Relays
High Sound Quality Schottky Barrier Diode for High Gain S/N Ratio
Selected High Quality Parts
Power Supply Chamber with Extra-Large Toroidal Transformer and Extra-Large CustomMade Block Electrolytic Capacitors (28,000F)

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Yamaha CINEMA DSP for Home Cinema: Dramatically Different
Going Beyond Conventional MultiChannel Systems
Conventional multi-channel audio reproduction systems base their sound on Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, using matrix and steering technologies to create surround sound effects. Yamaha CINEMA DSP is much more advanced, actually creating richly realized independent sound fields that merge to envelop you in an unmatched surround sound experience. With dialogue, music and effects from the presence (front line), surround and surround back fields, you will hear sound with highly
accurate localization, smooth movement, exceptional clarity and richness, and startlingly realistic presence. It will seem as if the walls of your room have disappeared and you are in the middle of your own immense theatre! Quad-Field and Tri-Field CINEMA DSP Tri-Field CINEMA DSP projects three sound fields into the home cinema: a Presence sound field in the front and two Surround sound fields in the left rear and right rear, resulting in a powerfully realistic three-dimensional soundscape. And now Yamaha also offers Quad-Field CINEMA DSP. It adds an additional surround back sound field to the Tri-Field system, in
order to enjoy the 6.1-channel formats, Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES. CINEMA DSP Programmes and THX Programmes One of the main advantages of CINEMA DSP is the large choice of sound field programmes available. The basic programme for movies is Enhanced, which greatly improves the sound of the surround fields. The "largest" of these sound fields is Spectacle, which recreates the open feeling of large-scale, epic motion pictures. The Sci-Fi, Adventure and General programmes provide the optimum sound fields for those movie genres. There are also six THX programmes, including Ultra2*.

* THX Ultra2 is a surround programme for home use, based on the THX Theater processing developed for movie theater surround sound.
DSP-Z9 Surround Programmes: 55 Surround Programmes (79 Variations) 2-Channel Stereo Direct Stereo HiFi DSP Programmes Munich A Frankfurt Stuttgart CONCERT HALL 1 Munich B Vienna Amsterdam Hall G in U.S.A. CONCERT HALL 2 Hall H in U.S.A. Live Concert Tokyo CHURCH Freiburg Royaumont Village Gate JAZZ CLUB Village Vanguard The Bottom Line The Roxy Theatre ROCK CONCERT Warehouse Loft Arena Disco ENTERTAINMENT Party 9-CH STEREO 9-Channel Stereo Programme Subtotal 21 STEREO CINEMA DSP Programmes Game ENTERTAINMENT TV Sports Mono Movie Pop/Rock DJ MUSIC VIDEO Classical/Opera Pavilion Spectacle MOVIE THEATER 1 Sci-Fi Adventure MOVIE THEATER 2 General ENHANCED Enhanced Programme Subtotal 12 Variations 32 Decoder Straight Programmes Variations Dolby Digital 1 Dolby Digital/ EX 1 DTS Digital Surround 1 DTS 96/DTS-ES Matrix 6.DTS 96/24 ES (6.1) 1 DTS-ES Discrete 6.Dolby Pro Logic 1 Dolby Pro Logic II Music 1 Dolby Pro Logic II Movie 1 Dolby Pro Logic II Game 1 Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music 3* Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie 3* Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game 1 DTS Neo:6 Music 1 DTS Neo:6 Cinema 1 Programme Subtotal THX Cinema Ultra 2 (5(3).1 & SB x 2) Music ES Matrix 6.1 ES Discrete 6.1 Surround EX (6.1 or Forced On) Programme Subtotal 6 Programme Total 55 Variations 6 79

Variations 1 21

Remarks : HiFi DSP Programmes : A/V Programmes : CINEMA DSP : Tri-Field CINEMA DSP Capable : Quad-Field CINEMA DSP Capable
All DSP programmes are available in the
SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP modes.
Auto Priority Input Terminal Selection and Auto Decoder Selection Digital input terminals are provided to handle any kind of digital input. Functions are programmed to select priority in order of coaxial digital, optical digital and analogue when different digital formats are
input from the same source. The sound decoder is also automatically selected and processed according to the combination of the format of input signals and the selected sound field programmes, while DSP sound field processing is optimized at the same time.
*Only when using Surround Back x 2 Speakers for normal, Dolby Digital and DTS.

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Than Other Systems.
Night Listening Mode for All Surround Programmes When youre listening to movies late at night and turn down the volume during loud scenes, dynamic range suffers and you may miss some dialogue and other sounds. By engaging the Night Listening mode, you can reduce the volume and still enjoy proper tonal balance and dynamic range. You hear dialogue clearly and the music and action are just as exciting (without the screams and explosions disturbing others). Audio Delay for Adjusting Lip-Sync The YSS-930 LSI in the DSP-Z9 provides synchronization of images and sound, which is called lip-sync. Most home theater LSIs do not have

the necessary speed and precision to handle this, but the YSS-930 is able to do it accurately. Whats more, by using the Audio Delay mode, lip-sync parameters can be adjusted whenever necessary. SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
plugged in. Virtual CINEMA DSP lets you enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound without using surround speakers (handy for use in custom installations where some rooms dont have surround speakers). It can be used with the front/centre/presemce speakers or even with just the two front left and right speakers.
The SILENT CINEMA mode gives you private listening enjoyment of multichannel music or movie sound, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround, through ordinary headphones. Its automatically selected when the headphones are
SILENT CINEMA Sound Field Imaging

Quad-Field CINEMA DSP

Presence (Front Line) Sound Field
Conventional 7.1-Channel Systems

Dialogue

Effect
Surround Left Sound Field Surround Back Sound Field
Surround Right Sound Field

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YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) and Easy
YPAO: The Best Sound for Your Room Automatically! This new capability is one of the DSPZ9s most innovative and appealing features. The amplifier comes supplied with a small microphone, which the user places in the listening position. Activating the functions causes a test tone to be emitted, which is analyzed, and based on the results, the audio output is automatically adjusted to provide the optimum sound for the room acoustics. The optimizer functions as a parametric, not merely a graphic, equalizer, providing a degree of precision calibration that users could not do by themselves. Among the factors considered are speaker connection, speaker size, channel level balance, speaker distance and speaker frequency response. In DSP-Z9 Optimizer short, the DSP-Z9 not Microphone
only delivers better sound, it delivers the BEST sound for each and every room. On-Screen Display with GUI (Graphical User Interface) A handy GUI that includes extensive yet easily understandable setup menus makes it easy to select and adjust desired functions. Especially useful is a speaker display in the Speaker Test mode that makes it easy to balance the levels of all speakers. DSP programmes can be selected with the remote control so their effects can be judged from the listening position.
Programme Name and Surround Sound Indications The front panel display shows a variety of surround sound status indications, so you always know what modes you are in. Six sound field modes including Quad-Field and TriField are also indicated.

Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) 1) Speaker Connections Checks for missing connections and subwoofer phase control (here the right surround speaker is not connected).
Graphic Equalizer vs. Parametric Equalizer
4) Speaker Frequency Response Measures and optimizes each speakers frequency response using the 10-band parametric equalizer.

-0.5dB +0.5dB

+0.5dB
Conventional Graphic Equalizer
-12dB 16KHz Q (Range) Level Frequency +6dB 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1KHz 2KHz 4KHz 8KHz 63Hz

+3dB +4.5dB +4.5dB

+2.5dB

Speaker Wiring

Frequency Response
Yamaha Parametric Equalizer
16KHz 125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1KHz 2KHz 4KHz 8KHz 63Hz -20dB
2) Speaker Distance Measures speaker distances from the listening point and corrects for differences down to 5cm.
5) Sound Pressure Level Measures and aligns the sound pressure levels of all speakers.

-2.5dB 0dB

Level Frequency

0dB +0.5dB 0dB +1.5dB

+1.5dB 0dB

Speaker Distance

Channel Level
For example: if there is the Dip like this.
3) Speaker Size Checks speaker sizes (large or small) and subwoofer crossover frequency.

Graphic Equalizer

Parametric Equalizer

Before Correction

-20 -20

After Correction

-10000

Frequency (Hz)

Small Small

Speaker Size

YPAO YPAO provides frequency response compensation of all channels via a 10-band parametric equalizer. Graphic equalizers adjust only the level, while parametric equalizers adjust level, frequency and Q factor, thus providing more detailed and effective sound equalization.

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Setup Operation
Easy Setup and Operation The RX-Z9 has an ergonomic design that ensures simple, convenient operation. Everything from the layout of the controls to the appearance and selection of the operating menus has been planned to make using it easy and enjoyable. Wide Range of Detailed Menus The remote control lets you access and adjust a wide range of menus on the on-screen display, for total operational control. You can use the Auto Setup menu to select which speaker parameters will be automatically adjusted, or you can adjust speaker and system parameters yourself via Manual Setup, which includes four menus. Basic for setting speaker and subwoofer parameters, Sound for adjusting Cinema EQ, Graphic EQ and other audio functions, Video for selecting Picture Mode, Resolution and five other settings, and Option for Multi-Zone and other functions. There are also Input Select, i.LINK Select, Stereo/Surround, Memory Guard and Signal Info menus. Cinema and Graphic Equalizers The Cinema EQ menu allows you to adjust parametric EQ and high fre-

quency levels. You can set frequencies between 1.0 and 12.7kHz, and levels between 9 and +3dB for Front & Center, Surround, Surround Back and Presence speakers. There is also a 9-band graphic equalizer. Ideal for Use in Custom Installations The DSP-Z9 has numerous features designed to facilitate use in custom, multi-room installations. These include Zone 2 coaxial digital, video (inc. S-Video) and audio output for multi-room control capability, speaker A/B selection, an RS-232C interface with extended IR code for two-way communication, two trigger outputs and two IR ports. A/V Rec Out Selector with Zone 2 Selector The Rec Out Selector lets you choose which source you want to record. As you are recording, you can listen to that source or to the source selected by the Input Selector. The Rec Out Selector also functions as a Zone 2 Selector. Subwoofer Crossover Selection The DSP-Z9 provides a choice of nine subwoofer crossover frequencies: 40, 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 160 and 200 Hz. In addition to providing a wider range than other amplifiers, the steps from 80 to 120 Hz are only 10 Hz apart for more precise selection. This choice of crossovers lets you finetune the audio system by selecting the optimum frequency to maximize amplifier/speaker efficiency and also ensures best performance from a wider variety of speakers (small to large).
Dialogue Lift When using a center speaker positioned below the screen, dialogue may not be heard with maximum clarity. The Dialogue Lift function causes part of the center channel sound to be output from the left and right front speakers, so you hear the dialogue more clearly. Inlet-Type Power Cable The Inlet-Type Power Cable is separate, rather than attached to the unit. It is a thicker type than usual, for higher power handling capacity. Direct Access Remote Unit The remote control can learn the functions of other components, so you can use it as a single remote for the entire system. The buttons in the component control area have different functions for each type of component, selected by pressing the input button. The input name is shown in the LCD window, and you can change each name. Frequently used functions are easily accessible on the front, while others are located under the sliding panel. Other Notable Features Large Rotary Encoder Input Selector Level Setting for Each input Sleep Timer

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Sophisticated Video Technology and Complete Digital Video Conversion

Digital Component Video UpConversion One way of ensuring the highest video quality for your home cinema system is to use the best possible video signal. The DSP-Z9 automatically upgrades the input signal (composite to S-Video or component, S-Video to component) to the one that your monitor/TV can accept. Not only that, but all signals pass through the DCDi and Noise Shaped Video circuits further improving them. This means that you simply use the best possible cable between the amplifier and the monitor/TV, and then whatever the source is, you are assured of getting the highest possible quality.
Component Video * S-Video * Composite Video * 480i and 576i (PAL) only Composite Video S-Video Component Video
Noise Shaped Video This technology, from Analog Devices, uses oversampling and advanced techniques such as multi-bit sigma-delta processing and bit-shuffling to improve converter performance by moving converter noise to an area of the spectrum where it can be removed by an analogue filter. This improves the accuracy of signal representation, allowing images to be displayed at much higher resolutions. Progressive Scan Video Output and Other Video Technologies The DSP-Z9 is the first amplifier to provide Progressive Scan Video Output, for use with high definition monitors. With almost twice as much video data, it provides a sharper, noise-free picture with clearer details. The progressive circuit is an Area Adaptive 3:2 PullDown Detection type, and gives you the benefit of progressive scanning even if your DVD player does not have it. Other video technologies include 216MHz/12bit Video D/A Conversion, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction, Cross Color Suppression, Aspect Ratio Conversion, a Time Base Corrector that prevents the wavy YGV-619 Yamaha distortion seen in video Original LSI
Digital Video Processing Board All digital video processing circuitry is on a single board, housed in its own separate chamber to completely avoid interference from other circuitry.
tapes and TrueLife Enhancer by Farouja that brings out details in the picture, producing a more life-like image. Image Adjustment To ensure that the high quality image looks precisely the way you want it to, the DSP-Z9 includes an extremely detailed Image Adjustment function. You can select three modes, Cinema, Standard or Dynamic, and within those modes, you can fine-tune five parameters: Enhancer, 3D NR, Brightness, Contrast and Saturation. You can then store your final adjustments in the user memory for recall at any time.
DCDi Processing The DSP-Z9 is the first amplifier to offer Faroudjas DCDi Processing, which is selectable and ensures that images are smooth and natural, without staircasing or jaggies. Faroudja DCDi LSI

(Genesis FLI2310)

Before TrueLife Enhancer (Left) vs. After TrueLife Enhancer (Right)
DCDi Off (Left) vs. DCDi On (Right)
Without Film Mode (Left) vs. With Film Mode (Right)
Time Base Corrector Off vs. Time Base Corrector On (Right)

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Versatile, Extensive Connections
Oil-Damped Hidden Control Panel Front Panel Aux Input Terminals with Optical Digital and S-Video Terminals: Auxiliary terminals with optical digital input make it convenient to connect a digital game machine so you can enjoy DVD games and movies.
Gold-Plated-Extruded Gigantic Speaker Terminals (All Terminals) Inlet-Type Power Terminal Gold-Plated-Extruded Gigantic Speaker Terminals (All Terminals)
7 A/V and 5 Audio (Audio Signal) Input, 3 A/V and 3 Audio (Audio Signal) Output, and Zone 2 Audio Output Terminals Pre-Main and Centre Couplers, Surround, and Surround Back and Presence Preout, and Subwoofer Output Terminals
Phono Input Terminals 8-Channel External Decoder Input Terminals Pure Direct 2Ch Input Terminals
6 Component Video Input Terminals (fixed and assignable) and 2 Monitor Output Component Video Terminals
RS-232C Interface for Custom Installation
7 Optical, 4 Coaxial Digital Input Terminals (fixed and assignable)
3 Optical Zone 2 Output Coaxial Output terminals Terminal

i.LINK (Audio)

2 Trigger Outputs for Automatic Power on of Other Components (+12V, 15mA) Remote Control IR Code Input/ Output for Custom Installation
2 Monitor (with S-Vide) Output, 7 Video Input/3 Video Output (with S-Video) Terminals, and Zone 2 Video (with S-Video) Output Terminals
DSP-Z9 Inputs and Outputs Analogue In Out
PHONO CD TUNER MD/TAPE CD-R DVD DTV/LD CBL SAT VCR 1 VCR 2 DVR Video Aux Monitor Out 1 Monitor Out 2 ZONE 2 Multi-Ch Pure Direct 2-Ch
Digital Coaxial Optical In Out In Out

Composite In Out

Video S Video In Out

Component Video In Out

Fixed (), Fixed/Assignable () and Assignable () Terminals. RF (AC-3) terminal for LD input () is assignable as coaxial digital terminal.

* *

Fixed and Assignable Terminals Yamaha offers terminals that can be either independently assigned to sources or defaulted to fixed settings.
*: HDTV (720p/1080i) Compatible
Component Video Out Frequency response of Component Video Monitor Out signal is 5 100MHz (processor off), making it compatible with HDTV monitors.

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DSP-Z9 Main Specifications AUDIO SECTION DIN Standard Output Power (4 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7% THD) Front Channels 300 W + 300 W Centre Channel 300 W Surround Channels 300 W + 300 W Surround Back Channel 300 W + 300 W Presence Channel 90 W + 90 W Minimum RMS Output Power (8 ohms, 2020,000 Hz, 0.015% THD,FTC) Front Channels 170 W + 170 W Centre Channel 170 W Surround Channels 170 W + 170 W Surround Back Channel 170 W + 170 W Presence Channel 50 W + 50 W High Dynamic Power, Low-Impedance Drive Capability Yes Dynamic Power/Channel 8 ohms 210 W 6 ohms 260 W 4 ohms 340 W 2 ohms 580 W Linear Damping Yes Damping Factor (8 ohms, 2020,000 Hz) 200 (speaker A) Input Sensitivity/Impedance Phono (MM) 2.5 mV/47 k-ohms CD 200 mV/47 k-ohms Frequency Response 10100,000 Hz +0, -3 dB Total Harmonic Distortion (2020,000 Hz) CD (Front/Centre In, Sp Out, 85 W/8 ohms) 0.005% Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CD, 250 mV) 100 dB Speaker/Headphone Tone Control Characteristics (Front/Centre/Subwoofer) Bass Boost/Cut +6 dB/6 dB (50 Hz) Turnover Frequency 125 Hz/350 Hz/500 Hz Treble Boost/Cut +6 dB/6 dB (20 kHz) Turnover Frequency 2.5 kHz/3.5 kHz/8 kHz

Manual Graphic Equalizer (Front/Centre/Surround/Surround Back/Presence) f=63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz and 16 kHz Q=1.2 Step=0.5 +6 dB/6 dB YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) f=63 Hz 16 kHz +6 dB/20 dB, 10 bands in 25 points Crossover Frequencies (Subwoofer Out) 40, 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120,160 and 200 Hz Cinema Equalizer High Shaving Filter Frequency 1,000 12,700 Hz Boost/Cut +6 dB/9 dB Parametric Equalizer Frequency 1,000 12,700 Hz Boost/Cut +6 dB/9 dB VIDEO SECTION Video Signal Level S-Video Signal Level Component Video Signal Level

Y C Y Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr

Signal-to-Noise Ratio Monitor Out Frequency Response Composite/S-Video Signal Component Video Signal GENERAL Standby Power Consumption Dimensions Weight
1 Vp-p/75 ohms 1 Vp-p/75 ohms 0.286 Vp-p/75 ohms 1 Vp-p/75 ohms 0.7 Vp-p/75 ohms 70 dB (processor on) 5 Hz10MHz -3 dB 5 Hz100MHz -3 dB

(W x H x D)

Less than 1 W 435 x 211 x 471 mm 30 kg
Yamahas unique technology for the creation of sound fields is capable of powerfully reproducing the threedimensional environment that movie sound engineers aim to convey, in any audio format from monaural to the latest 6.1-channel digital surround. It is compatible with DVD and all other A/V sources. Yamaha CINEMA DSP technology has received a patent in the U.S. (Patent No. 5,261,005). Silent is a trademark of Yamaha Corporation.
Dolby, Pro Logic and Double D are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Corporation. DTS is a trademark of DTS Technology LLC. THX and the THX logo are registered trademarks of THX Ltd. Surround EX is a jointly developed technology of THX and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Burr-Brown products are trademarks of Texas Instruments, Inc. "DCDi"is a trademark of Faroudja, a division of Genesis Microchip Inc. NSV is a.trademark of Analog Device inc i.LINK and the i.LINK logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation Product designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.
For details please contact:
Visit us at our website: http://www.yamaha-audio.co.uk
200 Rickmansworth Rd, Watford, HERTS, WD18 7GQ

P10001895G-DSPZ9@908

YAMAHA ELECTRONICS UK LTD

14/14 (G/B)

034 EHC 20 Yamaha DSP-Z9

5/4/04

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>>Reviews Amplifier

Yamaha DSP-Z9

Yamahas latest amplifier weighs 30kg and features everything. Alan Sircoms impressed, but his osteopath disagrees
TS HARD TO SEE THE YELLOW FRONT panel display of the 3,300 Yamaha DSP-Z9. Not because it is especially dim or confusing but simply because the DSP-Z9 is so massive light cannot escape its clutches. Leave an unconnected cable or DVD near this amplifier and the next morning you will find it gently orbiting the Z9. Its also super-powerful; theres so much digital smarts inside the Z9, perhaps it should be renamed HAL. And the beauty of the digital smarts entailed within the Z9 is that for once it does not mean that you have a complex installation job on your hands. The amplifier features a microphone setup (called YPAO, or Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimiser) that optimises distance, level,
What we like about this amplifier A spec sheet to die for, yet simple to use Delving through its processing is addictive A sound quality that lives up to the price What we dont like about this amplifier Its very, very heavy Need a lot of speakers to get the best from it The jealous looks from your friends
channel balance and tonal balance for the speakers, as well as discovering the size and number of speakers used automatically. While similar in some respects (equalisation, for example), rival amplifiers like Pioneers VSA-AX10 cannot compete in terms of channels and power delivery. And its here that the reason for the YPAO system becomes clear. The Z9 is a 9.1-channel amp that delivers a total of just over 2.25kW to these channels. If you use the DSP-Z9 to its limits, you will have a lot of speakers in the cinema room. Granted, the front effects speakers neednt be large (Yamahas own tiny 80 NS-E103s are ideal for the purpose), but the number of speakers (and wires) may require considerable arbitration between the cinema and domestic management. The Yamaha sports every possible feature you could ask for on a home cinema system. Like all good flagships of the last few months, the Z9 has an i.Link connection for two-way digital communications between player and amplifier, as well as shifting the DVD-Audio and SACD processing to within the amplifier instead of the player. Custom installers also have digital access to the Z9 with a RS232C port.
One of the smarter options is the inclusion of healthy video processing alongside the audio decoding. Theres a Faroudja DCDi processing circuit, allowing progressive scan images, as well as digital component video up-conversion and noise shaped video processing. In short, this means the Yamaha does its best to upgrade even most basic composite video pictures to progressive scan component video output, cleaning up the picture in the process. And then theres Yamahas sophisticated DSP decoding chipset. Every channel features 192kHz, 24bit digital conversion. This is coupled to no less than 79 variations on the 55 surround sound programmes (including headphone and late night modes). With so many speakers deployed around the room, the Z9 requires the very latest Dolby and DTS modes, and the Yamaha sports Pro-Logic IIx, and DTS Neo: 6 to bring stereo soundtracks up to 7.1 channel standing. It also features Dolby Digital/Digital EX and DTS/DTS ES, and even THX Ultra 2 processing. THX Ultra 2 is a new feature of Yamahas flagship. This is a lot of processing, which can potentially damage the more sensitive and purist
ESSENTIAL HI-FI & HOME CINEMA

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Key Features 9.1 channels 7 x 300W RMS for main 7 amps, 2 x 90W for front effects Dolby Digital/Digital EX. DTS/DTS ES, Dolby Pro-Logic IIx, DTS Neo:surround programmes (79 variations) Connections 7 x pairs AV and 5 audio-only phono input 3 x pairs AV and audio-only phono output MM phono input 8 x phono direct input 14 x pre-amp phono output 7 x optical, 4 x coaxial digital input 3 x optical digital output
THX Ultra 2 approved YPAO automatic setup i.Link compatible Faroudja DCDi progressive scan and video up-scaling Separate signal paths for different sources Zone 2 coaxial digital output 2 x i.Link connector 6 x component video input 2 x component video output 7 x composite/S-video input 2 x monitor composite/S-video output Zone 2 composite/S-video output IR trigger input, RS232C input 11 x pairs multi-way speaker terminals: IEC mains input Dimensions 435(w) x 211(h) x 471(d)mm
Audio phono inputs/outputs

Speaker terminals

Yamahas most highly-specified amplifier to date

Component video in/out

Digital audio in/out
S-video & composite in/out

i.Link sockets

Control sockets
stereo sound so, cleverly, Yamaha has four discrete signal paths to handle sensitivities of the selected sound format, switching out all video and DSP modes for the Pure Direct mode, for example. One of the nice touches in the Yamaha box is the second remote. The main remote control a big black sea of buttons is useful for fine-tuning the setup of the Z9, but confusing and potentially problematic for day-to-day use. Shrewdly, Yamaha include a smaller, less complex granny remote with all the control needed to use the Yamaha in daily use. Like the automated setup, Yamaha is not the first company to think of this, but where the Z9 scores is that it includes everything others have thought of. This is only scratching the surface of the Z9s features, but its not our fault. Even the brief info sheet on the Yamaha website runs to 14 pages. Functionality-wise, the Yamaha is surprisingly easy to use. The auto-setup makes installation easy, the graphical user interface allows modification and shaping of that installation and the granny remote allows the amplifier to be used easily from day-today. This means you hardly need to use the manual aside from plugging one component to another,
a good thing because it is necessarily complex. Once installed and set up, the amplifier is extremely easy to drive and for most people behaves as if you had designed the interface personally. Sonically, the Z9 is shockingly good. Sound is typically Yamaha; dark, warm and satisfying. Yet its also supremely powerful; its as if the speakers are suddenly bigger, more accurate and capable of delivering more sound than before. All this and subtlety, too. Sounds move around the room with the sort of seamless integration that usually implies a professional installation. Normally, we highlight the good or bad aspects of an amplifier with an illustrative passage from a DVD. That proves impossible here. Every disc you play on the Z9 illustrates how good the amplifier is. Of course, the typical demo discs Gladiator, Das Boot, Lord of the Rings sound fantastic, but so do mono discs like Citizen Kane. The Yamaha DSP-Z9 sets a new standard in home cinema amplification. You need to buy extremely expensive processor/power amplifier combinations to get a better sound, but nothing beats it in functionality of flexibility.

Verdict

Sales Web www.yamaha-audio.co.uk
EASE OF USE LOOKS FEATURES SOUND VALUE
VERDICT This is the biggest and best-specified integrated AV amplifier on the market today. Now go out and buy one.

Overall

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