Yamaha has announced the U.S. debut of the 5000 Series, which includes the NS-5000 speakers, C-5000 pre-amplifier, M-5000 power amplifier, and GT-5000 turntable. These new flagship series models are specifically engineered to work as a system, delivering balanced audio transmissions from cartridge to speaker output for premier performance.
“With this new system, the focus is less on the individual components and more on the immersive and uniquely moving experience created for the listener,” says Alex Sadeghian, director, Consumer Audio, Yamaha Corporation of America. “Achieving purity of sound is critical and our new 5000 series was designed with this, and the discerning listener, in mind. Authentic sound reproduction is in the Yamaha DNA, from our musical instruments and the smallest wireless speaker all the way to our flagship Hi-Fi gear. That is the entire concept behind the 5000 series. It’s an achievement in both art and sound.”
The NS-5000 speakers incorporate tweeter, midrange, and woofer diaphragms made of Zylon, a high-strength and lightweight synthetic fiber providing acoustic velocity and the ability to reproduce the most delicate details of audio without the sharp resonance peak inherent of harder materials. A patented acoustic absorber eliminates sound-absorbing material to revive the original presence of the music, and patented resonance suppression chambers suppress unwanted resonance in the mid and high ranges. The speakers’ enclosure construction is made of white Japanese birch and a piano black finish, the same used on Yamaha grand pianos.
The C-5000 pre-amplifier features fully balanced discrete circuits, with each channel resembling a mirror image of the other, allowing all signal transmission, power supply, and ground connections to be minimized. Independent, dual toroidal transformers for the right and left channels deliver channel separation and voltage stability. A patented design “floats” the phono EQ, input amp and line amp stages — removing the influence of ground noise from the signal.
The M-5000 power amplifier features a patented floating and balanced amplifier design, which reduces the signal path as much as possible, minimizing energy loss and achieving lower impedance for high-fidelity performance. Unlike conventional power amplifier designs, the power supply of the M-5000 “floats” from the ground, which removes undesirable impacts of minute voltage fluctuations or ground noise. The M-5000 employs a mechanical ground concept, whereby the power transformer, block capacitors and heat sink are fixed mechanically to the frame to eliminate vibration influence. A massive toroidal transformer boasts less flux leakage and excellent power conversion and efficiency. Internally, thick wires and screw-type connections are used for low-impedance, minimizing the loss that would otherwise occur with conventional connections and wire assemblies.
The new GT-5000 turntable draws inspiration and design characteristics from the Yamaha GT (Gigantic and Tremendous) series. A custom belt-drive system with quartz timing minimizes the influence of the motor for an open, smooth sound. A short, straight tonearm made of carbon fiber and copper-plated aluminum delivers superior rigidity, weight balance, and mechanics resulting in improved traceability. The turntable’s heavy 11.5 lb. outer platter, 4.4 lb. inner platter, and custom heavy-duty feet increase stability. A 24-pole, 2-phase AC synchronous motor generates an accurate sine wave.
AVAILABILITY
The following is planned availability and suggested retail pricing for the Yamaha 5000 series of premium Hi-Fi components:
- NS-5000PNST Speaker (speaker pair with stands included): Late October, $14,999.95 (MSRP)
- C-5000 Pre-Amplifier: now available, $9,999.95 (MSRP)
- M-5000 Power Amplifier: now available, $9,999.95 (MSRP)
- GT-5000 Turntable: Early 2020, $7,999.95 (MSRP)
The new 5000 series will initially be available to the U.S. market at six exclusive “experience centers” located throughout the country. Additional information on the 5000 series, including the list of experience centers, is available here.
