Overview

The Yamaha NS-F330 is a 2-way, 3-driver floorstanding loudspeaker with dual 5-inch PMD cone woofers and a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. Yamaha lists 40 Hz–45 kHz response, 89 dB/2.83 V/1 m sensitivity, 6 Ω nominal impedance, and a 3.2 kHz crossover [1]. Yamaha highlights a studio-monitor-derived waveguide for directivity control and a rounded, double-baffle cabinet to suppress standing waves [2].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

There are no credible third-party measurements (on-axis FR ±dB, distortion vs SPL, etc.) publicly available for the NS-F330. Only manufacturer specs (40 Hz–45 kHz, 89 dB/2.83 V/1 m, 6 Ω) are published [1]. The design claims (waveguide, PMD cones) are reasonable but unverified by independent data; thus, per policy we anchor at 0.5 when measurements are unknown and adjust downward due to absent tolerance data (no FR ±dB, no THD) and marketing emphasis above audibility (45 kHz) [1][2].

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

A standard 2-way bass-reflex tower using established materials (aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide, PMD cone woofers) and conventional crossover topology. The waveguide/cabinet shaping are rational but not novel in 2025 terms [2]. With no patents or independent performance breakthroughs surfaced, we place it around industry-average engineering maturity.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

Price basis (USD, new market): NS-F330 shows current new “Buy It Now” offers around 600 USD per speaker (≈ 1,200 USD per pair) [4][5].
Cheapest equivalent-or-better comparator (USD): Sony SS-CS3 (3-way/4-driver, two 5.12” woofers + 1” tweeter + 0.75” super-tweeter; 45 Hz–50 kHz; 6 Ω; 88 dB) at 229.99 USD per speaker from Sony US (≈ 459.98 USD per pair) [6][7]. From the user perspective, SS-CS3 offers equal or better functionality (tower speaker) and manufacturer performance coverage (extends lower than 50 kHz top-end, lists similar sensitivity/impedance) [6][7][8].

CP calculation (policy formula):
459.98 USD ÷ 1,200 USD = 0.383 → 0.4 after rounding to one decimal.

(Note: we exclude transient clearance lows; use representative current prices with sources. If the review target becomes the cheapest equivalent option, CP would clamp to 1.0.)

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

Yamaha’s brand service footprint is broad, but the NS-F330 is officially discontinued [1], which can constrain future parts/support availability. No published failure-rate or MTBF data were found. Absent firmware/software, ongoing update support is inapplicable to this passive loudspeaker category.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

Design choices (studio-monitor-style waveguide to manage directivity, curved double-baffle to reduce cabinet modes, PMD cones) are acoustically rational and grounded in known engineering [2]. Claims beyond audibility (45 kHz extension) are marketing-centric, but overall the product direction is scientific rather than occult.

Advice

If you need a conventional tower speaker and cannot find independent measurements for the NS-F330, the SS-CS3 is a defensible baseline alternative with broader driver complement and a far lower price, while published specs are at least as strong on paper [6][7][8]. For buyers prioritizing verified fidelity, favor models with public third-party measurements (FR with tolerance, distortion at level, directivity) and compare against modern options before paying a premium for a discontinued model [1][2].

References

[1] Yamaha. “NS-F330 — Specs.” https://europe.yamaha.com/en/audio/home-audio/products/speakers/ns-f330/specs.html (accessed 2025-08-13). Status: Discontinued. Key specs: 40 Hz–45 kHz; 89 dB/2.83 V/1 m; 6 Ω; 3.2 kHz.
[2] Yamaha. “NS-F330 — Overview.” https://europe.yamaha.com/en/audio/home-audio/products/speakers/ns-f330/ (accessed 2025-08-13). Waveguide and cabinet claims.
[3] Yamaha Japan. “スピーカーシステム — NS-F330 価格表示.” https://jp.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/speaker_systems/index.html (accessed 2025-08-13). MSRP context (Japan).
[4] eBay (Audioxperts55). “Yamaha NS-F330 Floor Standing Speaker 1 unit — MB Walnut — New — 599.90 USD.” https://www.ebay.com/itm/365356143088 (accessed 2025-08-13).
[5] eBay (harvest-japan). “Yamaha NS-F330 Floor Standing Speaker 1 unit — Black — New — 670.62 USD.” https://www.ebay.com/itm/126380028566 (accessed 2025-08-13).
[6] Sony. “SS-CS3 — Specifications.” https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/speakers-home-speakers/ss-cs3/specifications (accessed 2025-08-13).
[7] Sony US Store. “SS-CS3 Hi-Res Floorstanding Speaker (Single) — 229.99 USD (item page; currently marked ‘item no longer available’).” https://electronics.sony.com/audio/speakers/c/home-theater-speakers (accessed 2025-08-13).
[8] B&H. “Sony SS-CS3 3-Way Floorstanding Speaker (Single) — Specs.” https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1116656-REG/sony_ss_cs3_sscs3_3_way_4_drvr_floor.html (accessed 2025-08-13).

(2025.8.13)