Overview

The Yamaha NS-SW050 is an 8-inch powered subwoofer featuring Advanced YST II and a Twisted Flare Port. It is specified at 28–200 Hz with 50 W continuous output (Yamaha lists 100 Hz, 5 Ω, 10% THD conditions) and 100 W peak-equivalent［1］. The feature set (YST II / Twisted Flare Port) is documented on Yamaha’s official overview page［2］. A representative US market price is 199.95 USD［3］.

Scientific Validity

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Public, third-party measurements (max SPL, –3 dB extension, distortion vs. output) are not readily available. Based on manufacturer specs—28–200 Hz bandwidth and 50 W continuous with a 10% THD rating condition at the power spec［1］—clean headroom is likely limited in larger rooms. With key metrics unverified by independent tests, the score remains at the baseline 0.5.

Technology Level

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A conventional discrete amplifier and ported enclosure augmented by YST II and a flared port are sensible but not cutting-edge versus modern DSP-driven subs［1］［2］. For its class the design is solid, yet technological novelty is modest.

Cost-Performance

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Using 199.95 USD as the NS-SW050’s representative price［3］, the cheapest equal-or-better comparator now is Sony SA-CS9 (10”, 28–200 Hz spec)［5］ at 119.99 USD on Sony’s store as of today［6］.
CP = 119.99 USD ÷ 199.95 USD = 0.60 → 0.6.
The SA-CS9 matches the claimed low-frequency extension (28 Hz) and adds a larger driver and higher power on paper, thus qualifying as equal-or-better in key aspects at a lower price［5］［6］.

Note: A previously cited Monoprice 8” alternative is currently 199 USD and publishes a higher low-end cutoff, so it is neither cheaper nor superior by spec［4］.

Reliability & Support

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Expect average reliability for a mass-market model from a major brand. A US retailer lists a limited 2-year manufacturer warranty for this unit［3］, and Yamaha provides product support and warranty information pages［1］.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design aims for “easy, rich bass” using YST II and a low-noise port—reasonable choices for entry-level use［2］. However, the 50 W continuous rating and the 10% THD condition tied to the power spec［1］indicate compromises that prioritize affordability and compactness over high output and ultra-low distortion.

Advice

For small to medium rooms and first-time subwoofer buyers, the NS-SW050 is easy to place and integrates smoothly for basic bass fill. If you want the best value at this price, the Sony SA-CS9 presently undercuts it while matching or exceeding the headline specs, and is worth shortlisting［5］［6］.

References (accessed 2025-08-14)

1. Yamaha USA – “NS-SW050: Specs” https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/speaker_systems/ns-sw050/specs.html
2. Yamaha USA – “NS-SW050: Overview” https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/speaker_systems/ns-sw050/index.html
3. B&H Photo – “Yamaha NS-SW050 8” 100W Subwoofer (Black)” – 199.95 USD, lists “Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty” https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1666412-REG/yamaha_ns_sw050bl_8_100_watt_powered_subwoofer.html
4. Monoprice – “Premium Select 8in 200-Watt Subwoofer” – 194.99 USD (current) https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=14567
5. Sony – “SA-CS9 Specifications” (28–200 Hz) https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/speakers-home-speakers/sa-cs9/specifications
6. Sony Store – “SA-CS9 Home Theater Active Subwoofer” – 119.99 USD (current sale price) https://electronics.sony.com/audio/speakers/home-theater-speakers/p/sacs9

(2025.8.14)