Yamaha's RP-U100 brings sonic purity and ergonomic convenience to the unwieldy realm of computer audio. Desktop-friendly with its vertical posture and large volume knob, the audio receiver/processor is nothing short of a joy to use. In our experience, the benefits of easy access to input selection, audio processing, and a headphone jack are secondary to the simple fact of the unit's strong (30 watts per channel) amplifier power and high-end digital processing via Yamaha's YSS-918 ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The RP-U100 makes just about all music sound terrific--from CDs and high-bitrate MP3s to low-fi Real Audio snippets. The two-channel receiver connects to your computer through either traditional analog-audio jacks (left/right RCA on the inputs) or through a direct digital USB 1.1 connection (USB cable included). We recommend the USB connection, which gives you not only direct-digital signal routing for your MP3, WMA, games, and other audio, but access to a convenient graphical user interface and a staggering 208 station presets for the unit's built-in FM/AM tuner. (You can also access a perfectly adequate 40 presets from the front panel itself.)
You'll need to supply your own speakers+ADs- we recommend bookshelf units with wide frequency response and high sensitivity--though with 30 watts per channel at your disposal, the RP-U100 won't be picky about speakers. The system offers auxiliary outputs, so you can hook it up with a powered 2.1 (stereo speakers and a subwoofer) computer-audio system, but that's not your only option when it comes to deep bass--the unit also sports a dedicated subwoofer output for use with a proper home-theater-type sub.
One of the coolest things about the RP-U100 is that it digitizes analog sources, letting you feed it, say, an input from a cassette deck, and capture the sound as digital files through either the USB connection or through the system's optical digital-audio output. You can also make digital files from radio broadcasts. For tone controls, the system offers a powerful nine-band digital equalizer through the GUI (12 steps, 6 dB) but no bass or treble knobs on the hardware itself.
A key strength is the unit's array of simulated surround algorithms, which broaden the perceived space in which you're listening--often through sophisticated acoustical sampling (as with Yamaha's own DSP, modeled after concert halls, cathedrals, and jazz clubs). We weren't uniformly impressed with the results--music almost never sounded better with DSP engaged, but games and certain DVDs proved more engaging with careful surround application. Six different DSP modes offer user-adjustable parameters for effect, initial delay, and room size.
The RP-U100 is compatible with Window 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP, and Macintosh OS 9.1 or higher, but computer control is optional. If you're an audio buff needing a compact and flexible integrated amplifier, you'll enjoy the RP-U100 with or without the USB connection and the GUI. --Michael Mikesell
Pros:
- Intuitive setup
- Strong amplifier
- Large, firm volume control with smooth level increments
- High-quality headphone jack
- Analog to digital bridging for loading material onto your computer
Cons:
- No front-panel tone controls
- No phono input
- Static shock will sometimes disable the speakers
What's in the Box
Receiver, software CD-ROM, USB cable, FM and AM antennas, and a user's manual.
