RP-U100

The first product to consider the PC an audio source, the RP-U100 is designed to work with a computer. It provides analog and digital inputs and outputs, high quality audio amplifier, AM/FM tuner with more than 200 possible presets, and a home theater experience via Virtual Dolby Digital and Yamaha's Near-Field DSP.

The RP-U100 can be operated by its own front panel controls or by manipulation of its graphical interface on the computer screen. Input, volume, station selection, DSP settings, and other acoustics can all be adjusted right at the screen.

The RP-U100 comes with software compatible with computers having Windows 98 preinstalled, and set up is "Plug-and-Play" easy. A Macintosh version is expected shortly.

Due to an abundance of Radio Frequency Interference, the computer is a poor place in which to process audio. By using a USB connection, the RP-U100 bypasses the sound card and takes the audio signal from the computer digitally. The receiver processes the sound, whether it's MP3 files, DVD soundtracks, CDs, or games with fidelity not possible with conventional sound cards.

Virtual Dolby Digital and Near-Field DSP utilize new circuitry and perceptual tools such as Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) to deliver realistic surround sound in near-field situations with only two speakers.

The RP-U100 has six different DSP modes: Movie, Live, Game, Concert Hall, Jazz, and Church. Each has user-adjustable parameters for Initial Delay, Room Size, and Effect.

A sophisticated digital equalizer is included in the RP-U100's software. It provides an adjustment range of -12 to +6 dB in 18 steps over 9 bands.

Four inputs provide source selection: PC delivers the audio from a personal computer via USB or analog connection. AUX 1 accepts either analog or digital signals from a CE or portable audio player, AUX 2 can handle the analog output from a cassette or mini-disc. The fourth input is Tuner and it provides high quality AM or FM with up to 40 presets stored by the receiver and up to 208 stored on the computer's hard drive.

The RP-U100 is a specialized high quality audio receiver. Its two channel amplifier cleanly delivers 30 watts per channel.

The RP-U100's headphone jack uses HRTF circuitry to provide a realistic surround effect for private listening through headphones.