YST SYSTEM 45

Comments about Yamaha yst_system_45:

I have been using my Yamaha System 45 speaker set since the mid 1990's with my PC. Though I have replaced every other PC component, I have retained the same speaker set for all these years. Perhaps it's just because my ears have become accustomed to the tonal qualities of them after listening to them for almost 15 years, but these are still my preferred method of reproducing music. I find their sound to be smooth and well balanced. The primary speakers have impressive low end for the size of the driver and housing. The transition from mid range to low range is nice and smooth. I have the subwoofer module set to the more aggressive low-pass filter setting, it adds just the right amount of deep bass without sounding 'bangy'.

Originally my speakers were the "computer white" color, but as PCs transitioned to black designs I actually took the time to disassemble my YST-M15's and paint the housings black. I left the grilles their original color for a two-tone effect. I hide the subwoofer behind my desk (the auto on/off feature is very nice!), so I left the MSW10 the original color.

These speakers have seen nearly continuous use since I got them; I leave my computer on all the time and I leave the speakers on with it. Though they're not always reproducing sound, the amplifier has been energized for at least 70,000 hours (and likely over 100,000 hours). They have been nothing but rock-solid reliable, none of those leaking capacitors that plagued electronics in the 2000's.

My primary complaint is that you can't buy speakers like this any more. I'm not just talking about these specific Yamaha System 45 speakers, I mean the quality of all consumer electronics has gone downhill. If these ever fail me, I'd be willing to test and replace every electronic component inside of them.