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Home » Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless Headphones Review: 3D Audio for Immersive Home Theater

Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless Headphones Review: 3D Audio for Immersive Home Theater

Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless Headphones Review

As the lights dimmed and the opening credits flashed, you eagerly put on the Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones. You were ready to dive into a world of perfect cinematic audio. These top-notch over-ear headphones, priced at $499, aimed to bring a 3D sound experience to your home theater.

The headphones had a sleek design and advanced noise-canceling. They also had many innovative features. As you put them on, you couldn’t wait to see how they would change your movie, TV show, and music experience.

Key Takeaways

  • The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones offer a premium 3D audio experience for home theater setups.
  • These over-ear headphones feature active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and support for high-quality audio codecs.
  • With a 40mm dynamic driver and a frequency response of 8Hz to 40kHz, the YH-L700A promises exceptional audio performance.
  • The headphones come with a range of accessories, including a carrying case and audio cables, to enhance your listening experience.
  • Yamaha’s 3D Sound Field technology and head tracking features aim to create a truly immersive spatial audio experience.

Introduction to 3D Audio Excellence

Yamaha’s YH-L700A wireless headphones bring a new level of sound with 3D audio technology. They use spatial sound processing to create a rich, multi-dimensional audio experience. This goes beyond the usual stereo sound.

Yamaha’s 3D Sound Field technology is at the core of the YH-L700A. It lets you choose from seven surround sound modes. You can switch between “Cinema” for a big movie feel and “Audio Room” for a cozy vibe.

The 3D audio in the YH-L700A is not just a trick. It’s a real step up in sound quality. The headphones use digital signal processing and a gyroscope to adjust sound based on your head movements. This creates a deep, wide sound field.

Whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or playing games, the YH-L700A’s 3D audio will take you to a new level. Get ready to be surrounded by sound that feels real and engaging.

Next, we’ll explore the YH-L700A’s technical details, design, and how it performs. We’ll see how its 3D audio technology enhances your listening experience.

3D audio technology

“The 3D audio technology in the YH-L700A is a genuine leap forward in the quest for a truly immersive listening experience.”

Product Overview and First Impressions

Opening the box of the Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones is thrilling. You find top-notch accessories inside. These include a USB Type-C power cable, a sturdy carrying case, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a handy flight adapter. You get everything you need for listening on the move.

The headphones look and feel luxurious. They have a sleek grey mesh on the ear cups and a matching leather headband. Yamaha’s focus on quality is clear, making sure the headphones sound amazing and look great too.

Initial Setup Process

Starting with the Yamaha YH-L700A is easy. First, charge the headphones with the USB Type-C cable. Then, pair them quickly with Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

For iOS and Android users, the Yamaha Headphones Controller app is a must. It unlocks many features and settings, making your experience even better.

Yamaha YH-L700A unboxing

Design and Ergonomics

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones have a sleek design. They look great and feel amazing. The oval-shaped ear cups fit your ears perfectly, blocking out noise and making sound better.

These headphones are stylish, with fabric and leather details. The ear cups can rotate and bend, making them easy to carry around.

over-ear design

The YH-L700A has an easy-to-use control layout. The buttons and switches are on the ear cups. This lets you control your music and sound settings without taking your hands off the headphones.

In short, the Yamaha YH-L700A is all about over-ear design, comfort, and looks. It’s a great example of how good design can make technology more enjoyable.

Comfort and Wearability Features

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones are designed for comfort. They let you listen to music or watch movies for hours without getting tired. The headband and ear cups are covered in soft fabric, making them feel cozy against your skin.

Headband Adjustment

The adjustable headband of the YH-L700A fits your head perfectly. It’s secure and comfy, even when you wear them for a long time. Adjusting the headband is easy, thanks to its smooth mechanism.

Ear Cup Design

The YH-L700A’s oval-shaped ear cup design seals well around your ears. It blocks out noise and makes your listening experience more immersive. The fabric padding on the ear cups also makes them comfortable against your head.

Weight Distribution

The YH-L700A weighs 330g, feeling solid but not too heavy. It’s balanced, making it comfortable to wear for a long time. But, it might not fit everyone’s head perfectly, as the ear cup padding needs some adjustment.

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones are designed for comfort and fit. They work well for different head shapes and sizes. The thoughtful design ensures a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience.

Technical Specifications and Hardware

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones have amazing tech inside. They use 40mm dynamic drivers for a deep and rich sound. They can play sounds from 8Hz to 40kHz.

They connect wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0. This makes pairing easy and supports advanced audio formats like SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive.

The YH-L700A also has multiple microphones for better noise cancellation and voice calls. It has a gyroscope for precise head tracking. This makes the audio feel more real and immersive.

Specification Value
Driver Diameter 40mm
Frequency Response 8Hz – 40kHz
Bluetooth Version Bluetooth 5.0
Supported Codecs SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Microphone Array Multiple
Head Tracking Yes (Gyroscope)

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones are ready to give you an amazing sound experience. They’re perfect for both music lovers and home theater fans.

40mm dynamic driver

Connectivity Options and Bluetooth Performance

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones have great connectivity features. They use Bluetooth 5.0 for fast pairing and reliable performance. This makes for a smooth listening experience.

Bluetooth 5.0 Capabilities

The YH-L700A’s Bluetooth 5.0 brings many benefits. You can pair it quickly with devices and enjoy a stable connection. This means you get consistent audio quality during your listening time.

Supported Codecs

The headphones also support high-quality audio codecs like aptX Adaptive. This codec adjusts the bitrate to match your environment and connection strength. So, you get the best wireless audio quality.

Wired Connection Options

When you want a wired connection or need to save battery, the YH-L700A has a 3.5mm audio jack. This jack lets you enjoy Hi-Res Audio certification. You get exceptional sound quality through a direct physical link.

The YH-L700A’s connectivity options let you easily switch between wireless and wired listening. This ensures an immersive audio experience, no matter your preference or situation.

Bluetooth 5.0

Yamaha YH-L700A Wireless Headphones Review: Complete Analysis

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones give you a rich, wide sound. They impress with clear details across all frequencies. You get strong bass, clear midrange, and controlled treble.

The YH-L700A’s 3D Sound Field effect makes listening more immersive. It offers EQ settings for different places. This adds depth to your music, movies, and games, making sounds feel all around you.

Feature Yamaha YH-L700A Sony WH-1000XM5
Price $499.95 $499.99
Battery Life Up to 34 hours Up to 30 hours
Bluetooth Version 5.0 5.2
Soundstage and Spatial Audio Expansive and immersive Slightly narrower compared to YH-L700A
Bass Performance Natural and balanced More engulfing and wide
Treble Presentation Shimmery and engaging Less prominent compared to YH-L700A
Noise Cancellation Effective but not as strong as XM5 Superb noise isolation

The YH-L700A’s noise cancellation is good, but not as top-notch as the Sony WH-1000XM5. Yet, it shines in making 3D audio easy to use with many audio sources. This gives you a unique, dynamic listening experience.

In summary, the Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones are a great mix of sound quality, 3D audio performance, and versatility. They stand out in the high-end headphone market.

3D Sound Field Technology Explained

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones use advanced 3D Sound Field technology. This tech makes the sound feel like it’s all around you. It’s like being right in the middle of the action.

There are seven different audio modes in this technology. Each one is designed to make you feel like you’re in a different place. You can choose from a big movie theater to a cozy concert hall.

  • Cinema Mode: Recreates the surround sound experience of a movie theater.
  • Drama Mode: Optimizes the audio for dramatic performances, highlighting dialogue and small sounds.
  • Music Video Mode: Makes music videos feel more real by mixing sound with visuals.
  • Audio Room Mode: Simulates the sound of a fancy listening room.
  • Background Music Mode: Offers a calm, ambient sound for relaxing or focusing.
  • Outdoor Live Mode: Brings the energy of a live concert to your ears.
  • Concert Hall Mode: Mimics the amazing sound of a big concert hall.

The 3D Sound Field technology uses spatial audio and surround sound simulation to create a new level of sound immersion. It makes you feel like the sound is coming from all around. This gives you a truly amazing and real sound experience.

“The 3D Sound Field technology on the Yamaha YH-L700A headphones is a game-changer, transporting me to the heart of the action with its unparalleled spatial audio presentation.” – Audio Enthuasiast

Whether you’re watching a big movie, enjoying a concert, or playing games with friends, the Yamaha YH-L700A’s 3D Sound Field technology will take your senses to new heights. It opens up a world of amazing audio.

Active Noise Cancellation Performance

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones have Advanced ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology. This tech offers an immersive and distraction-free listening experience. It works by reducing ambient sounds while keeping the audio quality intact.

Noise Isolation Effectiveness

The YH-L700A is good at blocking out environmental noise, mainly in the mid-to-high frequency ranges. But, it struggles a bit with low-end frequencies. The passive isolation helps more in reducing noise, but it can’t block all low-frequency sounds like airplane hums or construction noises.

Ambient Sound Mode

The YH-L700A has an Ambient Sound mode. This feature lets users hear external sounds while listening to music or audio. It’s great for staying alert during commutes or outdoor activities.

The ANC performance, noise reduction, and ambient sound passthrough of the Yamaha YH-L700A aim for a balance. They do well in reducing mid-to-high frequency noises. But, for low-frequency sounds, users might need to use passive isolation or Ambient Sound mode.

Feature Yamaha YH-L700A
ANC Battery Life Up to 11 hours
Noise Isolation (Low-Frequency) Less than 10dB
Ambient Sound Mode Yes
Listening Optimizer Yes, adjusts audio every 20 seconds

Audio Quality and Sound Signature

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones offer a rich sound profile perfect for audiophiles. The bass is impactful and well-defined, adding a strong low-end without overwhelming other sounds. The midrange is clear and articulate, making vocals and instruments stand out.

The high frequencies add sparkle and clarity, giving the sound a touch of airiness. This is done without making the sound harsh or tiring. The headphones also create a spacious soundstage, which is enhanced by the 3D Sound Field modes.

Even though the default tuning leans towards a V-shaped signature, the overall sound quality is enjoyable and balanced. The sound quality, bass response, clarity, and soundstage of the YH-L700A make it great for home theater, music, and gaming.

Feature Description
Sound Quality Rich, detailed, and well-balanced sound profile.
Bass Response Powerful and well-defined low-end, without overpowering the mids.
Clarity Clear and articulate vocal reproduction, with a touch of airiness in the highs.
Soundstage Expansive and immersive, with the 3D Sound Field modes.

“The Yamaha YH-L700A headphones deliver an exceptional audio experience, with a balance of power, detail, and spatial awareness that truly immerses the listener.”

Battery Life and Charging Features

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones have a long battery life. They can last up to 34 hours on a single charge. This is when Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is on and Bluetooth is connected.

But, if you use the 3D Sound Field effects, battery life drops to about 11 hours.

Charging these headphones is easy via a USB-C port. A full charge takes about 3.5 hours. It’s important to know that you can’t use them while charging if they’re on. But, you can use them with a 3.5mm audio cable while charging if they’re off.

Playback Duration

  • Up to 34 hours of battery life with ANC and Bluetooth enabled
  • Around 11 hours of battery life when using 3D Sound Field effects
  • Able to be used passively with audio cable while charging when powered off

Charging Specifications

  • Charging via USB-C port
  • Full charge from empty takes approximately 3.5 hours
  • Cannot be used while charging when powered on

The Yamaha YH-L700A headphones have a strong battery and quick charging. This means you can enjoy the 3D audio for a long time without worrying about running out of power.

Mobile App Features and Controls

The Yamaha Headphones Controller app is a great tool for the YH-L700A wireless headphones. It lets you change the 3D Sound Field modes to fit your taste. You can also adjust the noise cancellation and head tracking for the best sound.

The app shows the battery level of your headphones. This helps you know when to charge. It also makes it easy to update the firmware, keeping your headphones current with Yamaha’s latest tech.

But, the app doesn’t have a customizable equalizer. This means you can only use Yamaha’s sound profiles. Some listeners might find this limiting.

Feature Description
3D Sound Field Modes Allows you to toggle between various 3D sound field settings to customize the immersive audio experience.
Head Tracking Enables you to manage the head tracking feature for a more dynamic and realistic spatial audio experience.
Noise Cancellation Provides control over the noise cancellation settings, allowing you to fine-tune the audio experience.
Battery Level Displays the current battery level of your Yamaha YH-L700A headphones.
Firmware Updates Enables you to keep your Yamaha headphones up-to-date with the latest software improvements.
Equalizer Lacks a customizable equalizer, limiting your ability to fine-tune the sound signature.

The Yamaha Headphones Controller app is a useful addition to the YH-L700A wireless headphones. It might not have everything, like a customizable EQ. But, it’s great for controlling 3D audio, noise cancellation, and firmware updates. It’s a good choice for Yamaha headphone users.

Head Tracking and Spatial Audio Experience

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones bring a unique spatial audio experience. They use advanced head tracking technology. This tech adjusts the sound based on your head movements, making the listening experience more realistic and immersive.

This feature enhances the 3D sound field, giving you a wider soundstage. As you move your head, the sound adjusts naturally. This is great for movies and gaming, making you feel more present.

But, some might find the head tracking a bit distracting. It can make the sound feel like it’s coming from a narrow space. Luckily, the Yamaha Headphones Controller app lets you turn it off. This way, you can enjoy a more traditional listening experience if you want.

Whether you love the immersive gyroscope tracking and sound localization or prefer something more straightforward, the Yamaha YH-L700A headphones are customizable. They offer an immersive audio experience tailored to your liking.

“The head tracking feature adds a sense of realism and depth to the audio, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The ability to turn it off is a welcome option.”

Value for Money and Market Position

The Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones cost $529. They are in the high-end market. They are pricier than the Sony WH-1000XM4, which can be bought for $170 to $250. Yet, they have advanced 3D audio processing for audiophiles and home theater fans.

The Yamaha YH-L700A goes up against the Apple AirPods Max in the premium category. The value of the Yamaha headphones depends on how much you value their 3D audio and Yamaha’s audio expertise. This is compared to cheaper, yet effective, competitors in the price comparison market.

If you’re looking for a unique audio experience, the Yamaha YH-L700A might be a good pick. But, if you’re more interested in noise cancellation, comfort, and overall features, you might find better deals with Sony, Bose, or JBL. These brands offer a more balanced package at a lower cost.

FAQ

What are the key features of the Yamaha YH-L700A wireless headphones?

The Yamaha YH-L700A has cool features like 3D Sound Field modes and active noise cancellation. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 and head tracking. Plus, it has a 40mm dynamic driver and up to 34 hours of battery life.

How does the 3D Sound Field technology work?

The 3D Sound Field tech uses digital signal processing. It creates an immersive audio experience with seven modes. These modes simulate surround sound, making the sound more realistic and engaging.

What is the design and comfort like on the Yamaha YH-L700A?

The YH-L700A has a premium over-ear design. It looks luxurious with grey mesh-covered ear cups and soft leather earpads. The headphones are adjustable and comfortable, but might be too big for some heads.

How effective is the active noise cancellation on these headphones?

The YH-L700A’s active noise cancellation works well for ambient sounds. But, it might not block out very loud noises. There’s also an Ambient Sound mode for when you want to hear outside sounds.

What is the sound quality like on the Yamaha YH-L700A?

The YH-L700A offers rich and detailed sound. It has punchy bass, clear midrange, and controlled treble. The 3D Sound Field modes make the sound even more immersive and spacious.

How long is the battery life on the YH-L700A?

Yamaha says the YH-L700A lasts up to 34 hours with ANC on. Using 3D Sound Field effects cuts the battery life to about 11 hours. It charges via USB-C in about 3.5 hours.

What additional features does the Yamaha Headphones Controller app offer?

The Yamaha Headphones Controller app lets you toggle 3D Sound Field modes and noise cancellation. It shows the battery level and lets you update firmware. But, it doesn’t have a customizable EQ feature.

How does the head tracking functionality work on the YH-L700A?

The YH-L700A uses a gyroscope for head tracking. It adjusts the audio based on head movements. Some users find it distracting, as it limits the sound field.

How does the Yamaha YH-L700A compare to other premium wireless headphones in terms of value?

The Yamaha YH-L700A costs 9. It competes with the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Max. Its value depends on how much you value 3D audio and Yamaha’s audio expertise.