Yamaha YH-L700A: New headphone flagship on the way

Yamaha’s hifi experts have unveiled a new pair of headphones whose technical details sound more than just interesting. Active noise cancellation, Bluetooth, 3D sound and other cool features ensure that the upcoming YH-L700A can clearly be assigned to the flagship headphone segment. Nothing less than a binaural sound experience is to be created here. Let’s take a look at some of the info Yamaha has released on its upcoming headphones. Do these justify the high price tag?

Three-dimensional sound

The upcoming top model from the house of Yamaha features an uncompromising advancement of popular techniques. In particular, the company wants to have a hand in the CINEMA DSP processing. On top of that, the proprietary HRTF sounds particularly exciting. This technology promises binaural sound fields. In practice, a two-channel sound is supposed to be created, which is supposed to create a spatial sound image. For music, for example, it should be possible to locate instruments specifically. Yamaha promises seven different DSP modes for its YH-L700A. Everyone should be able to find what they are looking for. Surprisingly, Yamaha wants to enable the 3D sound field independent of the source. This is supposed to be made possible by the fact that the headphones themselves are responsible for creating a three-dimensional sound image.

Microphones for permanent sound analysis

Thanks to the integrated microphones, the headphones should always be able to deliver the best possible sound quality. This is to make possible a permanent measurement of the ear canal itself and the current sound situation. Thus, not only a very good sound, but on top of that the individually best possible sound should be provided. A listening optimizer also works next to the microphones. This not only measures the density between the ear and the ear cushion. It also measures the air pressure. The measuring instruments should be able to deliver measurement results every twenty seconds. Based on the measurements, the headphones optimize the sound quality.

Of course, the microphones are also used in the integrated active noise cancellation. Yamaha itself also promises a much higher quality here than it was still the case with the predecessor. Thus, the revised algorithm is not only supposed to be used for analyzing external noise. In addition, the music playback and the results of the Listening Optimizer are to be used. Yamaha promises to be able to eliminate unwanted frequencies by using the many different parameters. Ultimately, the listener should be able to enjoy the desired music signal completely undisturbed.

Monitoring the volume

On top of that, Yamaha offers another interesting feature with its YH-L700A. Thus, the so-called “Listening Care System” is supposed to make sure that your ears are protected. Here, too, the current music playback is measured and analyzed. It not only makes sure that you don’t listen to music too loudly. The algorithm also protects you from high frequencies, which can also be harmful to your ears. Thanks to an efficient cooperation with the other smart features, you should not notice the algorithm’s “intervention” too much. The battery life sounds really promising at 34 hours. Unfortunately, Yamaha has not yet commented on whether the measured value is to be understood with ANC turned on or off.

In addition to the many sophisticated features, the YH-L700A should of course also be able to offer great sound. At the heart of the good sound is a 40 mm driver. This is supposed to be able to cover the frequency range between 8 Hz and 40 kHz and should thus not only be able to offer rich lows, but also crystal clear highs. So that you can also enjoy high sound quality with a wireless connection, Yamaha relies on aptX’s Adaptive Algorithm for its YH-L700A. This is rounded off by Bluetooth 5.0, AAC and SBC. Of course, voice assistants should not be missing nowadays. Besides Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant is also supposed to be supported.

Price and availability

In August, it should already be ready. Then, the Yamaha YH-L700A is supposed to be launched. Who is interested in the pair of headphones, must now be quite strong. After all, Yamaha wants to call up an MSRP of a whopping 549 euros here. In view of the abundance of good-sounding features, one or the other might consider the price justified. We are curious whether the audio experts can keep their promises.