Yamaha DSPAZ-1 Brochure
DSP-AZ1 Digital Home Theatre Amplifier
TECHNICAL REPORT
Yamaha asserts its technological leadership in home theatre audio
with the incomparable DSP-AZ1.
Flawless sound quality, extensive versatility and full sound format compatibility.
Atechnological achievement that takes the home theatre
experience to a new level.
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The World's Pre-eminent Home Theatre Amplifier
Pre-eminent means “standing above others” and that’s exactly what this
amplifier does. From its extraordinary sound quality, to its wide array of surround
programs and other advanced functions, to its unmatched CINEMA DSP
technology, to its compatibility with every movie sound format, and even to its
impressive design, this is a amplifier that has no equal. Once again, Yamaha
asserts its leadership in home theatre — with the DSP-AZ1.
DSP-AZ1
Digital Home Theatre Amplifier
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䢇 Digital ToP-ART
䢇 Powerful New Yamaha 32-Bit
CINEMA DSP LSI (YSS-938)
䢇 Yamaha 44-Bit CINEMA DSP
Processing LSIs (two YSS-910s)
䢇 Compatibility with
Dolby Pro Logic II,
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX,
DTS Digital Surround, DTS-ES,
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES
Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6 and
DTS 96/24
䢇 42 Surround Programs
(62 Variations)
䢇 Burr-Brown 192-kHz/24-Bit
Digital-to-Analog Converter
System for All 10 Channels
䢇 Digitally Regulated Volume
Control
䢇 Uncompromised Power Amplifier
Stage Design
A company uniquely qualified to
produce the finest home theatre
components.
Yamaha has been one of the
most popular and innovative
manufacturers of home audio
components for more than
three decades. In the 90s, we helped make
the dream of home theater a reality, and went
on to lead the industry with the world’s most
sophisticated technology and components.
Now we offer a wide range of products for
every budget and preference, all of which
realize our commitment to
superb sound quality.
Yamaha can develop products
and technologies unlike any
others because it is a company unlike any
other. The world's largest producer of musical
instruments, it also operates a worldwide
music school and has an acoustic division that
designs concert halls. Furthermore, it actually
designs and produces its own LSIs, which are
the world's most sophisticated
microprocessors for electronic
instruments and audio
components. All of this
expertise comes together in the
design and manufacture of audio products
that deliver the same "Natural Sound" quality
as Yamaha's renowned grand pianos and
other instruments.
CONTENTS
Introduction .......................................................... 2
A Unique Company ............................................. 3
Digital ToP-ART .............................................. 4 – 9
Extensive A/V Connections and
Convenient Features .................................. 10 – 11
CINEMA DSP ............................................. 12 – 19
HiFi DSP ..................................................... 20 – 21
Convenient “Set Menu” ...................................... 22
Parameter Control Functions ............................. 23
Specifications/Surround Programs ..... Back Cover
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2
1
3
44-Bit High-Density
Cinema DSP Circuitry
Digital
Decoder
Input
YSS-938
44-Bit
DSP LSIs
(YSS-910x 2)
6-Ch
Input
Minimal Analogue
Processing
The Digital ToP-ART Concept
From digital input, through digital processing,
to amplification, maximum signal quality is maintained
Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction
Technology) is the name Yamaha has given to a
design philosophy whose goal is to maximize
digital quality while minimizing analogue
circuitry. The culmination of the best digital
engineering and design possible today, it brings
together several key elements to create the
best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components
available. In the DSP-AZ1, Digital ToP-ART can
be divided into three categories.
High Performance Digital Circuitry
Multi-Bit
DAC System
(192 kHz/
24-Bit)
for 10
Channels
Input
6-Ch
Digital
Volume
(0—-99dB,
0.5 dB
Step) for 10
Channels
every step of the way.
High Performance Digital Circuitry with Burr-Brown 24-bit
1
BiCMOS Sign-Magnitude DACs for all 10 output channels, a
Digitally Regulated Volume Control with 99dB range and a
Processor Direct Switch.
High Density CINEMA DSP Circuitry with Yamaha original
2
44-bit DSP LSIs (two YSS-910s) and newly developed
decoding LSI (YSS-938).
High Quality, Wide Range Power Amplifier Section with low-
3
impedance design, superior power transistors, gigantic heat
sinks and many other advantages.
Processor
Direct
Switch
High Quality,
Wide-Range
Power Amplifier
8-Ch High
Output Power
• Main L
• Centre
• Main R
• Rear L
• Rear Centre
• Rear R
• Front Effect L
• Front Effect R
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Digital ToP-ART
1
High Performance Digital Circuitry
Positioned between the DSP circuitry and the power
amplifier stage, the High Performance Digital Circuitry
makes a large contribution to the DSP-AZ1’s outstanding
audio performance. It exemplifies the Digital ToP-ART
concept of maximizing the quality of the digital circuitry
while minimizing analog circuitry, and also adheres to the
ToP-ART philosophy of logical, straight-line circuit layout for
optimum signal purity. Yamaha’s superior LSI technology as
well as our long experience in designing both home and
professional audio circuit boards are responsible for the
high performance and reliability of this circuit. It is
composed of a DAC block, a volume control block and the
Processor Direct circuitry.
Superior Digital-to-Analogue Converter System
For the important digital-to-analogue converters, Yamaha
has chosen the PCM1704 manufactured by the high-end
audio expert, Burr-Brown. The DSP-AZ1 uses 10 of these
DACs, for the eight main channels and the two subwoofer
outputs. The PCM1704 is a high-performance, precision
24-bit BiCMOS Sign-Magnitude DAC with ultra-low
distortion of only 0.0008% (K-grade THD + N) and S/N
ratio of 120dB. It offers superior low level linearity, with
excellent full-scale performance under varying operating
conditions. Its major benefit is performing accurate sound
field reproduction for high quality multi-channel
reproduction such as Dolby Digital and DTS. For twochannel stereo, the PCM1704 provides outstanding
separation and accurate musical delineation. An additional
advantage is its 192kHz/24-bit conversion capability,
making it compatible with the latest (and future) high
resolution digital audio sources.
Digitally Regulated Volume Control
Digital volume controls have become popular in home
audio products, but for various reasons, analogue is the
better choice for this key component. Yamaha has
combined the best of both by designing a high precision
digital device (Crystal Semiconductor CS3310 LSIs) that
controls an analogue signal. This provides two benefits.
First, a digitally controlled device is more accurate for
balancing levels between channels and offers much finer
The elegantly designed, compact processing board ensures
optimum performance for multi-channel audio sources. It has a
fully shielded cabinet to prevent interference.
control than an analog device. In the DSP-AZ1, the control
range is from 0dB to -99dB in extremely accurate 0.5dB
steps throughout the entire range, with negligible gang
error. This wide range and narrow steps mean that greater
attenuation is possible, with precision even at low volume
levels. Second, an analogue volume control permits good
signal resolution of very low signal levels. This is important
for subtle signals that are often masked by louder signals
and are not resolved as clearly.
The DSP-AZ1 also features an improved rotary knob
axis that provides a superior tactile sensation as the knob
is turned. Finally, the selected volume level and a bar
graph display are both shown on the front panel display
and the on-screen display.
Processor Direct Switch
The DSP-AZ1 has a Processor Direct Switch that when
engaged, provides a direct signal connection between the
processor board and the power amplifier section. As a
result, the regulated digital volume device avoids the wiring
on the circuit board, thus bypassing all control circuits.
This shortens the signal path, feeding the pure, robust
signal directly to the eight amplification channels for
cleaner, more efficient operation and higher quality sound.
Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24 Bit PCM1704 DAC Systems Highly Reliable Relay Device
High-Quality Digital Volume Devices (Crystal
Semiconductor CS3310 LSIs)
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(for Processor Direct Switch)
Digital ToP-ART
2
44-Bit High-Density Cinema DSP Circuitry
With CINEMA DSP, Yamaha has raised digital sound field
processing to the state of fine art. This proprietary
technology gives movies much greater impact in your
home theater, affording all the realism, excitement and
nuance that the director intended to convey.
44-Bit CINEMA DSP
The DSP-AZ1 utilizes a 44-bit DSP LSI, the Yamaha
YSS-910. This powerful computer offers extremely precise
calculation of signal data — each additional bit provides
twice the resolution and half the distortion — meaning it
can resolve subtle audio nuances that bring the listening
experience closer to reality than to reproduction. Two
YSS-910s are used, one for processing sound fields, the
other for processing SILENT CINEMA,
Virtual CINEMA DSP and system
configurations (controlling system
parameters digitally reduces noise and
improves precision). Because two are
used, each is able to operate at higher
speeds and with greater precision. The
circuitry also includes the supremely
accurate.
What's more, the YSS-910 provides
accurate synchronization of images and sound, known as
"lip-sync." Most audio LSIs do not have the necessary
speed and precision to handle this, but with the YSS-910,
not only has accurate lip-sync been achieved, but its
YSS-910 44-Bit
DSP LSI
parameters can be adjusted by the user.
Advanced Decoding Circuitry Including Yamaha’s
Exclusive YSS-938 32-Bit Floating Point
Quantization LSI
The decoding circuitry performs Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby
Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-ES,
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS 96/24, and
DTS Neo:6 decoding with extreme
accuracy, as well as all digital sound
field processing. It also outperforms
other systems in the precise
synchronization of images and sound.
Its low 3V power consumption
minimizes digital noise.
The YSS-938 is without a doubt the
most powerful and sophisticated audio
LSI ever created.
YSS-938 32-Bit
Floating Point
Quantization LSI
DSP-AZ1 Digital Home Cinema Amplifier
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Tri-Field and Quad-Field CINEMA DSP
Tri-Field CINEMA DSP projects three sound fields into the
home cinema, resulting in a powerfully realistic threedimensional soundscape for 5.1 channel sound. QuadField CINEMA DSP adds an additional rear center sound
field, allowing enjoyment of 6.1-channel movie sound
formats. See pages 12-19 for detailed information.
Vision’s
stated that, “with suitably subtle settings in the Village Gate
mode, the (jazz) CD sounded exceptionally natural, with
well-placed ambience and remarkably cohesive, threedimensional timbres. In fact, it was among the most
realistic reproductions of nightclub jazz piano that I’ve ever
heard. Cool!” (More details on pages 18, 19 and 23.)
review of the DSP-AZ1, for example, the reviewer
Optimum Space Utilization
The use of highly integrated LSIs allows an interior design
that maximizes power and sound quality by positioning all
the digital processors and related circuitry in one small
area. This leaves most of the space open for the power
amplifier components: transformers, capacitors, heat sink
and so on. This means that these parts can be much larger
than usual for greater power, that they can be separated
for minimum chance of interference, and that circuits can
be arranged in straight lines for maximum signal purity.
Wide Choice of Surround Sound Programs
The DSP-AZ1 lets users select from 42 surround
programmes which include a total of 62 variations. These
are divided into HiFi (music) and CINEMA DSP (movie)
programmes. Users can choose them according to the
type of music or movie they are listening to, and can also
have fun experimenting with various combinations (rock
music in a church, for example).
What’s more, each of these programmes has a number
of parameters that can be “fine-tuned” to bring out the best
of a CD or movie soundtrack. This capability is often cited
in reviews as a distinct Yamaha advantage. In
CINEMA DSP Can Handle Everything from Monaural to 6.1 Channel Formats
CINEMA DSP Can Handle Everything from Monaural to 6.1 Channel Formats
Sound &
Auto Priority Input Terminal Selection and Auto
Decoder Selection
The DSP-AZ1 input terminals will handle any kind of input
signal. According to the type of signal, terminals are
selected in priority order of RF (AC-3), coaxial digital,
optical digital and analogue. Furthermore, according to the
type of movie sound format, the proper decoder and
surround sound programme are automatically selected. For
example, if the Movie Theater Sci-Fi programme is selected
and the input is a DTS-ES signal, the DTS-ES decoder is
automatically engaged and the program switches to Movie
Theater DTS-ES Sci-Fi.
SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
CINEMA DSP technology has enabled Yamaha to provide
two additional surround sound listening options with the
DSP-AZ1. A SILENT CINEMA mode offers the surround
sound feeling of multi-channel music or movie sources
through ordinary headphones, while Virtual CINEMA DSP
lets listeners enjoy the effects of
CINEMA DSP surround sound
without using rear speakers. (More
details on page 13/14.)
Sources
Terminals
Automatic
CD, CD-R, Phono, MD and Tape VCR, D-TV, LD*, Cable TV, Satellite and DVD
Analogue Coaxial DigitalOptical Digital
Auto Priority Input Terminal Selection
Selection
Auto Surround Decoder Selection
Surround
Formats
Mono Stereo
Dolby
Pro-Logic
Dolby Digital
DTS Digital Surround
(5.1-Ch Formats)
Dolby Digital EX
DTS-ES
(6.1-Ch Formats)
YAMAHA CINEMA DSP
Surround
Images
Duo-Field CINEMA DSP
* With LD player connected to RF (AC-3) terminal, this signal has first priority.
䢇 Some DVD discs do not have 6.1-channel sound format data, so Auto selection does not operate. In this case,
use the EX/ES button on the remote control, which allows selection of Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 or Off.
Tri-Field CINEMA DSP
Quad-Field CINEMA DSP
Priority
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Digital ToP-ART
3
High Quality, Wide-Range Power Amplifier Section
The DSP-AZ1 is designed to deliver the full impact and
dynamism of movies by supplying generous amounts of
power (including bass power!). That’s why despite all the
digital processing magic, it is first and foremost a powerful
receiver. By drawing on our long years of amplifier
expertise (we’ve created some of the world’s legendary
power amps and preamps) and refusing to make any
compromises on quality, we’ve endowed the DSP-AZ1 with
awesome capabilities. It incorporates a powerful 8-channel
amplifier with high dynamic power and sophisticated
circuitry like linear damping.
Total Low-Impedance Design
All current signal paths, from the power supply to the
power amplifier to the speaker drive circuits, utilize a lowimpedance design. This improves the separation
characteristics among multi-channels and allows the use of
a wider variety of low-impedance speakers.
8-Channel High Power,
Discrete Amplifier Configuration
The DSP-AZ1 will deliver as much as 130W (RMS) of power
at a negligible 0.015% distortion to each of six channels
(two main, two rear, one centre and one rear centre). Plus
45W to each of the two front effect channels. This is more
than enough to fill even the largest rooms with vibrant
music and Richter-scale sound effects.
High Dynamic Power Capability
The DSP-AZ1 is capable of delivering large amounts of
reserve power for accurate reproduction of the high energy
peaks that are especially prevalent in digital audio sources.
This emphasizes the music’s dynamic qualities and
provides a sharper sound image.
Damping Factor Characteristics
Linear Damping
Yamaha’s Linear Damping maintains a high, stable damping
factor even at frequencies from 10 to 20 kHz, where it
generally tends to fall off. The result is superior articulation of
all sounds.
Ultra-heavy-duty chassis with two large, anti-resonance, aluminiumextruded, naturally cooled anodized heat sinks.
Linear Damping (Main L/R and Centre Channels)
Level variations due to high amp impedance tend to
reduce an amplifier’s damping factor, and frequency
variations cause it to fluctuate. This circuit cancels the
effect of these variations, maintaining a high, stable
damping factor, for superior articulation of all sounds and
better frequency response.
Anti-Vibration, Anti-Resonance Chassis and
1.6mm ToP-ART Base
Supporting the heavy heat sinks, transformer, and circuit
board is Yamaha’s 1.6mm ToP-ART base, which has
exceptional anti-resonance and damping characteristics.
Beneath this base is the bottom of amplifier, part of the
heavy chassis which is also designed for maximum
vibration damping.
Naturally Cooled Anodized Heat Sinks
The two large, anti-resonance, aluminium-extruded,
naturally cooled heat sinks undergo black anodization
processing to ensure maximum heat dissipation efficiency.
They are located on the base frame with the power
amplifier circuit boards to prevent interference with the
preamplifier and digital processing sections. The fact that
they are naturally cooled means that they are so efficiently
designed that a fan is not necessary for cooling. The
power block is equipped with a fan, but it is only used for
extreme heat build-up and is not activated during normal
operation, preventing the occurrence of even the slightest
unwanted noise.
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