Yamaha Audio AV-90PY User Manual

AV-90PY

Natural Sound Digital Sound Field Processing Amplifier

5 Speaker Configuration

100W + 100W (8Ω) RMS Output Power, 0.08% THD, 20-20,000 Hz (Front)

25W (8Ω) RMS Output Power, 0.08% THD, 20-20,000 Hz (Center)

25W + 25W (8Ω) RMS Output Power, 0.3% THD, 1,000 Hz (Rear)

Digital Sound Field Processor; 4 Programs for Digital Sound Field Processing

and 2 Programs for Dolby Surround (DOLBY PRO LOGIC AND ENHANCED)

Automatic Input Balance Control for Dolby Surround

Video Signal Input/Output Capability

Programmable Remote Control Transmitter

Thank you for selecting this YAMAHA stereo amplifier.

OWNER’S MANUAL

CONTENTS

Safety Instructions..................................... 2

Caution...................................................... 3

Warning..................................................... 3

Supplied Accessories................................ 3

Profile of This Unit..................................... 4

Speaker Setting-up for This Unit............... 5

Yamaha Active Servo Technology............ 6

Connections.............................................. 7

Adjustment Before Operation.................... 10

Operations................................................. 13

Using Digital Sound Field Processor

(DSP) ........................................................ 16

Remote-Control Transmitter...................... 20

Remote-Control “Learning” Function......... 21

Notes about the Remote Control

Transmitter................................................ 22

Troubleshooting ........................................ 23

Specifications............................................ 24

IMPORTANT!

Please record the serial number of this
unit in the space below.

Model:
Serial No.:

The serial number is located on the rear
of the unit.
Retain this Owner’s Manual in a safe
place for future reference.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE

COVER (OR BACK), NO USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Explanation of Graphical Symbols

•

The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert you to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert
you to the presence of important
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the
appliance.

1

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1 Read Instructions – All the safety and operating

instructions should be read before the unit is operated.

2 Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions

should be retained for future reference.

3 Heed Warnings – All warnings on the unit and in the

operating instructions should be adhered to.

4 Follow Instructions – All operating and other instructions

should be followed.

5 Water and Moisture – The unit should not be used near

water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, etc.

6 Carts and Stands – The unit should be used only with a

cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

6A A unit and cart combination should

be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces may cause
the unit and cart combination to
overturn.

7 Wall or Ceiling Mounting – The unit should be mounted to

a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.

8 Ventilation – The unit should be situated so that its

location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation. For example, the unit should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface, that may block the
ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation,
such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow
of air through the ventilation openings.

9 Heat – The unit should be situated away from heat

sources such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances that
produce heat.

10 Power Sources – The unit should be connected to a power

supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the unit.

11 Power-Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be

routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.

12 Cleaning – The unit should be cleaned only as

recommended by the manufacturer.

13 Nonuse Periods – The power cord of the unit should be

unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.

14 Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that

objects do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into the
inside of the unit.

15 Damage Requiring Service – The unit should be serviced

by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged;

or

B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the unit;

or

C. The unit has been exposed to rain; or
D. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a

marked change in performance; or

E. The unit has been dropped, or the cabinet damaged.
16 Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the unit

beyond those means described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.

17 Power Lines – An outdoor antenna should be located

away from power lines.

18 Grounding or Polarization – Precautions should be taken

so that the grounding or polarization is not defeated.

FCC INFORMATION

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE : DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!

This product, when installed as indicated in the
instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC
requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by
Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to
use the product.

2. IMPORTANT : When connecting this product to
accessories and/or another product use only high quality
shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product
MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions.
Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC
authorization to use this product in the USA.

3. NOTE : This product has been tested and found to
comply with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations,
Part 15 for Class “B” digital devices. Compliance with
these requirements provides a reasonable level of
assurance that your use of this product in a residential
environment will not result in harmful interference with
other electronic devices.

This equipment generates/uses radio frequencies and, if
not installed and used according to the instructions
found in the users manual, may cause interference
harmful to the operation of other electronic devices.

Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that
interference will not occur in all installations. If this product
is found to be the source of interference, which can be
determined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try
to eliminate the problem by using one of the following
measures:

Relocate either this product or the device that is being
affected by the interference.

Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit
breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.

In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the
antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead,
change the lead-in to co-axial type cable.

If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory
results, please contact the local retailer authorized to
distribute this type of product. If you can not locate the
appropriate retailer, please contact Yamaha Electronics
Corp., U.S.A. 6722 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA

90620.
The above statements apply ONLY to those products

distributed by Yamaha Corporation of America or its
subsidiaries.

2

CAUTION: READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING YOUR UNIT

1 To ensure the finest performance, please read this

manual carefully. Keep it in a safe place for future
reference.

2 Install your unit in a cool, dry, clean place – away from

windows, heat sources, and too much vibration, dust,
moisture or cold. Avoid sources of hum (transformers,
motors). To prevent fire or electrical shock, do not expose
to rain and water.

3 Do not operate the unit upside-down. It may overheat,

possibly causing damage.

6 Do not attempt to clean the unit with chemical solvents;

this might damage the finish. Use a clean, dry cloth.

7 Always set the volume control to “– ” before starting the

audio source play: increase the volume gradually to an
appropriate level after the play is started.

8 Be sure to read the “Troubleshooting” section on common

operating errors before concluding that your unit is faulty.

9 Do not connect audio equipment to the AC outlets on the

rear panel if that equipment requires more power than the
outlets are rated to provide.

4 Never open the cabinet. If a foreign object drops into the

set, contact your dealer.

5 Do not use force on switches, knobs or cords. When

moving the set, first turn the unit off. Then gently
disconnect the power plug and the cords connecting to
other equipment. Never pull the cord itself.

WARNING: CHEMICAL CONTENT NOTICE!

The solder used in the manufacture of this product contains
LEAD. In addition, the electrical/electronic and/or plastic
(where applicable) components may also contain traces of
chemicals found by the California Health and Welfare Agency
(and possibly other entities) to cause cancer and/or birth
defects or other reproductive harm.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Yamaha strives to produce products
that are both user safe and environmentally “friendly”. We
sincerely believe that our products meet these goals.
However, in keeping with both the spirit and the letter of
various statutes we have included the preceding messages
and others in various locations in this manual.

DO NOT REMOVE ANY ENCLOSURE COMPONENTS!

There are no user serviceable parts inside.
All service should be performed by a service representative
authorized by Yamaha to perform such service.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

After unpacking, check that the following parts are contained.

Batteries (size AA, LR6, AM-3)

Remote Control Transmitter

User Program Sheets

3

PROFILE OF THIS UNIT

You are the proud owner of Yamaha AV-90PY, the stereo amplifier –an extremely sophisticated audio component. The Digital
Sound Field Processor (DSP) built in this unit takes full advantage of Yamaha’s undisputed leadership in the field of digital audio
processing to bring you a whole new world of listening experiences. Follow the instructions in this manual carefully when setting up
your system, and this unit will sonically transform your room into a wide range of listening environments –movie theater, concert
hall, and so on. In addition, you get incredible realism from Dolby-encoded video sources using the built-in Dolby Pro Logic
Surround Decoder.
Rather than tell you about the wonders of digital sound field processing, however, let’s get right down to the business of setting up
the system and trying out its many capabilities. Please read this operation manual carefully and store it in a safe place for later
reference.

Digital Sound Field Processing

What is it that makes live music so good? Today’s advanced
sound reproduction technology lets you get extremely close to
the sound of a live performance, but chances are you’ll still
notice something missing: the acoustic environment of the live
concert hall. Extensive research into the exact nature of the
sonic reflections that create the ambience of a large hall has
made it possible for Yamaha engineers to bring you this same
sound in your own listening room, so you’ll feel all the sound of
a live concert.

Dolby Pro Logic Surround

The Dolby Pro Logic Surround Decoder program lets you
experience the dramatic realism and impact of Dolby Surround
movie theater sound in your own home. Dolby Pro Logic gets
its name from its professional-grade steering logic circuitry,
which provides greater effective channel separation for a much
higher degree of realism than the “passive” Dolby Surround
circuits found in today’s typical home audio/video equipment.
Dolby Pro Logic Surround provides a true center channel, so
that there are four independent channels, unlike passive Dolby
Surround which has in effect only three channels: left, right,
and rear. This center channel allows listeners seated in even
less-than-ideal positions to hear the dialog originating from
action on the screen while getting a stereo effect as well.

What’s more, our technicians, armed with sophisticated
measuring equipment, have even made it possible to capture
the acoustics of a variety of actual concert hall, theater, etc. to
allow you to accurately recreate one of several actual live
performance environments, all in your own home.

This Dolby Pro Logic Surround Decoder employs a digital
signal processing system. This system increases sound
stability at each channel and minimizes crosstalk between
channels, compared to conventional analog Dolby signal
processing.
In addition, this unit features a built-in automatic input balance
control. This circuit always presents you the best surround
conditions without performing manual adjustments.

“ENHANCED” Dolby Pro Logic Surround

The AV-90PY has a second mode of Dolby Pro Logic Surround
processing called “Enhanced Dolby Pro Logic Surround”
processing. Enhanced Dolby Pro Logic Surround processing
recreates the surround effect of a movie theater, effectively
duplicating their multiple surround loudspeaker system,
completely surrounding the listener with the sounds of the
action taking place on the screen.

4

SPEAKER SETTING UP FOR THIS UNIT

Front L Center Front R

Dialogue

Surround sound

Dialogue

Surround sound

Rear L

Rear R

Front L Front R

Dialogue

Surround sound

Dialogue

Surround sound

Rear L Rear R

Front R

Center

Front L

TV set

Rear R

Rear L

SPEAKERS TO BE USED

This unit is designed to provide the best sound-field quality with 5 speaker configuration. The speakers to be used with this unit will
be mainly front speakers, rear speakers, and a center speaker. (You can delete a center speaker. Refer to the “4-Speaker
Configuration” shown below.)
The front speakers are used for the output of the main source sound and the effect sound. They will probably be your present
stereo speaker system. The rear speakers are used for the output of the effect sound. And the center speaker is used for the
output of the center sound (dialogue etc.) encoded with the Dolby Surround. The rear and center speakers do not need to be equal
with the front speakers. However, all the speakers should have high enough power handling to accept the maximum output of this
unit that will drive them.

SPEAKER CONFIGURATION

5-Speaker Configuration

This configuration is the most effective and recommended. In
this configuration, the center speaker is necessary as well as
the rear speakers. If the digital sound field program is in the
DOLBY PRO LOGIC or ENHANCED, conversations will be
output from the center speaker and the ambience will be
excellent.

●

Set the center mode to the “NORMAL” or “WIDE” position.
(For details, refer to the page 11.)

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

4-Speaker Configuration

The center speaker is not used in this configuration. If the
digital sound field program is in the DOLBY PRO LOGIC or
ENHANCED, the center sound is output from the left and the
right front speakers. However, the sound effect of other
programs can be the same as that of the 5-speaker
configuration.

●

Be sure to set the center mode to the “PHANTOM” position.
(For details, refer to the page 11.)

The recommanded speaker configuration, the 5-speaker configuration, will require two speaker pairs: front speakers (your normal
stereo speakers), and rear speakers, plus a center speaker. When you place these speakers, refer to the following.

Front: In normal position. (The position of your present

stereo speaker system.)

Rear: Behind your listening position, facing slightly inward.

Nearly six feet up from the floor.

Center: Precisely between the front speakers. (To avoid

interference to TV sets, use a magnetically shielded
speaker. If, however, it is not effective, keep the
speaker away from TV sets.)

5

YAMAHA ACTIVE SERVO TECHNOLOGY

High-amplitude
bass sound

Cabinet

Port

Signals of low amplitude

The theory of the Active Servo Technology is based upon two
major factors, the Helmholtz resonator and negative­impedance drive. Active Servo Processing speakers
reproduce the bass frequencies through an “air woofer”, which
is a small port or opening in the speaker’s cabinet. This
opening is used instead of, and performs the functions of, a
woofer in a conventionally designed speaker system. Thus,
signals of low amplitude within the cabinet can, according to
the Helmholtz resonance theory, be output from this opening
as waves of great amplitude if the design is such that the size
of the opening and the volume of the cabinet are in the correct
proportion to satisfy a certain ratio.
In order to accomplish this, moreover, the amplitudes within
the cabinet must be both precise and of sufficient power
because these amplitudes must overcome the “load”
presented by the air that exists within the cabinet.

Air woofer
(Helmholtz resonator)

Negative-impedance
output drive

Active Servo
Processing Amplifier

Thus it is this problem that is resolved through the
employment of a design in which the amplifier functions to
supply the signals. If the electrical resistance of the voice coil
is reduced to zero, the movement of the speaker unit would
become linear with respect to signal voltage, and, to
accomplish this, a special negative-impedance output-drive
amplifier for subtracting output impedance of the amplifier is
used.
By employing negative-impedance drive circuits, the amplifier
is able to generate precise, low-amplitude low-frequency
waves with superior damping characteristics, and these waves
are then radiated from the cabinet opening as high-amplitude
signals. The system can, therefore, by employing the
negative-impedance output drive amplifier and a speaker
cabinet with the Helmholtz resonator, reproduce an extremely
wide range of frequencies (28 Hz – 20 kHz) with amazing
sound quality and less distortion.
The features described above, then, are combined to be the
fundamental structure of the Active Servo Technology.

Signals

6

CONNECTIONS

Before attempting to make any connections to or from this unit, be sure to first switch OFF the power to this unit and to any other
components to which connections are being made.

CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER COMPONENTS

When making connections between this unit and other components, be sure all connections are made correctly, that is to say L
(left) to L, R (right) to R, “+” to “+” and “–” to “–”. Also, refer to the owner’s manual for each component to be connected to this unit.

Rear speakers

Center speaker

LD player Video cassette recorder 1

Compact disc player

Turntable

Tuner

Tape deck 1

Refer to “SETTING OF
THE YST SELECTOR”
on page 9.

Right

Left

(U.S.A. model)

To AC outlet

Video cassette recorder 2
or tape deck 2

: Refer to “About the accessory terminals” on page 8.

Monitor TV

Right

Left

Front speakers

7

CONNECTING SPEAKERS

aConnect the SPEAKERS terminals to your speakers with wire
of the proper gauge, cut to be as short as possible. If the
connections are faulty, no sound will be heard from the
speakers. Make sure that the polarity of the speaker wires is
correct, that is, + and – markings are observed. If these wires
are reversed, the sound will be unnatural and will lack bass.

Do not let the bare speaker wires touch each other and do
not let them touch the metal parts of this unit as this could
damage this unit and/or speakers.

●

Use speakers with the specified impedance shown on the
rear of this unit.

ABOUT THE ACCESSORY TERMINALS

AC OUTLETS

Use these to connect the power cords from your components
to this unit.
The power to the SWITCHED outlets is controlled by this unit’s

POWER switch or the provided remote-control transmitter’s
POWER key. These outlets will supply power to any

component whenever this unit is turned on.
The maximum power (total power consumption of
components) that can be connected to the SWITCHED AC

OUTLETS is 100 watts.

How to Connect:

Red: positive (+)
Black: negative (–)

1 Press and hold the tab.
2 Insert the bare wire.

[Remove approx. 5mm
(1/4") insulation from
the speaker wires.]

3 Release the tab and

secure the wire.

FRONT OUT terminals

These terminals are for front-channel line output. Leave the
jumper bars connected to FRONT IN terminals when you use
the built-in amplifier.
However, if you drive front speakers with an external stereo
power amplifier, remove the jumper bars and connect input
terminals of the external amplifier (MAIN IN or AUX terminals
of a power amplifier or an integrated amplifier) to these
terminals.

REMOTE CONTROL (PHONO) connector

If you have a YAMAHA turntable with the
it to this connector by using the cable provided with the
turntable. This connection allows you to control the turntable
from the provided remote control transmitter.

S

mark, connect

GND terminal (For turntable use)

Connecting the ground wire of the turntable to this terminal will
minimize hum, but in some cases better results may be
obtained with the ground wire disconnected.

FRONT IN terminals

These terminals are for line input to the built-in front-channel
amplifier. Leave the jumper bars connected to FRONT OUT
terminals when you use the built-in amplifier.
However, if you drive front speakers with an external stereo
power amplifier, remove the jumper bars.

CENTER OUT terminal

This terminal is for center-channel line output. There is no
connection to this terminal when you use the built-in amplifier.
However, if you drive a center speaker with an external power
amplifier, connect input terminal of the external amplifier to this
terminal.
If you use the built-in amplifier and the external power amplifier
at the same time, the sound will be output through both
speakers.

8