Yamaha YH-L700A Headphones Feature 3D Sound and Head Tracking Skills

Yamaha announces new wireless YH-L700A ANC headphones with 3D Sound and head tracking.
Yamaha's YH-L700A headphones sport "high-performance" 40 mm dynamic drivers and, leaning on the company's reputation as one of the world's leading makers of musical instruments and audio gear, promises the commensurate sound quality from these new closed-backed cans. They're also bursting with up-to-the-minute tech.
Furthermore, thanks to Bluetooth 5 and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, you should get stable, premium streaming quality for up to 34 hours before requiring a recharge via USB-C. However, Hi-Res audio is delivered with a claimed 8 Hz-40 kHz range when using the YH-L700A with a wired connection.
3D Sound
So far, so fairly standard. But, the YH-L700A also features 3D Sound Field with head tracking. 3D Sound Field draws on over 30 years of using Yamaha's CINEMA DSP processing in home theatre products to transform 2-channel listening into a multi-channel experience. This tech promises to make movies, for example, played on your mobile device gain cinema-like realism.
This can even be tuned, depending on the content you're enjoying, as there are seven 3D sound modes, including Cinema, Drama and Music Video (for video content), Audio Room and Background Music (for music). The final two are Outdoor Live and Concert Hall modes (for performances – big and small – on any social or video streaming platform).
Best of all is that we are told that 3D Sound Field works with any stereo content from virtually any source, including iOS and Android devices, as the audio processing is handled inside the headphones.
Head Tracking
This clever tech has playback responding in real-time to the orientation of your head in relation to the device playing the content.
When head tracking is combined with 3D Sound Field capabilities, the result promises to be an "extraordinary transformation of sound realism". Basically, Yamaha says you will feel as if you're actually "there" – whether that's in the best seat in a cinema or front row of a live concert.
Bespoke Optimisation
The L700A features proprietary technology from Yamaha that optimises the listening experience for each person, based on your head shape, wearing conditions and surroundings.
Where most headphones on the market take a single measurement at one moment in time. Listening Optimiser works in real-time, making ongoing measurements and subtly adjusting if the fit or wearing conditions change to ensure the best sound. Meanwhile, Listening Care encourages lower volume listening by intelligently adjusting sound frequencies to maintain the full-range sound, says the brand. Additionally, the L700A analyses music and background noise in real-time to automatically achieve the optimum balance at your selected volume setting, so we are told.
Noise Cancelling
Naturally, there is also active noise cancelling. However, Yamaha states that its Advanced ANC analyses and removes background noise while keeping the music signal pure and untouched and so doesn't colour the sound, like some other forms of ANC can.
Finally, there is an Ambient Sound mode that allows you to remain aware of your surroundings and communicate with others while playing music with your headphones on.
All these settings and modes are adjusted and activated via the Yamaha Headphones Controller App, available for iOS and Android.
Rounding off the features is the Yamaha YH-L700A's natty squared-off aesthetic that sees plush memory foam providing both an excellent seal and comfort for long listening sessions. Soft fabric accentuates the exterior design of the swivelling, foldable ear cups and adjustable headband. Tactile control buttons hand you playback control and simple summoning of your favourite voice assistant. You will also find dedicated buttons to activate modes such as 3D Sound Field and toggle between Advanced ANC and Ambient Sound mode.
The Yamaha YH-L700A is available from August, priced £449.
Visit Yamaha for more information

Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Headphones
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