Yamaha YP-B4

The YP-B4 is Yamaha’s pround answer to the challenge of turntable design to rotate the record smoothly and steadily at the rated speed to hold the stylus tip at the correct angle and with the right tracking force, and to do it in on easy-to-use esthetically pleasing and reliable unit, essentially independent of external influences.

This sophisticated turntable unit is convincing evidence of Yamaha’s excellence in audio engineering and musical craftsmanship. For Yamaha is a very special kind of company, where craftmanship has been honed to the level of an art over generations of musical instument building … pianos, organs, woodwind and brass instruments, guitars, drums. And at Yamaha the audio engineers and musicans talk the same language and share the same objectives; total responsibility for music fidelity and complete customer satisfaction.

The YP-B4 is one of the latest in a long series of pace-setting audio achievements, originating in a vision of how audio equipment should perform, and based on intimate knowledge of music, musical instruments, and musicans. So ehen conventional materials and technologies are inadequate, Yamaha engineers have the creative ability, and the technical resources, to advance significantly the state-oftheart. As they did with the development of vertical FETs; the all-FET B-1 and C-1 basic and control amplifiers; the use of the space-age metal, beryllium, in speaker diaphragms, ans as they are continuing to do in a prestigious new line of amplifiers, tuners, and receivers.

Yamaha ensures total consumer satisfaction by taking overall responsibility for each stage of manufacture, with rigid in-house quality control, something no mere assembler of parts could do. The YP-B4 is a product in the finest Yamaha tradition; combining unique design concepts and musical quality in a turntable which gives unrivalled performance at a hard-to-beat price. 

Fully Automatic mechanism with No Loss in Performance.

With music becoming more and more a part of our daily lives, audio components which are of high quality, yet simple to use, are highly valued. The YP-B4 features fully automatic operation, making its high performance easily accessible. In addition, careful attention has been paid to human engineering principles in the layout.

Precise, Stable Drive System.

A 4-pole synchronous motor is the core of the efficient stable drive system which makes the YP-B4 such a pleasure to listen to. This powerful, high-torque motor spins the platter quickly up to full speed and maintains an absolutely smooth rate of rotation. So the YP-B4 will never waver when the stylus is lowered onto the record surface, nor if a groove-riding dust cleaner is used.. Synchronization is the key - the motor is “locked” onto the electrical supply frequency for stable, steady operation. And its inherently low vibration makes it ideal for use in a quality turntable such as the YP-B4.

The belt-drive system is more than unfailingly precise; the belt actually absorbs what little vibration there is for low 0,07% wow and flutter. Made to extremely close tolerances, the belt is designed to maintain its precise shape over long periods of use. Yamaha expertise in the field of metallurgy is another reason behind the YP-B4’s built-in quality. The aluminum platter is perfectly weighted and balanced in the casting process for greatest moment of inertia and best flywheel smoothing effect. Platter and motor pulley bearings, important for smooth, quiet operation, are precision finished and extra durable.

Vibration-Free for Excellent Signal-to-Noise Ratio.

The YP-B4 has been carefully designed for vibration-free, low-noise operation. Each part of the drive system is precision processed and finished for smoothest platter rotation. The durably-constructed cabinet and felt/rubber, acoustic insulator feet ensure that external vibrations pose no problem either. As a result the signal-to-noise ratio is more than 55 dB, which means that every delicate passage and soft note on your records will be clearly audible.

Dial-Setting Anti-Skate Device.

This anti-skating device ensures middle-of-the-groove tracking, even at low tracking forces, for the best possible stereo reproduction and the longest life for records and stylus. Just set it to the same reading as the tracking force for optimum tracking accuracy.

Designed for Convenience and High Performance with Different Cartridges.

The YP-B4 comes without cartridge so that you can choose the one that is best for your taste in music and your budget. The tracking force adjustment is a 0,5 gram-step direct-reading dial system for fast simple setting, and a built-in overhang gauge helps you get adjustments right the first time- and every time.

Swift and Gentle Damped Cueing Lever.

This convenient lever lifts the tonearm from the record surface cleanly and swiftly, without any risk of scratches to the record or damage to the stylus. Interrupt audition briefly, then find your place again immediately. It sets the stylus down just as gently, too.

Sensitive, Static Balanced Tonearm.

The S-shaped high precision pipe arm fitted to the YP-B4 turntable has excellent sensitivity and low tracking error, bringing out the best from the latest high performance cartridges. Its action is light and totally accurate eliminating the problems which plague other automatic turntables.

Quality Headshell Unit.

The diecast aluminum headshell is light, strong and specially reinforced to eliminate unwanted resonances. Every cartridge will give its best with this headshell. Overhang adjustments are a simple matter of alignment with the indicator mark.

Vibration-Free for Excellent Signal-to-Noise Ratio.

The YP-B4 has been carefully designed for vibration-free, low-noise operation. Each part of the drive system is precision processed and finished for smoothest platter rotation. The durably-constructed cabinet and felt/rubber, acoustic insulator feet ensure that external vibrations pose no problem either. As a result the signal-to-noise ratio is more than 55 dB, which means that every delicate passage and soft note on your records will be clearly audible.

Automatic Lead-In

After selecting the speed and the record size simply press the Start button; the tonearm will automatically move to the correct position and lower onto the record. There is absolutely no worry about dropping the arm accidentally and damaging valuable records or your speakers.

Automatic Return and Cut

At the end of the record, the arm will automatically return to the arm rest, and the power will be turned off. This convenient feature keeps the stylus from needlessly traveling in the center lead-out groove of the record all night, should you leave the room, or fall asleep, without turning the unit off. If you want to stop audition in the middle of a record pressing the Cut button will cause the arm to rise and return, and the unit will shut off.

Automatic Repeat.

There are days when you want to listen to your favorite record over and over. At such times, simply set the black Repeat switch to On. The arm will return to the beginning of the record again and again, eliminating the need to lead it in each time.

Yamaha Experience Produces a Superior Cabinet.

The cabinet of any turntable plays an important role in achieving optimum record fidelity. All Yamaha turntable cabinets incorporate structural extras to make sure this fidelity is obtained. Most of these design features, such as thick frame materials, internal bracing placement, bottom plate dimensions and location - even the adhesives used - result from acoustic know-how gained through generations of Yamaha piano craftsmanship.

Acoustic Damper Feet.

These large feet are a highly effective means of insulating the turntable from unwanted external vibrations. Made of specially developed rubber, with felt on the bottom, they employ a special articulated design which allows them to “float”, for sure stability and extra vibration damping. This insulation also helps to prevent any howling effect (acoustic feedback from speakers to cartridge stylus).

Acrylic Dust Cover.

The YP-B4 cover does more then protect your records from dust, although this is important for reproduction clarity. Its thickness serves to cut air-borne vibrations, thus reducing howling. It is fully detachable and also incorporates free-stop hinges for maximum accessibility.

Specifications

Turntable

Drive Sytems: Belt drive

Motor: 4-pole, synchronous motor

Speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Platter: 300 mm (11-3/4”) die-cast aluminum

Weight Platter: 1,1 kg (2 lbs 6,4 oz)

Wow amd Flutter: Less than 0,07% wrms

Signal-to-noise Ratio: Better than 55 dB (IEC-B); Better than 62 dB (DIN-B)

Tonearm

Type: S-type, static balance

Effective Length: 210 mm (8-1.4”)

Overhang: 10 mm (3/8”)

Tracking Force Range: 0 to 3 grams (0,5 gram/steps)

Tracking Force Indication: Counter ring

Anti-Skate Device: Direct-reading, spring operated

Usable Cartridge Weight: 4 to 11 g

Headshell: Die-cast aluminum

Cartridge (USA, Canada and Europe not supplied)

Type: Dual Magnetic Type CG-6600

Stylus: 0,5 mil Spherical

Tracking Force: 2,0 g

Output Voltage: 2,2 mV (5cm/sec, 1 kHz)

General

Automatic Operation: Lead-in, Return, Cut, Repeat

Feet: Large rubber acoustic-insulator feet

Dust Cover: Smoked grey acryl, free-stop hinges

Finish: Walnut grain

Power Supplies: AC 110-130, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption: 9 watts

Dimensions (W x H X D): 435 x 150 x 347 mm ( 17-1/8” x 5-1/8” x 13-5/8”)

Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs, 7 oz)