Spatial audio is all the rage right now. It’s the most coveted headphone feature next to noise cancellation, and we have Apple to thank for that. This technology made a big splash on the AirPods Pro, bringing a more natural-sounding presence to one of the best true wireless earbuds ever made.
Not only has Apple’s spatial audio technology become a staple of the AirPods series, which also includes the exceptional AirPods Max headphones, but it has birthed a slew of noteworthy rivals. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio is considered a close competitor and does a convincing job of making music and movies sound more realistic on upscale Sony headphones and earbuds.
As much as we love what Apple and Sony have created, neither has developed the best headphones for spatial audio. That honor goes to Yamaha.
Yamaha? Yes, the Japanese electronics manufacturer responsible for some of the market’s top-sounding AV receivers. Its YH-L700A headphones have been criminally overlooked, mainly because the company has marketed them more as a noise-canceling model than a 360-degree sonic juggernaut. It’s time they got their recognition.
I’ve owned the Yamaha YH-L700A since they originally launched back in fall 2020 and I’m still mesmerized by how well-engineered these cans are for both 3D and casual listening. More importantly, they offer something that no other headphone does: 3D sound compatibility with any audio source (more on that later).
Let me put you onto the greatness that is the YH-L700A.
If you want a pair of quality high-end headphones with good sound, strong noise cancellation and the best spatial audio out there for immersive music and movies, the Yamaha YH-L700A are for you.
What is Yamaha’s 3D Sound Field feature and how does it work?
Yamaha’s 3D Sound Field scans your head to determine how your ears receive sound from a point in space. The Bluetooth signal is then expanded to five channels, placing “dialogue to the center and sound effects to the left and right as originally intended.”
Apple’s spatial audio technology employs 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos mixes from compatible content, which apply directional audio filters and tweak frequencies relayed to each ear that are placed in a 3D soundscape. Meanwhile, Sony’s 360 Reality Audio relies on object-based audio (like Dolby Atmos) that maps individual sounds on compatible songs to a spherical 3D space where the listener is positioned in the middle and sounds come from different directions.
Is Yamaha’s spatial audio technology really compatible with all content and devices?
I didn’t mislead you in the intro. 3D Sound Field works with any audio source, be it MP3 files stored locally on your MacBook or MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) tracks streamed on hi-res music streaming services like Tidal. The technology also works with head-tracking motion technology and Cinema DSP processing to pinpoint sound and adjust it on the fly.
No extra hardware is required since all audio processing is handled inside the headphones. This makes listening to music on iOS and Android devices more rewarding.
How do the Yamaha YH-L700A sound?
Exceptional. I’m fond of the AirPods Max for movies and the Sony WH-1000XM5 for music, but the YH-L700A let me enjoy the best of both worlds without changing headphones. All credit goes to Yamaha’s 3D Sound Field modes that accurately customize sound to content.
- Movies and Shows: Cinema, Drama
- Music Videos: Concert Hall, Outdoor Live, Music Video
- Music Only: Audio Room, BGM
You can either cycle through each mode by pressing the 3D button on the right ear cup or select one in the Yamaha Headphones Controller app. The differences between each mode are significant, and I mean that in a positive way. All music modes work well for different genres and content. Concert Hall and Outdoor Live brought more realism to live performances by accentuating crowd responses and nuances you wouldn’t hear on standard headphones.
Music Video raised the bass levels on music videos for livelier listens. The pounding drums and synths on Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice” rocked my ears and didn’t bloat up the soundscape. Head-tracking technology made the viewing experience more engaging; the pounding bass navigated smoothly with my head movement. Apple’s head-tracking technology is spot-on, though it feels less immersive compared to Yamaha’s. Sony’s newest software update brings head-tracking to the WH-1000XM5, but it’s disappointing.
Audio Room creates an intimate ambience that translates well on orchestral tracks. Jazz classics like the Ahmad Jamal Trio’s “Dolphin Dance” made me feel like I was in the recording booth with the band. I was enamored with the reverb and warmth from the double bass, as well as the melodic piano notes that floated across the soundscape.
Movie-watching is what elevates the YH-L700A above the competition. Cinema gives you a taste of Yamaha’s excellent home theater technology by centering dialogue and designating special effects to the left and right channels. This entire effect is reproduced extremely well. The sound design on “Avatar: The Way of Water” was jaw-dropping. It felt surreal when underwater creatures swam above characters or when the Na’vi soared through the skies. I was also shocked by how visceral the bullet-time scene in “The Matrix” sounded; slow-motion bullets whizzed past my ears. Punches landed during fight scenes had more impact to them as well.
Do the Yamaha YH-L700A offer more than just superb spatial audio?
Investing in the YH-L700A also means receiving decent ANC, great call quality and serviceable battery life in a fancy design.
The YH-L700A’s noise cancellation blocks out most low- and mid-frequency sounds. Ambient Sound mode increases awareness of surroundings when jamming out to tracks in rowdy environments. Voice and video calls come through loud and clear, with the mics demonstrating solid vocal capture. Playtime maxes out at 34 hours and 3D Sound Field drops it drastically to 11 hours, but that’s still sufficient for binge-watching a Marvel series.
Yamaha’s gorgeous craftmanship is on full display here. The combination of mesh materials and leather parts coated with soft urethane gives the YH-L700A a premium and rugged look. These headphones are heavy at 11.64 ounces, though the plush padding and tight fit make them a comfy wear for two-to-three-hour stretches.
Bottom line
If you want a pair of over-ear headphones with terrific, versatile spatial audio performance regardless of what platform you’re on, then the Yamaha YH-L700A are a must-own. You can currently get them on Amazon for less than $350, which is less expensive than the $399 Sony WH-1000XM5, $499 AirPods Max and the upcoming $429 Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the last of which we’ll be testing further soon. All signs point to Yamaha discontinuing the model, so snag a pair ASAP before Amazon sells out.
