Yamaha R-N1000A

Yamaha R-N1000A

Classically styled streaming amplifier

On the hunt for a true Hi-Fi amplifier that delivers high-quality sound and provides a user-friendly and versatile listening experience? – Take a look at the Yamaha R-N1000A, an integrated amplifier packed with a wealth of features and top-tier components.

Highlights of the Yamaha R-N1000A:

• Classic Hi-Fi design and quality
• Comprehensive streaming platform via MusicCast
• HDMI input with ARC for TV
• USB input for PC/Mac
• YPAO room calibration with microphone
• Symmetrical design

Yamaha’s high-end R-N2000A was launched to great acclaim from the industry press, but it also operates in a higher price range. With the release of the Yamaha R-N1000A, you get many of the features found in the more expensive model, but at a more affordable price. Yamaha has long been known for its high quality in both sound and construction, and the R-N1000A is no exception. The signature Yamaha design, with classic Hi-Fi aesthetics, is present in the R-N1000A, along with a small, dynamic display on the front, hinting at the modern features hidden under the top plate.

What is the difference between the Yamaha R-N1000A and the Yamaha R-N800A?

Compared to the more affordable Yamaha R-N800A, which was launched at the same time as the R-N1000A, the latter includes several upgrades that take the sound to an even higher level. If you compare the specifications, you may have noticed that the pricier model weighs 1 kg more. Most of this weight difference comes from the extra cabinet bracing and the heavy iron plate at the bottom of the chassis, which minimizes vibrations. Additionally, higher-quality components are used, including capacitors from Toshin Kogyo in critical signal paths. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the speaker terminals are machined from solid brass, and all inputs and outputs are gold-plated. The Yamaha R-N1000A also adds an extra input—an HDMI input with Audio Return Channel (ARC), allowing you to extract sound from your TV and integrate volume control.

Streaming Features in the Yamaha R-N1000A

Yamaha was among the first Hi-Fi manufacturers to take streaming seriously with the launch of their MusicCast platform. It’s been several years since then, and MusicCast has matured, becoming better and more comprehensive. The advantage of Yamaha’s streaming solution is that it consolidates various streaming services and control functions into a single app. It’s user-friendly, and the implementation works very well. Of course, you get access to some of the largest streaming services, including Qobuz, Spotify, and Tidal, where with a paid subscription, you can explore millions of music tracks. There’s also the possibility of listening to thousands of radio stations via the internet. If you prefer something more local, the Yamaha R-N1000A also includes FM/AM and DAB+. It’s also worth mentioning that local streaming from a computer, smartphone, or tablet can be done via Bluetooth, or AirPlay 2 if you have an Apple iPhone, iPad, or computer.

Physical Connections on the Yamaha R-N1000A

If streaming isn’t enough, you can, of course, connect external sources to the amplifier. On the digital side, you have the choice of 2 optical TosLink and 1 coaxial S/PDIF. Both types can be used for, for example, a CD player, where you want to improve the sound if the player has a corresponding output. When the signal stays digital from the player to the amplifier, you can take advantage of the excellent DAC (ESS Sabre 32-bit ES9080Q) built into the amplifier. You can also connect your flat-screen TV to the amplifier to extract the flat sound from the flat screen and get it through proper speakers. This is easily done via the HDMI input on the back, which supports Audio Return Channel (ARC), integrating control between the two devices. If your TV doesn’t have HDMI ARC, you can instead use one of the three other digital inputs, though without ARC functionality. If you use your PC or Mac for music playback, you can send sound wirelessly via Bluetooth or AirPlay 2, but for the best quality, it’s via USB cable directly into the amplifier. This also opens the possibility of playing music files in much higher quality, including DSD.

In addition to the options for connecting digital sources, the amplifier also has several analog inputs. These include an excellent phono stage for MM cartridges, so you can connect your turntable directly without needing an additional preamp. A stereo pre-out output allows you to connect to an external power amplifier, and it’s also possible to connect a subwoofer via a dedicated output.

Room Calibration via YPAO

To provide you with the best possible listening experience, even if your room isn’t ideal, Yamaha has included the YPAO calibration function, also found in their AV receivers. This version is optimized for the R-N1000A and performs extremely high-precision equalization up to 192kHz/64-bit, controlling early reflections. The sound is thus adjusted to your specific room using a high-precision equalizer.

Symmetrical Amplifier Design In the R-N1000A

Yamaha has used their ToP-ART design concept, characterized by a symmetrical layout where the right and left channels are designed as separate circuit layouts. Additionally, the signal paths are shortened as much as possible to minimize the risk of signal degradation from input to output. A rigid, vibration-damped cabinet with a 1mm thick iron bottom plate ensures minimal vibrations and preserves the sound’s character and purity. The cabinet rests on anti-resonance feet, further reducing the impact on the sensitive components inside the chassis.