Yamaha R-N800A

Yamaha R-N800A

Streaming amplifier with a wealth of features

Are you looking 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-N800A, an integrated amplifier packed with a wide range of features.

Highlights of the Yamaha R-N800A:

• Classic Hi-Fi design and quality
• Comprehensive streaming platform via MusicCast
• 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 comes with a higher price tag. With the launch of the Yamaha R-N800A, you get many of the features found in the more expensive model, but at a more affordable price. Yamaha has always been known for its high quality in both sound and construction, and the R-N800A is no exception. The signature Yamaha design, with classic Hi-Fi aesthetics, is present in the R-N800A, along with a small, dynamic display on the front, hinting at the modern features hidden beneath the top plate.

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

Compared to the costlier Yamaha R-N1000A, which was launched at the same time as the R-N800A, some features and upgrades are not included in this model. You can read more about what you get in the larger model in the description of the Yamaha R-N1000A. Essentially, the two models are identical, but do differ in performance.

Streaming Features in the Yamaha R-N800A

Yamaha was among the first Hi-Fi manufacturers to take streaming seriously with the launch of their MusicCast platform. It has been several years since then, and MusicCast has matured, becoming better and more comprehensive. The advantage of Yamaha's streaming solution is that it brings together various streaming services and control functions into a single app. It’s user-friendly, and the implementation works very well. You naturally have 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. You can also access thousands of radio stations via the internet. If you prefer something more local, the Yamaha R-N800A also includes FM/AM and DAB+. Lastly, it's worth noting that local streaming from a computer, smartphone, or tablet can be handled via Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 if you have an Apple iPhone, iPad, or computer.

Physical Connections on the Yamaha R-N800A

If streaming isn’t enough, you also have the option to connect external sources to the amplifier. On the digital side, you have a choice of 2 optical TosLink and 2 coaxial S/PDIF inputs. Both types can be used, for example, with a CD player, where you want to improve the sound if the player has a corresponding output. When the signal remains 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 send it to proper speakers. This is done via one of the four digital inputs. If you use your PC or Mac for music playback, you can send the sound wirelessly via Bluetooth or AirPlay 2, but for the best quality, it’s via a 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 RIAA preamp for MM cartridges, allowing you to connect your turntable directly without needing an additional preamp. A stereo pre-out output lets you connect to an external power amplifier, and it's also possible to connect a subwoofer via a dedicated output.

Room Calibration via YPAO

To give you the best possible listening experience, even if your room isn't perfectly optimized, Yamaha has included the YPAO calibration function, also found in their AV receivers. This version is optimized for the R-N800A and performs extremely high-precision equalization up to 192kHz/64-bit, controlling early reflections. The sound is adjusted to suit your room, using a high-precision equalizer.

Symmetrical Amplifier Design In the R-N800A

Yamaha has employed 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 minimizes vibrations and preserves the sound’s characteristics and purity. The cabinet rests on anti-resonance feet, which further helps reduce the impact on the sensitive components inside the chassis.