Yamaha R-N600A Review
The R-N600A is Yamaha’s smallest network-capable stereo receiver. And at an entry price, it offers quite a few surprises.
Yamaha’s new entry into the streaming world is, unsurprisingly, a genuine two-channel specialist, also sporting a retro look. The control elements on the R-N600A are even designed based on the knob style of the 1970s, which, surprisingly, looks timeless.
Of course, the 130-year-old manufacturer of musical instruments and audio equipment is well-established in both the multichannel and stereo worlds. However, for its price – there’s no way around it – it’s much easier to combine good features and high-quality music playback with two amplifier channels than it is with five or more. Yamaha’s vast experience with home theater inevitably results in some similarities in features across its devices.
It would make no sense not to use the same parts, including the same streaming engine, and avoid unnecessarily developing separate components. The main difference between the R-N600A and its bigger sibling, the R-N800A, is the lack of YPAO room calibration. Given the $300 price difference, one might expect more variations. HDMI is only available in the R-N1000A. But so be it.
TEST EQUIPMENT
Turntable: Micro Seiki MR-122/Grado Prestige
CD Player: T+A MP 2000 R
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Speakers: DALI Epicon 6, Martin Logan Motion 60XTi
Cables: Silent Wire, Supra
Entry-level power engine
Typical for Yamaha is its comparatively good, even excellent power delivery. The specs list 2x 80 watts output power at 8 ohms and 2x 60 watts at 4 ohms. This is interesting because if the power decreases at lower impedance, it suggests that current delivery is somewhat limited. However, this doesn’t seem to apply to the impulse reserves, which are expected to rise as “dynamic power.”
As always, 7Review measured the output and found an impressive 2x 180 watts at 8 ohms, 2x 127 watts at 4 ohms, and 2x 154 watts of impulse power, confirming the current limitation. Despite this, the available power of Yamaha’s smallest receiver is enormous, delivering more than double the manufacturer’s specifications into the speaker cables. Without giving too much away upfront: This power is clearly audible as authority, leading to significantly enhanced control over the sound transducers and lifting Yamaha’s sound quality to a higher class.
The R-N600A also incorporates design principles from the ToP-ART flagship models (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology), which can be felt in its weight – it features a true Class AB topology with mirror-symmetrical circuitry and short signal paths. Also onboard is an extensive tone control network, which audio purists will appreciate, as it can be bypassed entirely via the “Pure Direct” function. Yamaha’s uniquely adjustable “Loudness” feature, which provides rich sound even at low volumes, is also included.
Yamaha’s smallest receiver is equipped with a powerful 32-bit/384 kHz ES9010K2M DAC chip from ESS Technology, which has a reputation for excellent sound quality. “Modern” digital audio sources can be connected via two coaxial and two optical inputs.
Furthermore, the multiroom-capable network module supports Yamaha’s own MusicCast technology, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for music streaming. The relatively open and app-controlled platform can be easily updated for future features, providing a high level of future-proofing, for example, when new music services become available. Although the interface may take some getting used to, it offers a powerful tool for high-resolution music playback.
Five analog RCA high-level inputs, a quality phono preamplifier for moving magnet (MM/MI) cartridges, and a DAB+ tuner with 40 station presets offer additional sources on Yamaha’s small receiver. The front USB port accepts music-loaded USB sticks or hard drives, making it possible to use the receiver for party mode even without a network connection, such as in a rural community hall. The subwoofer output, inherited from Yamaha’s AV range or the PianoCraft mini systems, is a welcome addition, not always found on receivers in this price range.
The optical digital input can connect to a TV if needed. As mentioned, HDMI is only available on the larger R-N1000A.
Impressive sound
The Yamaha can be compared to an entry-level integrated streaming amplifier (DAB+ actually makes it a receiver) like the Creek 4040A, though it quickly surpasses it during the first notes of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.” We attribute this to Yamaha’s significantly oversized amplifier stage, which makes it an incredible value for the price.
With great emotionality, lively energy, superb timing, and a tight, punchy foundation, the R-N600A took control of the music. As with last month’s review of the Arcam A5 (which was no longer available), we had to bring in the much more expensive Moonriver 404 integrated amplifier to counter Yamaha’s relentless power. The Moonriver did hold its ground – but at four times the price!
The lively Yamaha sounds a bit brighter and more energetic, though not as detailed or refined in soundstage depth as the Swedish amplifier. Nevertheless, Yamaha’s natural and high-quality sound is more than just a surprise – it’s an outright sensation, bringing it closer to its larger sibling, the R-N2000A, than one might expect, and possibly closer than Yamaha intended. After all, there are two more models between them.
An audiophile all-in-one package
One would expect a certain level of value when spending a few thousand dollars, but it’s especially satisfying for a tester when a budget product delivers far more than anticipated.
The “small” receiver with unexpected power is likely to win over most Hi-Fi fans. As a former colleague once jokingly said: “No one needs more Hi-Fi.” Especially considering that Yamaha’s affordable machine also comes packed with plenty of useful features, such as a complete and high-quality network streamer. We may have found the “jack-of-all-trades” in Hi-Fi!
Specs
Product / Price Class:
Integrated amplifier with streaming / $500 to $1,000
Website:
yamaha.com
Dimensions (W x H x D) / Weight:
44 x 15.5 x 39 cm / 9.8 kg
German Distributor / Contact Number:
Yamaha / +49 4101 3030
SOUND
Sound Quality:
45% – 9/10
Dynamic, powerful, and natural; outstanding for its price class.
MEASUREMENTS
10% – 9.6/10
- Continuous power per channel at 4 Ohms at 1% THD (in watts): High (127)
- Impulse power at 4 Ohms (1 kHz) (in watts): High (154)
- Intermodulation at 5 watts (in percent): Very low (0.0046)
- Damping factor at 4 Ohms: High (41)
- Channel separation (in decibels): Very high (89)
- Channel balance potentiometer (in decibels): Very good (0.05)
- Upper cutoff frequency (in kHz): Very good (>80)
- THD at 5 watts (in percent): Very low (0.0034)
- Signal-to-noise ratio at 5 watts (in decibels): Very high (>95)
- FFT Spectrum: Good
FEATURES
20% – 8/10
- Build quality / Craftsmanship: Good
- Number of analog inputs (Cinch/XLR): Very good (5)
- Special connections, Pre-Out: Bluetooth, Subwoofer / None
- Tone control or room calibration: Yes
- Color variants / finishes: Silver / Black (2)
- Streaming standards / music formats: Good, almost all / Very good, almost all
USABILITY & OPERATION
20% – 8.5/10
- Remote control / manual / app quality: Good / Good, easy to use
- Operation at the device / display: Very good
SERVICE & ENVIRONMENT
5% – 7/10
- Warranty in years: 2
- Packaging: Mostly cardboard
- Power consumption standby / idle: Very low (1.6 / 21)
Verdict
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Yamaha R-N600A Preview
Yamaha has just release specifications on their new line of networked receivers and the new R-N600A has a $899 MSRP.
Yamaha RN600A Network Receiver | The Listening Post | TLPCHC TLPWLG
Experience Music The Way It Was Meant To Be Heard #Yamaha #RN600A Network Receiver #unboxed The Yamaha R-N600A ...
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