Trickle-down tech

Yamaha used the prestigious stage to reveal the R-N1000A and R-N800A streaming amplifiers, and the NS-800A and NS-600A bookshelf speakers that have been designed as their perfect partners to form a neat hi-fi setup.

Despite being several ranks down from Yamaha’s reference components, both network receivers purportedly adhere to the company’s strict engineering template, which is defined by a meticulously symmetrical left/right circuit layout, the shortest viable signal paths, and a low-vibration chassis. The R-N1000A goes one step further with an enclosure strengthened by a double-bottom chassis and reinforced by a thick iron damping plate. Throw in claims of "high-quality" audio components, including custom-made power transformers and block capacitors, and you can see where both models get their heritage from.

Both receivers also feature Yamaha’s proprietary audio calibration technology to help overcome room inadequacies. Network streaming is integrated by way of Yamaha’s own MusicCast streaming platform, which is a gateway to DLNA streaming and music services. Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and AirPlay 2 are also on the menu, as is all the usual analogue and digital connectivity you would expect, with the latter fed by a digital stage based on ESS Technology’s 32-bit/384kHz SABRE ES9080Q DAC. That reflects the machines' PCM file support through

USB, which also plays ball with DSD 11.2MHz too.

The R-N1000A adds an HDMI socket over its more affordable sibling, with further points of differentiation being its use of three Amtrans resistors (up from two in the R-N800A) for improved expression and scale; higher-grade coupling capacitors by Toshin Kogyo; and speaker terminals cut from pure brass.

While exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, the R-N800A and R-N1000A should go on sale for approximately $1,799 and $2,499 respectively when they become available later this year.

As for those piano-finished bookshelf speakers, the $5,999 NS-800A (with a 16cm woofer) and $3,999 NS-600A (13cm woofer) harness the company’s newly developed Harmonious Diaphragm cone in an effort to create tonally balanced sound across all frequencies — something Yamaha strives for. This diaphragm is made from a blend of Zylon, which Yamaha says has excellent sound velocity and optimal internal dissipation, and spruce, used in the soundboard of its grand pianos.

To cancel unwanted resonance behind the tweeters, Yamaha has patented its own tech that sees two specially shaped tubes in a back-chamber that absorb resonance without the need for conventional absorption materials.

For more information, call Yamaha Australia on 1800 805 413 or visit www.au.yamaha.com