Amplifier of the Year under $1000
Amplifier of the Year under $1000
When we reviewed this smart amplifier back in our June-July issue, we spent much of our time trying to work out what was wrong with it. It’s loaded with networking abilities including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify and all the benefits of Yamaha’s MusicCast multiroom system; it even looks pretty good, presented with the design cues of Yamaha’s finest stereo components. Yet the price is just $699. Something has to give, right?
Of course there is more available in the world of amplification in terms of sheer drive and headroom, and those seeking the finest expression of music may wish to expend further funds up Yamaha’s range of stereo hi-fi. Yet it’s a matter of some wonder that Yamaha can deliver so much in the way of connectivity at this price, and still here include amplification of a power and quality that proved able to drive all but difficult speakers with dynamics and musicality. It quotes 2 × 100W into eight ohms, though measured with an allowance of 0.2% THD, a little high by hi-fi amplifier standards, so the more directly comparable figure would be rather lower.
Meanwhile, look what you get. It has six physical audio inputs in all — four analogue line-level (in the US they get a turntable input, a disappointing omission here for vinyl lovers), and two digital inputs, one optical, one coaxial. So the only obvious omission besides turntable is USB, with neither USB-B for a computer nor a USB-A slot for plugging in sticks, drives or a smart device.
The back panel also has a single antenna connection for the DAB+/FM included — there’s no AM here, but internet radio can be easily accessed through its MusicCast abilities. As described elsewhere, MusicCast is Yamaha’s streaming/multiroom platform, with app control, access to streaming services, Bluetooth (both receiving and sending), AirPlay and network music shares. If you have more than one MusicCast unit in the home, you can share by grouping rooms for playback.
There are two sets of speaker outputs, though to run two sets at once (not that we ever suggest doing so), Yamaha specifies speakers of 16 ohms and higher, and eight ohms even if you use only one set of speakers; a restriction worth noting “to avoid overheating” Yamaha says.
As a relatively budget amplifier, then, Yamaha is giving you a huge amount for your money here; it’s an entry-level triumph. More info: au.yamaha.com
JUDGES’ COMMENT “Remarkable at the price, given it comes loaded with abilities including the MusicCast streaming & multiroom platform, and still delivers a clean musical output.”