Yamaha R-N800A
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
86/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Yamaha R-N800A wraps balanced, easy-going sound around a richly connected streaming hub, pairing generous punch with an expansive, precise soundstage. What Hi-Fi? highlights its enjoyable scale, refined streaming performance and solid build, while Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Roon, USB-DAC and plentiful analogue/digital inputs make it an impressively complete modern hi-fi centrepiece.
Pros
Balanced, enjoyable presentation with generous scale, punch, and expansive, precise stereo imaging.
Excellent connectivity: network streaming, AirPlay 2, Roon, Bluetooth, USB-DAC, phono, and multiple digital and analogue inputs.
Solid class-standard casework and precise front-panel controls.
Cons
Dense, complex music can lose organisation and dynamic excitement when pushed.
Built-in moving-magnet phono stage sounds compressed and lacks finesse.
MusicCast cannot scroll through tracks when playing from a NAS, and Chromecast is absent.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100
The R-N800A delivers a balanced, agreeable presentation with useful scale, punch and a spacious stereo image. Its easy-going musical character is appealing, though complex material exposes some loss of composure and it does not bring quite the excitement or insight of stronger rivals.
Transparency Resolution
84/100
What Hi-Fi? found good punch and detail, but says the Yamaha does not dissect dense music or uncover the finer insights in a recording. Its digital inputs were clearer than the analogue stages, although they also sounded thinner and more edgy.
Tonal Balance Musicality
87/100
Reviewers describe a decently balanced, likeable sound that communicates musical drama well without straying too far tonally. The slightly rich bass gives it an attractive, relaxed quality, while the initially spiky treble settled into a smoother balance after use.
Dynamics
83/100
The amplifier has worthwhile punch and generally expressive dynamics, particularly at moderate complexity. However, the review notes that it lacks some verve and maximum impact, and that dense passages can strain its ability to keep instrumental lines firmly organised.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
The R-N800A earned clear praise for its sense of scale and openness. Stereo imaging is described as both expansive and precise, giving recordings an attractively broad and well-focused presentation.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
What Hi-Fi? considers the casework solid for the class, and the front-panel controls and switches operate with pleasing precision. The main reservation is that the speaker terminals flex more than expected when cables are connected.
Features Connectivity
94/100
This is a comprehensively equipped network amplifier, with Wi-Fi and Ethernet streaming, MusicCast support, major streaming services, AirPlay 2, Roon compatibility, Bluetooth, USB-B DAC input, phono input, headphone output, pre-out and subwoofer output. It also provides two optical and two coaxial inputs, though Chromecast is absent and the MusicCast interface was criticised for not allowing NAS-track scrolling.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $1,099 to $1,300, the R-N800A combines broad streaming support and substantial connectivity with an enjoyable, capable sound. What Hi-Fi? recommends it for buyers seeking an unassuming but decently capable performer, while noting sonic areas where competing options may offer more excitement and control.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- File Format
- MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Bluetooth
- Yes (SBC / AAC)
- AirPlay
- Yes (AirPlay 2)
- Rated Output Power
- [20 Hz-20 kHz 0.07 % THD] 100 W+100 W (8 ohms)
- High Dynamic Power/Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms)
- 140 / 170 / 220 / 290 W
- Frequency Response
- 10 Hz-100 kHz 0±1.0 dB, 20-20 kHｚ0±0.5 (Pure Direct ON)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CD)
- 100 dB (Pure Direct ON)
- Audio In / Out
- Phono, CD, line1, line2 / Pre out, Subwoofer out
- Digital Input
- Optical1, Optical2, Coaxial1, Coaxial2
- HDMI(ARC)
- No
- Phono Input
- Yes
- USB Input
- USB DAC (USB B-type)
- Ethernet
- Yes
- Headphone Out
- Yes
- Subwoofer Out
- Yes
- Control (Trigger) Out
- Yes
- FM 50dB Quieting Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% Mod., Mono)
- 3 µV (20.8 dBf)
- FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Mono/Stereo)
- 69 dB / 68 dB
- Pure Direct
- Yes
- ToP-ART
- Yes
- Standby Power Consumption
- 0.1 W (Network standby on/ Wi-Fi connection 1.8 W)
- Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 17-1/8" x 6" x 15-1/2" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 9-1/8" x 15-1/2")
- Weight
- 25.2 lbs
Manufacturer's Description — Yamaha
R-N800A Network Receiver
The Yamaha R-N800A delivers music enjoyment with style. It includes our very own YPAO™ technology to create an ideal listening environment. From streaming services to high-resolution sound sources, you can immerse yourself in superb sound quality.
- Authentic Hi-Fi quality with ToP-ART mechanical structure and low impedance concept
- ESS SABRE ES9080Q Ultra DAC for superior S/N performance
- YPAO-R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) and precision EQ for ideal listening environment
- MusicCast lets you stream from your favorite music services
- High-performance USB DAC function supports DSD 11.2 MHz native playback and 384 kHz playback
- Phono input terminals to enjoy your vinyl record collection
- Optical connection for TV sound with Hi-Fi quality
HIGH-QUALITY SOUND FOR ALL YOUR ROOMS
The R-N800A Network Receiver delivers full-fledged, comprehensive music enjoyment with modern Hi-Fi style. It includes our original YPAO™ sound field correction technology to create an ideal listening environment right in your living room. From streaming services to high-resolution sound sources, you can immerse yourself in a wide range of music sources with superb sound quality.
TRUE SOUND
Yamaha is the only audio brand in the world that manages every facet of sound, from its creation to the moment it graces your ears. Simply close your eyes, and you won't just hear the music - you'll experience the unparalleled sensation of being genuinely closer to the artist.
SOUND IMAGE
The position of the artist and instruments, along with the delicate nuances and atmosphere of the performance space, are stunningly reproduced. The resulting sound is so lifelike, you'll feel as though you were in the same room as the performance.
Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO™)
Environmental factors play an important role in the sonic signature of a room. The YPAO™ automatic calibration technique has been optimized for the R-N800A to deliver the ideal listening environment. YPAO™ features precision EQ, which performs exceptionally high-precision equalization with accuracy of up to 192 kHz / 64-bit audio resolution. YPAO™ R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) works in tandem to actively control the important early reflection sounds, automatically adjusting and optimizing how the sound is heard in your room based on the materials of your walls and your speaker placement. Enjoy the profound sound and immersive feeling unique to Hi-Fi audio - right in your own living room.
DYNAMICS
We pursue a sense of dynamics that express the contrast between stillness and motion in the music - allowing you to immerse yourself in the deep emotions in the music.
EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND, ENJOY THE MUSIC
EXPERIENCE THE LEGEND, ENJOY THE MUSIC
Yamaha boasts over 60 years of history as an audio brand. The technology in the R-N800A comes directly from our legendary Hi-Fi design concept ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology). This faithfully maintains the integrity of the audio by combining a meticulously symmetrical left / right circuit layout, signal directness and a chassis equipped with the special resin frame “Art Base” that absorbs and blocks unnecessary vibration.
ANTI-RESONANCE FEET
The R-N800A also employs anti-resonance feet designed under a concept of vibration absorption. By arranging thin curved reinforcing bars on the outer periphery and thick straight reinforcing bars in the center, the vibration energy transmitted from the outside of the leg is effectively dispersed and diminished, while maintaining high central rigidity. These make it possible to reproduce a focused sound that lets you fully feel the rhythm and dynamics of the music.
TONAL BALANCE
This is the relentlessly faithful reproduction of all sounds, from all instruments and all vocals, at all pitches and across the entire spectrum.
Enjoy the full harmony and musicality of sounds you’ve never heard before.
HIGH-PRECISION, HIGH-PERFORMANCE
The R-N800A uses the renowned SABRE ES9080Q 384 kHz / 32-bit DAC (from ESS Technology) to deliver superior S/N performance. Combined with our original network module, the unit thoroughly draws out all the sonic merits of high-resolution sound sources, effectively reproducing even the subtle ambience of concert halls and delicate expressive nuances in the sound.
LOW IMPEDANCE CONCEPT
In order to thoroughly eliminate energy loss and degradation of the audio signal, the R-N800A features thick wires for the ground connection. In addition, a screw connection is adopted for the output from the power amplifier section in order to strengthen the ground, which is important for audio quality. This gives the R-N1000A increased signal-to-noise performance, making it possible to reproduce sound with full clarity.
The R-N800A is equipped with our original MusicCast network system, compatible with a variety of streaming services such as Amazon Music HD and Spotify, letting you enjoy exceptionally high-quality sound unique to today’s high-resolution and lossless sound sources with complete fidelity. You can also use it to stream Apple Music with AirPlay 2. MusicCast lets you easily listen to music anywhere in your home by linking various MusicCast devices with just one app on your smart device.
From audio you’ve stored on a PC, a network drive, vinyl records, or TV — the R-N800A handles everything, giving you superior sound and drawing out the full sonic splendor inherent in all your entertainment.
ENJOY YOUR RECORDS, TOO
Easily connect your turntable through special phono input terminals and enjoy your record collection.
USB DAC FUNCTION
An ultra-precision dedicated crystal clock has been installed to improve signal accuracy of the USB DAC. It also supports DSD 11.2MHz native playback and PCM 384kHz playback, letting you enjoy exceptionally high-quality sound that takes full advantage of high-resolution audio sources.
MAXIMUM SOUND PURITY
Pure Direct mode enables the music signals to travel the shortest possible circuit route, bypassing the buffer amp and the tone, loudness and balance controls to virtually eliminate any signal degradation, for the purest sound quality.
MULTI-ROOM AUDIO - MusicCast
Records, TV, CDs, and other sources connected to the R-N800A can be sent to other MusicCast devices and enjoyed throughout your home. Moreover, all MusicCast products have been designed first and foremost for superior sound quality. High-res audio formats, including Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz, WAV, and FLAC or AIFF up to 384 kHz, are supported.
ROON TESTED
Being Roon Tested means that Yamaha and Roon have collaborated to ensure you have the best experience using Roon software and R-N800A together, so you can just enjoy the music.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Yamaha R-N800A
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 138 Quaiduson — online and in-store — Lille, Hauts-de-France, France (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sound Design — online and in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
and 298 more verified dealers