More spacious and assertive than its younger brother, the Yamaha R-N602, the Yamaha MusicCast R-N803D network stereo receiver is clearly the winner, especially considering the minimal price difference. This week we tested the Yamaha MusicCast R-N803D network stereo receiver. All rights reserved. In reality, installing several speakers in the same room very often provokes interactions and acoustic mishaps, and using a microphone to measure and correct the signal is one way to enhance the restitution. Which is plenty of physical connections, we’re sure you’ll agree. Hard-wired to our router, the R-N803D has no trouble handing over all of the details of the arrangement and the unlikely soulfulness of the vocal – and there’s pleasant warmth to the alto and tenor saxophones. The R-N803D proves adept, giving ample expression to the close-mic’d vocal and describing the intensity of each guitar-strum explicitly. Songs like this, when delivered by the Yamaha, sound like neighbours rather than housemates. This is a way to get around using the Yamaha MusicCast app, but it also means that its multiroom function (simultaneous playback on several devices) can’t be used. The least it deserves is an audition. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices. Shares. Even four-square and repetitive CD-borne grooves like Mogwai’s Party In The Dark or Prince’s Girls & Boys can’t quite unite, their rhythms hesitant and club-footed. However, it is possible to purchase a. digital media player and connect one of its digital inputs to the Yamaha MusicCast R-N803D. Yamaha R-N602: the sound signatures are very similar and these two receivers share the same DNA. The 803 features a class AB amplifier and a large EI power transformer, with a filtering capacity of approximately 11,000 µF. Yes, the Yamaha's timing isn't as accurate as we'd like but it's still a generously specified, detailed network receiver with an engagingly smooth and warm sound. Seldom have we encountered a network streamer/amplifier with such lavish functionality – especially at this relatively affordable price. , etc.). Very practical for listening to a TV, for example. In addition to being equipped with a Hi-Res audio compatible ESS SABRE 9006 DAC, this model is compatible with Hi-Res Audio, benefits from streaming and MusicCast multiroom functionality, and is capable of developing 2×100 Watts in hi-fi conditions. Switching to physical inputs only compounds the impression of a machine well able to deal with the nuance of a single instrument or the character of a singer but not adept at marrying them together. The Yamaha MusicCast R-N803D is a direct descendant of the AV receivers in the, range. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Once the microphone is connected to the front of the receiver, further instructions appear on the receiver?s LCD display. and Napster streaming services, is wi-fi- and DLNA-certified (with WAV, FLAC and DSD among the file types catered for), has AirPlay and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Yamaha’s MusicCast multi-room functionality too. In this case, audio resolution is limited to 16 bits / 44.1 kHz (lossless CD quality) and all there is to do is tap the AirPlay icon in any iOS music app and choose the Yamaha MusicCast R-N803D as the playback device. may be used to listen to the source being played by the receiver. The Yamaha is equally well appointed when it comes to less corporeal inputs. For £800 it is a real bargain, and if you’re looking for a capable amplifier with streaming abilities, or even considering separates, the R-N803D should be high o… While certain manufacturers have chosen to integrate Google?s streaming technology into their devices, Yamaha has not (yet) made the leap. By. It?s the integrated ESS Sabre ES9006 DAC which takes charge of the digital-to-analog audio conversion. The Yamaha MusicCast R-N803D features YPAO auto calibration. At 2×100 W into 8 Ohms, its power output is equivalent to that of the Yamaha MusicCast RX-A870, a model with which it also shares the same size and weight. The R-N803D covers all connectivity bases, from ancient to modern. The ?before and after? The FM tuner is particularly sensitive, and reception quality is very good thanks to the included wire antenna, whereas the digital tuner (DAB) did not pick up a single station.