Yamaha WXA-50 Integrated Amplifier with Streaming Review
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- Yamaha WXA-50 is an all-in-one solution that costs reasonably and sounds great. You can find all my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/ Consider supporting the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): / iiwireviews
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00:00 Intro, Build, Remote
03:09 Connectivity and Controls
05:48 MusicCast App
09:01 Sound (Analog In)
13:28 Sound (Digital Section)
16:46 Compared to NAD D 3020 V2
22:46 Speakers Pairing
24:29 Final Thoughts
Test system:
Denafrips Ares II DAC
Hegel H90 Integrated Amp
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2: amzn.to/2YpCXU0
KEF LS50: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
Q Acoustics Q3030i: amzn.to/3qf0uTI
#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo - Наука та технологія
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One late, late, correction thanks to my patron Tony Brookes. The optical connection on the back of the unit is optical input - so the only things you can connect to it are digital sources like your TV or digital streamer with an optical output. You can not connect an external DAC to WXA-50 and use it only as a streamer. You would need an optical output for that purpose and WXA-50 doesn't have one. If you need a streamer, you should look into WXC-50 which has that kind of digital output. I apologize for this mistake.
One of the best reviews of anything I have seen on UA-cam. Well done!
Thank you for the effort put in for the earnest and detailed review. Very informative. Your review made me decide to get the Yamaha WXC-50 model as I needed a convenient all-in-one music streamer and a preamp for my CD player.
I have been using the non-amp version for a few years and just as a streamer into my Denifrips. I just love it. As usual a great review. Thanks.
Great review! Looking forward to see more budget amp and speaker reviews, keep it up👍
One of the very best YT reviewers. I would easily make a buying decision based on his reviews.
Like all your reviews, this one is also detailed and warm... helps a lot.
I recently got the WXC-50 for my NAD amp.... this is awesome..this product rocks👍.
I've been rocking the WXA50 for a year now with my Klipsch R-51M from a RME ADI2 DAC as source and it never disappoints.
Excellent review and very detailed. In my case, it sounds best when I paired it with the musical paradise Tube DAC.
As a regular subscriber to your channel, I really appreciate this comment, Thanks! Unfortunately, I have yet to hear a Musical Paradise DAC. Cheers!
Hi Thomas how do you hook up to your DAC? I have a Music Hall tube DAC.
I heard many new words in a new context you do this so well, I am sold on this amp and I want one just by your video and description.
As always,, a very informative and well expressed review!! Thanks!
Thanks you soooo much for this fantastic review. It helpt me so much when deciding between amps for my jag out door speaker setup.
Good work, as always, thanks for what you do.
Thank you brother. Your hard work is appreciated. Keep up the great work.
Once again excellent review!
Thanks Srboljub, great review, detailed and informative as usual.
As for WXA-50: I got consistently good sound quality from it from digital inputs and over wired internet. Didn't try the analog inputs yet.
I am using Canton Chrono 502.2s, which are not really efficient, but WXA-50 can drive them pretty loud in my 5m x 3,5m room.
I will try other speakers and see what will change
Sounds a nice little unit! My dad has the preamp style receiver only version and an Iota-VX PA3 power amp. I had some smaller (60 series?) Dynaudio speakers I couldn't get pleasure from compared to the other speakers I had at the time, the Monitor Bronze 2's you mentioned. In his system though, they sprung into life like an 80's slasher movie antagonist you thought was dead.
It's interesting to hear the integrated big brother is as impressive... I'd have thought the LS50's (oh boy do I love them) would expose weaknesses... But nope, it seems to shine!
Keep up the work Srb,
J James.
Excellent review my friend!
Great in depth review,great piece to start a decent system without sacrificing so much money.some people are just looking for the most minimal set up,to stream and maybe also used for tv sound.👍🏼
Another great review, and since one of the items I might want to check out in future are LS50's it's great to hear the WXA-50 is capable enough to power them. This was actually something I didn't expect, and one fact I was very curious about. I bought my amp secondhand and it came with no remote. I guess the previous owner felt the same and flushed it down the toilet 😉. Thnx, and keep up the good work!
I have been using the WXA-50 for a couple of years with some old PSB Alpha speakers, and I decided that I wanted better audio quality. I recently acquired KEF LS50 Metas and they sound great!
(Note - my placement is less than ideal. It’s for listening in the kitchen while I cook, and I’ve got the Metas and the Yamaha amp on a shelf over a counter.)
Excellent review! Very useful and practical advices! thanks
Wow, I am new to this channel. Excellent review, thanks!!!!
Great detailed review!
Great in-depth review!
I owned a Yamaha RN-803 for 3 months. I just started using the Music Cast app and why didn't I use it sooner! Good interface and functional. All my streaming apps on one screen.
Mine arrived the day this review was published!
Buddy I love your reviews
I own this one powering a pair of Focal Chorus-706 with a Yamaha NS-SW200, and the wxc preamp version hooked to a pair of (also Yamy) MSP-5 class A/B powered monitors. They Both thrive in my living room and my Homestudio. With the sub out (not an LFE channel), you can send more bass to it and less to your speakers, which can be a very good thing if you must stick your speakers into corners or up against a wall (especially if they are rear-ported). Doing this can also save WXA extra Watts for mids and trebles. Make no mistake, the analog input IS converted into digital signal (If you’re a Vinyl lover, don’t expect a full analog path, even in direct mode : this is a digital volume control) and the REC (constant volume) output uses a different DAC chip from the ESS sabre that goes to the Amp/Preamp output.
Really helpful review. I am planning to buy the WXA-50 shortly in Bangalore
In your review you have mentioned that the WXA-50 performed better in terms of dynamics, details and soundstage when you connected it with your own separate streamer and DAC. Does that mean that the external gears you used are better in dynamics and soundstage than WXA 50?
Great review, subscribed.
Excellent review and conclusion👍 Yamaha is an innovative leader in the audio industry.
Great video!
Nice review. It was really helpful and helped me decide to buy one. I have been looking for something simple to connect my TV to and stream over. I am limited by space for this specific application and this is perfect. Everything I have looked at so far has been a little too deep by anywhere from 3/4" to 2".
I think am going to buy a Rotel A11 Tribute or Audiolab 6000A for a different setup.
Looks so neat!!!
I think its time for me to sub. Been a lurker for some time..but this is such a good review.
The Yamaha has 3 band EQ, bass, mid, and treble. That's rare to find, and I like having tone controls
Bonsoir,
I've just discovered your channel👍
Nice content and your reviews are very clear . I like your studio as clear as your advices.
I subscribe !
I'm looking for an headphone dac combo (such as Liberty dac or rme) so I will dive into your reviews.Thank's a lot for your videos.
Odlična recenzija.
Great review thanks
This is a great amp for the price and versatility! Love the form factor! The "enhancer" function is somewhat like moving from Class D to Class A/B sound character. From clinical and dry to fuller and warmer sound.
My only gripe with this is that without using the app to switch source, it's hard to know what to switch to by the LED colors. I no longer have the remote 🤣
Also my thought - one likely uses the phone rather than the remote anyway.
Thanks for review. It’s great
Very good and detailed review.
Great review bud
Great video. I was thinking of pairing the yamaha with B&W 606 speakers, but now will reconsider. I hope you can do comparison of the Yamaha WXA50 with the Bluesound powernode 2i. Thanks.
I really like the comparison between NAD & Yamaha. As I have a NAD already but based on your review, found its not a wise idea to sell the NAD instantly as both are neck to neck but Yamaha have an edge.
High Quality video !!!
I have used the amp for months now and I have the idea that like simulation of guitar tube amps this enhancer might digitally simulate a tube amp. That is why it is not surprising the effect is really likeable.
Great review
Looks great. I might have to upgrade from my old Teac digital amp.
Actually I love the micro remote control because it occupies very little space. Use my phone/ MusicCast as a remote when I need more advanced settings. Owned full size stereos for a while but they are big and ugly. Love the WXA50 that gives all my needed functions and more in micro format. Sounds great!
Excellent review, have absolutely no idea what your talking about but other then it's rather good, think I'm going to get one.
Thank you for the review, especially about mentioning speaker parings, very valuable!
Btw, even the analog input goes thru ADC(pcm9211), various digitally controlled analog switches, and out thru the DAC(sabre9006). So, it's not a direct, analog only connection. I would not recommend it to purists!
I've had my WXC-50 for a year now. Sounds great and for the price it can't be beaten. After the initial setup I downloaded M Connect on my phone, it gives better accessibility to Tidal or spotifys functioning and strangely sounds better.
Useful tip, thanks!
M Connect? I can't seem to find that. Is that M Connect player for apple devices?...
I finally found it. It exists for both Android and iOS
That is a great tip because the Spotify integration for MusicCast leave a lot to be desired.
Hi. I have the WXC-50, no amp version of this and I was wondering what is this "M connect" you are talking about? A search through the app store did not help.
Excellent 👌 review!!! Please review Yamaha RN-803 D also...
How would you compare this to a bluesound powernode 2i for sound and app usability? Bluesound is more expensive but seems to be the easier to use and also has more streaming app options in the blueos app?
I put this Yamaha side by side with the Amazon echo amplifier and I found the echo sounds better with the clarity and soundstage, plus more power to push my Elac B6 speakers. I was really surprised by that because to me Amazon only makes cheap stuff.
Great review, now Im a new subscriber!
I have the WXA-50 since over 1 year back, paired with Qacoustics 3020i and it sounds really great.
I use both the app with Spotify Connect and Tidal, but also analog input from my iPhone and Tidal Master with the Dragonfly Black 1.5, and that way the sound is fantastic!
A small setup that delivers good Hi-fi, at least what I think. 😃
Your speakers are amongst the few ones I recommend in the pairing part of the video... So great match in my opinion. Enjoy it and cheers!
@@iiWiReviews yea I saw that, nice!😃
@@borgenhardconsulting8491 Will the Accustics 3030i be a good match with WXA50?
Very useful and insightful review - thanks!
For what it's worth, I have always heard the name NAD is said "En A Dee".
Greit video that I have missed. I had the Wxc50 side to side with the Node 2i. Both sounds greit and alike but I went with the Node because of the BlueOS app and my Yamaha as2100 is a beast. I Really don't care about the lack of the low frequencies extension as few reviewers has one mentioned because 1:my Rubicon2 stops digging at 50hz and the Rel t7i does the rest. 2: the precision, textures and speed of the punches are second to none😊
Very interesting part on the signal manipulation only being available on the digital media.. that’s quite obvious once thought through and as you explain, but this is the new world. One needs to get used to it and the reward is so much smaller build size and price.
I’m very glad to have found your review and thus your channel. I’m too busy with my life to know about everything but at the same time don’t trust the usual consumer hypes but still want a multiroom system. And having a deep love for music I wanted to have sth from a proper background. So thanks a lot even just for this review!
For anyone interested, Yamaha also makes a version of this unit without a built-in amp (pre-amp only). Good for people who use self-powered speakers/monitors. The model number is Yamaha WXC-50 and it costs $150 USD less.
The eq settings work on analog inputs as well, I just tried it out.
Great review, it sounds as if this unit will combine great with Wharfedale Diamond series or Lintons.
Yamaha in general, goes excellent with Dali speakers.
Hi, great review as always.. By curiosity, how did you come up with this amp, did Yamaha send you one for a review?
(Edit) A few things you need to know about this formidable amp : only Airplay1, in Bluetooth receives SBC/AAC but only transmits SBC, only one digital (toslink) in ; no RCA S/Pdif (i use a CYP AU-D2 or D21 to switch - the D41 has 4 inputs), no usb to host to hook up with a computer (only mass storage, but you can play file as a upnp through your home network)... One year in retrospect, I hooked it to pretty much any source you might think off. I’m not using the mass storage stuff so much, found out to be a bit cumbersome and had no time to rip my CDs to such an external hard drive. It has Spotify connect....BUT I’m mostly using Deezer, and the « do-it-all » musiccast app is okay, (said to be better than Denon&Marantz HEOS, not as great as blueOS)...but not that great. They included Amazon HD for other musiccast products, but not than one (yet).
Nice review. Clean and easy to understand.
Just one small mistake - bass, mid and treble EQ works even with optical and analog input.
THIS!... is good to hear.. was a bit of a sticking point for me but not anymore thanks...
Thanks for clarifying this -- there's very little information about this all over the internet lol I was flip flopping between different small class D amps for days and this Yamaha looked perfect UNTIL he said in the video "Tone control only works in the digital section" because I plan on hooking up a turntable to this and I was like AAAHHHHH WHY
but thankfully it wasn't an accurate statement and I went ahead and bought one just now
Hi love your equipment reviews. With the WXA-50, what would be the best way to connect and play through an external DAC?
Great reviews like always. Today I was going to order today the SMSL D-9 but because of your review will pause and rethink and consider now the Yamaha...decisions....decisions
Thanks! DA-9 is coming soon so I'll test it too.
@@iiWiReviews Wow excellent can't wait. Great content!
Don't forget that Sabaj makes a version of this amp too. And they also make a single ended version of it for much less money. There's slight differences between them, but they all use the same class D modules from Infineon as I'm 99% sure. Balanced is not really needed, unless you need to have your source (like your DAC for instance) very far from the amp. Certainly not for the premium it cost (Sabaj single ended one is about $110US less money).
And I own a Sabaj D5 DAC myself. They make good stuff. No problems at all with it, and it sounds quite good actually. I'm going to try one myself eventually, and I'll probably get the single ended Sabaj over myself, even though I can easily afford the balanced one. Just because it seems like a waste of perfectly good money to me. Money I could spend on something else that will substantially improve the sound quality. Either way. Good luck. ✌️
Very detail and informative review. Can I connect q acoustics 3030i with yamaha
thanks, I learned a lot from you I have a question, what is the best for streaming music Yamaha WXA-50 or Allo DigiOne Signature
Thanks for great a great video. You mentioned pairing for sound, what types of speakers will this not drive with enough headroom to spare? Will it drive Elacs, which are known to be difficult drive? How will it do with 6ohm speakers?
IDEAL KERNEL FOR A 7.1 CHANNEL EXPERIENCE ? I also wanted to have home theatre surround sound (albeit with lesser quality), but not compromise my 2.1 music experience. Found an old audio/video switcher with (D)SP AND loads of inputs (including 2*5.1....) and pre-amp outputs. Main left/right channels go to the WXA-50 (which also retains tv-toslink in), while center is y-splitted into two 200€ small Jamo S801pm (a bit bright, BUT good for dialogues), LFE uses the Ns-Sw200 dedicated input), and surround left/right are Focal Birds on stands directly powered by the audio/video switcher (which is fed by an HDMI 7.1 CYP C-PRO11SE8 audio extractor from my Sony Blu-ray player that has precisely a second hdmi out for sound). Had I the possibility of fitting in rear surround channels and not have active center, I’d buy the Yamaha XDA-AMP-5400rk and a Focal 700cc for even tonality. Unlike the XDA-QS5400RK which is 4 WXA in a 1-u rack, The XDA-AMP is basically just the B&O IcePower 125asx2 amp section*4 (8 channels of amplification). You can bridge any of these 4 (good for center channel with 2 woofers instead of one for the bookshelf L/R, dedicate a second and third amp for surround sound, and even a fourth for ATMOS for what it’s worth...all that power and fidelity for 1500€....with the durability and reputation of a big brand like Yamaha (I’m fine with DENON, EMOTIVA and the likes though, but class-D is a lot more efficient, compact, and yet, IcePower modules sound very musical while being cheaper than Hypex n-core or state-of-the-art Purifi Eigentakt - Especially when you want multichannel)
Heyyy , thanks for your review :))
Do you think it would be possible to connect a dj mixing table (pioneer or xone for example) to the input RCA ?
Cheeers
Excelente muchas Gracias
thanks for this video. what all in one amplifier would you recomend for B&W500 series ?
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Thank you for the great video. Any words on how it compares to Sprout 100?
You are making me to buy Yamaha WXA-50 soon !!
Masterful HiFi terminology that made perfect sense. Very impressive review 👍
Another class D Amp that's impressive, and (I feel) a game changer especially at its price point is the SMSL DA-9 ... It can drive 2ohm loads and is VERY musical. It's half the price of the Yamaha, though minus a DAC.
Would love to hear your views if you ever get the chance.
I used to be heavily into mid-fi setups but haven't bought anything new since the advent of BR/HD DVD. From what I see of the rear panel of this device; optical is the highest quality, direct, connection to the unit? There's no digital input besides ethernet or wi-fi? No direct lossless signal path connection(s)? Am I wrong in thinking that seems like a deficiency for an $800 unit? Am I missing something?
EDIT: I ask because I'm looking to replace an aging AVR
hi, excellent review, thanks for that. my question, if you remember- The device has a subwoofer OUT but how do I set the cross over frequency ?? (as there is no screen) I want to pair it with cambridge audio minx plus sub- so the typical 80Hz would not do the trick.. I need more like 200Hz ... I know it is an old review - thanks anyway
I like your reviews very much, and I’m wondering what other amplifiers you could recommend that match well with your LS 50s. I am getting a pair of Metas soon, and I am considering the Árcam SA-10; do you think it puts out enough power to drive the Metas well? (I can’t really afford the SA-20 or a Hegel.)
Thanks,
Joe in Tampa
As it is an older system, what version of Bluetooth does it use ? Thanks
great review 👍 hope you can compare soon with SMSL DA-9 ✔
Thanks! DA-9 is coming soon so I'll test it too.
@@iiWiReviews awesome!
@@iiWiReviews Do you think if I upgrade to a much expensive speakers bookshelves or floor standers will the Yamaha WXA-50 be enough. Or the Hegel 90 will make more sense? Is the $700-$800 dollars extra worth spending for the performance/sound quality of Hegel? Which one is more we’ll-rounded? I need your advice/recommendation.Thanks for all that you do.
Can I use the streaming abilities of this unit if im using an external DAC?
Does anybody know if the tone controls/DSP work when using Airplay?
Hi.. can it be paired with active speaker like HS8?
Hello, I hope you are very well. Currently I have this Yamaha WXA-50 together with a KEF Q150, but I would like to change it for the Yamaha RN 803 to win in terms of audio quality, will it be worth doing? Thanks!
This or the nad 3020 v2 for my desktop amp?
Thanks for the review!
Would it be a good match to use this amp with totem tribe tower? If not, which other amp would you be using in a similar price range?
Just viewed this.. at 8:36..you mentioned that bass/treble cannot be adjusted if listening via rca input. Is this right? TQ
I have this unit but sadly I am here on UA-cam trying to find out more as to why my unit I'd faulty ....had 13 months now and finding it keeps cutting out , sometimes for a few seconds, other times until I restart it. Bit fed up as I love music to work to and the of being without a streaming amp is disappointing. It seems a problem that lots have !
If streaming music is your focus, this is an outstanding device. Add compatible speakers of your choice and you have a super 2-channel system with an optical input so you can add a disc player or sync it with a television.
Would this allow me to connect my YSP2700 soundbar and sub to my pair of Polk R200’s so I can run them as one speaker system in my lounge room? Then connect my tv via optical and record player via RCA?
Bought Dynaudio Evoke 30 with 4ohm impedance and realized that that WXA 50 is capable of 2* 105W in 4ohm. It is able to drive speakers down to 2ohm. This is really a nice unit!
Will it see my NAS drive connected to the router? Also, does is support Chromecast protocol, so I could stream from my Android phone? Thank you.
How can I play Hi res lossless 24bit/192Khz sound file from apple music?
Im gonna use this amp for my PC setup. 2 Canton GLE 10 Pro Wallspeaker and a ELAC 2030 sub. i had several other amps before and they all where just terrible sound. the clearest sound came before when i used the inbuild amp of the teufel concept C sub.
Ordered ELAC Debut 5.2 for this amplifier. What do you think about this pair?
I thought about buying DALI Oberon 1 to complement this Yamaha but now I think that ELACs would work better.
Hello! Would you please say, your amp becomes very hot while working? Seem the temperature rises up to 50 centigrades.
Would this pair well with triangle borea br03s?