Yamaha - R-N800ASL Bluetooth 240-Watt 2.0-Channel Network Stereo Receiver with Remote - Silver

This Yamaha R-N800A is one of the receivers that beats every single one of them in this price range. I upgraded from a R-N803 that was a fantastic receiver in itself. Sounded great and the new version adds a plenty of features. First, this receiver is also works as a USB DAC (like the AS-801 but with a latest and better ESS Sabre ES9080Q Ultra dac chip). That means, I can connect my iPad directly into the receiver without a USB to Toslink or Coax digital converter (I was using a Topping D10 specifically for this purpose previously). The ES9080Q dac chip brings native support for DSD512 and higher sampling rate. That enables the MusicCast app now to play some of the high sampled FLAC files and DSD files without issues. All the music formats I have now plays natively. R-N803 wasn't able to play some formats and sampling rates and DSD. MusicCast app is good for what it does. Have tried Cambridge audio SoundMagic, WiiM, HEOS streaming and MusicCast is not a slouch. MusicCast works very well whether it is pulling my music library from a Synology NAS via DLNA/uPnP or Streaming services like Spotify Connect or Tidal. Also the internet radio feature (called Net Radio in MusicCast) lets me discover radio channels based on genre around the world. Has enough power to drive a pair of KEF LS50 Meta and a active subwoofer without effort. Especially does well with KEF LS50 that drops in impedance to crazy levels and is power hungry. The Yamaha does not sweat in driving these speakers and it does it without any heating. The unit runs cool for hours. A great phono preamp, connecting my Fluance RT85 with Ortofon Blue cartridge brings out vinyl performance up to CD levels. Multiroom MusicCast is a breeze with other MusicCast devices so my music is played through out the home wherever I am. FM/AM radio added in still in this era is just a nice touch for those once in a while tune and see what the local stations has to say. YPAO room correction with the supplied mic comes in handy in handling room EQ when it is not an ideal room configuration. YPAO works well in situations most needed. And the convenience to turn it on or off from the mobile app is sweet. Also, the PURE DIRECT mode brings better quality output so I always turn this on and it could be done from the unit itself or from the app, Tone controls and a never found in other receivers the Yamaha Loudness control comes in handy for low level night time listening. All this and more in a sleek package and only connect speakers and good to go? Exceptional value.

I turned the unit on, heard a pop and the on button flashed on and off. Packed back up and returned to store. As you can see, it had a rough journey. Styrofoam is broken and cracked all around the unit.

This is a first Yamaha amp. I have very nice and sound very clear powerful amp. I will go for another Yamaha R-N2000 or A-S3200SL