Yamaha R-N800A black

The R-N800A is the updated version of the R-N803D. It retains the main features of its predecessor: 2 × 100-watt power, built-in MusicCast network player, and YPAO acoustic correction. The changes concern the design and some internal components, notably the addition of an ESS DAC and a low-vibration ToP-ART chassis derived from the R-N2000A. The stereo amplifier is still able to correct imperfections in the listening room, play high-resolution content from major streaming platforms, and drive demanding speakers.

Build and design: symmetrical rigor and mechanical silence

The R-N800A’s technology is directly inspired by the iconic Hi-Fi ToP-ART concept (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology). This approach faithfully preserves sound integrity by combining a rigorously symmetrical left/right circuit layout with direct signal routing—in other words, the shortest possible paths between input and output.

The R-N800A is manufactured on Yamaha’s production lines in Malaysia. The mechanical design combines several elements to reduce parasitic vibrations: the special high-rigidity “Art Base” resin chassis absorbs and blocks unwanted vibrations, while newly designed anti-resonance feet better absorb both mechanical and electrical vibrations. Yamaha engineers have placed thin curved reinforcing bars around the outer perimeter of the R-N800A and thick straight reinforcing bars at the center of the chassis, a structure that disperses vibrational energy coming from outside.

The amplification stages are arranged in a dual-mono configuration with an independent aluminum heatsink for each channel. This complete physical separation between left and right channels improves spatial localization and limits inter-channel interference.

To eliminate any loss of energy and degradation of the audio signal, the R-N800A is equipped with thick cables for grounding. A screwed connection has been adopted for the amplifier section output to reinforce grounding—a detail that may seem minor but contributes to improving the overall signal-to-noise ratio.

The brushed aluminum case features clean lines in the neo-vintage spirit that now characterizes the Yamaha range. Only two front connectors remain (6.35 mm jack for headphones and mini-jack for the YPAO calibration microphone), but the unit retains numerous controls: bass, treble, balance, variable loudness, Pure Direct mode, rotary knob for selecting radio stations or navigating menus.

Amplification: an exceptional power reserve

The Yamaha R-N800A has the same power stages as its predecessor, the R-N803D. They operate in analog class A/B using two pairs of Sanken transistors per channel (2SA1694 and 2SC4467) in a dual push-pull configuration. This topology, with four output transistors per channel, allows high currents to be handled without distortion.

The figures speak for themselves. Rated power is 100 W per channel into 8 ohms and 120 W into 6 ohms (with total harmonic distortion of 0.07% between 20 Hz and 20 kHz according to specifications). But the real measure of an amplifier’s capability lies in its dynamic power—the power it can deliver during transient peaks. Its continuous power is 2 x 100 W into 8 ohms, rising to 2 x 290 W into 2 ohms in dynamic power. These 290 watts into 2 ohms reveal a beefy power supply and robust transistors.

They are powered by a serious C-core transformer (10 x 8.5 x 12.5 cm), followed by two 12,000 µF / 71 V filter capacitors, custom-made by Nippon Chemical. This energy reserve ensures that the amplifier never “coughs” during fortissimo passages, even with speakers with varying impedance or low sensitivity.

Digital conversion: reference precision with ESS Sabre

The digital management board of the Yamaha R-N800A has been completely redesigned compared to that of the R-N803D and has its own independent power circuit. The chosen converter is the renowned ESS Technology SABRE ES9080Q 384 kHz / 32-bit DAC, delivering superior signal-to-noise performance.

This integrated circuit is particularly sophisticated: the ES9080Q has 8 digital-to-analog conversion channels with an A-weighted 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and -108 dB of total harmonic distortion plus noise in 8-channel mode. In 4-channel differential mode, an A-weighted SNR above 125 dB and -110 dB of total harmonic distortion plus noise can be achieved. The ES9080Q features ESS’s proprietary HyperStream-II modulator, which gives SABRE DACs their legendary sound quality. This modulation pushes time-domain jitter outside the audio band so that the resulting soundstage is pure and coherent.

The R-N800A uses this converter to handle PCM files up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, as well as native DSD files up to 11.2 MHz (DSD256). The USB-B input turns the unit into a high-resolution DAC for computers, while the two optical inputs and two coaxial inputs allow connection of CD and SACD players or TV digital outputs.

YPAO R.S.C.: your room becomes a calibrated listening space

This is one of the most remarkable functions of the R-N800A, yet often overlooked when purchasing. Yamaha’s automatic YPAO calibration technology, refined over decades of use in Home Cinema products, has been optimized for the R-N800A to provide the ideal listening environment.

The principle is simple: place the supplied microphone at your usual listening position, start calibration, and the amplifier will emit test tones and sound sequences to accurately check speaker connections and phase, speaker size and placement, their sound pressure level, and their frequency characteristics.

YPAO features an exceptionally precise equalizer, with audio resolution up to 192 kHz / 64-bit. But the version used in the R-N800A goes further with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control). R.S.C. actively controls significant reflections upstream by automatically adjusting and optimizing how sound is perceived in your room, depending on wall materials and speaker placement.

In practice, if your speakers are placed close to a wall or a piece of furniture, sound waves are reflected and reach your ears slightly later than the direct sound. These reflections create peaks and dips at certain frequencies, usually in the bass and midrange. The YPAO R.S.C. system compensates for the acoustic imperfections of both speakers and listening room to deliver a more natural reproduction.

This correction is not a crude equalization that attempts to flatten the frequency response; it is a parametric adjustment targeted at the real acoustic issues of your setup. Pure Direct mode remains available for those who prefer to bypass all correction.

MusicCast: your music everywhere, in the resolution of your choice

The Yamaha MusicCast multi-room audio system uses the local network to distribute music throughout the home. Once the R-N800A is connected to your router (via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi), it can stream music to other Yamaha MusicCast-compatible devices installed in other rooms, or receive content from those devices.

The MusicCast Controller app (free on iOS and Android) centralizes control. You select the rooms where you want to play music, choose the source, and start playback. Yamaha MusicCast technology lets you enjoy the same music throughout the home or different music in different rooms.

The R-N800A has direct access to several streaming services: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music HD. Apple Music is accessible via AirPlay 2. Bidirectional Bluetooth (SBC and AAC codecs) allows you to receive music from a smartphone or send sound to wireless headphones. DLNA/UPnP playback provides access to files stored on a local network server or NAS.

Crucially, while some multi-room systems are limited to CD quality or 24-bit/96 kHz, Yamaha MusicCast supports most files up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. High-resolution files therefore travel without compression or degrading conversion.

Another distinctive MusicCast feature: any external music source connected by cable to a Yamaha MusicCast device can potentially be streamed to all components in the multi-room audio system. For example, you can listen in the kitchen to the vinyl record you’re playing in the living room via the R-N800A’s phono input, or send your TV sound (connected via optical) to a MusicCast speaker in the bathroom.

Connectivity: from turntable to DSD file

The rear panel of the R-N800A looks like that of a much more expensive amplifier. On the analog side: three RCA line inputs, one MM phono input for moving-magnet turntables, one pre-out, and one configurable subwoofer output (with adjustable crossover frequency via the menu). The solid brass speaker terminals accept two pairs of speakers, with rotary selector (A, B, or A+B).

On the digital side: two optical inputs and two coaxial inputs for connecting CD players, SACD players, game consoles, and TVs. The USB-B input (type B, the same as on printers) turns the R-N800A into a computer USB DAC, with native DSD support up to 11.2 MHz and PCM up to 384 kHz / 32-bit. An Ethernet RJ45 port complements the built-in Wi-Fi for a more stable wired network connection.

On the front, there’s a 6.35 mm headphone jack and the socket for the YPAO microphone. On the rear, a 12 V trigger output allows automatic control of other devices (for example an external power amplifier) when the R-N800A is switched on.

Technical Specifications

Architecture and Processing

• Top-ART mechanical structure and low-impedance design
• ESS SABRE ES9080Q Ultra converter
• YPAO automatic calibration with sound reflection control (R.S.C.)
• USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) compatible with native DSD 11.2 MHz and MIC 384 kHz (PCM) playback

Audio Performance

• Dynamic power per channel: 140 W (8 Ω), 170 W (6 Ω), 220 W (4 Ω), 290 W (2 Ω)
• Rated power (20 Hz - 20 kHz, total harmonic distortion 0.07%):
  • 100 W + 100 W (8 Ω)
  • 120 W + 120 W (6 Ω)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 100 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio (CD): 100 dB

Network Connectivity

• MusicCast for streaming music from your services
  • Streaming services: Deezer, Tidal, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD
• DLNA, AirPlay 2 compatible
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth (SBC / AAC)
• Ethernet

Connectivity

• Audio inputs/outputs: Phono, CD, Line 1, Line 2, Pre-out
• Digital inputs: 2 × Optical, 2 × Coaxial
• USB Type B port
• Subwoofer output
• Trigger output
• High-quality solid brass speaker terminals
• Headphone output

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 151 × 395 mm
• Weight: 11.4 kg

Included Accessories

• Power cable
• Calibration microphone
• Quick start guide
• Remote control with batteries