One Or Two Box Yamaha Solution

[greycounciller]

I have a dilemma.

I want to replace my AV (Yamaha RX-V673) amp for a low to mid range Stereo amp. Music via the AV amp is too cold and clinical.

I stream music via Spotify and listen to Music via DNLA also, along with CD's. I don't listen to FM much.

I have a Pioneer BDP 450 player that I use for CD/DVD and streaming so will keep this player for now. I'll be running a pair of QA 2050i which I too will keep

I'm currently interested in a Yamaha RN-500 for it network capabilities and Optical and Co-Axial inputs which I need to connect the BDP.

I've also seen it suggested I look at a Network CD player and Amp combo of the Yamaha CD-NS301 and A-S301 as I't give better sound quality, and network capabilities via the CD player.

The amp + CD are in the region of £400, the RN-500, which I'd use with the BDP til a later date, is around £330.

What do you guys think? Your thoughs are welcome.

 

[iMark]

A couple of years ago we were in the market for a new stereo receiver because our older Denon DRA-1000 had given up the ghost after 14 years.

The RN-500 wasn't on the market yet and since we already had an Airport Express and DAC the networking didn't seem important in the receiver. I think that sonically the RN-500 is quite similar to our RS-500.

I can really recommend the Yamaha and I'm sure it's got a decent DAC. I wouldn't bother with a dedicated CD player and simply connect the BDP with digital connection to the amp and let the DAC do the work. Another point for the RN-500 is the fact that it's got Spotify Connect.

 

[greycounciller]

Thanks iMark.

This is close to the thinking I had.

Would a standalone CD player improve the sound if only fed through the DAC? I once tried a friends Marantz CD63 SE KI in my system and didn't see THAT great a difference?

 

[iMark]

Thanks iMark.

This is close to the thinking I had.

Would a standalone CD player improve the sound if only fed through the DAC? I once tried a friends Marantz CD63 SE KI in my system and didn't see THAT great a difference?

I don't think so. You would be bypassing the DAC in the CD player. I would argue that your BDP is as good a transport as your friend's CD63 SE KI.

When we got our DAC, the best thing about it is that we can run all our digital sources through it. And they all sound a bit better. It's not a huge difference over analogue inputs, but just enough to make you sleep better at night.

 

[matthewpiano]

It is well worth your looking at/listening to Yamaha's CRX-N560D. Excellent sound quality from all sources, great remote app for a tablet, Spotify Connect, digital inputs, great CD playback, DAB radio, internet radio...

 

[greycounciller]

It is well worth your looking at/listening to Yamaha's CRX-N560D. ........

Yes, had a look at that, not really into micro systems though, plus it lacks inputs and bi-wire binding posts.

I'll definetely seek out an audition for the receiver though.