Yamaha R-N500 can be called almost perfect network music system. Whatever the media or make up your music collection – CD, vinyl discs, HD-files from NAS-server or broadcast with Spotify Premium (or all of the above), Yamaha R-N500 cope with them. At a sufficiently low price this system many features and capabilities. You will only need to connect it to the Internet, add a pair of speakers – and you can start broadcasting music over the network.
On the composition of the group Breezeblocks Alt-J with the home server, Yamaha R-N500 immediately fascinated by the size and surround sound. Instruments and voices correctly placed on a large music scene.
Warm and full-bodied sound that we love the models Yamaha, here is particularly soft and crystal clear. Many details are built layer by layer; HF can not be accused of excessive brightness or stiffness. Through this approach, the system easy for the soul music of any genre – whether it’s an album of Tom Waits in the format of 24-bit / 96 kHz audio or soundtrack to the film “Guardians of the Galaxy” server Spotify.
We only wish that the sound was a little more energetic. R-N500 is well able to give the correct notes at the right time, but it lacks the drive to breathe life into them. Catchy songs Donde Estas, Yolanda? group Pink Martini performed too relaxed instead force the listener to sway to the beat.
Selection of the AU will require attention. Columns B & W 685 S2 emphasize the magnitude of R-N500 and fine attention to detail, but Wharfedale Diamiond 220 ($ 280) will suit even better because with them the system will sound more lively and cheerful.
By equipping Yamaha no major complaints. Connect it to your home network via Ethernet (in the absence of Wi-Fi), you can stream music files from laptops, smartphones, tablets, and NAS-servers. An extensive list of formats includes almost everything from the standard MP3-files to FLAC and WAV files with sample rates up to 24 bit / 124 kHz.
In addition, the system supports AirPlay and DLNA, equipped with FM- and AM-tuners, vTuner Internet Radio and Spotify Connect; you for a lifetime not all available songs. Channel sufficiently stable during testing, we noted no loss of signal.
There is a lot of digital and analog inputs and even MM-phono stage for connecting a turntable. R-N500 does not support any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but we will not miss them. If you really miss them, buy separate modules Yamaha.
Logically and rationally organized free app NP Controller is much easier to use than the old-fashioned remote control. However, sometimes the application reluctant to respond to commands; with “material” remote control has not happened.
Every time I look at Yamaha R-N500, we wondered suddenly affordable price system: it looks a lot more expensive and quality. Especially good are perfectly polished regulators.
In Yamaha R-N500 excellent value for money and a lot of interesting features – and for owners of large music collections, and for those who are just beginning their acquaintance with the world of Hi-Fi. She needs only add a little to the accuracy and vigor.
Price: $ 550
Rating: 4
PROS: Surround sound and scale; clarity and detail; a soft approach; equipment; price
AGAINST: ulterior attack; lack of mobility, accuracy and dynamics; no Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
VERDICT: Very good universal system, especially considering the price
Source: Yamaha
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