Yamaha R-N402: A stereo receiver that seamlessly blends classic sound quality with modern features

The Yamaha R-N402 stereo receiver, much like its older sibling the R-N602, embodies a harmonious blend of cutting-edge network capabilities and a traditional approach to both circuitry and aesthetics. This design philosophy positions the receiver as a pivotal component in any contemporary music setup, including multi-room systems, thanks to the integration of Yamaha’s proprietary MusicCast technology. With MusicCast, you can effortlessly stream music throughout your home from any connected source, even if that source lacks MusicCast support. For instance, you can easily set up a system to play a vinyl record from your living room to active speakers in your bedroom and study.

MusicCast technology enables the seamless integration of a variety of audio devices, including multi-channel and stereo receivers, wireless speaker systems, soundbars, mini-systems, smartphones, tablets, and computers. This integration allows you to create a unified music library within the system, featuring either centralized or distributed audio file storage. You can easily manage everything through the MusicCast Controller app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Furthermore, MusicCast is fully compatible with high-resolution audio formats, supporting not just FLAC and WAV files up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, but also DSD. For wireless data transmission, MusicCast can utilize both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and you can also connect system components using a standard twisted pair via Ethernet.

The Yamaha R-N402 offers seamless integration into your home computer network, whether through a wired Ethernet connection or wirelessly. It comes equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter that supports the 802.11n protocol; simply attach the included antenna to the back of the unit. Once connected to your network, you can control the receiver from your smartphone or tablet, utilize the distributed MusicCast system, and stream music from DLNA network servers. Additionally, it can access over 20,000 Internet radio stations from around the globe, which can be easily sorted by genre, name, region, and more for convenient navigation. For mobile device connectivity, the receiver supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, broadening compatibility and eliminating the need for Wi-Fi coverage at the installation site.

The front panel of the component retains the same vintage aesthetic as its predecessor. At first glance, they appear nearly identical, but a closer look reveals some distinctions. For starters, the Yamaha R-N402 does not feature channel balance controls or a loudness compensation system. Additionally, while the older model utilized rotary knobs for all settings, this version adjusts all parameters—except for volume—using buttons. However, this should not be seen as a drawback, as most users typically operate the receiver via a remote control or through a smartphone or tablet. The joystick for navigating the system menu allows for easy scrolling through the display lists and selecting any item, whether it’s a menu section or a specific music track. On the left side of the front panel, you’ll find a USB port for quick connections to external drives, a switch for speaker pairs, and a headphone output.

A notable characteristic shared by both the previous version of the receiver and the Yamaha R-N402 is the inclusion of a built-in DAC unit. While the earlier model featured two optical and coaxial digital inputs that supported 24-bit/192 kHz signals, the R-N402 comes with one of each type. The digital-to-analog conversion in this model, similar to its predecessor, utilizes the Burr Brown DSD1791 from Texas Instruments, which is capable of handling not only PCM streams at 24 bits/192 kHz but also DSD format content. The output stages are powered by pairs of A1695/C4468 transistors from Sanken, and a robust power transformer from Bando ensures a reliable power supply. However, the newer model lacks a built-in phono preamplifier for MM cartridges.

On the rear panel of the Yamaha R-N402, you’ll find two pairs of screw-type speaker terminals, just like in the older model, indicating that the manufacturer has not compromised on this essential component. However, it does not include an output for an active subwoofer, which limits the possibility of creating a triphonic setup. Considering the price difference between these two receivers, we believe these omissions are quite reasonable.

In the junior version of the receiver, Yamaha successfully maintained the essence of its signature sound. It presents a slightly detached quality, cool yet infused with a sense of airiness and intricate details. This model strikes a balance between engaging presentation and impressive dynamic performance. The Yamaha R-N402 adeptly highlights the strengths of high-resolution audio, a rarity in this category of devices. While there may be a slight simplification of musical textures and a softening of peaks during the most intense passages, this is only noticeable when compared to much higher-end components.

Yamaha R-N402 Specifications

• Number of channels 2
• Output power minimum (RMS): 2 x 100 W (8 ohms, 40 Hz – 20 kHz, THD: 0.2%), maximum effective: 2 x 140 W (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD: 10%)
• Dynamic power / channel 125 W (8 ohms)
• Damping factor more than 120
• Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB), 10 Hz – 100 kHz (± 3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion less than 0.2% (50 W / 8 ohms, from the “CD” input to the speaker output, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio more than 100 dB (CD, 500 mV)
• Input sensitivity / impedance 500 mV / 47 kOhm (line input)
• Maximum input voltage 2.2 V (1 kHz, THD: 0.5%)
• Output voltage / impedance 500 mV / 2.2 kOhm (line output), 470 mV / 470 Ohm (headphone output)
• DAC Burr-Brown DSD1791
• AM / FM tuner yes
• Number of tuner memory presets 40
• Support for DLNA protocol version 1.5
• Supported formats of streaming audio files via local network and USB MP3, WMA, MPEG4 AAC, WAV (24 bit / 192 kHz), FLAC (24 bit / 192 kHz), AIFF (24 bit / 192 kHz), ALAC (24 bit / 96 kHz), DSD (2.8 MHz / 5.6 MHz)
• Gapless playback for WAV, FLAC, AIFF and ALAC formats
• Support for control via the MusicCast CONTROLLER app for iOS and Android yes
• Supported online services Deezer, TIDAL, Napster, Juke, Qobuz, vTuner, Sirius XM and others.
• Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
• Wireless Direct function is supported
• Bluetooth version 2.1 + EDR, codecs: SBC/AAC
• AirPlay support is available
• Inputs 4 linear RCA, coaxial (24 bit/192 kHz), optical (24 bit/192 kHz), Network port (LAN), USB port for external drives
• Outputs 6.3 mm for headphones, linear RCA
• Other switching jacks for AM/FM antennas, jack for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna
• Output terminals for speakers 4 pairs of screw terminals
• Power supply high-current transformer with an EI-shaped core Remote control is available
• Eco mode is supported
• Network Standby mode a type of standby mode, allows you to automatically activate the stereo receiver using commands from other network devices
• Power consumption 200 W; in standby mode: 0.1 W; in Network Standby mode when connected to a local network: 1.7 W (wired connection), 1.8-1.9 W (Wi-Fi/Wireless Direct/Bluetooth)
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x141x340 mm, 435x200x340 mm (with the included Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna in a vertical position)
• Weight 7.3 kg