Yamaha R-N602: Updated Stereo Receiver boasting several enhancements

The Yamaha R-N602 is an updated version of the earlier Yamaha R-N500 receiver, featuring several enhancements, including built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. While the audio performance of both models is identical, the design has not been altered. Users can manage the Yamaha R-N602 through the MusicCast app available for mobile devices. This robust network Hi-Fi receiver is compatible with a diverse range of audio sources, including networked audio equipment, delivering exceptional sound quality. Additionally, it includes a dedicated application for streamlined system management and offers digital inputs for connecting televisions and other devices.

Yamaha has created an almost perfect component for constructing a contemporary music system by integrating an amplifier with discrete elements, an FM tuner, and a multimedia network player that supports the proprietary MusicCast multi-room technology, all housed in a single unit.

The front panel of the Yamaha R-N602, crafted from metallized plastic that effectively mimics brushed aluminum, prominently features a large information display. Below this display, neatly arranged like an honor guard, are flat controls for tone adjustments, channel balance, and loudness compensation. To the left, a rotary input selector is positioned, while a joystick for navigating the system menu is located to the right. This joystick facilitates easy scrolling through the display lists and selecting various items, whether they are menu sections or music tracks. Additionally, the panel includes a substantial volume control, a Pure Direct button, a USB port for quick external drive connections, a speaker system switch, and a headphone output.

The Yamaha R-N602 can be seamlessly integrated into a computer network through either an Ethernet connection or a wireless setup, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi adapter that supports the advanced 802.11n protocol. To enable wireless communication, simply connect the included antenna to the designated port on the rear panel of the unit. Once connected to a network, the device not only allows for music playback from DLNA network servers but also provides a range of additional features. It can access over 20,000 Internet radio stations from around the world, which can be conveniently sorted by genre, name, region, and other criteria for easy navigation. Furthermore, the receiver is fully compatible with Yamaha MusicCast, a proprietary technology designed for creating multi-room audio systems, enabling the integration of various audio devices such as multi-channel and stereo receivers, wireless speaker systems, soundbars, mini-systems, smartphones, tablets, and computers for synchronized playback.

This integration enables the use of a unified music library across the system, allowing for both centralized and distributed storage of audio files, along with centralized playback control via the MusicCast Controller application available on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets. Audio tracks can be stored not only on home network servers or the memory of portable devices but also through music streaming services such as Spotify. Furthermore, the MusicCast system facilitates the broadcasting of music from any connected source to various rooms within your home or apartment. For instance, a vinyl record played on a Yamaha R-N602 stereo system in the living room can be enjoyed through a wireless Yamaha WX-030 speaker system located in the bedroom.

MusicCast technology offers full compatibility with high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC and WAV, supporting resolutions of up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, as well as DSD. The technology’s ability to utilize various wireless data transmission channels is particularly impressive, significantly enhancing the options available for your multi-room system. MusicCast can operate over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, providing flexibility in connectivity. Additionally, system components can be linked using a standard twisted pair through Ethernet. Users can also stream music directly from their mobile devices to the receiver, either via Bluetooth using the A2DP protocol or through Wi-Fi with AirPlay. Furthermore, audio files can be played from external drives connected via USB.

Digital-to-analog conversion is executed by the Burr Brown DSD1791 chip from Texas Instruments, which supports both 24-bit/192 kHz PCM streams and DSD content. The output stages of the receiver utilize pairs of A1695/C4468 transistors from Sanken, which are effectively cooled by a centrally located cast finned radiator within the receiver’s chassis. Power is delivered by a substantial transformer manufactured by Bando.

The switching panel includes a Phono input designed for connecting a vinyl record player equipped with an MM cartridge, as well as the capability to integrate an active subwoofer for a triphonic setup based on the Yamaha R-N602.

When evaluating the sonic qualities of the Yamaha R-N602, the term “pedigree” is quite fitting. Its sound is characterized by an airy and somewhat cool presentation, which captures intricate details without veering into overly analytical territory. While you may find that certain tracks in your music collection lack warmth and vibrancy, and that dynamic passages in orchestral works may exhibit a slight softening of emphasis, this is primarily when compared to significantly higher-end devices. In terms of value for money, the Yamaha R-N602 stands out as a formidable contender. Additionally, it excels in highlighting the strengths of high-resolution audio tracks. Familiar pieces, when rendered in formats such as 24 bit / 192 kHz or DSD, reveal new layers and subtleties in the recordings.

Yamaha R-N602 Specifications:

• Output power:
  • Minimum (RMS): 2 x 80 W (8 Ohms, 40 Hz – 20 kHz, THD: 0.04%)
  • Maximum: 2 x 105 W (4 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD: 0.7%)
  • Maximum effective: 2 x 115 W (8 Ohms, 1 kHz, THD: 10%)
• Dynamic power per channel:
  • 105 W (8 Ohms)
  • 125 W (6 Ohms)
  • 150 W (4 Ohms)
  • 178 W (2 Ohms)
• Damping factor: more than 150
• Frequency response:
  • 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
  • 10 Hz – 100 kHz (± 1 dB, Pure Direct mode)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.015% (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, Pure Direct mode, 200 mV)
• Input sensitivity/impedance:
  • 200 mV/47 kΩ (line input)
  • 3.5 mV/47 kΩ (MM phono input)
• Maximum input voltage:
  • More than 2.2 V (1 kHz, THD: 0.5%)
  • More than 60 mV (MM phono input, 1 kHz, THD: 0.003%)
• Output voltage/impedance:
  • 200 mV/1.1 kΩ (line output)
  • 4 V/1.2 kΩ (subwoofer output, cut-off frequency: 90 Hz)
  • 410 mV/470 Ω (headphone output)
• Burr-Brown DSD1791 DAC
• Continuous loudness control: Yes
• Pure Direct mode: Supported for all inputs (signal bypasses the tone block, balance and loudness controls)
• Auto Power Standby function:
  • Can be disabled
  • Switches receiver to standby after 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours of inactivity (manual selection)
• Circuit topology: ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology)
• AM / FM tuner: Available
• Number of tuner memory presets: 40
• DLNA protocol support: Version 1.5
• Supported streaming audio file formats via local network and USB:
  • MP3, WMA, MPEG4 AAC
  • WAV, FLAC, AIFF (24 bit / 192 kHz)
  • ALAC (24 bit / 96 kHz)
  • DSD (2.8 MHz / 5.6 MHz, native mode)
• Gapless playback for WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and ALAC
• Control via MusicCast CONTROLLER app (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: Supported
• Bluetooth:
  • Version 2.1 + EDR
  • Codecs: SBC/AAC
• AirPlay support: Yes
• Inputs:
  • 4 linear RCA
  • MM phono input
  • 2 coaxial (24 bit/192 kHz)
  • 2 optical (24 bit/192 kHz)
  • Network port (LAN)
  • USB port for external drives with iOS device support
• Outputs:
  • 6.3 mm for headphones
  • 2 linear RCA
  • Subwoofer output
  • Ground terminal
• Other connections:
  • AM/FM antenna jacks
  • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna jack
• Output terminals for speakers: 4 pairs of screw terminals
• Power supply: High-current transformer with an E-shaped core
• Remote control: Available
• Eco mode: Supported
• Network Standby mode:
  • Allows automatic activation via network commands
• Power consumption:
  • 190 W (normal)
  • 380 W (maximum)
  • 0.1 W (standby mode)
  • 1.7 W (Network Standby, wired)
  • 1.8 / 1.9 / 1.6 W (Wi-Fi / Wireless Direct / Bluetooth)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 151 x 392 mm
• Weight: 10.2 kg