Yamaha R-N301 Stereo Receiver First Look

[Steve81]

Yamaha's new R-N301 may not impress users who are used to the advanced features on today's A/V receivers. Nonetheless, with a couple of digital inputs, multiple streaming options, not to mention a slick control app for iOS and Android, this Yamaha is a cut above most stereo receivers. Add in 100W of power per channel as well as a modest price tag of $349.95, and we'd reckon that the R-N301 should appeal to many consumers who are looking for a more sophisticated two channel receiver.

Read the full preview here.

Does anybody own this receiver? Share your experiences here.

 

[Seth=L]

I still wonder why bass management isn't present on any two channel receivers other than a couple HKs and the Outlaw stereo receiver.

 

[RichB]

I wonder why a toy phone takes better pictures than the ones provided

- Rich

 

[3db]

A stereo receiver without a phono stage? Really? What gives?

 

[Seth=L]

A stereo receiver without a phono stage? Really? What gives?

What's a phono stage?

 

[3db]

What's a phono stage?

Allows you to use one of these..

 

[Seth=L]

Allows you to use one of these..

That does not look like a cell phone, unable...to...comprehend.

 

[3db]

That does not look like a cell phone, unable...to...comprehend.

Yeah, I'm not surprised

 

[Seth=L]

Yeah, I'm not surprised

Was merely pointing out the obvious, a stereo receiver with features geared towards newer technology is less likely to include features like phono inputs or tape loops, etc...

 

[3db]

Was merely pointing out the obvious, a stereo receiver with features geared towards newer technology is less likely to include features like phono inputs or tape loops, etc...

Most midttier and all top tier AVRs, which in terms of new technology surpasses by far stereo receivers, include a phono stage. Your idea of pointing out the obvious is obviously somewhat flawed.

 

[adk highlander]

Was merely pointing out the obvious, a stereo receiver with features geared towards newer technology is less likely to include features like phono inputs or tape loops, etc...

Hey Seth. Funny you should say this. I was actually looking for the best of both worlds for my work system. I wanted a Parasound P5 which has base management, USB/digital input DAC and a phono stage. Unfortunately it is out of my budget and I cannot use a sub in my office I found a P3 that I could afford and I have a USB DAC. I really like the variety of sources that both phono and the USB give me. I use a Vortexbox as my digital source (all music ripped to FLAC format) and have a CD player and turntable.

I am still using a borrowed turntable but plan on getting one of my own soon.

 

[3db]

I am still using a borrowed turntable but plan on getting one of my own soon.

Going new or used on the turntable? What is your budget?

 

[Seth=L]

Most midttier and all top tier AVRs, which in terms of new technology surpasses by far stereo receivers, include a phono stage. Your idea of pointing out the obvious is obviously somewhat flawed.

If you remember, most entry level AVRs had phono inputs, now you have to spend at least $500 sometimes more to find one that has it.

 

[Seth=L]

Hey Seth. Funny you should say this. I was actually looking for the best of both worlds for my work system. I wanted a Parasound P5 which has base management, USB/digital input DAC and a phono stage. Unfortunately it is out of my budget and I cannot use a sub in my office I found a P3 that I could afford and I have a USB DAC. I really like the variety of sources that both phono and the USB give me. I use a Vortexbox as my digital source (all music ripped to FLAC format) and have a CD player and turntable.

I am still using a borrowed turntable but plan on getting one of my own soon.

Any epuipment of oddity with features like that is likely to be quite costly. On the flip side, high saturation products like a 7.2 channel Onkyo AVR will have every feature imagineable and then even more you didn't just to make sure they can sell as many units as possible. It literally goes from one extreme to another. A product like this receiver from Yamaha cannot hope to achieve the market saturation of a mass market AVR. Average joe consumer simply won't buy the stereo receiver unless directed that way when they can buy an entry level AVR with more features for the same price.

 

[ski2xblack]

I appreciate that the vendors are starting to include modern features into two channel kit, but agree w/ Seth, bass management is sorely lacking. Who doesn't use subs these days?

As for the Yamahas, I kinda like the R-N500 better...it brings even more of the old school vibe (variable loudness control FTW!).

 

[3db]

If you remember, most entry level AVRs had phono inputs, now you have to spend at least $500 sometimes more to find one that has it.

I consider $500 midtier. Phono stages have been around forever, are not very complicated and are very easy to implement. Its true you won't find them in entry level AVRs but then again, alot of the digital stuff is missing as well.

 

[KEW]

I am still using a borrowed turntable but plan on getting one of my own soon.

Stick with the borrowed turntable!
Borrowed turntables allow you to accidentally drop/bump the tone-arm onto the empty platter from higher and farther with amazingly little damage!

 

[KEW]

As for the Yamahas, I kinda like the R-N500 better...it brings even more of the old school vibe (variable loudness control FTW!).

I'm not sure Yamaha knows what to do with their loudness contour! On their amps, they have it on the less expensive AS300, AS500, and AS700, but drop it when you move up to the AS1000, AS2000, and AS3000 as if your ears behave differently if you buy a more expensive amp.

In the mean time, Audyssey is getting kudos for Dynamic EQ over a wide range of gear.

 

[adk highlander]

Going new or used on the turntable? What is your budget?

Not sure yet. Probably around $500. There is a nice Music Hall and Rega around that price. I want to get the zDAC first next month and then the turntable a month or two later.