Yamaha WXA-50 alternatives

[bravomail]

I love what Yamaha is offering in their WXA-50: DAC+amp (+optional streamer) in a small package but I do need USB input so that the device can act as an external sound card to PC.

I like the balanced quality of DAC and AMP as measured by Amir. Is there a device out there with similar specs + USB input up to a 1000 USD?

there r plenty of integrated amps to choose from. Problem is - noone measured them.
Will Loxjie A30 work better for u? No streaming, has USB/OPT/COAX/AUX inputs, cheap.
You can do really cheap streaming with Raspberry PIE devices.

 

[Offler]

I love what Yamaha is offering in their WXA-50: DAC+amp (+optional streamer) in a small package but I do need USB input so that the device can act as an external sound card to PC.

I like the balanced quality of DAC and AMP as measured by Amir. Is there a device out there with similar specs + USB input up to a 1000 USD?

I was deciding between WXA-50 and NAD d3020v2. Went for the latter because it does not have too many smart features, while I use Toslink instead.

 

[gvl]

I do need USB input so that the device can act as an external sound card to PC.

Before you spend money confirm your PC doesn’t have a SPDIF output already. Combo 3.5mm/optical outputs are not unheard of on laptops, and desktop mobos often have SPDIF headers all you need is a $10 Coax to Toslink converter in the latter case and a bracket with Coax RCA you connect to that header.

 

[thenamelessone7]

It looks like I will end up with SMSL-SU8 + some smallish hypex based amp. It seems there is no all in one solution under 1000 USD

 

[gvl]

It looks like I will end up with SMSL-SU8 + some smallish hypex based amp. It seems there is no all in one solution under 1000 USD

They certainly exist, but likely perform not as good as a Hypex-based solution combined with a good stand-alone DAC. The first 4 should perform similarly to the WXA-50 or better, but there is no hard data here to back this up.

D 3045 - NAD Electronics

The NAD D 3045 is everything a modern amplifier should be; compact, energy efficient, powerful, silent, High Resolution capable, and packed with cutting edge features like DSD and MQA playback. NAD’s expertise in both digital and analog engineering is on full display in this flexible and...

nadelectronics.com

A-S801 - Overview - Yamaha - United States

Enjoy USB DAC functionality coupled with high fidelity. ToP-ART circuitry, Pure Direct, refined construction and stunningly good looks offer superior musicality with rich, natural sound.

usa.yamaha.com

BasX TA1 Stereo Preamp/DAC/Tuner With Integrated Amplifier

The TA1 is a stereo preamplifier, which includes a stereo FM tuner, inputs for line level analog sources, and a built-in DAC. Shop online today!

emotiva.com

Stereo Amplifiers - Elac

www.elac.com

PowerGate | Klipsch

The Klipsch PowerGate can drive even the most difficult speaker. Learn more about PowerGate now.

www.klipsch.com

Sabaj Audio Official-Sabaj音频官网

Since the establishment of our company, we have been committed to an enterprise integrating audio product design, R&D, production, market operation and service.There are mainly three categories: decoder/headphone amplifier/power amplifier. Our company is composed of a group of members who love...

www.sabaj.com.cn

Sabaj Audio Official-Sabaj音频官网

Since the establishment of our company, we have been committed to an enterprise integrating audio product design, R&D, production, market operation and service.There are mainly three categories: decoder/headphone amplifier/power amplifier. Our company is composed of a group of members who love...

www.sabaj.com.cn

AD18

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

SA300

Foshan ShuangMuSanLin electronics Co., LTD. founded in 2009 which located in Shenzhen, China. And our branch company VMV Technology(HK) Company Limited registered in HK in 2013. Our company is specialized in the audio DAC, stereo headphone amplifier, power amplifier, and with own R&D...

www.smsl-audio.com

 

[Snoopy]

I replaced my wxa50. Didn't like musiccast. Would often skip during songs (qobuz and usb). DSD playback was buggy. And wasn't really strong enough for my wharfedale Evo 4.2.

I would get the new bluesound powernode as alternative to the wxa50.

 

[thenamelessone7]

I replaced my wxa50. Didn't like musiccast. Would often skip during songs (qobuz and usb). DSD playback was buggy. And wasn't really strong enough for my wharfedale Evo 4.2.

I would get the new bluesound powernode as alternative to the wxa50.

Unfortunately bluesound measures badly both as a DAC and amplifier

 

[Schollaudio]

So far these little Yamys have a niche with price, features and performance.

 

[MaxBuck]

Unfortunately bluesound measures badly both as a DAC and amplifier

And you'll likely not be able to distinguish the DAC from the best on the market. It's mediocre rather than "bad."

Can't speak to the amplifier.

 

[DR3]

The WXA is unobtainium right now, but there are still RN602 in stock locally at good prices. I already have RN303 in the bedroom and thinking of getting RN803 for another system, but I read that it only sounds good in Pure Direct mode (no DSP) which levels the playing field and makes the 602 just as attractive. I don't need the extra power of the 803.

My only concern with the 602 is the older CPU (ostensibly). Is the 402/602 engine noticeably slower than the 303/803 that I am used to?

My only concern with the 803 (extra cost is not a factor for me if it's better) will be remorse if they come out with an 304/804 shortly after I buy it!

 

[DR3]

Well there are newer Yamahas with Sabre 32 DAC's which have UA 2.0 USB input like A-U671 compact class D but it performs pore and Amir didn't menage to get USB working. Or A-S801 rather bulky class AB same output stage and pure direct (and phono stage) as R-N803. Flows of both are; bad remote, no streaming no WiFi or network, no display (just LED's). All together not worth it at least not regarding me as I think they older mid ground ones are much better value like R-N402D which I own.

Do you find the 402 slow at all? I read some 602 reviews stating that browsing Internet Radio could use more CPU power. I have 303 and it used to be very slow to play a radio station a long time ago, but firmware update seems to have fixed that. Thinking of getting a second unit, 602 or 803...

 

[ZolaIII]

Do you find the 402 slow at all? I read some 602 reviews stating that browsing Internet Radio could use more CPU power. I have 303 and it used to be very slow to play a radio station a long time ago, but firmware update seems to have fixed that. Thinking of getting a second unit, 602 or 803...

Well it ain't fast but not exactly sluggish either, I believe SoM for streaming is quite old on automative embedded level but it works. There is a more aggressive mode but it's recommended only for cable connection and router also plays a large roll. IP interface also works but it's really basic.
I don't know which radio you used in the first place, they changed interface and provider at some point.
I like Spotify approach to direct MusicCast to the Spotify app and do all from there.

 

[cybernaut667]

The thing is that you do not actually need it to be a usb DAC since you can play everything on your home network . FLAC also.

 

[orientpear]

I'm an A-S801 owner- I use it with a Bluesound Node. The Node uses the USB input. My TV uses the SPDIF input. I haven't used the other inputs.

The remote control is...ok? It's not terrible, imo. I think the A-S801 is a great balance of features and power for the price.

I also bought a used WXA-50 for use in a small office. I haven't set it up yet- haven't even decided on speakers yet.

 

[TheBatsEar]

I'm an A-S801 owner- I use it with a Bluesound Node. The Node uses the USB input. My TV uses the SPDIF input. I haven't used the other inputs.

The remote control is...ok? It's not terrible, imo. I think the A-S801 is a great balance of features and power for the price.

Agreed, i had the 701, it was really nice.
The one feature i wish they had moved to the A-S 1200 is the variable loudness. It's a mystery to me why they didn't.