Yamaha WXA-50 alternatives

[thenamelessone7]

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?

 

[Schollaudio]

I'm looking for an alternative too. I have the WXP-50 and like it enough to consider the amp version.

 

[Madeintooting]

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?

Quad Vena 11 play, Audiolab 6000A play.

 

[Doodski]

Quad Vena 11 play, Audiolab 6000A play.

Both of those models you suggest are more than USD $1000.00

 

[valerianf]

"Both of those models you suggest are more than USD $1000.00"
That is why I bought a WXA-50 to use it only as an amp (no stream).

 

[Tangband]

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?

PS audio Sprout for 599 dollars has USB in. SMSL have streamers with USB input as well.

Aiyima a08 has tpa3255 amplification and USB input for 130 dollars .

 

[Chrise36]

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?

You can use a usb to spdif converter for about 50$

 

[Tangband]

Here is a comparison of PS audio 100 sprout for 599 dollars vs Yamaha wxa50.

 

[Tangband]

You can use a usb to spdif converter for about 50$

Yes, and that can be a superior sounding solution than the Yamaha wxc50. ( I have the wxc50 ) .
I use a usb spdif converter to digital input in my Genelecs, and the sound is a bit more dynamic with a little bigger, cleaner soundstage compared to the Yamaha digital out .

The digital preamp with volume control in wxc50/wxa50 is good, but not stellar.
Its about the same quality as bluesound node - good , but not high end.

 

[radix]

Personally, I use a usb-c to toslink converter to my Neumann KH80s/KH750 combo.

I believe SMSL has some amps with USB input, like the SA300. There might be others. The specs say up to 32-bit / 384 kHz USB. The Loxjie A30 is also a usb audio amp (reviewed here). There's also a few from Denon, e.g. the PMA-50 (review here) and PMA-150H.

If you search for "usb audio amp" you'll get a bunch of hits.

 

[ZolaIII]

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. Personally I don't mind using separate DAC when I need one (hedaphones, native DSD X4 or more) while Toslink is enough most of the time.

 

[fuzzy_logic]

Denon PMA-60 and NAD D3045 are two that spring to mind

 

[Chrise36]

The newer Yamaha rn 803D has everything: https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n803dindex.html

 

[ZolaIII]

The newer Yamaha rn 803D has everything: https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n803dindex.html

Nope DAC is Sabre 24 and it doesn't have USB DAC input (just USB storage input with power delivery up to 1A 5V). Only mentioned two models with Sabre 32 generation. Hire is R-N803 the D is for a Dab tuner addition.

Yamaha R-N803 Smart Receiver Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Yamaha R-N803 Receiver, amplifier, and streamer. It was purchased by a member (b-stock?) and drop shipped to me. The R-N803 costs US $750 from amazon including Prime shipping. The R-N803 has AV-style features such as Room EQ but with only two...

www.audiosciencereview.com

A-S801 should perform pretty much the same (same output stage and control circuit including a "pure direct" implementation).

 

[Chrise36]

Nope DAC is Sabre 24 and it doesn't have USB DAC input (just USB storage input with power delivery up to 1A 5V). Only mentioned two models with Sabre 32 generation. Hire is R-N803 the D is for a Dab tuner addition.

Yamaha R-N803 Smart Receiver Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Yamaha R-N803 Receiver, amplifier, and streamer. It was purchased by a member (b-stock?) and drop shipped to me. The R-N803 costs US $750 from amazon including Prime shipping. The R-N803 has AV-style features such as Room EQ but with only two...

www.audiosciencereview.com

A-S801 should perform pretty much the same (same output stage and control circuit including a "pure direct" implementation).

It is true i thought they share the same circuits with the AS 801 or the receivers are a new platform?

 

[ZolaIII]

@Chrise36 as much as I know (based on same "CD pure direct") output stage (power transistors and all) are the same as its a tone bord (probably the phono stage input also). Referring to R-N803 (N803D) to A-S801.

 

[Chrise36]

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?

Can you use HDMI out from the pc instead of usb?

 

[ZolaIII]

Can you use HDMI out from the pc instead of usb?

Yes (HDMI to TV and Toslink from there) but you will probably be limited to 44100 ~ 48000 KHz 16 bit (Nv at least) which by the way ain't really a limiting factor for a power amp.

 

[Chrise36]

Yes (HDMI to TV and Toslink from there) but you will probably be limited to 44100 ~ 48000 KHz 16 bit (Nv at least) which by the way ain't really a limiting factor for a power amp.

I asked the op cause if he can then he might choose some of the avr like the 3600h or 3700h used or the cheaper DRA 800H new from Denon. He can go Pc to hdmi and hdmi out to pc monitor or tv and keep 24bit output.

 

[jhaider]

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?

Is ELAC EA-101 still available? It has USB in (no streaming), the best (single seat, single sub) subwoofer-mains integration in class, and looks the part. No idea how it measures but it works well as a compact integrated.