Let’s start this blog with three hi-fi myths. Separates: they have to be expensive, they have to be heavy and they have to be huge in order to sound any good, right?
Maybe all of that was true once upon a time, but it certainly isn’t anymore! Technology is a wonderful thing, and hi-fi has moved itself along pretty bloody quickly in the last few years. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be heavy and it certainly doesn’t have to be big to pack a punch in the sound department.
Nothing illustrates this point quite as well as the two new budget Yamaha amps!
As that lovely picture very nicely demonstrates, one is the Yamaha WXC-50, a wireless streaming pre-amplifier, and the other is WXA-50, a wireless streaming integrated amplifier. If you are familiar with Yamaha, you would hace probably noted that these are the first to rock that particular look. They’re also very compact, just 2″ deep!
It’s also worth noting that these are the first of their kind (certainly the first Yamahas) which can do this…
Yep – that’s a hi-fi separate that sits on its side! And yes, you can do this with both the pre, and the amp. Yamaha have very much designed them with lifestule in mind, and this side-orientation and tiny stature means they can be nicely tucked away. Perfect for the desktop! As both are bluetooth-enabled and act as hi-res network streamers, this truly is the commodity of the savvy space-saver.
But perhaps the best thing about both of these guys is: they’re MusicCast enabled! And at their incredibly modest prices, it’s one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to introduce the wonders of a multiroom system into your home. Hook one of them up with the WX-030 wireless speaker in the kitchen, and you’re rocking multiroom like a pro!
True hi-fi in desktop form is a dream-come-true for audiophiles world over, particularly those with home offices. There are excellent DACs on board, and the streaming capabilities support all hi-res. A big deal considering the price, and the fact that they’re also very easy to operate. Although we wouldn’t expect anything less from Yamaha!
The big difference between the two is that one you use with passive speakers (the integrated – the adorable Dali Zensor Pico are a good bet) and one you use with actives (the pre – such as the awesome Audio Pro Addon T8L!) and that’s pretty much it. Just make sure you pick the right side!
The two new amps are almost two-of-a-kind. There are a few similar units, but nothing at this price point that boasts so many features and will still sit (or stand) quite comfortably on even a small desk.
Like what you see? Take a closer look at both of the amps (including the full specs) by clicking here.