Yamaha R-N301 Review

Yamaha currently have six models in their lineup of stereo receivers. The R-S300, R-S500 and R-S700 are somewhat older, while the R-S201, R-N301 and R-N500 are classified as ‘next generation’. We have listened to the R-N500 briefly and concluded that this is a very functional and high-quality stereo receiver, and it also indicated the direction of how stereo receivers may be built and used in the future. Here however, we will take a look and listen to the smaller model, the R-N301, which has a limited range of features and functionality, but at a much lower price.

In comparison to more expensive receivers, the rear panel of the Yamaha R-N301 is a bit on the modest side, but still contains all that is necessary. To connect analog sources the 301 has four inputs and one output, and digital sources are connected to either the coaxial and/or optical input (one of each). Connecting to a local area network is done by using a standard Ethernet port (RJ45), and a total of eight terminals are provided for speakers that can be used to connect either two pairs of speakers or one pair in a bi-wire configuration. Finally, there are inputs for FM and AM antenna, USB-A port and a non-detachable power cable.

Although the R-N301 lets you connect up to four analog and two digital sources, an important piece of functionality in the receiver is the option to connect to a DLNA certified local network. This way it is possible to play music and audio files using network storage (NAS) and any other locations where you have music in digital format. If streaming is performed with a PC, it is necessary to install a software server, like Serviio for example. In line with modern trends, R-N301 supports streaming 192/24 FLAC and WAV files over the network, which is a great achievement for a device at this price range.

Acoustic guitar and the voice of José González in the song ‘Heartbeats‘ sounded realistic and intimate, and the music was radiating emotions. Moving on to more energetic music showed that the Yamaha was up to the challenge with powerful bass, fierce rhythm and awesome electric guitars riffs. High frequencies are spacious and there´s an excellent relationship between the clear and defined presentation and the subtle details that underlie the musical work. No matter what type of music, the midrange preserves the richness of the tones, although with a slight prominence in the presentation. It achieved a fairly good separation of instruments in complex compositions and vocals sound natural and convincing. The lowest frequencies do not go particularly deep and lack the subsonic kick that can be heard and felt with more expensive devices, but we have not yet heard an amplifier or receiver in this class that can do so. On the other hand, R-N301 have an excellent control and definition in the bass, and it seems to us that in this respect it´s even better than the more expensive R-N500.

In addition to using analog and digital sources and streaming over the network, R-N301 allows you to listen to FM and AM radio stations, as well as internet radio using the vTuner service and music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora. It has less functionality compared to the R-N500, reflected in the absence of a preamplifier for a turntable and USB-A port for playback directly from a portable hard drive and USB memory, and users of Apple devices will be able to use the AirPlay wireless connection. If you want to use a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, R-N301 allows you to add external adapters, the YWA-10 (Wi-Fi) and YBA-11 (Bluetooth).