Yamaha has introduced its brand-new WXA-70A compact streaming amplifier and the equally space-saving WXC-70A streamer.
If you prefer hi-fi components that don’t take up too much space, Yamaha has some good news in the form of the new WXA-70A Compact Streaming Amplifier and WXC-70A Compact Streamer. According to the manufacturer, these are ‘two fully-fledged hi-fi components designed to deliver authentic Yamaha sound, modern streaming convenience and flexible integration into today’s living spaces, without compromising on available space. Both models have been designed to provide a level of musical satisfaction capable of matching full-size hi-fi components. Their compact size therefore serves as a gateway to genuine Yamaha sound.’
The WXA-70A combines a compact enclosure—and yes, that word will be making quite a few more appearances—with ‘robust Class D amplification to drive a wide range of loudspeakers with authority and create a large-scale soundstage. The WXC-70A, meanwhile, adds advanced network audio functionality to existing hi-fi systems as a high-quality streamer. Together, they make it easier to enjoy music, TV sound and connected sources with the quality and ease of use you would expect from Yamaha,’ according to the manufacturer.
Precise DSP and ASRC
Yamaha continues: ‘Both models inherit Yamaha’s engineering philosophy, developed through decades of experience in hi-fi engineering, and feature an ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC to reveal the full potential of today’s high-resolution digital sources. Advanced digital processing, including highly accurate internal DSP and reclocking ASRC technology, helps maintain focus, clarity, timing accuracy and spatial precision across a wide range of sources. In addition, Yamaha’s proprietary YPAO room calibration optimises reproduction for your listening environment, while HDMI eARC/ARC, Dialogue Level control and MusicCast compatibility simplify everyday music and TV entertainment.’
Custom Installation
Thanks to useful extras including Control4 compatibility, web configuration, an IR input, 12V trigger and rack-friendly installation options, the WXA-70A and WXC-70A are also ready for custom installations.
According to Yamaha, their carefully designed aluminium construction, compact dimensions and high-quality finish are ‘designed to integrate perfectly into modern homes while simultaneously delivering the deep, expressive musical experience at the heart of Yamaha Hi-Fi. The result is a compact enclosure with a surprisingly full-size presence—built for listeners who want the satisfaction of a serious hi-fi system without the space requirements and complexity of traditional separate components.’
Plenty of Technology for Optimum Sound
As mentioned, both the WXA-70A and WXC-70A are based around the audiophile-grade ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC. According to Yamaha, it works in harmony with the company’s proprietary digital audio technologies to preserve the integrity of every recording.
‘Behind the scenes, Yamaha’s system optimisation combines high-resolution support, highly accurate internal processing and a stable output architecture, allowing the final listening experience to be shaped by the entire audio path rather than a single specification. At the same time, Yamaha’s proprietary D.O.P.G. (DAC on Pure Ground) configuration reflects a level of circuit design that goes beyond conventional DAC implementations. By creating an exceptionally clean grounding environment for delicate analogue audio signals, it helps preserve subtle musical information for greater fidelity, realism and nuance. Additional design measures, including separation of digital and analogue circuit areas and careful routing around the power supply circuits, further help protect analogue signal purity for clearer and more natural sound,’ Yamaha explains.
Reducing Jitter
Under the hood, the WXA-70A and WXC-70A use Yamaha’s improved digital playback architecture to reduce the effects of jitter before the signal reaches the DAC.
By reconstructing the timing of the incoming signal using ASRC and subsequently feeding the signal to the DAC using a more accurate internal clock, the system should improve focus, clarity, instrument separation and spatial precision. Moreover, according to Yamaha, this should even benefit sources such as TV audio or wireless streaming, where clock quality can vary.
Room Correction with YPAO
The WXA-70A and WXC-70A feature YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer), Yamaha’s proprietary automatic sound optimisation technology.
Because the shape of a room, wall materials and loudspeaker placement all affect how sound reaches the listener, YPAO uses the supplied microphone to measure the listening environment and adjust reproduction accordingly. As a result, the system should produce a natural and balanced soundstage tailored to the room. In everyday use, this should provide the impression of a carefully optimised audio environment without requiring a complicated setup procedure.
Enclosure
The WXA-70A and WXC-70A feature rigid aluminium enclosures and a carefully engineered construction. This solid, vibration-resistant structure is intended to help preserve musical detail and clarity. Furthermore, a reinforced chassis, centre-beam bracing, damping materials and a carefully designed heat-dissipation system all contribute to the desired mechanical stability while helping suppress unwanted vibration and resonance.
‘A matte anodised finish, smoothly shaped volume control and carefully developed controls give every interaction a satisfying tactile quality, while premium details such as gold-plated speaker terminals reflect Yamaha’s commitment to sound, build quality and lasting appeal,’ the manufacturer adds.
Thanks to HDMI eARC/ARC, the WXA-70A and WXC-70A can easily be connected to a TV. Power and volume can then be controlled using a compatible TV remote. Meanwhile, Yamaha’s digital signal processing and clock management are intended to provide greater clarity, focus and stability with everyday entertainment sources.
There is also the MusicCast app, supplied remote control and clear OLED display on the front panel, all of which should make everyday operation straightforward. Another practical feature is Dialogue Level control, which improves speech clarity. Consequently, dialogue in movies, TV programmes and sports broadcasts should remain clearly intelligible without having to increase the overall volume.
Streaming
MusicCast provides simple and flexible control of music throughout the home. Using a single app, users can select sources, manage playback, adjust settings for individual rooms or link compatible MusicCast devices to create a shared whole-home listening experience.
Moreover, the WXA-70A and WXC-70A support Wi-Fi streaming via AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready and more.
Flexible Installation
According to Yamaha, the WXA-70A and WXC-70A have been designed with the flexibility required for modern living environments. Therefore, they should also be straightforward to integrate into professional smart-home systems.
Support for the Control4 control platform makes it possible to manage whole-home audio as part of a broader automation system. In addition, built-in web configuration further improves installation efficiency by providing installers with streamlined access to system settings, functions and network configuration.
For a more stable user experience, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be disabled separately during installation to prevent unintended source selection. Meanwhile, a dedicated IR input enables a direct wired connection to a control system without requiring an external transmitter, helping keep the rear of the installation neat and organised. Finally, 12V trigger support allows power to be synchronised with other audio components for smarter and more seamless system integration.
WXA-70A
For convenience, here are the main features of the WXA-70A, in the manufacturer’s own words:
- Authentic hi-fi sound and premium build quality in a compact form factor
- Audiophile-grade ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC on PURE GROUND
- Class D amplification by ICEPower (new-generation 125ASX2)
- 70W x 2ch (8Ω), 105W x 2ch (4Ω) (20Hz–20kHz, 1% THD IEC/FTC)
- High-quality Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready and more
- HDMI eARC for high-quality TV sound, plus inputs for a turntable and CD player
- MusicCast multiroom audio with intuitive app control
- YPAO room calibration optimises sound for your room
- Integration-ready with Control4 compatibility, web configuration, IR input, 12V trigger and more
WXC-70A
And following the same format, here are the main specifications of the WXC-70A:
- Authentic hi-fi sound and premium build quality in a compact form factor
- Audiophile-grade ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M DAC on PURE GROUND
- Powerful Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready and more
- HDMI eARC for high-quality TV sound, plus inputs for a turntable and CD player
- Versatile analogue and digital outputs with player and preamplifier modes
- MusicCast multiroom audio with intuitive app control
- YPAO room calibration optimises sound for your room
- Integration-ready with Control4 compatibility, web configuration, IR input, 12V trigger and more