Yamaha introduces the latest music center with support for built-in technologies: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Airplay called Yamaha MCR-N870. The center is available in two color combinations: silver blocks with black columns and black blocks with black columns. The MCR-N870 is capable of playing almost all existing audio formats over the network and from USB, it can also play CDs and digital radio. The Yamaha MCR-N870 music center can be integrated into your network using the MusicCast technology and controlled by a free application from devices running on the Android and iOS platforms. The A-U670 amplifier included in the kit has a built-in USB DAC for connecting to a computer.
The Yamaha MCR-N870 model supports the DLNA protocol (v1.5) and is easily integrated into a local network via an Ethernet connection or connection using the built-in Wi-Fi module. At the same time, the MCR-N870 can receive audio streams from computers and NAS servers (even HD FLAC and WAV files with a resolution of 24 bits/192 kHz are played). The vTuner service is available for listening to web stations, as well as music services Spotify and last.fm. There is an AirPlay function for wireless music playback from Apple gadgets. The built-in Wi-Fi module is Wi-Fi Multi Media certified and works with the WPS protocol, which allows you to quickly optimize and secure your connection. A remote control is included, but the Yamaha MCR-N870 can be controlled in other ways using iOS and Android devices with the Yamaha MusicCast Remote App installed.
The Yamaha MCR-N870 consists of a Yamaha A-U670 stereo receiver and a Yamaha CD-NT670 network CD player.
Amplifier Yamaha A-U670
It is quite difficult to unequivocally classify the Yamaha A-U670 into any class of electronic equipment – either it is an external USB DAC with a built-in amplifier, or an integrated amplifier with a built-in USB DAC. Apparently, to make it easier to decide, the manufacturer added another analog input to the USB port for connecting a computer – that is, we still have, first of all, an integrated amplifier. You can connect a CD player or vinyl turntable to the analog input, not forgetting, of course, that the input is linear, that is, you need to use a phono stage – external or built into the player. But the main source for which the Yamaha A-U670 was created is, of course, a computer. A digital USB interface was selected to connect the amplifier, which protects the system from all the problems of analog solutions inside the computer system unit. The component can work with PCM and DSD digital streams, and all currently used resolutions – PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD 2.8 and 5.6 MHz, and the actual conversion of digital data into an analog signal is carried out by 32-bit 2 – channel chip SABER 32 (ES9010K2M) manufactured by ESS Technology.
The built-in DAC unit has no other digital inputs except USB – there are no coaxial ports or optical inputs, which confirms the device’s firm focus on working with a computer. There are no USB ports for connecting external drives, or means of integration into a home computer network. But if the main source in the system is a computer, then it will do an excellent job of playing music from both flash drives and network storage or Internet radio stations. Thus, the manufacturer saved us from having to pay for unused functionality.
The front of the Yamaha A-U670 is quite densely populated. The rotary controls for volume, tone and channel balance look like a tribute to stereo classics. The choice of one of two inputs (USB and linear analog) is carried out by a button, a long press on which controls the Pure Direct mode, when activated, the signal bypasses the tone control and channel balance control. Also noteworthy is the gold-plated 6.3 mm jack for connecting headphones (the component is equipped with a high-quality headphone amplifier) and the LED indicator of the sampling rate of the input digital stream on the left side of the amplifier’s front panel.
The rear wall of the Yamaha A-U670 case, traditionally given over to switching, is, on the contrary, surprisingly free. As noted above, the amplifier has only two inputs – an analog stereo pair and a USB type B port for connecting a computer. The power cord is non-removable, while the acoustic terminals are screw-type. Among the interesting bonuses, we note the ability to connect an active subwoofer, for which an audio output on an RCA connector is provided on the patch panel. The use of a separate bass module in a stereo system still causes heated discussions, but the very possibility of organizing a triphonic will be an absolute advantage of the Yamaha A-U670. The compactness and light weight of the component is explained by the use of amplifiers operating in class D, which are highly energy efficient.
To stream music material from a computer via USB in high resolution, you must install the proprietary Yamaha HiFi USB Driver on the latter, which is available for download on the company’s website in the support section. In the current version 2.0.0, the driver supports Windows 7/8/10 in 32 and 64 bit versions. For Mac OS X version 10.6.4 or later, support is provided by the system’s standard USB driver. After installing the driver and turning on the power of the amplifier, all that remains is to specify “Yamaha A-U670” as the output device in the settings of the software player or system. Familiar songs, presented in 24-bit/192 kHz or DSD, reveal new nuances and feel fresh.
Yamaha CD-NT670 CD Player
The Yamaha CD-NT670 CD player is equipped with a network player function, which greatly expands the choice of sources: from Internet streaming services to NAS servers and the music library on your computer. Take Internet radio broadcasting for example. By selecting radio stations in vTuner, which gives you easy access to Classic FM and other radio stations around the world, you can listen to music from different genres – just like a regular FM tuner. The device supports high-resolution audio formats WAV / FLAC / AIFF 192 kHz/24 bit. There is a USB port on the front panel and AirPlay connectivity, which allows you to limitlessly expand access to music from one device.
The Yamaha CD-NT670 features technologies that enhance CD playback quality, such as a variable speed buffer to stabilize disc rotation speed and vibration and mechanical noise reduction during playback. The turntable is simple in appearance, but features the luxurious design characteristic of all Yamaha HiFi components: a narrow disc tray and aluminum handles and control buttons on the brushed aluminum front panel. The Yamaha CD-NT670 CD Player features the latest Bluetooth technology, making wireless operation more convenient than ever before. You can stream music from the MCR-N670 to Bluetooth-enabled headphones for private listening or to Bluetooth-enabled speaker systems.
Convenient Favorite button to turn on your favorite music with one touch If, upon waking up in the morning or returning home in the evening, you want to immediately fill the entire space of the room with music, you just need to press the Favorite button on the remote control. Your favorite Internet radio station, FM broadcast channel or any other music source that you have previously registered is immediately turned on.
MusicCast uses a highly efficient wireless audio network that allows digital music files from your smartphone, PC, or network storage to be streamed to other MusicCast devices in your home. It is also possible to stream audio content from smartphones or tablets connected via Bluetooth technology to MusicCast devices in several rooms. MusicCast-compatible devices can be used together or separately. They are managed using a single simple, fast and intuitive application. You can use a soundbar, wireless audio systems, AV receiver, HiFi components in any combination and expand your MusicCast system over time. Yamaha’s new MusicCast system allows you to transfer any music to any place convenient for you.
Characteristics of Yamaha A-U670
Power per channel at 6 Ohm 70 W
Stereo line input 1
USB Type B interface
Headphone output 1
Type of headphone connectors 6.3 mm
Subwoofer output 1
Screw connectors for speakers Gold -plated
connectors yes
Power consumption in operating mode 30 W
Consumption standby power 0.5 W
Dimensions (W x H x D) 314 x 70 x 342 mm
Weight 3.3 kg
Specifications Yamaha CD-NT670
Bluetooth version / Profile Version. 2.1 + EDR / A2DP, AVRCP; [Audio codec] SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Maximum communication range 10 m
Disc type CD, CD-R, CD-RW (CD-audio, MP3, WMA)
Internet radio vTuner
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA, USB
Playable formats files: MP3, WMA, MPEG4, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, RKK 192 kHz / 24 bit; 96 kHz / 24 bit
FM tuner – 30 stations
Digital audio input: optical
Dimensions (W x H x D) 314 x 70 x 338 mm
Weight 2.9 kg
