DENON PMA-520AE integrated amplifier 70 W x 2 ch (4 ohms)

Choosing the DAC

Both our CXA60 and CXA80 amplifiers employ the same Wolfson WM8740 DAC, and thereʼs a very good reason for that: it sounds superb! There are more recent Wolfson DACs in circulation, however none sound quite as great as the WM8740 in our view. Which is why, time and again, we choose them.

The CXA80 utilises two separate windings on the oversize toroidal transformer. In effect, this is like having two toroidal transformers wound onto one chassis, providing separate windings for each amplification module. If you get a huge transient in the right channel, it wonʼt unsettle whatʼs going on in the left. The current is being drawn from a different path, rather than a common path, so the output is stable and remains unflustered, whether your liking is for Little Richard or Lamb of God.

The transistors used by the CXA80 are not your usual common or garden offerings. They come with an integrated Dynamic Thermal Tracking System. So what does this mean? Normally a Power Output transistor utilises a thermo-coupler attached directly to the heat sink of the amp; this informs the system so that it can rebias when key temperatures are reached. However, using Integrated Dynamic Thermal tracking provides a far more accurate reading of the real temperature of a transistor, and relays it faster too because itʼs not a delayed heating effect. This enables us to bias the amplifier more accurately and in almost real time. Which means your CXA80 is always running at optimum performance.

If you want to use a subwoofer as part of your speaker complement, the CXA80 doesnʼt penalise you for it. Because we want to ensure thereʼs no unnecessary high frequency noise affecting the subwoofer, weʼve put the output filter at 3KHz. This is high enough to prevent any phase shift associated with the low pass filter affecting what happens below 200Hz. The result is a phase linear subwoofer output signal which is clean and musical.

The CX range represents a step change in the way our engineers have approached signal path design, and the result is one of our most musical and entertaining amplifiers yet.

Previously, we went to almost surgical lengths to minimise distortion in order to get the best results. This invariably meant 46 components sat in the signal path. For the CX Series, we wanted to dramatically reduce that component count. The CXA80 now has only 24 components in the signal path. The big difference is that there are now 500 support components as well. Their job is to guarantee those 24 key components are absolutely optimal all the time, regardless of mains fluctuations and other influences.

This has made a big difference when it comes to tuning. Previously, tweaking one of the 46 components only made a small difference and it was sometimes difficult to quantify exactly what difference any change made. With the CX series, those 24 components have now actually become quite critical. Changing just one affects the character of the amplifier.We can hear very clearly what each of those components is doing.

This revision has fundamentally changed the character of the amplifier. Listening to a CX series amplifier is fun, engaging and exciting.

In order to offer 24-bit 192kHz resolution via asynchronous USB we use a specialist XMOS device dedicated to the USB input. Weʼve also written a custom driver to allow PC users to access the higher sample rates available in USB Audio 2 mode. This bespoke code allows us to stream audio files at the highest possible resolution.

If you want to use your CXA80 with a Bluetooth source, we offer an optional BT100 audio receiver. To ensure that this does not interfere with other components in the amplifier, itʼs isolated internally on the digital input board. From the ground up, this is an audiophile Bluetooth device. All the coding for the BT100, including the aptX implementation, is done in-house. We even include an extension cable which enables you get the best Bluetooth range.

Sometimes thereʼs a good reason to keep things uncomplicated. The CXA80 features a high-quality damped metal chassis, designed to ensure that nothing rattles or interferes with the electronics. Weʼve also kept volume control simple. The CXA80 uses a logarithmic ALPS pot. And when it comes to switching inputs, the CXA80 uses relay switching with silver plated contacts. This classic approach is still the best way to move signals around, rather than with transistors or electronic switches.

• Power output:80W RMS into 8 Ohms, 120W RMS into 4 Ohms
• DAC:Wolfson WM8740
• Frequency Response:

Audioengine N22 General Specifications
Type: Compact Integrated Stereo Amplifier Power Output: 80W peak total (22W RMS/40W peak per channel), AES Amplifier type: Dual Class A/B Voltages: 110-240V, 50/60Hz auto-switching for worldwide voltages Inputs: RCA and 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-jack Outputs: RCA variable preamp Speaker outputs: 5-way binding posts SNR: >95dB A-weighted THD+N:

Yamaha RN402D MusicCast Enabled Network Receiver.

The R-N402D is a receiver and network audio player in a single unit. You can use it to easily play audio sources downloaded from the Internet and stored on a PC or NAS system. Or, enjoy streaming music services and internet radio (with vTuner). Moreover, Yamahaʼs original MusicCast App allows you to enjoy your favourite tunes on a smartphone or tablet device via wireless connection.

With a beautifully simple and unique design inherited directly from Yamahaʼs HiFi audio components, the R-N402D also boasts an easy-to-operate button layout. The aluminium front panel has a richly textured silver hairline finish. The control knobs are also of the same luxurious construction as used on our top-end models. Both inside and out, everything about the R-N402D demonstrates our commitment to superior design and operability.

MusicCast is a new revolution in network audio, use all your MusicCast products together or separately, itʼs completely up to you. Control it, all from one app, designed to be intuitive, quick and simple to use. Use a soundbar, a wireless speaker, an AV receiver, Hi-Fi audio whichever suits you best, mix and match then expand your MusicCast system as time goes on. All new from Yamaha, the MusicCast system brings everything to everywhere for everyone.

MusicCast employs a high performance wireless network to deliver music and audio enjoyment. It can stream digital music content from your smartphone, PC or NAS to other MusicCast devices in your home. It can also share the music from external devices such as a CD player or TV connected to the R-N402D. Audio content from Bluetooth-connected smartphones or tablets can also be streamed to MusicCast devices in multiple rooms.

You can hear all the music sources on the R-N402D from your smartphone via wireless Bluetooth or AirPlay connection. You can play music from music apps, radio apps, or YouTube™-type video hosting services.

DAB and DAB+ are Digital Audio Broadcasting formats that offer a large selection of radio stations with high sound quality. Other benefits include automatic tuning to available stations with a list to choose from, and display of information such as station name. You can preset 40 DAB / DAB+ stations.
USB Digital Connection for USB Flash Drives on the Front Panel

The R-N402D provides a USB port on the front panel for quick connection of USB flash drives. You have instant access to all your stored music, and the digital connection ensures that you hear it with the highest possible sound quality.
Gapless Playback Compatibility

Many live and classical albums have no gaps in the music. Gapless playback ensures that there are no pauses between audio files. This provides playback with no interruptions, the way it was meant to be heard.

To ensure maximum network audio quality, the receiver supports WAV / FLAC 192 kHz/24-bit, Apple Lossless 96 kHz/24-bit, DSD 5.6 MHz and even the new AIFF 192 kHz/24-bit formats. It uses a BurrBrown 192 kHz/24-bit DAC that has a firmly established reputation for quality. Youʼll enjoy the beautiful sounds of high resolution audio.

The R-N402D is equipped for digital audio input — with both optical and coaxial terminals. The optical is for receiving audio from a TV, and the coaxial for receiving audio from a Blu-ray Disc player. The audio stays in the digital domain, giving you pure, pristine dynamic sound for all your entertainment sources, from sports and other programmes to movies and concerts.

Yamaha R-N402D Key Features:

• Yamaha high sound quality, created by rich experience and tradition, and high technological expertise (Traditional Natural Sound concept / high sound quality circuit design / 100 W x 2 high power output)
• Supports 5.6MHz DSD Native and 192 kHz/24-bit High Resolution Music(Flac/ WAV/ AIFF) with high performance 24-bit D/A converter
• MusicCast for audio enjoyment in every room
• Control app for easy operations (MusicCast CONTROLLER)
• Support for internet radio and various music streaming services
• DAB / DAB+* and FM tuners both have 40 station preset memories
• Supports Bluetooth® output for pairing R-N402D and other Bluetooth equipped products
• Bluetooth for wireless music streaming
• AirPlay® allows music streaming from Mac, PC, iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®
• USB digital connection for USB flash drives on the front panel
• Gapless Playback compatibility
  Digital audio input for TV or Blu-ray Disc™ player
• Simple yet sophisticated design
• Screw-type speaker terminals
• Speaker selector and speaker terminals for two systems

Advanced original amplifier circuitry and elimination of signal loss—resulting in a truly
emotional and dynamic sound. This is a high-grade integrated amplifier that has inherited
the new sound of Yamaha in the pursuit of rich musicality..

• Floating and Balanced Power Amplifier with MOSFETs
• All-stage fully discrete construction, balanced transmission and low impedance design
• Superior quality electronic volume control for optimum sound
• Large capacity power supply unit delivers energetic, dynamic sound with fast response
• Symmetrical design in pursuit of ideal stereo reproduction
• Discretely configured phono amp
• Headphone amp with fully discrete configuration
• Level meters visually reflect the dynamics in the music
• Elegant design with luxurious real wood panels
• Original speaker terminals combine ease of use and beauty with high sound quality