Yamaha WXA-70A and WXC-70A Put Room Correction in the Streaming Box
If you already like your speakers, a new streaming service should not require a new system. And if the system sounds uneven in the room, a more elaborate DAC description is not much help in figuring out why.
Yamaha’s WXA-70A and WXC-70A bring those two concerns together. Both combine streaming with YPAO room calibration and an included microphone. The $1,299.95 WXA-70A adds speaker amplification; the $999.95 WXC-70A is a streamer/preamplifier for an existing system. Yamaha announced them August 27 ahead of their CEDIA debut, with November availability. Yamaha’s announcement
Choose the Box That Fits the System
The WXA-70A is the straightforward choice when you need amplification for passive speakers. The WXC-70A makes more sense when the amplifier you own already does its job and the missing pieces are streaming and modern source connections.
I like having that choice. There is no particular virtue in replacing a capable amplifier just because the way you access music has changed. Equally, someone starting from scratch may prefer one box that takes care of the electronics.
Both models include HDMI eARC, subwoofer output, MusicCast, and support for AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready operation. Their analog inputs can accommodate a turntable with a suitable phono preamplifier; do not mistake an analog input for a built-in phono stage. Yamaha’s connection and feature details
Give the Room Some Attention
Yamaha includes YPAO with R.S.C., its Reflected Sound Control processing. The company says the supplied microphone lets the system analyze the listening environment and adjust playback. Yamaha’s YPAO overview
This is where I would spend time evaluating the product. Measure before and after, listen at a matched level, and find out whether the adjustment helps with the room’s actual problems. I would also want to know what controls the owner has over the result and how the system handles a subwoofer.
A microphone in the box makes the process approachable. The outcome still needs to be judged in the room where the equipment will live. I would rather see a clear improvement there than take a collection of expensive-sounding component names as a substitute for evidence.
A Stereo System That Also Handles the TV
Yamaha’s WXA-70A page describes TV-remote power and volume operation through HDMI, an OLED front display, an included remote, and adjustable Dialogue Level. WXA-70A product page
The goal is to make the better speakers the obvious everyday choice. Nobody should need a tutorial every time they want to watch the news.
The Premium Has to Do Something
These prices call for a serious comparison with less expensive ways to add streaming and amplification. I would ask what the extra expenditure delivers in room correction, control, construction, and daily reliability.
The WXC-70A is especially interesting for somebody who has built a system they want to keep. The WXA-70A offers a more compact starting point for a new one. In both cases, YPAO is the feature I would investigate first. If the complete implementation makes an existing pair of speakers work better in the room, that is a much more persuasive reason to spend money than simply buying another box.
