Yamaha has refreshed its entry into networked hi-fi with two new separates that bring serious digital engineering to a more accessible price point. The Yamaha WXA-70A streaming amplifier and WXC-70A streaming pre-amplifier are designed for listeners who want to bolt modern wireless streaming onto an existing speaker setup without compromising on sound quality.
The digital heart of both units
At the centre of each device is an ESS SABRE ES9039Q2M digital-to-analogue converter, a chip more commonly found in far more expensive separates. Yamaha pairs it with its own D.O.P.G. circuit design, which isolates the delicate analogue signal path from digital noise, and ASRC clock-rebuilding technology that reduces jitter before the audio reaches the converter. The result, Yamaha argues, is cleaner timing and a more stable soundstage whether the source is a wireless stream or your TV’s audio feed.
Power and room tuning
The WXA-70A adds Class D amplification built on ICEPower’s newest 125ASX2 generation, delivering 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 105 watts into 4 ohms. To make the most of that power, YPAO room calibration uses a bundled microphone to measure your listening space and adjust playback so the soundstage suits the room rather than a generic ideal. A Dialogue Level control also lifts vocal clarity in films and sport without raising the overall volume, which is genuinely useful for late-night viewing.
Connectivity and smart-home control
Both units connect to a television through HDMI eARC or ARC, and a compatible TV remote can handle volume and power over that link. Streaming covers AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect, so most major services work without a separate hub. MusicCast multi-room support lets the pair link with other compatible Yamaha speakers around the home. For installers, Control4 integration, a built-in web setup tool, IR input and 12V trigger support are included, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be disabled individually to stop guests from grabbing the wrong source.
Pricing and availability
Yamaha has set the WXA-70A at £1,199 and the WXC-70A at £859, with both models reaching UK retailers in November this year. That positions the pair as a considered upgrade for anyone sitting on passive speakers who wants streaming convenience without abandoning their existing hi-fi.
Conclusion
Neither the WXA-70A nor the WXC-70A is a bargain, but as a streaming-focused refresh of Yamaha’s separates line they pack a surprising amount of high-end digital tech into a sane footprint. For listeners who value both flexibility and sound, they are worth a close look this autumn.
Source: TrustedReviews https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/yamaha-expands-its-streaming-line-up-with-the-wxa-70a-and-wxc-70a