Cambridge Audio AXR100 vs Yamaha R-N602BL review

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Having had an opportunity to test Cambridge Audio AXR100 vs Yamaha R-N602BL, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the AXR100 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, while the R-N602BL has a power of 115/8, 105/4. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.01%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AXR100 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the R-N602BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. None of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. The model R-N602BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. None of the AV receivers have an auto speaker calibration support.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection via WIFI is only possible with R-N602BL. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The R-N602BL has access to the Spotify service.

Video features

Oddly enough, the support for the HDR function is not implemented in these units. Based on these AV receivers, it is not possible to transmit a 4K signal from the source to the TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is not possible with these models. None of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature. HDMI Audio Return Channel is not supported by either the Cambridge Audio AXR100 nor the Yamaha R-N602BL. HDMI eARC is not supported by the AXR100 and the R-N602BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that HDMI CEC support is not implemented. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in R-N602BL. None of these units can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.