The XDA-AMP5400RK is a multi-zone installation amplifier designed as a companion to the Yamaha XDA-QS5400RK unit, expanding the number of speakers served or increasing power in a multiroom audio system. It can also be used with Yamaha AV receivers featuring Zone 2 pre-out outputs, where it covers the sound for additional rooms. The eight channels are arranged as 2 channels × 4 zones in a 1U rack-width chassis, so it takes up minimal installation space.
The amplification section is built around integrated ICEpower modules delivering 50 W per channel into 8 ohms, 100 W into a 4-ohm load and, once bridged (BTL), up to 200 W into 8 ohms with a single channel driven. The signal path uses a balanced audio circuit with PML capacitors, which Yamaha also employs in its AVENTAGE separates. The differential circuit layout suppresses ground loops and the associated hum that arises when a larger number of devices are connected within a single rack.
Four audio buses, with the supplied jumpers and cables, allow inputs and outputs to be patched into a wide range of speaker and zone configurations; the RCA outputs (2-channel through out) can alternatively feed active subwoofers or dedicated subwoofer amplifiers. A frequency response of 5 Hz – 40 kHz (+0/-3 dB), a signal-to-noise ratio of 108 dB and harmonic distortion of 0.04 % translate into a legible midrange, stable instrument localisation and a quiet background even at low listening levels.
Installation practice is addressed by Euroblock-type speaker terminal connections, a detachable mains cable, removable rack brackets for shelf placement and a magnetic front panel that prevents unauthorised tampering. Linking the trigger ports (4 inputs / 4 outputs) provides automatic power-on and power-off of selected zones together with the XDA-QS5400RK without any additional control interface, while audio signal sensing inputs and an IR input/output broaden control options with other sources. Automatic standby reduces consumption to 0.3 W.
Yamaha is one of the few hi-fi manufacturers that also builds concert grand pianos and wind instruments. When developing an amplifier or a speaker system, therefore, it does not have to guess what a real instrument should sound like, as it has one to hand and can compare the sound to it. This forms the basis of a principle the brand has adhered to since the 1970s, known as ‘Natural Sound’: sound without embellishment and without any inherent colouration. In 1974, this principle was established by the NS-1000 loudspeakers with beryllium drivers, and ever since it has guided everything Yamaha produces for home listening, from turntables and amplifiers right through to AV receivers and wireless systems. Anyone looking for a sound that neither enhances nor embellishes a recording in any way will find exactly that with Yamaha.
Manufacturer information (GPSR)
Manufacturer
Yamaha Corporation
10-1 Nakazawa-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 430-8650 Japonsko
Responsible person in the EU
Yamaha Music Europe GmbH
Siemensstrasse 22–34, 25462 Rellingen Germany