Multi-room Amplifier Yamaha XDA-QS5400RK Black

Eight-channel multi-room amplifier with four independent streaming zones in a 1U rack chassis

The Yamaha XDA-QS5400RK is a multi-zone network amplifier designed for custom installations of whole-home audio systems. The „QS" (Quad Streamer) designation comes from its ability to play four independent streaming zones and drive them with eight channels of Class D amplification, all in a chassis just 1U high that can be rack-mounted or, with the mounting ears removed, placed on a shelf. The unit is a fully fledged part of the MusicCast system, so it can be linked with Yamaha AV receivers, soundbars and hi-fi components.

The power section is built around integrated ICEpower modules delivering 50 W per channel into 8 ohms, 90–100 W into 4 ohms and up to 200 W per channel in bridged (BTL) mode into 8 ohms. Channels can be freely assigned to individual zones, frequency response spans 10 Hz to 22 kHz (+0/−3 dB) and the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 106 dB at the speaker outputs and 114 dB at the preamp outputs. The signal path is further enhanced by ESS Sabre converters and PML capacitors, known from the flagship AVENTAGE receivers, with support for high-res WAV/FLAC/AIFF playback up to 192 kHz/24 bits.

A practical headache in rack installations is the ground loop. The XDA-QS5400RK addresses it with differential circuitry free of ground loops and hum, which translates into a low residual noise floor and clearly audible quiet passages even with a larger number of interconnected devices. The sound is further refined by Yamaha's own technologies – Compressed Music Enhancer, Advanced Bass Extension Processing and volume adaptive EQ, which compensates for the perception of frequency extremes at low listening levels. A three-band EQ with 0.5 dB steps and volume control over a −80 to 0 dB range are also available.

The system can be expanded by linking multiple units for up to 32 zones, with as many as 20 zones playing in sync within a single group. Four zone pre-outs allow connection of active subwoofers or an additional XDA-AMP5400RK amplifier for larger spaces. Installation convenience is supported by Euroblock terminals, two RJ-45 ports, a detachable power cord, IR in/out and four 12 V trigger outputs, Aux and Cut-In inputs with automatic signal detection, Thru-Out for bus-linking further units, a chime generator with four contact inputs and configuration via Web Setup including profile storage. Control is handled by the MusicCast app or third-party control systems over IP.

Key features

• Four zones: Independent streaming, expandable to up to 32 zones
• Amplification: Eight ICEpower channels, bridgeable, 4-ohm capable
• Conversion: ESS Sabre DAC and 192 kHz/24-bit support
• Hum-free: Differential circuitry against ground loops
• Installation: 1U rack, Euroblock, IP/IR and 12 V trigger