Comparison Yamaha R-S700 vs Yamaha R-S500

The nominal sound power output by the audio receiver per channel when operating with a load having a dynamic resistance (impedance) of 8 ohms. In our catalog, this parameter is indicated for the mode when both channels of the receiver work under load; when working on one channel, the rated power may be slightly higher, but this mode cannot be called standard.

Rated power can be simply described as the highest average output signal power at which the amplifier is able to operate stably for a long time (at least an hour) without negative consequences. These are average figures, because in fact, an audio signal is, by definition, unstable, and individual jumps in its level can significantly exceed the average value. However, the key parameter is still the nominal (average) power — it is on it that the overall sound volume directly depends.

This indicator also determines which speakers can be connected to the device: their rated power should not be lower than that of the receiver.

According to the laws of electrodynamics, with different dynamic load resistance, the output power of the amplifier will also be different. In modern speakers, values of 8, 6, 4 and 2 ohms are standard; the latter option, however, is rare, therefore, in audio receivers, the power for it, usually, is not indicated at all. As for the specific values for 8 ohms, the indicator up to 50 W is considered relatively low, 50 – 100 W is average, and with more than 100 W we can talk about high power.

The nominal sound power output by the audio receiver per channel when a load with a dynamic resistance (impedance) of 4 ohms is connected to it. It is customary to specify this parameter when the receiver is operating in two-channel mode (stereo); when using only one channel, the power may be slightly higher, but this mode cannot be called standard.

Rated power is the highest average (rms) output signal power at which the receiver is able to work for a long time without failures or malfunctions. The average power is taken because the audio signal is, by definition, unstable, and individual jumps in its level can significantly exceed the average value. However, the key parameter is still the rated (average) power. It determines two points — the overall volume of the sound and compatibility with one or another passive acoustics. The higher the power of the receiver, the louder the sound it can provide; at the same time, this power should not exceed the rated power of the speakers — otherwise, overloads and even damage to the equipment are possible.

According to the laws of electrodynamics, with a different load impedance, the output power of the amplifier will also be different. In modern speakers, values of 8, 6, 4 and 2 ohms are standard; the latter option, however, is rare, therefore, in audio receivers, the power for it, usually, is not indicated at all. As for specific power indicators at a 4-ohm load, values up to 100 W...are considered relatively small for modern receivers, more than 100 W — respectively, high.

Signal-to-noise ratio when operating the audio receiver through the RCA line input (see below).

Any signal-to-noise ratio describes the ratio of the level of pure sound produced by the device to the level of extraneous noise that occurs during its operation. This parameter is the main indicator of the overall sound quality — and very clear, because. its measurement takes into account almost all the noise that affects the sound in normal operating conditions. A level of up to 90 dB in modern receivers can be considered acceptable, 90 – 100 dB is not bad, and for advanced audiophile-class devices, a signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB or more is considered mandatory.

The number of line inputs in the design of the audio receiver using the RCA interface are characteristic “tulip” connectors. This interface allows for an analogue connection to transmit only one channel of sound per connector, and audio receivers traditionally work with stereo sound. Therefore, it is customary to consider a pair of two RCA connectors (one for the left and right channels) as one output, and the calculation of the total number is carried out precisely by pairs, and not by individual sockets.

When connected to a line input, the signal goes through all the stages of processing provided in the device — for example, adjusting the balance or frequencies (see "Adjustments"). In this respect, this input differs from Main (see "Inputs"). The number of connectors determines how many signal sources can be simultaneously connected to the audio receiver. Accordingly, it is worth choosing a model according to the number of inputs, taking into account the expected number of such sources: after all, it is easier to connect them all and select through the remote control or control panel than to fiddle with reconnecting every time. As for the specific number of RCA inputs, most often it does not exceed three, however, there are exceptions.

Outputs provided in the design of the device. Note that for receivers (see "Type") the presence of outputs for passive acoustics is mandatory by definition, and the players, on the contrary, do not have such outputs. Therefore, the presence / absence of such connectors is not separately indicated.

— Preamplifier output (Pre-Amp). A preamplifier is an electronic unit designed to amplify an audio signal to line level. Accordingly, outputs of this type are actually line outputs for outputting sound to an external power amplifier, active acoustics, etc. For players (see "Type"), these are the main analogue audio outputs, and in receivers, Pre-amp outputs can be used in including for connecting equipment that works in parallel with passive speakers, which provides additional features for expanding the audio system. Most often, this interface uses paired RCA connectors (“tulips”), one for each stereo sound channel; less often — balanced XLR, also paired, for more details see "Inputs".

— To the subwoofer. A separate output for connecting a subwoofer — a specialized speaker designed for low frequencies. Usually uses an RCA ("tulip") interface, but there may be other options. Anyway, this output receives the signal from the crossover, which "cuts" the mids and highs, leaving the bass with which the speaker works. This simplifies the connection and eliminates the need to look for external equipm...ent for the normal operation of the subwoofer — for example, the same crossover (although an external amplifier may be needed for passive "subwoofers").

— Coaxial S/P-DIF. A kind of S/PDIF digital audio interface that uses an electrical coaxial cable with RCA connectors (“tulip”) for connection. Such a cable, unlike optical, is subject to electromagnetic interference to a certain extent, but is more reliable and does not require special care in handling. And the connection bandwidth is enough to transmit multi-channel audio up to 7.1. Note that, despite the identity of the connectors, the coaxial digital interface is not compatible with analogue RCA; and even cables for S / P-DIF are recommended to use specialized ones.

— Optical. A variation of the S/PDIF digital audio interface that uses a TOSLINK fiber optic cable connection. In terms of throughput, it is completely similar to the coaxial interface, but it compares favorably with its complete insensitivity to electromagnetic interference. On the other hand, due to their design, optical cables are sensitive to sharp bends and mechanical stress — for example, accidentally stepping on such a cable can damage it.

— Balanced digital (AES/EBU). An interface used primarily in professional audio equipment. It can use different types of connectors, but is most often implemented via XLR. For more information about this connector and the principle of balanced connection, see “Inputs — XLR (balanced)”, however, these two interfaces should not be confused: AES / EBU works with a digital signal transmitted over a single cable, regardless of the number of channels.

— Composite (video). This output is usually provided in models equipped with a video input of the same standard. For composite connectors in general, see "Inputs". Here also note that the role of composite audio outputs in this case is played by the main outputs of the receiver, to which acoustics are connected — in other words, the sound accompanying the video is output directly to the standard speakers of the audio system.

— BNC. Bayonet type connector used to connect coaxial cable. Theoretically, it can be used for various purposes, but in fact it is most often used similarly to coaxial S / P-DIF (see the relevant paragraph), for digital analogue audio. BNC connectors are more reliable in connection due to the bayonet lock; there is also a version with a threaded fixation.

— Trigger. The trigger output is used to automatically turn on other audio system components connected to the receiver. When the receiver itself is turned on, a control signal is sent to this output, which “wakes up” the connected device (for example, an amplifier) and relieves you of the need to turn it on manually. Of course, to use this function, the external device must be equipped with a trigger input.

— Control output (IR). The control output allows you to use the receiver's built-in IR receiver to control other components in your audio system from the remote control, such as an amplifier in another room, out of range of the remote control. With this scheme of operation, the audio receiver actually plays the role of a remote sensor, receiving commands and transmitting them through the control output to another device. Note that the very presence of such inputs and outputs does not guarantee the compatibility of various devices, especially if they are produced by different manufacturers; Sharing details should be clarified in the official documentation.

The power consumed by the audio receiver during normal operation. Note that this parameter can be indicated in different ways: for example, some manufacturers measure it when the amplifier is operating at full power, while others measure it at 80% or 50% power. In addition, the power consumption of modern receivers is usually not so high as to put a serious strain on the power supply systems. Therefore, power consumption information usually plays a supporting role.