Yamaha R-S202BL review
Oct 01, 2018
I had an opportunity to take for review a stereo receiver for real connoisseurs of two-channel sound. The Yamaha R-S202BL is a classic stereo receiver with a conventional tuner, capable of handling r...
Read MoreGet the Most of Your Sound: Yamaha R-S202BL vs Yamaha R-N303BL
The opposition of Yamaha R-N303BL vs Yamaha R-S202BL presents sturdy high-quality stereo receivers without many options (like HDMA connection, Atmos / Dolby True HD) They’ve got limited streaming opportunities; still, produce a high level of fidelity supported by the considerable power output.
Features & Performance
In an effort to put Yamaha R-S202BL vs Yamaha R-N303BL, I discovered that both receivers play at 24 bit / 192 kHz resolution within the same frequency response, the R-S202BL model has higher and much more diverse power output. It can power up the speakers from 125 W to 180 W per channel and boasts the wide impedance range starting from 2 Ohm. The R-N303Bl can offer a single impedance of 8 Ohm to compare with 100 W per channel as the standard output. Still, its performance at higher volume sounds clearer due to a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
The Yamaha R-N303BL supports 2-channel surround sound versus “flat” stereo performance of the R-S202BL. Both receivers handle the variety of audio formats precisely and efficiently, including FLAC and WAV files.
Connections & Setup
The connections layout at both units is simple and comprehensive, with clear labeling. A regrettable drawback is an absence of HDMI connections at both receivers. The Yamaha R-N303BL can be connected via AV inputs, optical, and coaxial ports. Its card in the sleeve in the Yamaha R-S202BL vs R-N303BL battle is the wireless connectivity. While the R-S202BL model is equipped with Bluetooth only, the R-N303BL can connect through Wi-Fi, play Internet radio, stream via AirPlay. It also has an integrated smartphone control app. Both models can be connected to a turntable. There are no online streaming technologies or multi-room network in any of the two receivers. Yet, the R-N303BL model can be paired with Alexa device for voice control.
Design
Both receivers have a solid build and typical Yamaha design. Their front panels feature the same layout, the only difference being the additional knob for input / mode selection on the Yamaha R-N303BL. While the receivers are quite heavy, the R-S202Bl model is about 1 pound lighter than its competitor. Meanwhile, the R-N303BL is equipped with simpler and easier-to-use remote, with clear action zones and useful “now playing” button.
Yamaha R-S202BL pros & cons
Pros
- Each channel can be turned on and off separately.
- Simple plug-n-go setup.
- Good Bluetooth range and transmission quality.
Cons
- Audible sound starts at 50% volume level.
- No line (powered) phono input.
Yamaha R-N303BL pros & cons
Pros
- Clear and full treble, even at the pitch.
- Line Phono input allows playing analog sound right away.
- MusicCast app lets set up a wireless acoustic system.
Cons
- Poor controls for AM/FM tuner.
- LED panel isn’t bright enough.
