Nearly ten years after the WXA-50 and WXC-50, Yamaha is finally updating its compact MusicCast electronics with the Yamaha WXA-70A and WXC-70A. The concept remains the same: offering the features of a modern connected hi-fi system in a unit just 22 cm wide. But this new generation takes things to a whole new level with an ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, YPAO acoustic calibration, an HDMI eARC input, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready certification. The WXA-70A adds 55 W of amplification to this platform, creating a comprehensive system with just a pair of speakers, while the WXC-70A is designed to upgrade an existing hi-fi system.
Yamaha WXA-70A: a whole system in a 22 cm device
While the new Yamaha WXA-70A and WXC-70A offer identical networking features and connectivity, the Yamaha WXA-70A is the more versatile solution of the two thanks to its built-in amplifier. Its class D amplifier module is designed to combine power and high efficiency within this exceptionally compact chassis. For the European 230 V version, Yamaha officially specifies 2 x 55 watts into 8 ohms, measured from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with both channels driven and 0.06% distortion. The power output rises to 2 x 105 watts into 4 ohms under the same conditions, suggesting ample headroom to drive both small bookshelf speakers and numerous floorstanding speakers with good sensitivity. A dedicated output also makes it easy to connect a subwoofer to boost the bass response of a pair of compact speakers or to set up a 2.1 system around the TV.
The Yamaha WXA-70A amplifier is a particularly compact all-in-one solution: simply add a pair of speakers to create a system capable of centralizing streaming, the TV, and multiple wired sources.
32-bit Sabre DAC
Both models share the same digital-to-analog conversion section, centered around the ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, which supports processing up to 32-bit / 384 kHz. The manufacturer pairs this chip with its proprietary DAC on Pure Ground architecture, designed to maximize the isolation of sensitive analog signals from electrical interference and preserve low-level information. MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, and DSD files are supported from the network or compatible sources.
YPAO comes to Yamaha’s compact Streamers
One of the most significant developments is the integration of the renowned YPAO acoustic calibration system. Previously associated mainly with Yamaha’s larger AV receivers and connected hi-fi amplifiers, this system is now featured in both the WXA-70A and the WXC-70A.
A 6-meter-long wired microphone is included with each unit. Once set up at the listening position, it allows the system to analyze the room’s acoustic characteristics and adjust the sound reproduction accordingly. Both models support parametric equalization, YPAO Volume, and, most notably, YPAO R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), which is designed to minimize the impact of reflections on the accuracy of the stereo image.
This feature is a particularly compelling selling point for the WXA-70A, which is likely to be set up in a living room or on a piece of furniture where speaker placement isn’t always ideal. It also allows the WXC-70A to provide genuine acoustic correction for a more traditional hi-fi system.
MusicCast, Qobuz Connect, Roon, and Google Cast
Unsurprisingly, MusicCast remains at the heart of the connected experience. The Yamaha app lets you select sources, control playback, adjust device settings, and even group multiple compatible devices into a multi-room system. A source physically connected to one of the devices can also be streamed to other MusicCast devices throughout the home.
In addition, the platform is opening up even further to third-party services and protocols. The Yamaha WXA-70A and WXC-70A are compatible with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect. They are also Roon Ready-certified, a particularly welcome feature that allows these devices to be seamlessly integrated into a Roon music library. Internet radio and the ability to play files shared over the network naturally round out this package. As a result, it’s rarely necessary to use the MusicCast app to play music: Spotify, Tidal, or Qobuz can directly control the device from their respective apps.
The TV becomes a source in its own right
Another major change from the previous generation: both devices feature an HDMI input compatible with eARC and ARC. This means a single HDMI cable is all you need to route audio from a TV and enjoy programmes through a true pair of hi-fi speakers. HDMI-CEC compatibility also allows you to synchronise certain controls—including volume adjustment—using the TV’s remote control.
Yamaha even includes a Dialogue Level feature, which allows you to bring voices more clearly to the forefront without simply having to turn up the overall volume. The WXA-70A can therefore easily replace a soundbar while delivering true stereo sound for music.
The other inputs are also common to both models, notably an RCA analogue input, an optical digital input, an HDMI eARC/ARC port, and a USB-A port designed primarily for music playback. They can therefore serve as a central hub for a CD player, a TV, or any other analogue or digital source. The WXA-70A rounds out this setup with its speaker terminals and subwoofer output. The WXC-70A naturally offers more outputs: a stereo RCA preamp output, an optical digital output, a coaxial output, and a subwoofer output. This allows it to be used with a power amplifier, an integrated amplifier, or an external DAC.
Both devices also feature an infrared input, a 12-volt trigger output, and Control4 compatibility. Yamaha also allows you to configure certain settings via a web interface and even disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections independently. All of these features make it easy to integrate them into home automation or multi-room systems.
WXA-70A or WXC-70A: which one should you choose?
The choice between the two devices depends mainly on the system you already own. Available for pre-order at €1,399, the Yamaha WXA-70A amplifier is clearly the best option for building a minimalist hi-fi system from scratch. Packed into a chassis just 22 cm wide, it combines a network player, a DAC, a preamplifier, and enough power to drive a pair of speakers directly. With its HDMI eARC input and subwoofer output, it can also serve as the heart of a particularly discreet home theatre system.
The Yamaha WXC-70A network player is also available for pre-order at a price of €999. It is best suited for music lovers who already own an amplifier they wish to keep. It offers the full range of features from Yamaha’s new network platform, including a modern ESS Sabre DAC, HDMI eARC, and—most importantly—YPAO calibration, all without having to modify the rest of the system. Since it can be used as either a standalone source or a preamplifier, it pairs equally well with a power amplifier or an integrated amplifier.
