YAMAHA R-S202BL Stereo Receiver Review

5.69 Mixed Usages
5.5 VIDEO FEATURES:
5.4 CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS:
5.7 AUDIO FEATURES:
5.1 MULTIZONE:
6.7 AMPLIFICATION:
Release year: 2016 Rating: 4.5

The Yamaha R-S202BL is ideal for individuals who prefer a simplistic approach to audio. This stereo receiver is ideal for individuals who value a classic aesthetic and an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The audio quality is top-notch, perfect for even the most particular listeners. Ideal for small living spaces and intimate listening areas, it caters to individuals seeking a simple and authentic audio experience.

 

Our Verdict

The Yamaha R-S202BL provides excellent sound quality at an affordable price. Great for compact living spaces and straightforward installations, its timeless aesthetic and user-friendly interface will surely satisfy individuals who appreciate top-notch stereo audio. This audio device is a reliable choice for budget-conscious individuals who appreciate high-quality audio reproduction, even if it lacks some of the latest features and digital inputs. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, its flexibility might be somewhat restricted for those who have a wide range of audio sources.

 

PROS
  • Timeless Design
  • Affordable Audio Fidelity
  • Straightforward Controls
  • Compact Size
  • Dedicated Phono Input
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Clean Audio Reproduction
  • Budget-Friendly Option
CONS
  • Lack of Digital Inputs
  • Limited Advanced Features
  • No Digital Display
Where to buy
Specification

GENERAL

Receiver Type A/V Receiver
Number Of Channel 5.1 Channel
Number Channel Processing 2
Audio Feature
Video Feature
Watts Per Channel 140 W
Zones 1
Radio
Amplifier Class A/B

CONNECTIVITY

Ethernet N/A
Wi-Fi N/A
Bluetooth Yes
USB N/A
RCA LIne Input: 4
RCA LIne Output: 1
RCA Pre-Outs: No
XLR Line Inputs: No
XLR Pre-Outs: No
Phono Input: Yes
Optical Inputs: No
Optical Output: No
Coaxial Inputs: No
Multi-Channel Input: No
Headphone Out: 1
HDMI Inputs: No
HDMI Outputs: No
8K Inputs: No
Composite Video Input No
Composite Video Output: No
Component Video Input: No
Component Video Output: No
Front A/V Inputs: No
Speaker A/B: Yes

AUDIO FEATURES:

Maximum Channel Processing 2
Dolby Atmos No
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization N/A
Dolby Atmos Music N/A
Dolby TrueHD N/A
Dolby Digital Plus N/A
Dolby Surround Upmixer N/A
Dolby Pro Logic N/A
Dolby Digital EX N/A
Surround EX N/A
DTS:X No
DTS Neural:X N/A
DTS Virtual:X N/A
DTS Neo N/A
DTS-HD Master Audio N/A
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio N/A
DTS 96/24 N/A
DTS Express N/A
DTS-ES No
IMAX Enhanced N/A
PCM Yes
Music Playback via USB No
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network No
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB No
Gapless Playback N/A
DSD via HDMI No
DSD via USB No
DSD to PCM Converter N/A
USB DAC N/A
Jitter Reduction N/A
DTS Dialog Control N/A
Dialog Enhancement N/A
Dialog Level Adjustment N/A
Dialog Normalization N/A
Dialogue Lift N/A
Compressed Music Enhancer Yes
High-resolution Music Enhancer N/A
Audyssey Dynamic EQ N/A
Audyssey Dynamic Volume N/A
Audyssey LFC N/A
Audyssey Sub EQ HT N/A
Audyssey DSX N/A
Direct Mode N/A
Pure Direct Mode N/A
Independent Subwoofer Outputs N/A
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. No
Audyssey App Support N/A
Bass Sync N/A
Optimized Bass Redirection N/A

VIDEO FEATURES:

HDMI Version No
Enhanced ARC N/A
HDCP Version No
HDR10+ N/A
Dynamic HDR N/A
Dolby Vision N/A
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) N/A
QMS (Quick Media Switching) N/A
3-D Ready N/A
Video Signal Passthrough N/A
Video Signal Upscaling N/A
Analog To HDMI Upconversion N/A
Component Video Upscaling N/A
isf Certified Calibration Control N/A

AMPLIFIERS

Channels 2
Front Wide Channel Support N/A
Current Feedback Topology N/A
Discrete Amplification N/A
HDAM N/A
THX™ Certification N/A
Continuous 6 Ω Rated N/A
Certified 4 Ω Performance N/A
Bi-amp Capability No

GAMING FEATURES

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) N/A
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) N/A
Quick Frame Transport (QFT) N/A

ZONES

Zones No
Powered Zones No
Zone 2 Outs No
Zone 3 Outs No
RS-232C Interface N/A
+12V Trigger Output No

RADIO

Analog Tuner Yes
Digital Radio N/A
Internet Radio No
Pandora N/A
Spotify N/A
Tidal N/A
Deezer N/A
SiriusXM Internet Radio N/A
Napster N/A

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

On-Screen Display No
GUI Languages No
Web Browser Control N/A
IP Control for CI N/A
Control4 SDDP N/A
PreAmp Mode N/A
Display No
Remote Controller Yes
Remote Control In/Out No
LCD Display N/A
Detachable Power Cord Yes
Setup Assistant N/A

POWER

Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 140 W + 140 W
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) No
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) 165 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) 150 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) 125 W
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 100 W + 100 W
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) No
Power Supply AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Toroidal Transformer N/A
Power Consumption 250 W
No Sound Power No
Standby Power 0.5 W

BUILD

Dimensions (W x H x D) 435 x 141 x 322 mm; 17-1/8” x 5-1/2” x 12-5/8”
Weight 6.7 kg; 14.8 lbs.
Chassis Brushed aluminum
Front Panel Black
Speaker Terminals 4
Large Speaker Terminals No
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals Yes
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals N/A
High Grade Audio Components N/A
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function N/A
Auto Power off Yes
Warranty 2 Years

SPECIFICATIONS

THD digital No
Analog Distortion 0.2% (CD to SP Out, 20 Hz-20 kHz)
Phono Distortion 0.025% (Phono (MM) to REC Out)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) 500 mV / 47 k-ohms
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) 2.5 mV / 47 k-ohms
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance 0.5 V / 470 ohms
Rated Output digital No
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB (S: 500 mV)
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 82 dB (S: 2.5 mV)
S/N Ratio (digital) No
Phono RIAA Deviation 20 Hz-20 kHz +/-0.5 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In) 20Hz-20kHz (0+/-0.5db), 10Hz-100kHz (0+/-3.0db)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI No
DSD Sampling Rates via USB No
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance No
Video Frequency Response No
Ethernet Standard No
Wi-Fi Standard No
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency No
Bluetooth Version 4.1
Bluetooth Frequency 2.4 GHz
USB Terminal No
FM Frequency 87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) 3 μV (20.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio 72 dB / 70 dB (Mono/Stereo)
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) 0.3% / 0.5% (Mono/Stereo)
AM Effective Sensitivity 300 μV/m
AM Frequency 530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Where to buy
Details Review
Design

The Yamaha R-S202BL offers an attractive and advanced look, courtesy of its sleek and minimalist design. The sleek metallic finish and simple design are perfect for those who prefer a laid-back and easygoing look. The front panel exudes a delightful vintage vibe with its prominent rotary dials and easily identifiable buttons. However, for some users, the lack of digital displays may not align with their preference for more modern designs. The compact design of this product allows it to easily fit into any space, effortlessly complementing various home arrangements.

Opinions on the design vary, with some users favoring its vintage aesthetic while others prefer a more modern and elegant look found in newer models. The remote control could use some improvements in terms of its design to make it more user-friendly, but it does fulfill its purpose.

Connectivity

The connectivity of the R-S202BL can occasionally be a little unreliable. This device is ideal for individuals who enjoy streaming wirelessly, thanks to its Bluetooth functionality. On the downside, those looking for built-in Wi-Fi and other smart features might find themselves disappointed, as these are not included in the product.

This device comes with four analog audio inputs and two outputs, making it compatible with a range of devices like CD players and turntables. It's perfect for anyone looking for seamless connectivity. Some modern audio devices may have limited connectivity options because of the lack of digital inputs like optical or coaxial. Some streaming enthusiasts may find it slightly inconvenient that direct integration is not available, which means they have to use external devices.

I'd like to mention that the speaker terminals are compatible with banana plugs, making them incredibly convenient to set up, especially for those with more complex speaker configurations. The manual tuning for radio frequencies evokes a sense of nostalgia for individuals who appreciate the charm of traditional radio.

Performance

The R-S202BL's performance truly exemplifies Yamaha's dedication to providing exceptional audio quality. The output of 100 watts per channel is more than enough to power most home audio setups. Many users appreciate the clear and detailed sound, particularly in the midrange. The Pure Direct mode enhances the audio experience by bypassing unnecessary circuitry, resulting in a more refined sound.

On the negative side, the lack of advanced audio processing features may disappoint a few individuals such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which could have enhanced the overall home theatre experience. The stereo sound is quite impressive, although it may not be the preferred option for those who prioritize multichannel audio.

The receiver's phono input is a great feature for vinyl lovers, delivering an authentic and immersive sound experience. However, a few users have mentioned that they have detected a slight hiss when listening at higher volumes, which might affect the overall audio experience.

Where and When to Use 

The Yamaha R-S202BL is a versatile choice that can be used in different environments. The design of this product is timeless and its functionality is simple, making it an ideal option for compact living spaces or dedicated listening rooms. Great for individuals who appreciate the immersive quality of stereo sound, it truly excels during laid-back evenings of music enjoyment. On the other hand, its features are somewhat limited, which may not make it the ideal option for home theatre setups or users looking for a more connected experience with streaming services.

Compatible Devices 

The R-S202BL is compatible with a wide range of audio sources. They offer a wide range of audio equipment options, including CD players, turntables, and cassette decks, catering to those who appreciate the timeless charm of analog sound. With Bluetooth capability, it effortlessly pairs with smartphones and tablets for added convenience. This contemporary addition enhances its timeless charm, striking a flawless equilibrium. Yet, the lack of digital inputs may restrict its compatibility with gaming consoles or streaming devices. If you prefer a more traditional approach, the R-S202BL is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you own various digital devices, it may be worth considering models that provide a greater variety of connectivity options.

Ease of Use

The R-S202BL is incredibly easy to use, with its intuitive front panel controls and handy remote. Adjusting settings without a digital display might pose a slight challenge for some users. Radio frequencies can be manually tuned, providing a more hands-on experience for individuals who appreciate the straightforwardness of traditional radio. For those who are new to stereo setups, the receiver may be less intimidating because it doesn't have advanced features. The simple design, although not as trendy, guarantees user-friendly functionality.

Cost

The R-S202BL provides excellent stereo sound at an affordable price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious individuals. While it may lack some of the latest bells and whistles, this device offers impressive performance and a timeless design that will appeal to those who value essential audio capabilities.

 

Where to buy

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