In late July, Yamaha introduced the Yamaha NP-S303, its new MusicCast-compatible network player . It is a basic level network player, but it is capable of playing high definition audio. With a classic design perfect to combine it with other HiFi components, the device has a circuit capable of achieving excellent playback quality. Being part of the MusicCast family, with this player we can distribute the music through any speaker connected to our network.
In addition, the player is compatible with the DSD 5.6 MHz, AIFF, WAV, FLAC and Apple Lossless file formats . It even includes Apple AirPlay, to be able to stream from our Mac, iPhone or iPad. The Yamaha NP-S303 is now available in specialized stores with a price of 350 euros. We are going to review its characteristics in depth.
Yamaha NP-S303 datasheet
| Type | Network player with MusicCast | |
| DAC resolution | 24 bit / 192 kHz | |
| Departures | 1 RCA, 2 Digital (Optical and Coaxial) | |
| Supported formats | MP3, WMA, MPEG4 AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD | |
| Streaming services | Tidal, Qobutz, Deezer and Spotify | |
| Consumption at rest | 0.1 W | |
| Bluetooth | Yes (SBC / AAC) | |
| Wifi | Yes (with WiFi Direct) | |
| Airplay | Yes | |
| DLNA | Yes (Version 1.5) | |
| Connectivity | Ethernet and USB | |
| Internet radio | Yes | |
| Dimensions | 435 x 87 x 289 mm | |
| Weight | 2.7 kg | |
| Colors | Black and silver | |
| Release date | Available | |
| Price | 350 euros |
Vintage design
The Yamaha NP-S303 has been designed not to clash with the brand's amplifiers. All Yamaha equipment has a certain vintage aesthetic . An aesthetic that, on the other hand, is often liked by fans of music equipment.
The player is available in a sober black or a stylish titanium color . As we said, it has an aesthetic very similar to that of other HiFi equipment, so it will not clash in any set. On the front we have the power button, a USB port, the volume wheel and two more buttons. One of them selects the entry and the other is to go back.
Right in the center we have a small screen that informs us of the basic data . On the screen we find the MusicCast logo.
The rear is even simpler than the front. In it we only see two analog and two digital inputs . We also have the RJ45 connector to connect the Yamaha NP-S303 to our Internet network. At the other end we have the power connector.
At the bottom we will have large round legs, very common in hi-fi equipment. As we mentioned, the Yamaha NP-S303 has been designed not to clash .
Play any format with the best quality
The new Yamaha network player is located in the input range. However, this does not mean that it does not hide high-quality components inside. For example, the circuitry of the Yamaha NP-S303 is optimized for maximum sound quality . The audio signal path is as short as possible to ensure clear, interference-free transmission. In other words, digital and streaming circuits are very close to analog. This allows the signal not to degrade, as it does not have to go through long cables or circuits that are very separated from each other.
Also, the analog and digital parts of the circuit are separated to further eliminate interference. This circuit design and the use of first-class components ensure quality sound.
To achieve the best sound, the Yamaha NP-S303 supports high resolution audio formats . The range of supported audio file formats encompasses DSD 2.8Mhz / 5.6Mhz, Apple Lossless 96 kHz / 24 bit, AIFF 192 kHz / 24 bit, WAV 192 kHz / 24 bit, and FLAC files with up to 192 kHz and 24 bits. It also has Burr-Brown converters, which transport this digital data to the analog domain with maximum precision.
Compatible with streaming and MusicCast
Although we can connect a source directly, the strong point of the Yamaha NP-S303 player is its network connectivity. The device can be integrated into our local network and have access to the music files of other devices . Even if we have Apple equipment, since the NP-S303 is compatible with AirPlay.
This will allow us, for example, to reproduce our entire music library that we have stored on a hard drive connected to the network . The Yamaha application will recognize the album covers, allow you to search through our collection and listen to the songs with the highest quality.
But we will also have access to a wide range of streaming music services. The Yamaha NP-S303 is compatible with Spotify, Napster or Juke , which gives us access to thousands of songs. And recently Tidal and Deezer have been added , offering the ability to stream music in HiFi quality. Also Qobutz will be available soon with Flac quality, just like Tidal.
Additionally, being equipped with Yamaha's MusicCast technology , the NP-S303 will be able to stream music to any other device with this technology. In this way, we can reproduce any content in sound bars, speakers or receivers of the company. Through the app we can control the music and the volume of each room in an easy and clear way.
Price and availability
In short, the Yamaha NP-S303 is a simple and elegant network player with many possibilities . Its vintage design, available in black and silver, allows it to be integrated into any HiFi equipment. And its connectivity makes it easy to access any type of audio content.
The Yamaha NP-S303 network player is now available on the market with a price of 350 euros .
