Yamaha MCR-N470D

[Scuzi]

I have been looking at the subject device but knowing little about Hi-Fi, I’m hoping to hear the views of those who know what they are talking about.

https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_systems/mcr-n470d/index.html

We currently listen to our music through an Amazon Echo streaming from Amazon music. It is....adequate, but I’m looking for more. The main requirement is the ability to continue streaming from Amazon music on voice command through the Echo. If I understand it, the Yamaha allows this.

The next requirement is the ability to play FLAC either from a network drive or USB. Years ago I ripped a lot of my jazz collection to FLAC and it has been sitting dormant since. I’d like to listen to it regularly again.

Ideally this functionality would be delivered through a decent sounding setup. Bare in mind that a single Echo is what we are coming from so it doesn’t need to be overly expensive or complicate to be a big step up. Small form factor is important. We won’t be listening at very high volume.

Additionally the Yamaha comes with bundled Yamaha speakers, or as a stand-alone unit. The price difference between them is about £170. Would that £170 buy me better speakers if I bought the unit and speakers separately?

I have looked at the similarly positioned Denon and Marantz units but from what I can see they fall behind when it comes to connectivity. Are there alternatives I haven’t considered?

Thanks.

 

[Scuzi]

Thank you for the comprehensive reply. I have learned quite a lot from reading it!

I shall research the recommendations and come back with questions. I’m sure I’ll have more.

 

[Scuzi]

Having obsessed over this in my spare time lately, I think I’ll quickly yearn for more as soon as I get a taste of HiFi. Now I’m leaning more towards the Yamaha R-N602 (https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n602/specs.html)

It seems to be more capable and future proof for not much more money. There are also some enticing bundle deals with the Monitor Audio Bronze 2. I’m aware that I will have to demo the kit to get a true feel for it, but does that pairing raise any red flags, and are there any obvious alternatives I should also aim to demo at the same time? I’m going to try to schedule an appointment at the local Richer Sounds.

The more I think about it my basic needs are:
- Play Amazon Music through it via an Echo.
- Play FLAC via USB and LAN.
I don’t think I need most of the Music cast and streaming features.

I do see how this can become a perpetual exercise in “If I just spend a little bit more I could have...” to the point that the bill will trigger a divorce!