The XDA-QS5400RK has been created to deliver whole home audio systems, referred to as the ‘QS’ (Quad Streamer) the unit provides four zones of audio streaming and eight channels of audio amplification in a ultra-slim, 1U-high, rack-mountable enclosure.

Expandable and flexible, the QS works with the MusicCast multi-room audio system, allowing it to be linked with home theatre AV receivers, sound bars and Hi-Fi gear in a wide variety of configurations.

The machine can stream four zones of audio per unit, expandable to 32 zones with simultaneous playback in linked groups of up to 20 zones each. The eight channels of audiophile-grade Class D amplification are assignable to any zone, are bridgeable and 4-ohm capable, also featuring a unique ground loop/hum-free circuit design. Pandora, Spotify Connect, SiriusXM Internet Radio, TIDAL, Deezer and Napster are all built-in.

Control is via the free MusicCast app and third-party control systems. Removable rack ears and faceplate are included.

The QS offers four zone pre-outs that enable it to be combined with the new Yamaha XDA-AMP5400RK, a companion multi-room amplifier.

The XDA-AMP5400RK

The amp also has Yamaha’s anti ground loop hum tech on-board which helps combat the negative effects of collecting lots of electronic together in a rack with a specially engineered differential circuit design.

Yamaha says the QS amp employs ultra-efficient ICEpower integrated circuits to deliver eight channels of musically-dynamic digital amplification at 50W per channel (8 ohms) with 10 Hz to 22 kHz (+0/-3 dB) frequency response and 106 dB signal-to-noise ratio. It is 4 ohm capable at 100W per channel and bridgeable 200W per channel (8 ohms). The QS supports high-res audio playback up to 192 kHz/24-bit, and employs the same premium ESS Sabre DACs (Digital-to-Analogue Converters) and PML capacitors used in the flagship AVENTAGE AV receivers.

On the rear are Euroblock-style speaker connectors, dual RJ45 Ethernet ports and a detachable AC cable for smart connectivity, and IP, IR and 12 V Trigger Out jacks for versatile control.

Other Yamaha technologies, including the Compressed Music Enhancer, Advanced Bass Extension Processing and volume adaptive EQ are all on-board.