Active network monitors with MusicCast and high-resolution USB DAC
NX-N500 is a discontinued pair of Yamaha active speakers integrating bi-amplification, digital conversion, MusicCast and USB input for high-resolution file playback.
The design is conceived as a complete bookshelf-format Hi-Fi system: each cabinet contains the amplification required by its own drive units and the pair directly handles network sources, Bluetooth, AirPlay and USB. Balanced transmission between sections and direct control of the drivers reduce the number of external components required.
Key features
- Two-way active system with 13 cm A-PMD woofer and 3 cm dome tweeter.
- Bi-amplification with dedicated stages for the different drivers.
- USB DAC with PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit and native DSD up to 5.6 MHz.
- 32-bit ESS DAC for digital conversion.
- MusicCast, Ethernet networking, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay.
- Optical input up to 192 kHz/24-bit and analogue input.
- Balanced connection and signal transmission designed for the pair.
- Discontinued product; the available official source is Yamaha Europe in English.
Active and bi-amplified system
NX-N500 integrates amplification within the speakers and uses a bi-amp configuration with separate stages for woofer and tweeter. Direct control of the drivers removes the need for an external amplifier and allows Yamaha to design electronics and loudspeakers as one system while keeping the installation compact.
USB DAC and high-resolution audio
The USB input allows direct connection to a computer and supports PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit and native DSD up to 5.6 MHz. Conversion is handled by a 32-bit ESS DAC, allowing the system to manage high-resolution files without requiring an external converter between digital source and speakers.
MusicCast and network sources
MusicCast integrates the pair into Yamaha's multi-room platform and allows network content to be recalled alongside local sources. Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay broaden playback options, making it possible to move from a home-network library to a smartphone without changing the audio chain.
Digital and analogue inputs
In addition to network and USB, NX-N500 provides an optical input capable of accepting signals up to 192 kHz/24-bit and an analogue input. This allows traditional and external digital sources to be connected while keeping the speakers at the centre of the system rather than using them as simple passive endpoints.
Drivers and cabinet
The two-way system uses a 13 cm A-PMD woofer and a 3 cm dome tweeter. The rigid enclosure is designed to limit vibrations that can colour reproduction, while matching loudspeakers, amplification and conversion allows the entire chain to be controlled within the design of the pair.
A complete Hi-Fi system
The combination of networking, USB DAC, physical inputs and built-in amplification makes NX-N500 a self-contained solution requiring essentially only sources and a network connection. The model is now discontinued, but the official Yamaha Europe page remains available and documents the original functions of the pair.