Yamaha MX-A5200 11-Channel Power Amplifier
Enhanced Sound Quality and Bridge Connection Support
Price: 320,000 yen (excluding tax)
Editorial department: Takanobu Ozawa, September 05, 2018 [info]
Introduction
Yamaha is releasing the MX-A5200, an 11-channel power amplifier, from mid-December. This marks the first new model in five years, offering improved sound quality through enhanced GND circuitry and support for bridge connection. It is available in two colors: titanium and black.
Front view of the Yamaha MX-A5200 power amplifier in a titanium finish.
The MX-A5200 is designed to be paired with the 11.2ch compatible AV preamplifier CX-A5200, also announced for release in late October at 300,000 yen (excluding tax). [related news]
A setup showing the Yamaha CX-A5200 AV preamplifier (top right) and the MX-A5200 power amplifier.
The CX-A5200 is the third-generation AVANTAGE AV preamplifier, succeeding the CX-A5100 from October 2015. The MX-A5000, released in 2013, was the previous multi-channel power amplifier, making the MX-A5200 the first update in five years.
Design and Features
Front view of the Yamaha MX-A5200 power amplifier in a black finish.
Front view of the Yamaha MX-A5200 power amplifier in a titanium finish.
Similar to the CX-A5200, the MX-A5200 features carefully tuned sound quality and selected parts based on the conventional model. A key enhancement is the new "GND sensing circuit." This circuit separates the signal GND (ground) transmission from the common GND, improving channel separation and Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio.
The rigidity of the case has also been significantly strengthened, contributing to a sound quality that reportedly surpasses conventional machines. The unit now supports front 2ch bridge connection.
The built-in 11-channel power amplifier offers a rated output of 170W/ch (6Ω) and 150W/ch (8Ω) when driving 2 channels. In bridge connection mode, it delivers 200W/ch (6Ω) and 240W/ch (8Ω) when driving 2 channels. The amplifier is compatible with 11 channels and is equipped with speaker terminals for 13 channels.
Rear view of the Yamaha MX-A5200 power amplifier, showing two large cooling fans on the back panel. It is noted that these fans typically do not move.
Connectivity and Circuitry
The rear terminal panel of the MX-A5200 features a layout slightly modified to support bridge connection. The analog audio input includes 11 channels of XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced connections.
Hirofumi Kobayashi of Yamaha Music Japan commented on the MX-A5200, stating that while the CX-A5100 was highly regarded, the MX-A5000 did not fully match its sound. He expressed satisfaction that the MX-A5200 is a multi-channel power amplifier suitable for the latest generation of AV preamplifiers. The sound direction of the AVANTAGE separate series is further detailed in an article about the CX-A5200.
Internal view of the Yamaha MX-A5200 case, with the amplifier circuitry visible on the side panels.
A significant electrical circuit improvement is the introduction of the GND sensing circuit. Unlike previous models where signal GND was shared with the common GND, the MX-A5200 routes the signal GND along the signal line, separating it from the common GND. This separation enhances both separation and S/N ratio.
Diagram illustrating the conventional model's GND sensing circuit, showing signal GND and common GND connected to the input and power amp boards.
Diagram illustrating the improved GND sensing circuit in the MX-A5200. It shows the signal GND separated from the common GND, connecting to the input and power amp boards for improved separation and S/N.
Wire materials for the power GND have been reviewed and optimized. The wire diameter has been increased by 30-50% to achieve lower impedance. This allows for larger current to pass instantly and smoothly, improving driving force and response speed.
Diagram showing optimization of power GND in the MX-A5200, with thicker wires indicated for lower impedance and improved current flow.
The unit also supports front 2ch bridge connection. Bridge connection is a method that achieves higher output by inputting opposite phase signals to each amplifier input for 2 channels, enabling push-pull driving of the speaker for one channel.
Diagram illustrating the new support for front 2ch bridge connection in the MX-A5200, showing how input signals are applied to the power amplifier for push-pull speaker drive.
Chassis and Specifications
Diagram detailing bridge connection methods for system configuration flexibility, showing different channel assignments including BRIDGE 2ch, BRIDGE 2ch+SE 3ch, etc.
Since amplifiers for 4 channels are assigned to front 2ch and driven by bridge connection, a maximum of a "bridge 2ch (front) + 7ch" system can be constructed when bridge is connected.
Regarding the chassis, the bottom cover's thickness has been doubled from 1 mm to 2 mm compared to the conventional model. This increase in thickness, along with a 1kg weight increase for the bottom cover and the addition of a "fifth foot" in the center, further reduces the center of gravity and resonance.
Illustration of the MX-A5200's chassis structure, highlighting the 2.0mm thick bottom cover for vibration damping and high rigidity, and the H-shaped rigid frame structure.
The high-rigidity chassis utilizes an H-shaped rigid frame structure. This structure firmly connects the sub-chassis with a 1.6mm thick steel plate, the H-shaped main frame, and the outer frame of the periphery.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 650W (standby 0.1W)
- External Dimensions: 435mm (W) x 211mm (H) x 463.5mm (D)
- Mass: 26.4kg
