Yamaha R-S202
Score: 79/100
Marshall Acton III Midnight Blue 3.5 mm
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Yamaha R-S202BL is a compact stereo receiver delivering 100 W RMS, low distortion, and Bluetooth streaming in a brushed-aluminum chassis. Its feature set is limited by the absence of Wi-Fi, phono input, and advanced digital connections. Best suited for beginners or secondary audio setups needing solid power and simple wireless playback.
The Marshall Acton III (Midnight Blue) offers the same 60 W of powerful stereo sound as the original, wrapped in a premium leather-like finish with tactile analog controls. It still needs a wall outlet and lacks smart-home connectivity, limiting its use to stationary indoor settings. Ideal for design-conscious listeners who want high-quality Bluetooth audio on a desk or shelf.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 kHzbest | — | |
100 Wbest | 60 W | |
8 Ωbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 6.697 kg | 2.849 kgbest |
2best | 2best | |
100 dBbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.2 %best | — |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Frequency Response (kHz) | 100 kHz | 0.045-20 kHz |
RMS Power (W) | 100 W | 60 W |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | Yes | 5.2 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 6.697 kg | 2.849 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 19493 cm³ | 6630 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors commend the R-S202BL for its natural, musically-rich sound and high signal-to-noise ratio, attributing the clarity to an optimized circuit layout. They highlight its strong 100 W RMS output, 40-preset tuner, and value-oriented price, while noting the lack of Wi-Fi, on-screen display, and more advanced streaming features as drawbacks.
Everyday users generally express high satisfaction, praising the dependable Bluetooth connectivity, robust power for small spaces, and the convenient AM/FM preset tuner. Common criticisms focus on the basic spring-clip speaker terminals, absence of a phono input, and limited modern streaming options such as Wi-Fi or a dedicated app.
Professional reviewers highlight the Acton III's impressive 60 W output, dynamic loudness processing, and outward-angled tweeters that together produce a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage for a speaker of its size. They commend the blend of vintage Marshall aesthetics with modern Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and the convenience of physical knobs plus an app for EQ tweaks, while noting the lack of battery, water resistance, and smart-home features as notable omissions.
Everyday users consistently praise the Acton III for its powerful, balanced stereo sound, easy-to-use analog knobs, and stylish retro design that looks great on desks or shelves. Common complaints revolve around its need for constant AC power, occasional Bluetooth drop-outs at maximum volume, and the absence of portability or multi-room linking.
