Impossible! Did Someone Finally Do It? A new Amp that Sounds like a Vintage Receiver! Yamaha AS801
Vložit
- čas přidán 8. 06. 2022
- Yamaha AS801 howl.me/choSewvdXc2 $899
Yamaha AS701 howl.me/chpZzBQb5rV
Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3NCLkTW or Douk amzn.to/3946god (same thing) $129
/ cheapaudioman
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
Yamaha AS801 howl.me/choSewvdXc2 $899
--Yamaha AS701 howl.me/chpZzBQb5rV
----Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3NCLkTW or Douk amzn.to/3946god (same thing) $129
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------patreon.com/cheapaudioman
---Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
---Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
--Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
--amzn.to/3GkNaop
---C-AM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
----apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
---massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
----Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
You can see the digital inputs right there on the rear panel in the link you gave.
@@mdzacharias yeah. I made a mistake, man.
@@cheapaudioman Not to worry. I never made a video as good as yours on my best day.
What sort of fogducking cvnt edits like this? It used to be a watchable channel.
@@cheapaudioman Hey Randy, love your work good sir. One question, do you use speaker switches at all? I have a Yamaha amp in the lounge and 3 sets of speakers with a speaker switch. I'm sure it doesn't sound as good through the switch as opposed to being directly connected to the amp. If you could provide any recommendations that would be awesome. Thanks from New Zealand :)
We need to get you a new, more sturdy, folding table.
Negative! That shaking table made randy and it is an audiophile vibration isolator you fool!! Hahaha
You crazy, that's a Sith Audio genuine audiophile table!
I was waiting for it to collapse on him!
No really get a new table already
@@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677 new tables aren't funny. STURDY tables with expensive hifi gear are the least funny thing I can think of. People that spend fortunes on hifi credenzas... Also the least funny people I can think of
A loudness button or dial adjusts for the Fletcher Munson curve. This is a phenomenon of the human ear where as volume is decreased, so does perceived bass and treble response. The loudness control is more of a tone control than anything, and the term "loudness" is a misnomer. It doesn't affect overall volume. It affects frequency response, boosting bass and treble by a predetermined amount at low listening levels to make up for deficiencies in the human ear.
Yeah, that's the funniest description of a loudness button I ever came across
I never used the loudness knob the way Randy described it. I would first bring the volume to a "quieter" level, then bring loudness up to make it sound fuller. You do not need the loudness knob if you are actually listening at "louder" levels, right? Have I been wrong all this time?
(PIONEER SA-6500 SPEC II / PIONEER TX-6500 SPEC II)
The loudness control on that and many other vintage Yamahas (possibly current, I don't know) actually did change overall volume, proportionally more for certain frequencies like you are saying, but all frequencies were affected.
Yeah the loudness control should probably be called ‘quiet mode’ or ‘night time mode’.
It’s so that you can listen to music that sounds good, while not waking everyone else up.
That’s my understanding anyway, so I don’t agree with the method of turning the volume up as loud as you can handle then using the loudness knob.
It’s more like you set it to a volume that won’t wake everyone up, then use the loudness knob.
I have this amp and it’s a great amp BTW
@@oceanaxim Whenever I used the loudness switch,(on-or off, that was it on my stuff back then, no knob to twist) it was just to 'replace' the volume while eating dinner with guests or family. That way we could blab away and still enjoy the fullness of the music we were playing.
Yamaha has always been my go-to affordable integrated amplifier when the budget is tight. Reliable, solidly built, and excellent sound for the money. Good looks to boot. The higher end ones with meters are gorgeous and sound amazing.
Agreed. Sadly overlooked by reviewers for some reason.
@@KeithHeinrich That's cause they can't fathom not spending 5K on a 100WPC amplifier, cause it's not expensive enough. God forbid they show off their system and their amp hasn't drained their bank account . Wrap an AS-801 in a McIntosh body and it's the next best thing. Sad.
they measure extremely well
I'm a geezer, and I have been into good stereo since 1968. Having said that there is one thing that shines out to me about the "vintage sound" that everyone likes. I agree wholeheartedly in fact. But no one has mentioned what made that vintage sound compared to this new stuff. " DISCREET OUTPUT DEVICES ", and they used mosfets for the final output amps, and there's your 'vintage' warmth and analog sound. All that went to hell with someone's bright idea to replace the mosfets, (metal oxide semi conductor, field effect transistors), with some damn chip. Mosfets were the semi conductors that came the closet to a vacuum tube, hence the sound everyone seems to crave. And, the A-B switch was for running 4 identical speakers, to my knowledge and fading memory, there was no bi-amping speakers back then that I was aware of. At least not for home use that I can remember. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth folks so drive fast-take chances- and pass on hills and curves...
First of all, it's DISCRETE, not discreet. Secondly, most vintage amps used bipolar output transistors, not mosfets. Mosfets MAY have been used in higher end models, but didn't become widely used in consumer grade products until later, and then were still only widely used by some brands.
@@DougMen1 Wow, I miss spelled a word. Thank you for the correction. As to the use of mosfets, the amps I bought back in the day were the higher end models, that came with full schematics, that clearly indicated the use of mosfets.
Perhaps this is the reason I use car amplifiers for my home audio set up. Some of the amplifiers I run are BJT and some are Mosfet output, either way all discrete components which is why it sounds better to my ears than your typical set up of today with modern components.
It's probably a better sounding amp but never be like a tube amplifier. It's about harmonics when it comes to tube sound. Only tubes will product the missing harmonics. I heard these so called guitar amps that claim to reproduce the tube sound but close but no cigar. Even tube headphone amps are lacking the sound because it's not just tubes but iron also. Output transformers is part of the tube sound and even the tube rectifier plays a part in the genuine tube sound. One that grew up with tubes it's hard to come close to tube sound using solid state electronics. 73
Operational Amplifiers (opamps) are solid state integrated devices that have extremely high gain (typically greater than x 1,000,000. This high gain is used to cancel out any error in any of the other components. Example: Vout = (Circuit errors/1,000,000) + Vin. Circuit error effectively goes to zero. One of the greatest tricks in modern electrical engineering.
A few things:
1. The AS801 has been measured at 185watts into 4 ohms by Audioholics.
2. The loudness knob controls only one thing - midrange. As you turn it counter-clockwise, it lowers the midrange, to help account for our ears inabulity to hear bass and treble at lower volume levels.
3. The AS801 was designed to be used with the loudness function off at normal listening levels.
4. I find the AS801 to sound bland and a bit dull with CD Direct Amp and Pure Direct off.
5. Pure Direct improves the sound, improving the focus and imaging, but is a bit sterile.
6. I get the best sound by using the CD input and using the CD Direct Amp function. This gives me a warm, focused sound.
The 701 does have a DAC, it's just not as nice. You get optical and coaxial in, but no USB in. The 801 gets fancy lights on the front, a better DAC, and a more rigid chassis for $100. I matched the 701 with a pair of Denton 85's, and it sounds like Cliff Burton is still alive in my room.
Old School!
Excellent review Randy! I’ve had my Yamaha 801 for over a year now and I can honestly say it’s amazing. It’s a great performer. I don’t think I’m in need for an upgrade for years to come. The sound is precise and detailed. I’ve got a pair of Klipsch RP 280f’s floor standing speakers and a 12 inch Klipsch sub hooked to it. It’s powerful trust me. Anyone looking to get it, don’t hesitate. Just get it already.
I watch the video from another gentleman who went over a Yamaha amplifier and said that the topology is quite similar to some of the receivers and integrated amps that they made in the 70s. He also stated that some of the resistors and capacitors were made by the Japanese radio corporation and decided the fact that those were some of the best and quietest electronic components that there are. He seem to know what he was doing as he was an electrical engineer. Great video sir
That was Stereo Police. That was a very good review, although he broke it down in a lengthy 3 part video. That was the A-S301, the one I purchased.
@@thomaswachter7782 thank you sir! That was definitely it
I don’t think a speaker selector for “A”, “B”, and “A + B” was that uncommon. ‘Certainly not on moderately powered receivers and up. However, I don’t know why you’re referring to this as for biwiring. It simply was for playing two sets of speakers simultaneously.
Quite common even on budget units
Cambridge AXR100 has this feature also. The user manual states it is for bi-wiring speakers, or for A/Bing 2 sets.
The Harman Kardon 620 integrated amp I bought when I was in school has it as well.
Rotel A11 Tribute you reviewed has the same feature.
I've been researching upgrades for my current setup, and this one popped up in the Googles. Unbelievably good timing to review it. Thanks, and have a great day!
Love my CR 2020 46 years old. Given it's age the tuner string is a little worn, but that's it. A true gem.
meh, lucky to find a single radio station worth listening to today..
Thanks for the combination flashback/review, Randy. Long time fan of the Yamaha sound. I bought a new Yamaha CR-640 with ADS 300 speakers back in the late '70s, a great pairing for apartment listening. The CR-640 is long gone, but the re-woofered ADS 300s now hang in my workshop. Today there's a Yamaha R-N500 paired with KEF LS50's and a KEF T-2 sub in my home office. I am continually impressed by the near-field soundstage of the LS50s.
Thank you Randy for this nice and entertaining video!
I love the Yamaha amps; they deliver the best reproduction of good live recordings...
I have the AS501, Elac Debut Reference, Velodyne SPL sub (second hand), and this sounds FANTASTIC....
I don’t think the A B thing is intended for bi-wiring or bi-amping, it’s simply to allow you to run a second pair of speakers in another part of your house, I’ve seen other amps with this. This is exactly how I use my Yamaha, to power ceiling speakers on A and outdoor speakers on B. By the way if you don’t like the flat knobs you can order a few of the round input knobs from Yamaha and swap them over.
Looks lovely and a trip down memory lane. You have certainly packed a lot of life into your relatively few years lived and bring a refreshing take to 'vintage' listeners. Many thanks, Sir.
I don't care anymore WHAT you review; you're entertaining and informative.
Sheesh-- You are making me feel like a vintage person. I graduated high school in 1972. I REALLY loved my CR-1020. What a sweet amp/ receiver. Had this and ESS Heil air motion speakers and wow. Really had the sound I liked.
I originally bought the AS301 because I was on a tight budget and I was so pleased with it that when I could afford it, I splashed out on the AS801, which is still not that expensive considering its spec and sound quality.
There’s also an AS501 (here in Japan) but the AS701 has recently disappeared. I see the prices have increased a lot since I bought both my amps but I still reckon they’re worth it.
I’m glad you mentioned the phono preamp because I couldn’t get a good sound from my turntable, even after upgrading the stylus & cartridge to an Ortofon, so I’ll try a third party external phono preamp. Thanks.
I love the vintage silver receivers. That new Yamaha amp has that classic look. Heavy amps have bigger transformers and filter caps. I have two Yamaha receivers with the rotary loudness controls. I do set it up like you did, but I use the volume control after that.
Nice comparison and review. Thanks. Considering the S-801. Appreciate your insights and opinions w/explanation why you feel that way.
Thanks you for the terrific audio videos!
Bought a vintage Yamaha CR-420 earlier this year for $150...minty mint without a damn scratch! Excellent buy...very satisfied with this vintage Yamaha! I've paired it with a Marantz 2x 10 band equalizer (EQ20) that set me back $128. Again, the Marantz showed up like new; documents and all...I think this old timer never left its packaging in over 50 years. If you look hard enough (locally), there are some real gems out there...for sure.
Great review, Randy. I have the AS-501 and a vintage CR2020. I can attest to how close they are in terms of sound quality with the CR2020 edging it out slightly. But I wouldn't sleep on the AS-301 either. It's in my den running JBL L82s and it positively cranks!
Love my L82's!! Currently have a 25 watt Sansui au555a powering them. Also have a 12 watt Sansui receiver, and they still sound amazing, won't shatter the windows but sounds great at lower volumes.
Very informative. I always learn a lot from your shows
Glad to finally see someone else appreciate the cr800. I remember my Dad picking me up from school (kindergarten) to go test audio equipment at a shop for a week, and finally get approved for a loan for the cr800, a pair of rtr 280dr's, and a jvc turntable. I still have the rtr's. I got rid of the cr800 when I was a teen because I never could find a shop that would fix the buzz you mentioned in one channel. This happened a previous time not long after my dad purchased it but it was repaired under warranty then. I tossed it. I tried many amps over many years and the only setup that comes really close to the old cr800 is the mx830 w/ cx630 behind it (love it). I even tried the mx1000 with no satisfaction. I've eyeballed the as801 many times but never got around to trying it after finally falling in love with the 2 mx830's I now own. The mx830 is a pretty special one too, in my opinion. Thanks for the review!!!
You crack me up !!!!
I had a feeling we were close in age - ( ur usage of tv show & video games for ur reviews )
I'm just afew years older.
I have the Yamaha CR - 1020. Absolutely love it !!! I have been window shopping for separate amps. I'm glad to see Yamaha going back in time - so to speak.
Great review - keep it up !!!
Stoked to hear that you're going to be reviewing the Audiolab amp!
Thanks for thorough review. Audioholics also does a great review of the AS 801 and came away with a similar impression.
I have a CR-400 that's been my main stereo since a cousin gave it to me as a hand me down in the 80s. It included a pair of original Advent loudspeakers, BIC turntable, and Akai tape deck. I added the Krakatoa Erupts subwoofer from the DAK catalog about '91. Love it!
My high school class was 1974 and I was making 1.35 an hour, the cr800 was too expensive for even my dreams. After a few years Yamaha became the brand I had. Love the AS801, now retired and back to dreaming. Thanks Randy, great review and comparison to vintage.
My HS class was '75. After three years in the Army, I started college at SFA, and got a job in Nacogdoches, TX at a Yamaha reseller named "Component Services". I loved the jewel-like quality of the Yamaha 1980 and '81 receivers, and got to build a Dynaco amplifier (integrated, I think) from a kit. That was cool. David Hogue was the owner, and sometime after I left he sold his shop and relo'd to Austin, TX. He would like this channel. Cheapaudioman, you never said what you needed to do to get your CR800 repaired.
@@JerryWDaviscom From what he described the power supply caps are at the end of their lifespan. It really shouldn't cost $600 to replace them.
I started working part time in 1963 for $1.10/hour
@@1mctous maybe used caps from a newer model sold for parts would solve your problem.
Cant wait to watch this one after work. Right up my alley
Great review! I was thinking of the AS801 for a "backup" amp while my vintage Luxman L100u was getting restored. I actually watched your review of the BC Acoustique EX214 and bought a used EX222.1. Now, I have to admit the Luxman sounds extremely nice, but the EX 222.1 is really really nice sounding. That Yamaha has more features, but I bet is shy of the sound of the BC Acoustique amps?
I use to own a as-801, its a great amplifier, built well & sounded fantastic, my friend has it now, great video👍
Greaf review of my favorite integrated amp/receiver family. My Yamaha CR2020 from 1979 still sounds great. The AS701 driving my 1979 Shahinian Obelisks (Richard Shahinian - speaker pioneer, check him out) is something special. Vinyl, CD, MD (my favorite obsolete but still works medium) all sound big and musical. Don't ignore the AS500/501 as the core architecture and features are essentially the same. Yeah, nice remote that runs Yamaha CD as well. Love your work. Thanks!
as far as I can tell the A-701 is the 801 minus the fancier DAC, and it occasionally gets a steeper discount (I've seen it go for
I agree A-S701 is the best deal.
Some get as low as 350€ here, second hand of course.
@@hypnoz7871 Yep. I have had the A-S701 for a few years and love it. Much better deal than the 801. It performs well enough with its own internal DAC - but I have used it with better stand alone DACs for a better result. It is also built like a tank and looks more expensive than it is.
I own the A-S701 and Modi3, connected to a pair of Kef LS50, what a wonderful combo.
Though after I replaced the Modi3 with a Topping D70S, it all started singing ;-)
Brother, mucho Mahalo! While I didn't have quite the disappointment you did by keeping things flat, I also wasn't entirely blown away either. I found that when you gave it a little volume -especially with my KLH model fives -things came to life. But man, doing the loudness suggestion tweak, Jesus marimba, next level stuff! Crazy the difference, especially with the speakers. Next move is to try a different phono stage. I do think the one in the 801 isn't bad, but it will be nice to take things further. Super stoked!
Thanks Randy for breathing life into my 4 year old 801! It was my first real amp that I bought in 2018 and had given up on it, purchasing Emotiva A2 and PT1 and an Audiolab 6000a to find a more dynamic punchy sound. I was using it completely flat because audiophiles generally recommend not touching tone controls. I had literally given up on it, it sat unused in my basement.
Well $h%+, I tried your method of turning volume up and loudness down with increased bass and treble, and using the loudness to raise ‘volume’ and hold your Budweiser, THIS AMP F’N ROCKS!!!!
I feel like a complete idiot and have spent thousands on ‘better sounding’ amps to replace my old 801 the last few years. As of tonight, it’s now my FAVORITE freaking amp. It also has given me a WAY better appreciation for my forgotten Klipsch RP600m. It’s like I woke this amp up after a 4 year nap!!! Thanks for giving me a late night up with my ‘new’ system! Great video!
Awesome that you tried it and discovered a new appreciation for it
Oldies are the best…
The Audiolab is an awesome unit
All the old Yamaha stuff had the loudness knob, it was brilliant.
So you wouldn't recommend the audiolab over the 801 I guess...so hard to choose...
Hello there Mr CheapAudioman , enjoyed this video, like the comparison and today with the yester year this good for many to see. I would definitely say I can testify to the later 70’s amps and units utilizing plastic knobs, I have a TOTL Fisher monster receiver from about 77-78 Rs 1080, it’s knobs are plastic, and I have noticed as you said that particular “up front” or really “ in the room exciting sound” with some old 60s- 70s units I’ve used and had. But I always wondered about that yamaha AS 801 since it came out years ago had heard some of lower model as 701 they seemed nice and clean. appreciate you showing the way to utilize that loudness control in relation to the volume I’d never really knew how that was used and I’d had a mid 80s yammy preamp some time ago and did not really know either. Great review and thanx sir👍🏾👍🏾💯
I have a 301 and a 501 Yamaha. The 301 is paired with Klipsch Heresy IV’s and gets plenty loud and sounds amazing. The 501 is paired with Elac Uni-Fi floorstanders and gets plenty loud and sounds amazing. Solid sounding amps and highly recommend. 801 might be my next amp.
I'm slowly growing to like the sliver finish over the black. It will be interesting to see what you think of the Audiolab. It gets good reviews. Keep up the good work!
I love seeing that MultiBit back there with the big dog. Nice review as always. I cant wait for the next version of the multi.
I have a recapped CR800 (and various other vintage /diy amps). Always go back to it, its just great. The take home for me is - save money, buy vintage
What a gorgeous Yamaha integrated amp. I will start saving for one of these. Add this to my silver face vintage audio. Thanks for your video.
Funny, I used to adjust my EQ the same way. I had no idea what I was doing, but that's what I went with. Even my boom box EQ was set that way. Stepping out on a limb here...Marantz Model 40n. At $2500 it isn't for everyone, but I think it is going to be my next integrated. It has all the vintage cool stuff plus lets you play new tech and I won't need a bunch of boxes on my stand.
Excellent review Randy. Great amp, I've had one for about a year. It's been driving Klipsch RP-600M's now Klipsch RP-8000Fs. You're right the phono stage is very poor (dull, closed off). I threw in an iFi zen phono external and it was a huge improvement. DAC is excellent. I use a USB A to USB B cable going into an Apple Camera USB 3 adapter (cheap) that converts it to lightening so you can plug it into an iPhone (for Apple Music). It doesn't charge like this but the camera adapter has a second plug where you can plug a charger into it.
I'm keen on moving up the Yamaha integrated range soon (A-S1200, A-S2200).
Great review. I have the sister 803 receiver. It has similar specs. I enjoy it with wharfdale linton. They are a amazing amps for this price
Thank you, thank you, thank you, truly enjoyed this video, especially the part where you talked about how to properly use the gain on the amp. I have a Yamaha R-N500 with a Rega RP3, just tried it, took your advise and wow! Love it! tried it on Aerosmith’s Toys in the attic album (vinyl I purchased while in high school, I’m 60 today) absolutely rocks! 🤘thanks again, love your content and sene of humor 🙃 cheers 🍻🌞
I have the lower end Yamaha A-S301, which has A and B speaker outputs as well as A +B to drive both sets at the same time. I suppose you could use the B output to bi-amp a set of speakers but I don't see why you would do so. My setup is a 4.1 system and it sounds great even at high volumes.
I'm driving the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 and the Klipsch RP-8000F speakers together with no problems whatsoever. I occasionally opt to listen to music on each set so I can compare the speakers by just choosing the A or B settings.
I have cr-820 great receiver has the vertical knobs love it . I also have 701 also same specs as 801 without the usb part of dac picked it up refurbished 499 couldn’t be happier have it with Polk R200 any many others all sound great ! Thanks for mixing in the vintage .
Thanks Randy for this concise review. One remark though, having two sets of speaker outputs doesn't make the amp capable of biamping as this is still a stereo device with only two channels of output stages and biamping would require four separate stages for both channels' high and low regions. This would make bicabling somehow easier as you don't need two connect the high/low cables on the amplifier side.
I have the Yamaha S501 Amplifier paired with the Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf 607’s. The 607’s are on metal speaker stands and bi-wired. Really enjoy the Pure Direct Mode on the amplifier. This is a great little two channel affordable system for my moderate size great room.
Thanks! I’ve got vintage CA-801 II hooked to my AR2 AX speakers The loudness setting was always a mystery.
Was really stoked to see this video as I just sold off my vintage Yamaha CA-810 and picked up an AS-801. I made the move primarily out of paranoia of the eventual cost of ownership that was likely to come when the 810 finally shits the bed. I like having a remote again, which is a bonus, but I think the 801 sounds a bit thin compared to the 810. Not enough to be completely disappointed, but still just not quite as good. I will maybe try turning off the 'pure direct' and try spending more time with messing with the loudness knob. Thanks for the vid..
Got the 501 as my back up amp,and the 701 as my main amp,got the 701 running through a benchmark DAC,through some vintage tannoy 611,s, sweet sweet sound.
It’s curious to me how some are attached to the “vintage” sound, when this amp is about as neutral as an amp can get and that’s why I love it! The AS701 does indeed have a DAC, with same power. But it’s very low THD that compliments my KLH Kendall floorstanders. I rate the AS801 as one of the best IA you can buy. It’s colorless and powerful with 100 clean high current watts. No frills, lights and the plastic that is used is high quality. The only gripe I have is no volume light or marks. But as far as musical…..if it’s in the recording you’ll hear it, if it’s not you won’t.
You caught my ears and eyes immediately when I happened to be just checking out Marantz rec. Thanks for having this platform on old /new home stereo equipment. I just may be a new subscriber, good info , interesting Keep me thinking. Thank you, got a system (s). With me at 18 in early80’s. It was loud music, party’s,work(Construction,HD) and money. Or better yet. Work, marriage, no mo party’s , Headphones. After purchasing Marantz -150 I think first digital kick-a** A/V. Receiving back in 85ish of course need speakers, oh ya I worked a job by coast guard/navy area-Boston a nice job building Rose Wharf, I had too say that , well across the street was the Electronics store with a very small but powerhouse stereotype in corner of shop, it was really a fridge,washing machine,etc. place ,so I meet a good sales man and I start saving - building and finally one day purchased the Whole system. MARANTZ tuner:Nakamichi:cassette recorder? (Still had cassettes- lol) Oh ya - C.D. Cause it was In no more scratching of album’s of our choices. So, Pioneer’s (single /6pk.”) Compact Disks Deck/Player Sorry no albums. But I did inquire 198C.D.s of great music. However too get to the Best part of my experience in Hi-Fi (Sound-Loudness
Now you've got to get your hands on the AS1200. Just ordered it myself.
Yamaha is one of my favorite brands, Learned lots from you here, Liked the vid Ty
About the loudness I can understand because so many amps have a loudness switch (on / off), as opposed to a loudness dial that can act like a volume control.
Beautiful pieces of equipment!! My anxiety level was at 11 thinking that foldup table was going to collapse!!
I was amazed that when Randy initially plopped the new Yamaha on top of the vintage one, he got it perfectly centered without even trying.
The 801 is a nice sounding amp, good value for the money. I hate the control switches though, they make the amp look completely unbalanced at anything other than the centre setting, much prefer the old type. I also really don't like the remote, it's not as responsive as the previous wider generation, and it's only available in silver, even with the black finish amp, which I have.
So right been looking for a modern amp with vintage sound ie: tone controls and loudness. I've had 2 Natural sound Yamaha receivers, both had variable loudness didn't work for me either, also just could get past the leanness in the lower mid-range. I guess that's what natural sound means. I'm convinced one of the manufacturers is going to be smart enough to bring back loudness control. For now I'm holding on to my Akai ...
Try a late 80's Onkyo receiver with variable "Selective Tone Control." It''s like a loudness control but it doesn't reduce the volume. It gradually boosts the lows and highs the further you slide the control to the right. This way you still have remote control of the volume.
I have a Yamaha AX-770U integrated amplifier (110watts @8ohms)(1990ish) that I picked up for $100, have a Topping DAC and I have been exceptionally happy with the combination. It's built like a tank and has CD direct and loudness options.
Its a little expensive and difficult to do it this way, but I use the pre-outs, I used tube preamps(I use multiple fosi audio p1 they have base and treble which is very handy, also play with the volume a bit to hone in the limits really good to keep from distortion and overdriving your speakers) , and a separate amp for every channel except my subs which have a built in amp (I use ice power asp200's but you can use whatever you want).
If you want an extremely lively and highly controllable multi channel stereo it's definitely a solution to get that wave of goodness hitting you from all sides, and also get the added new age bonus of separation making it easier to clearly hear all that's going on in the music!
Hi Randy, I just spent the past month checking out this AS 801 in hopes that it would be comparable to a ' 80 / '81 Pioneer A-8 integrated that I was most recently infatuated with, but , alas, could not get it repaired. After weeks of research I opted for this Yamaha. In MY experience it could not hold a candle to my A-8. Even at 100wpc ( which my A-8 was 90wpc) it sounded feeble in comparison. I am driving a pair of Jamo s809 towers and they wanted/ needed more power. It's going back to Crutchfield tomorrow. The only thing I ended up liking about it was the Loudness dial ...that was interesting and made alot of sense and with two small kids, I relied alot on it. But It just couldn't take the place of vintage. I think to get something that's brand new and have it be comparable to my Pioneer I would have to spend upwards of 4K . Which I guess makes sense when you take into account the value of the dollar some 40+ years ago and how much these amp retailed for. BTW, I ended up going for a JVC A- X900 from about'83. This thing is a beast!!! 120 WPC ...the volume control is a 3 in 1 sort of thing!?( you should look it up). It's got great tactility, looks great and the POWER. Highly recommend for anyone wanting something vintage that's dynamic, clear , great top, mid AND plenty of bottom and can drive anything you throw at it.
It is funny to see this. I was in the audio industry in the late 70s and the 80s. Back then, we wanted your vintage Yamaha to sound like a tube amp!
Have the AS701 for the past 7 years, love it! Intentionally did not get the 801 so I could keep the DAC separate, given the many options available.
I have a CR-640 a AS-801 as well. Both sound great. Waiting for the day when I have a larger house so they can each have their own room.
Great review Randy. Always enjoy your content. I have this amp. I’ve actually had it for almost two years now. I use the a+b setup with two pairs of speakers. A set of Klipsch Kg 5.5’s and a set of Kg 4.5’s. I have to say, I love the sound, love the power. I haven’t tried the usb dac. I have an old Mac that I use to store my music on and the operating system doesn’t support the download off of the Yamaha site. This Amp looks wonderful and performs flawlessly for my taste. I was stationed in Okinawa in the 80s and this thing just takes me back to those days of going to Camp Butler, or Hansen for the big sales, when all of the manufacturers would bring in all of the newest and greatest tech. For those of the younger generation. These sales were like a mini axpona. This amp sounds wonderful at low level listening. Turn it on, select the tune, sit back, get lost in the music. I had a sub hooked up in the beginning, but it didn’t add anything to my listening experience. From The Man in Black, to the Black album it serves its purpose…allows me to enjoy music and it sounds great! If you get a chance to do a review with the usb hookup, I’d be interested in seeing the how to and hearing your thoughts. Thanks again Randy for the fine content. Keep up the excellent job! Hope you the family are well.
I use the a-s701 for my home theater/music living room setup. I' have it in a+b (had extra cables laying around so no real reason not to) my polk s60's. Sounds just as good as the vidar to me without making my speakers hiss. I got the s701 used for $550 so in comparrison to my topping e50 vidar setup...it's a steal. Honestly, it sounds really really good and if you want to buy one thing and just be done, this might be it.
Great review! Thanks
Love my A-S801 paired with Klipsch RP-600Ms. Sounds great too me!
I own 2 and They are crazy-awesome. Thank you so much for your video. Liked and Subscribed to!
I had a xj 650 for years, great machine. Plenty of low end.
Thank you for the vid, I love these vintage comparisons. I own the Audiolab amp, so love to hear your thoughts on it. Perhaps it's similar in sound to the retro Leak Stereo amp ....
Got it. Close, but no cigar. Love your reviews and assessments.
I picked a cr640 for 20 bucks at an estate sale a few back. Great thick sound, definitely needs to be serviced and recapped
Hi Randy! I’m looking at getting the Yamaha A-S701 because the 801 isn’t available in Australia for some reason. Been doing a lot of research on amplifiers, and was originally going to go for the Cambridge Audio AXR100, because it was the only amplifier I knew at the time in my price range that had a record rca out. I then saw the A-S701 and that has 2 record rca outs, and decided that’s the amplifier for me. Just so you know, the 701 does have an inbuilt DAC, it just doesn’t have the USB that the 801 has. Not sure if the DAC’s between the 701 and 801 are the same. The power rating is the same, 100W into 8 ohms and 160W into 4 ohms with a damping factor of 240, which is really good. That’s another thing that attracted me to this amplifier! Think the 701 will drive my power thirsty Dynaudio Emit M20 bookshelf speakers very well! Hopefully I’ll be able to get my hands on one soon!
Thanks for your videos, I really enjoy watching them! Keep rocking on with rocktapus! 🎸🦑
The AS line of Yamaha Integrated Amplifier line has four Models. The AS-301 through AS-701 all have DAC’s built in and use the TOP ART architecture. The AS-801 has a better DAC than the AS-301 through AS-701’s.
The AS-301 is rated at 60W/ch 8 ohms
The AS-501 is rated at 85W/ch 8 ohms
The AS-701 is rated at 100W/ch 8 ohms.
What about the A-S1200, A-S2200 and A-S3200?
@@superd222tube I think those models use a completely different amplifier topology. I am pretty sure they use MOSFETs for the output stage. Prices of those models are north of $2000.
Pricey, but amazing build and sound.
the funny thing with the 801 is that it has two dac's. the better dac is just for the usb input. the rest is the same
@@ttownscott that is weird.
I don't think that's how Loudness is supposed to work. Most people would turn it up at lower levels to accommodate for the loss of frequencies.
My best friend yad that Yamaha. I had a Pioneer. I miss the flyweight on the radio dial. You could spin em and they would keep going. It just felt cool and I think it helped with fine tuning cause its heavy. Yeah them amps had POWER
Love the comparison. I have a hybrid system comprised of a new Marantz NR1510 receiver (that replaced a 20yr old Marantz receiver) and then pre-out to a vintage Adcom GFA-2 amp that powers my main speakers for stereo playback and HT. The Adcom adds a bit more warmth than the Marantz. I find the combination makes my vinyl and CDs sound really great, especially after taking the time to use Marantz's room correction to dial in.
I think for audiophiles who don't have a ton of cash, or kids to raise, or a wife that doesn't get the hobby, or a combination of all three, it's great to have reviews like this. I invest in the best that I can, knowing that I'll have it for a long while. That Adcom has been w/ me since I bought it used in 1990! The other great thing about looking at vintage and mid-range audio equipment is being able to experiment without breaking the bank.
I have the AS501, and yes it has the top art amp, using the loudness circuit with my Forte I is killer. It balanced out the mids and is hugely dynamic.
Good to know. I need to check that one out too
I have the 501 also and I love it with the elac ub52s.
Also have the 501 paired with Debut 6.2s and it sounds great. I did buy a separate phone pre-amp.
@@cheapaudioman Check out the A-S301 as well. It's a very good, very affordable amp.
@@pbaker7160 yesss! That’s mine. Super affordable
There are few brands that are consistently very good. Yamaha is certainly one of them. My Yamaha integrated amp is SO good, and reliably superb with all kinds of music.
I've been using Yamaha Natural Sound Series amps since I bought my first one around 1977 or so... it was the 610II(?) amp (no tuner). It was stolen in the early 90's. :( I then got a CR620 receiver for $3 at a good will shop which I'm still using. Also had another amp which was higher in the line and more powerful given to me... which I don't have anymore. I really like the extra speaker outputs, 2 tape deck connections and the variable loudness keeps the sound fuller at low volumes.
I had a Yamaha CA-510 I bought new at age 15 in 1978. It was an very good amp.
I recently got this amp and I love it. I have the black one, so I had to figure out a way to see where the volume dial notch is at without using something permanent like paint or whiteout... so I rubbed a stick of powder deodorant on it and it was a great hack. lol
Randy try this setup, have your listening position the same distance from your front speakers as the front speakers are apart from each other, (equilateral triangle), then place a second pair of speakers either side of your listening position at the same distance as your front speakers are apart from each other (so all speakers are the same distance from each other and the listening position). Choose side speakers equal to or 1 to 2 db sensitivity less than your front speakers, and hook them up to the same amp (like this Yamaha AS801 or any amp with A+B) connect left speakers to left binding posts and right to right A for front speakers and B for side speakers, then listen with amp on A+B. For me this is good for music and movies with a pair of decent subs of course. Sure would like your opinion with this setup.
Classic rock lovers shall rejoice! Thanks Randy!
Interesting, loudness circuits are usually connected to the volume control and stop affecting the circuit once you have volume control around half way turned up or more.
I picked up a YAMAHA R-N303BL recently and I love it. The sound quality is very good for the money, in my opinion.
The Mic input is great for guitars too!
I have a Yamaha CR800 that drove Infinity Column IIs for about 30 years. The sound was awesome. I wish I could afford to have the CR800 repaired.
I owned that Yamaha integrated amp. Bought it new in 75. It was a sweet sounding amp.
I was doing some spring cleaning a couple of decades ago and threw it away.. LOL
Thanks for the great review Randy and greeting from down under! I just picked up an ex-demo A-S701 for about $500 USD (I belive they are now discontinued). Just wondering if you would suggest the Polk R100 or the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2's? Unfortunately Elac / Emotiva are pretty hard to get in Aus. Mostly listening to Folk/Roots/Rock from Vinyl, also no room for sub. thanks 👍
I just got one of these and I have to say that it is one of the most musical integrated amps I have ever owned! My list is very long and extremely pricey…I’m using it for my secondary system and it makes me want to stay and play. My 12k integrated doesn’t beat it for musicality. This AS801 sounds like a powerful 300b tube amp! Astounding value 😊
I have always liked the Yamaha product line, and the silver design is vintage it looks much better,and easier to use than black faced equipment. Thanks fo the video.
I thought the loudness button and loudness knob were for separate purposes. With the button used with the volume at a low setting to give a bass boost to make it sound as full. Maybe Yamaha is different?
I had a CR2020 I loved it and had it along time.
My best Frend recently bought that amplifier only in black fascia he is ecstatic with it he is running four acoustic 3050 i speakers on it and it can blow the windows out I’m glad he is because I recommended it to him. as always veery good vlog