Are Expensive Yamaha Amps WORTH IT? A-S801 YAMAHA Amplifier Review
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
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► YAMAHA S801 AMPLIFIER REVIEW
We’ve reviewed our fair share of Yamaha amps and have focused primarily on Yamaha’s expensive amplifiers, the A-S1200 and A-S3200. Both amplifiers are truly great so we had to find out how the more affordable amplifier, the AS801. Can the Yamaha 801 amplifier come close to matching the higher end amps in terms of performance? If you’ve ever wondered “are Yamaha expensive amps worth it?”, this is the Yamaha amplifier review to watch!
A-S801 YAMAHA INTRO: 00:00
YAMAHA AMPS: 00:29
YAMAHA A-S801 SPECS: 01:00
YAMAHA S801 DESIGN: 01:42
YAMAHA S801 SOUND AND BASS: 02:29
YAMAHA 801 MIDRANGE PERFORMANCE: 03:42
YAMAHA A-S801 HIGH FREQUENCY PERFORMANCE: 04:39
YAMAHA 801 SOUNDSTAGE AND DYNAMICS: 05:11
YAMAHA ANALOG VS DIGITAL INPUTS + S801 SOUND: 06:19
YAMAHA S801 ISSUES: 07:13
YAMAHA 801 VS 1200 & 3200: 07:42
S801 VS AUDIOLAB A6000 PLAY: 08:17
S801 VS MUSICAL FIDELITY M3SI: 08:39
YAMAHA A-S801 CONCLUSIONS: 09:18
END OF REVIEW: 10:09
BONUS CONVERSATION WITH KRISTI: 10:15
SIGN OFF: 20:44
► MORE ANDREW ROBINSON AUDIO REVIEWS
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The 801, purely based on my budget. It sounds like a great offering but I’m confused how an amp can produce less bass than something equally powered from another vendor. I’ve owned nothing but Yamaha since the 80’s so I haven’t thought I was missing anything until this morning.
I have the RX-V1085 and noticed it's hard to get good bass even with 2 SVS PB-2000 PRO'S , but even after saying this I can't wait for the RX-A6A to be available. Always been a huge yamaha fan!!
@@SeanVedell It can come down to the circuit design and other factors beyond just Watts per channel. That said, I wouldn't sweat it. If you like what you have, stick with it. You're not missing anything.
@@robinsonbrand I’ve mastered the Yamaha on-screen menus and settings labyrinth. Talk about your 10,000 hours! 🙄 Ain’t no way I’m switching brands and giving up that hard earned knowledge.
@@SeanVedell I can appreciate that. I feel the same way about my computer(s) and camera gear.
I tested a Yamaha A-S801 side by side a McIntosh MA8900 and Anthem STR Amp in a treated room with B&W, Paradigm and Magico speakers. If you have the ability to do such a test, you will learn what law of diminishing return really means. The A-S801 is a beast and powered the high-end speakers with no sweat whatsoever. Outside of minimal volume knob position between the 3, there was no difference in how well the $1000 A-S801 performed vs the $5-$6000 amps did.
Thank you! Your response is ten times what this ridiculous review was supposed to be. I am very happy with the power delivery of the A-S801. I only wish the bass dial was set to the 100Hz.
"Commas in my bank account" LOVE IT!
Sounds like the beginning of a hit rap song.
I'm just happy not to see a minus sign in mine...!
Great review and dialogue you two!
I am 63, and have rocked a Marantz 1060 integrated since I was 17. I wanted a change and tried the Cambridge AX100. It was very good, but I felt my old 1060 bettered it in terms of soundstage, even with the old caps being long in the tooth.
I considered the 801, and others, but decided to purchase the A-S1200. The 100% analog design appealed to me, as well as the sheer heft of this piece of gear (48.5 lbs). The meters are cool, but I love the sound after 100 hours, and it is getting even better IMO.
At my age and after trying to practice deferred gratification over the years, I bought what I really wanted, and am very happy with my purchase!
Love your work, Andrew and Kristi.
Ah ! Yamaha amps with meters - I once owned the CA-810 which i adored. My present one is the predecessor to your A-S1200 - the A-S1100 which barely fits in my hifi tower with its depth. 😀
Ahhh the old electronic break in period 😂
How do headphones sound thru your Yamaha A-S1200? Do you think it needs an external dedicated headphone amp attached to it to get great sound?
I sold Yamaha amp years ago when the yamaha introduced the loudness control, it was introduced to enhance bass naturally. All other amps would have a "loudness" button you would press at low volume to bump up the bass (a bass boost). So Yamaha came up with the idea of rolling off the mids and highs instead. Its work like this, you crank up the volume and get a nice bass tone going and then you use the loudness control to roll back the mids and highs thus bringing down the amp to a lower listen level but allowing the amp to drive the bass with full current going to it, thus no artificial boost but yet a strong bass response. Its quite a brilliant idea and works well when you understand what it does and how to teak it. It's great with klipsch speakers that can be a bit forward in it projection of sound. The loudness control helps tame that. This also help with speakers that have low bass output because you drive a lot of current to the bass.
Spot on
This feature is so nice. Especially living in an apartment. Mine gets hot though, if the volume knob goes up to like 2 o clock with the loudness down almost all the way, I start to get a little worried.
I have the yamaha as-701 with the Linton 85th. Transparent and crystal clear sound with powerful bass. full-bodied sound
With kef ls50 meta this Amp not really sound good 😭
@@user-su5en5ml2j the amplifier is neutral. You may need something to color the sound. Try another dac.
The back and forth is invaluable! The counterpoint between trained audiophile ears, and real world ears is something that we all should value!
I initially bought the Cambridge Audio CXA80 and was not impressed. Perhaps the sound was too warm for my tastes. After some research, I decided to give the A-S801 a try. I did an A to B comparison with both amps and as soon as I plugged in the Yamaha, my old Polks came to life. Without making any tone adjustments, the sound was much more lively than the Cambridge amp. I kept the Cambridge network streamer and sent the amp back. I added an SVS sub to the mix to fill out my system. For a budget stereo, I'm pleased with the sound.
I have the Yamaha A-S701 in black and I'm happy with it. I cannot imagine to have an amplifier in my room looking like a small CD-player. An amplifier should look like one. ;-)
For 45 years I've had a yamaha amp of one sort or another. Picked up the 801s just before lockdown. It's my new friend.
It's been my friend for the past two years. I love the natural sound
Anyone know how the Yamaha 801 sounds through headphones? Does it have a dedicated headphone amp? Does it need one? Are the tone and loudness still noticeable?
@@spiritualarchitect4276 it has a pretty darn good headphone amp
Who else enjoyed watching Andrew's entire soul leave his body during the bonus conversation? :-)
Check in 🙌
It was pretty sweet. 🤣🤣🤣
Sorry Andrew.
A good producer keeps the headliner on his/ her toes all the time...LOL
It keeps things from getting boring. :)
Yes, lol, that was an added bonus 😄
😂
Yamaha A-S801 is the best in the price range, especially for those who begin to listen music seriously and like to have a number of analogue and digital sources.
Great review. I like the way you present. Thanks.
I know! This video is old. I'm old. Who cares? I saw this video yesterday. The 801 was the only receiver that checked 100% of my boxes. You convinced me it was the way to go. I saw a local add for used one in black. Called the gentleman. Wonderful guy. Loves audio. He got a whole new system and sold me his prestine 801 for $450. I hooked up my 45 year old ADS 701s that I restomodded. Absolutely love the 801! That you for the content!
I SMILED when I heard Andrew mentioned Audiolab 6000A.
I can’t wait for the Audiolab 6000A review.
Please include how it sounds thru Bluetooth connection.
And comparisons to Cambridge Audio AXR100, Rotel A11 Tribute.
Thank u.
😀🌈
I have the bottom of the food chain... the as301. But it works just fine for me, paired with wharfedale diamond 10.1 bookshelfs..sounds great!
I bet. Enjoy!
In my two year journey for a good system. I stopped off with a S801 for quite a while. I really liked this amp. For the money it is really good. If you look closely at the knobs, they are plastic, very good plastic, vs metal on the more expensive Yamaha units. Got to give up something to get something. If you are looking for a sub $1000 amp, give it a listen. Andrew didn't like the look of the knobs when off twelve o'clock, but then it is a great visual reminder as to what EQ that you have dialed in. Swings and round about.
For those of you asking about Pure Direct Mode, here are my thoughts: Pure Direct Mode will be most noticeable if you are currently using Yamaha’s tone controls at which point this disables all of them without you needing to manually adjust them back to neutral. In that respect, the difference will be very noticeable. Now if you aren’t using the tone controls and you hit Pure Direct, there maybe a slight improvement in quality specifically with detail and some top end smoothness, but if you don’t feel the difference is night and day, you’re not wrong. The difference is subtle. It doesn’t suddenly turn the amp into something completely different. I personally believe that because the sound cuts out briefly when engaged, that this could lead to a perception that something more impressive has occurred. All that said, I didn’t find it detrimental. For the record, most of my time evaluating this amp was done with Pure Direct on, so what I describe in my review is what I experienced with PD activated.
I'll add a further caveat and that's the way its used. I've currently got a Yamaha RN602 with a pair of Yamaha two way speakers and sub. I listen to this in my office for hours a day in the background. I listen to everything, it all sounds just fine. Not epic, not awful, just fine. Under these conditions, PD makes no difference but the rotary loudness control sure does elevate the sound at background listening volumes. I never used the loudness control in the main listening space when it was installed there because listening levels were much greater.
I guess everyone's experience will vary in this respect according to their application.
Agreed, I'll go further, pure direct is barely perceptible.
A great man once said, “There are no dumb questions.” So here goes: Are changes to the Tone and Loudness controls noticeable when listening through headphones?
@@spiritualarchitect4276 No, but there are another four senses, one of which just happens to be visual!
@@johnwheat5199 No? Well that sucks! I really like tone controls, but I do almost all my listening through headphones.
I agree with Kristi, v6a would be a better all around product especially since it has front pre-outs so you can get a better amp later for 2 channel listening. That plus it having basic room correction which would be superior to a couple tone control knobs. Honestly I feel like this would be a really good topic for a video as I feel like I can't be the only one who thinks getting a stereo AVR is pointless when you can get a multi channel AVR and it does more especially room correction which most stereo AVRs don't have despite most people's rooms not being perfect.
Edit: although most audiophiles are probably anti room correction ie EQ
Kristi convinced me, I don't think the A-S801 would be that significant step up for me as a RX-V6A/TSR-700 owner. Plus, I'm not ready to give up the dream of owning a Yamaha amplifier with meters! Good review as I'm walking away from this video more decisive the direction I want to go if I upgrade my system further.
Same here. Love my yahama trs-700. Atmos sounds amazing and my music sounds much better than my prior sony es receiver. Been extremely happy with my purchase.
Glad I could help!
This review simulates real purchasing phase before deciding what audio gear that suits the best (price-performance-usefulness) in our daily life, kind of true to life event.
The 801 makes far more practical bang for the buck sense than Yamaha's more expensive integrateds. The 1200 is the 1st step on Yamaha's stairway to diminishing returnville, but what a lovely step it is.
It's just so beautiful too. Yamaha stuff has always been so nicely styled.
I have the 701, love it, don't need a streamer or dac upgrade. Thx for all ur hard work andrew
I love Yamaha! I've been buying Yamaha amps and receivers since the late 70s. I presently have a 7.2 Yamaha A/V receiver that I purchased in 2012 a long with a Klipsch 7.1 speaker system. Both are still going strong to this day! I have no complaints about Yamaha amps and receivers or Klipsch speakers.
The AS-2200 is the optimal purchase. You guys should review it. It is soooooo GOOD!
Yes 2200 is very good.
I use this amp paired with a powered sub and Tekton Enzo 2.7 Speakers, Technics 50th anniversary turntable and Ortofon Blue cartridge/stylus. Sounds marvelous! I listen to everything from Americana, pop punk to death metal. Works with all of those sounds.
Rockin the as-701 with my Magnat Transpuls 1500’s! Match made in heaven
I purchased the Yamaha A-S301 months ago and use a tube preamplifier with Bluetooth 5.0 for music listening. I think it sounds great and gives me the option to audition speaker pairs with the A and B channels as well as with 4.1 channel stereo when playing the speakers together. After that purchase, I noted that many of the Yamaha integrated amplifiers were out of stock for quite a while before surfacing again on Amazon, Crutchfield and other sites.
I almost purchased the Costco version of the RX-V6A but opted for the integrated amplifier instead for about the same price. I'm happy with it combined with a tube preamp. I listen to music via bluetooth primarily and it works for me. For my home theater system, I have had the Onkyo TX-NR656 for several years now and it has worked flawless for me. I'm happy with the equipment I currently have and am not looking to upgrade, although it is interesting to watch videos concerning more expensive integrated amplifiers. Keep up the good work.
Personally ended up replacing my A-S701 on my Heresy IVs with an Audiolab 6000A. I felt something was missing with the Yamaha so I tried something new and now I’m happy.
Thanks Andrew! Since I use my receiver for both 2 channel music and 5.1.2 home theater, I got the slightly improved RX-A2A (vs RX-V6A) and paired with my Klipsch RP-8000f, I really love it.
I bought AS1100 and sold AS801. The sound AS1100 is a lot more powerful and exciting.
@andrew If you prefer the CA ARX100 over the A-S801 I suppose the CXA81 blows it out of the water, right?
My next equipment purchase will be an integrated (with HT pass through) or power amp. I need to be an upgrade for my Cambridge CXA81, which might be complicated, given that I really don’t want to spend 2k USD while at it.
Any thoughts?
Speakers are KEF R3, LS50 and Q300.
Fantastic review and intriguing discussion. I’ve a b listened to the 801 and 1200. I opted for the 1200 and have it here in my lounge. For me, the 801 was good, but the 1200 represented a significant step in terms of refinement, detail and dynamics. The 801 just didn’t move me in the same way…there is a fluidity to the sound of the 1200 too which is so compelling for me. As a post script, I’ve also owned the audiolab 6000 a…it’s something special as here in the uk it’s only £599. Gave me a real insight into the high end world…hence upgrading to the 1200. Once again…fab production…thank you both.
@Gary Jones, I really appreciate you sharing your experience!
I owned a 6000a play and found it was too lean and thin. The punch was there but the punch didn’t have weight. Highs mid was the same very detailed but without weight and color…
Is the 1200 „weightier“ than 6000a ?
a-s 1200 refinement??For some reviewers 1200 is bright sounding in comparison with 801.
@@andreassouth1523 having a b tested these two amps, there really is no comparison…the 801 is great at its price point, but the as1200 is a step up in terms of refinement, tonality, detail retrieval, soundstage, imaging, and last but not least, dynamically in a different league.
This clearly shows how differently everyone's ears hear things differently. This is why you should listen to what makes your ears happy and not what the majority always spouts. Good to hear different opinions on this amp. I have it and absolutely love it!
Love it too. Great value for money
Does the Yamaha 801 sound good through headphones? Does it have a dedicated headphone amp? Does it need one? Are the tone and loudness still noticeable?
@@spiritualarchitect4276 I honestly don't use it with headphones so I can't give any feedback regarding.
@@vernonleemonii3334 Hmm... I was not expecting that : )
Great review! I really enjoy Kristi’s perspective on these. Partly because I believe that her hearing and mine may have some similarities based on some of her preferences. Also it’s always good to have multiple perspectives in reviews. Andrew is sometimes a bit more measured. I appreciate both views.
What is the feel of the knobs and especially the volume knob?
Are they rock solid or do they wobble? (I hate the knobwobble on my Rega elex-r)
Does the plastic feel cheap or decent?
Are the knobs able to come of the pots?
How do you feel about 801 vs the cambridge cxa-61 in terms of sound? Is there a video that you compared/mention/talk about the two? Thank you!
What a great review! You two are an absolute delight. Thanks for a great start to my Sunday! Looking forward to your Audiolab 6000a review! Cheers!
Our pleasure! Thanks for tuning in.
The kristi section is never lacking entertainment. I like having her point of view included.
Me too.
@@robinsonbrand This is the reason you love her, right?
Thank you!
I as well, love watching and listening to these two beautiful people!
@@seannewill5520 Yes, they clearly do. Did your comment make you feel better though?
I bought one in silver back in 2016, I agree I have to keep the knobs at 12 noon. I have no problem with bass, do to the fact that I have Cerwin Vega RE-38'S with 15 inch subs. The speakers are from 1998.
Always loved Yamaha Amps! The sound is amazing and you can’t actually tell where speakers are placed compared to other amps using same speakers but this is my experience like 13 years ago when I demoed a few amps before picking the Yamaha over onkyo, pioneer and denon
My favorite part was the end.. I’m a Hegel owner but if I’m going to upgrade I’m either going luxman or that technics amp you reviewed
I've got an A-S700 (no digital inputs, 90w pc) on a secondary system and I think it was the best all-around choice for my needs and budget at the time I bought it. I've always loved the control features on Yamaha integrated amps and receivers. I even like the rectangular knobs. It's still running a pair of JBL L-100s that I bought in the mid-70's .
Edit: I'd buy a Yamaha A-S1200 in a minute if I could afford it - even though I'm giving up my cherished loudness control.
That loudness control on my 801 is the reason I would not want the 1200. Low level listening through my Linton 85’s using that loudness knob is a feature I have gotten very used to. And not found on any of the competing amps.
@@4thewinir344 How do headphones sound thru your Yamaha A-801? Do you think it needs an external dedicated headphone amp attached to it to get great sound?
I'm Yamaha fan since 80's I started with 801, 3000,.and 5000 series I happy with all.
I’ve been using this amp with a Rega P3, and Rega RS7 towers. I love it, but I only have a Cambridge amp to compare. I’ve never gone past 60% on the volume. Plenty of power. I often bypass the tone control with pure direct, but it’s great to have the option.
“I’d buy the home theatre receiver instead.” YES!! @Kristi Wright YOU GO GIRL! 💯 agree.
:)
HAHAHAHA
I thought Kristi was going to mention the Yamaha RN 803 stereo receiver but she went all in on the HT receiver. To me I wonder if that RN receiver might be the sweet spot in terms of features but in a dedicated 2 channel setup. It has the tuner, YPAO for room correction and 100 watts same as the 801 (but with a bit more distortion on the receiver) for a few less $$. I think you might have one more Yammy to put on your review list.
Hey Anddrew, tks for your reviews! I actually have just decided to buy the MA bronze 100 based on your review:)
Let me know, between this yamaha or the cambridge audio AXR100, what do you think would be a better buy? Tks!!
How does it fare with Heresy? I have a HIII and looking to get an amp to replace my 8Wpc SE Tube.
I went with the r-n803d all the imputs you could want, will stream hi-res music, internet, dab and fm radio, some great deals to be had, and it has the same power as the 801. 👍
I actually prefer the AS-701. It’s basically an 801 minus the fancier DAC, so it looks better without the DAC lights on the front panel. I’ve seen the 701 go on pretty heavy discount too. Money saved could easily go into something like a schiit modi or better.
This would be my approach as well - 701 plus stand alone DAC.
Yes, this is an amazing Intergrated Amplifier. Heard this one hooked up to a pair of Legacy speakers. They had front bottom and back firing woofers with front and rear firing tweeters. Quite an interesting sound to say the least, I don't know the model of the speakers but they did sound amazing paired up to this yamaha Amp. Even heard them paired to a pair of Martin Logan electrostatic speakers, wow simply wow.
As a recent purchaser of a Yamaha TSR-700 (the $400 Costco version of the V6A), I was glad to hear this conversation at the end of the video! Thanks for the review, amazing as always.
Had an 801 and ended up sending it back. My main gripe was the fact that the amp did indeed lack low end presence. And the phono stage definitely isn't what I'd consider to be good (serviceable, but definitely not anything more than that).
It's a nice piece, but its rather lacking where it counts...how it sounds.
I have this amp with a pair of Martin Logan ESLs and a Martin Logan dynamo 700 sub and it has a great immersive soundstage, and really brings to life the clarity and detail of the ESLs. I listen to very complex music - prog rock, jazz-fusion, Indian classical music - all known for their subtlety and intricacies - I can listen to this set up without any listening fatigue, for hours on end.
It is a surprisingly non-fatiguing amplifier in my experience too!
Yes you're analysis is spot on...And I sure you listen in Pure Direct mode, which was completely omitted from this review, which means it is an incomplete one. The Soundstage this Amp produces is that of separates in my opinion. I was listening to an earlier Miles Davis cut and the placement of the musicians was eerily spaced!! The Bass is in this Amp for sure...it won't make a speaker rated at 45hz sound like one rated at 25hz like my KLH Kendalls. Which is why speaker choice should be intentional to pair with the AS-801. When it comes to how this AMP resolves layers in all kinds of music...you are again spot on....simply fantastic for the money. One of my favorite tracks to hear such resolve is Andreas Vollenwiedr's "Pyramid in the wood in the bright light". Its simply sublime. And I have found that contrary to whatever the Robinsons say, this AMP sounds better after about a good two weeks of playing.
@Andrew I start my journey in hi-fi world with my a-s801 and wow I love it so much especially it's dac with usb. First change usb cable with Audioquest carbon and I was blown away and than I change my Mission 702 to Yamaha ns-700x big big improvement. After I tune the ns-700x bracing and isolations. Made a custom Solen crossover change all the wirings, binding post with quality parts and tune it perfect. try different speaker cables and the hepta-litz Solen speaker cables did magic to the bottom end and the balance overall. Finally the biggest change was the Monsoon audioquest ac cable in furutech outlet with a line 10 awg direct in my breaker panel. OMG now the sound is so tight focus dynamic and bass heavy and precise but now I can see that the 801 is at it's limits like you describe. My dealer let me try is dynaudio 40th and no where near in bass as my big 12" ns-700x. I love so much Yamaha sound for it's focus and sound and I ask my self if I go for the a-s2200 or a-s3200, cause I don't like my phono stage on a-s801 and don't like my phono project s2 ultra. I need a good phono to pair my sl-1210gr and those two a-s above seem to fit the bill. Sadly I will need a dac too. your recommendation ??
I have the Yamaha R-N803 and love it. It drives my B&W CM6 S2 + Martin Logan Dynamo 300 sub. It's setup in my office and sounds incredible. Actually this entire combination is the magic sauce sound I've been chasing in my other setups and haven't been able to replicate it no matter how much money I threw at it.
I own the S-801, running it into Klipsch Heresy IIIs, with a Klipsch sub. Not perfect, but it does many things well.
"once you move those dials" it's readily apparent from afar that you've been messing with the tone and balance - a far more reliable and elegant visual feedback approach than having a big glowing screen tell you what's going on (after diving through menus). A perfect alarm if the kids keep knocking the bass and treble out of whack....
@Andrew Robinson what did you think of the Pure Direct mode? appreciable difference in sound?
Pure Direct Mode will be most noticeable if you are currently using Yamaha’s tone controls at which point this disables all of them without you needing to manually adjust them back to neutral. In that respect, the difference will be very noticeable. Now if you aren’t using the tone controls and you hit Pure Direct, there maybe a slight improvement in quality specifically with detail and some top end smoothness, but if you don’t feel the difference is night and day, you’re not wrong. The difference is subtle. It doesn’t suddenly turn the amp into something completely different. I personally believe that because the sound cuts out briefly when engaged, that this could lead to a perception that something more impressive has occurred. All that said, I didn’t find it detrimental. For the record, most of my time evaluating this amp was done with Pure Direct on, so what I describe in my review is what I experienced with PD activated.
i back in 2003 i replaced my onkyo 80 wpc integrated that went on the blink after 6 years of use with the nad 356 for 800.00.it is a great,all 'rounder with plenty of grunt to drive my ruark epilogue bookshelf speakers.is has warmth,good imaging,detail,etc and still punches like a champ today.
I got the Yammi A-S 301 paired with Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 and REL HT 1003 sub. I've tried to go bang per buck as much as possible.
I’ve read that this amp pairs well with the Wharfdale Linton speakers. I might look into that set up sooner or later.
Would this a-s801 pair well wit 2 set of Martin Logan motion 40 tower speakers?
This was an informative review, thanks Andrew and Kristi! I’ve long been a Yamaha fan (probably because I raced their motocross bikes back in the day ;)) I have a R-N602 driving my B+W 603 s2 AE towers (your faves, ha) and will soon hook up some Focal Chora 806s (you know!). Do you think the Technics SU-G700 would be better suited to these speakers, as compared to the Yamaha house sound? Thanks again for the hard work you put in, your channel is top shelf! 👏👏
Would love to see you review the RN803, though not having hdmi arc would be a deal breaker for me
I wonder how it compares with the r-n803D.. I struggled choosing between the 801 and the other, ended up with the 803 because of its connectivity, but soundwise.. I still wonder
I believe your description of the 801 is what I experienced with the 501. I was running Heresy III‘s and a Rega P3 with the 501. I ended returning it and going back to my Marantz 2221 from the 70’s. The Yamaha sounded thin where my 25 watt Marantz has more balanced and better bottom end. I have a Marantz 30 coming this week and hope it lives up to the hype I’ve been reading online. Great review!
Nice serie, i have the as501, do you think the loudness knob is useful? I believe is the best feauture.
I'd like to hear your opinion of the sound comparing the Yamaha a-S801 vs Cambridge Audio AXR100 or even the AXR85. Thank you.
I love my S501. These are great amps for the price.
listening to Kristy's assessment and comparing it to yours gave me a lot more insight into the sound. thanks.
Nice review. I run an 802 through Q Acoustic 3050i speakers and picked this package after finding other amps a bit warm for me. I prefer a tighter base and a slightly brighter amp. Playing with the base and treble got everything just right for my room and streaming through Airplay option can produce some stunning reproduction with the right tracks. For the money, a superb pairing 👍🏻
So since most people seem to think Yamaha Amps are on the bright side.. This would probably be a perfect pairing for the Wharfdale Lintons, which some claim are a little overly warm.
The R-S300 uses the same Top-ARt Chassis as the A-S801 & has an FM tuner. Drives a pair of JBL 100's beautifully.
I also have the R-S300 and waiting for a A-S801, more power but not sure if i am gonna like it better. Hope so
I ve put a really good cable on it. And
an additional external Dac.. Gives you another level, much more body to my harbeth speakers. Thanks for this review. Aziz
As a bass head with a Speedwoofer 10S, how would this pair with the KLH Model 5?
Hmm. Waited a long time for this. Now Im interested in the Audiolab. Thank you for keeping it interesting.
Thanks for tuning in! We try to keep it interesting.
@@robinsonbrand You and Kristy all ways keep it interesting enjoy your two points of view .
Please, make a review for Yamaha RN-803, one of the best vfm amplifier....
Thank you for this review. I am been researching this amp for over a month.
I hope it was helpful!
I got my first setup last year: Yamaha A-S801 and Jamo S809's. Been enjoying the hell out of them!
I own the 801 in silver finish ofc. and paired with my Quad Z-3's it's refined, controlled and powerful. Best amp. I've owned in many years.
Notice how the Pure Direct Mode was not mentioned in this review....the real STAR of this Amp's operation??
@@Csnumber1 Indeed - this amp. trades blows with amps twice as expensive.
great review! would have loved a comparison with your recently reviewed Rotel A11 tribute (also under $1000) and the Cambridge AXR 100 receiver you also reviewed. REALLY looking forward to your review of the Audiolab 6000A. I just bought it to replace my Marantz PM6005 and I'm absolutely LOVING it!! leagues above the Marantz in terms of clarity and definition, instrument placement, dynamics.... (at least for my jazz and classical music listening sessions)...
hi there. what do you think about AXR-100?
For me, my A-S801 matches great with my Klipsch RP-600Ms. In a small room 12'x10'. This system got me back into listening to music. Of course I was listening to music over crappy built-in computer speakers. I am hearing so much more in the music. Love my little system!
i will be setting up the same Mark! do you use Bluetooth transmitter how's the performance of both?
Sorry sir, I have a question, Klipsch speakers have an 8 ohm impedance. What did you select for the rear amplifier, Low or High? Thank you!
A very accurate description. If … if it had a little more density across the board, would be a superb amp to own for its price.
I use the RN803 for TV duty. Most convenient as it has a streamer and internet radio.
Thanks for the review as always! Really awesome to see you review some of the more budget Yamaha amps as the high end models are currently out of my price range.
I recently ordered a silver AS-501 and is still in the return period window. Honestly liking it alot. Your assessment of the 801 in terms of “taming” some speakers has been my experience with some in your face/boomy vintage JBL’s. They now sound just about perfect to me.
My question is why the 801 over the 501/701 models outside of more power? Assuming maybe you havent had a chance to hear those so difficult to comment? They seem very similar outside of wattage but maybe i could be missing something!
I got the S501 and think it's a better value than the S801.
@@kellypollock seems that way on paper to me too which is why I was hoping to hear mention of the other amps. Only difference i can see is a bit more power and ability to directly plug in a USB source. In my small-ish room i definitely do not need more power and my primary source is vinyl/sonos connect so not needing a USB input at this moment.
@@iancooper3460 I'm in a modest room too and so far I'm not for lack of power using the S501 with a sub ...I use the optical in for most things and I'm all good.
I have the 801 and very much like it. I auditioned the Cambridge Audio AXR 100 first, loved the detail but the sound lacked the presence (or volume) I get from the 801. Plus the Bluetooth on the AXR 100 was horrible. I have paired the 801 with an Andover Audio Songbird for streaming , running a pair of Elac Debut F6.2 - sounds great.
So which of them,in your opinion is more smooth at upper midrange and highs?Which is less schrill and fatigue for long listening sessions?Who has the most gentle highs?
Hi Andrew! Just got the Metas. Running a Denon x1300w. Considering the Powernode or 6000a (non play). I love the idea of Earc hdmi but want the best for 1000 dollars or under from the Metas. I prefer neutrality with a touch of vocal warmth (body). What would you consider, thanks in advance.
Bought the Peachtree Audio Decco125 sky
Another fine review simple precise and too the point ....
Andrew, excellent review; however, it would have been helpful to explain that one of the most critical factors in the difference/quality of sound between the 801 and the 3200, is the quality of the power supply transformer. The 3200 has a massive toroidal transformer, as compared to the 801's walnut sized transformer - of course, your paying a big price for this quality, but you get what you pay for! This is what accounts for the impeccable sound quality of vintage Sansui and Marantz integrated amps - power supplies of tremendous size and quality, in addition to phenomenal build quality.
You are 100% correct old Yamaha series have tiny transformers vs new 1200, 2200, 3200 and that makes huge difference in bass and mids.
I used the tsr-700 from costco for a short time as a unit for the living room, have my own theater room, and honestly I would have to say that unit with the bur brown chip was actually pretty decent for 400 dollars. I mention this with using it as a stereo listening set up. I only have 3 channels in my living room. I believe that guy is 200 dollars cheaper than Kristi's suggestion lol
Great review, as usual. Conversation with Kristi was on point! Question: do you feel the fixed sub crossover/high-pass was limiting to integration with a sub? Cheers!
I bought the Yamaha RN602 paired with Kef Ls50 for my second set up because it has all the requirements I need . Phono preamp ✅ streamer✅ usb in✅ MusicCast app✅ and most importantly the Mrs can use it ( my main system is to complicated for her )
Late to this video, what about Yamaha RN803 vs Cambridge, thanks
I have the old Yamaha As500 which is decent. Love the channel! Always a good day when u guys release vids. 😘
Thanks so much. I love vintage Yamaha too. I miss my old receiver I had from them years ago. Thanks for tuning in!
I bought one in silver back in 2016, do to the fact that it is compatible with my 24 yr. old 4 ohm monster speakers. My speakers have 15 inch sub woofers, so no tiny subs in my system. My audio source is a Technics 1200 and an ortofon cartridge.I wear hearing aids and it sounds loud and good enough for me.
I have an R-N803 for the connectivity running it with a pair jbl 4312G I love it.
Andrew and Kristi, I would love to see you two review either the AS301 or 501. It would be very interesting to hear your opinions of Yamaha’s entry level Integrated’s, and whether or not they are a good value for money at a more entry price point to their relative performance.
I got the Yamaha AS701 integrated amplifier and the Yamaha CD-S303 player connected with the Klipsch Reference R 800F floorstanding speakers and the Klipsch Reference R-121SW subwoofer . I'm very happy with the sound quality . It's very clean and detailed .
Come on, AS301 or 501 is not even considered Hi-Fi equipment.
Bought a 501 to replace a vintage pioneer 9500 mk II. I Was worried that it wouldn't sound a warm and pleasing as the Pioneer. I'm very happy with the sound of my 501. 501 is
15 watts/ch less than the 801. And it has a fewer digital bells and whistles. And at $549 bux... it's a bargain over the 701 and 801. It's a analog purists amplifier.
So it is warm and pleasing? which speakers is playing with?
The 501 is an analog purist amp? The 501 has an internal DAC.
I have the 501 with Klipsch towers and a Klipsch 12 inch sub. I love my system .