Tail Of Two Yamaha Integrated amp measurements

[WillBrink]

It seems like the Yamaha n-r2000a has a lot going for it. Subjectively, raves. Objectively, via Gene, seems like again, excellent performance all around. Bit surprised it has one sub out, but never mind that. I thought, if the n-r2000a performs that well, what about their flagship integrated, the s3200? Only objective testing I found was via John Atkinson here, and it appears to struggle with a 4ohm load, but improves with a 2ohm load from one channel? It has a massive power supply, yet his measurements "...suggests that it shouldn't be used with loudspeakers with impedances that drop much below 4 ohms."

Is it a matter of the different methodology of testing from one approach vs another? My knowledge of testing methods is minimal, but the results on n-r2000a a pleasant surprise (though shouldn't be at that $) and the results of the disappointing, unless I'm missing something:

Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amplifier Measurements | Stereophile.com

Sidebar 3: Measurements I tested the Yamaha A-S3200 with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). I first preconditioned the amplifier by following the CEA's recommendation of operating it at one-eighth the specified power into 8 ohms for 30 minutes. At the end of...

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[staticV3]

Only objective testing I found was via John Atkinson here, and it appears to struggle with a 4ohm load, but improves with a 2ohm load from one channel?

If you're referring to the THD vs Frequency sweeps, that difference is meaningless and not at all indicative of a struggle.

John Atkinson argues that because the A-S3200 doesn't double its output power of 90W@8Ω when driving 4Ω loads, but instead outputs just 145W@4Ω, it shouldn't be used with 2Ω loads.

I find that the data presented is insufficient for such conclusions.

To be clear: the A-S3200 may still be unstable with 2Ω loads, but these measurements do not show that.

That being said, the performance shown here is pretty laughable for $6K, but entirely par for the course for a boutique Amp from Yamaha. I'm not surprised.