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Yamaha A-S701 Stereo Amplifier Review

Rate this amplifier:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 1 0.3%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 29 7.9%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 206 56.1%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 131 35.7%

  • Total voters
    367
Great to see this review. I have a tri-amped (JBL L200 cabs with JBL 2216ND1 woofers) system with (3) AS series Yamaha's. An AS-701 and 2 AS-301's (60 WPC) driving the LE85's and 077's, and the 701 driving the woofers. This system, when adding the power from all 3 amps really does the job well. In fact I have so much reserve that I have to disable the auto shutdown feature on the Yamaha's or they switch themselves off after so many hours, not sensing enough load. I could have blew through my savings on 3 high end stereo amps but I think these Yamaha amps punch above their class well enough. They are perfect for bi or tri-amping as the tone controls can be bypassed and yet the output can be adjusted to balance with each other easily.
Wonderful! I like it.
 
Great to see this review. I have a tri-amped (JBL L200 cabs with JBL 2216ND1 woofers) system with (3) AS series Yamaha's. An AS-701 and 2 AS-301's (60 WPC) driving the LE85's and 077's, and the 701 driving the woofers. This system, when adding the power from all 3 amps really does the job well. In fact I have so much reserve that I have to disable the auto shutdown feature on the Yamaha's or they switch themselves off after so many hours, not sensing enough load. I could have blew through my savings on 3 high end stereo amps but I think these Yamaha amps punch above their class well enough. They are perfect for bi or tri-amping as the tone controls can be bypassed and yet the output can be adjusted to balance with each other easily.

Very impressive! Your multi-amplifier approach, especially selection of amplifiers, looks similar to mine.
I assume you would kindly agree with my description written in my post #931 on my project thread; let me copy-paste here under the below spoiler cover.;)
In my post #931, I wrote:
Here in this post, please let me emphasize again about the pros and merits of relative gain (i.e. tone) control not only in digital domain but also in analog domain using pre-amplifiers or integrated-amplifiers (in my setup). I recently wrote again in my post #56 on a remote thread like these;
Yes, as for safe and flexible tone controls (or I can say "relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers"), my stance (policy) at least, is that we are encouraged to utilize the "best combination" of "DSP configuration in digital domain" and "analog domain tone controls using HiFi-grade preamplifiers and/or integrated amplifiers".

We need to note (and to respect for) that analog domain tone controls (relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers) give no effect nor influence at all on the upstream DSP configuration (XO/EQ/Gain/Phase/Polarity/Group-Delay). I believe that this is a great merit of flexible tone controls in analog domain. We know well, on the other hand, in case if we would like to do the "tone/gain controls" only within DSP configurations, such DSP gain controls always affect more-or-less on "XO" "EQ" "phase" and "delay" of the DSP settings which will leads you to possible endless DSP tuning spirals every time; within DSP configurations, XO EQ Gain Phase and Delay are always not independent with each other, but they are always interdependent/on-interaction.

Just for your possible reference, my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier active system has flexible and safe analog level on-the-fly relative gain controls (in addition to upstream on-the-fly DSP gain controls) for L&R subwoofers, woofers, midrange-squawkers, tweeters, and super-tweeters, all independently and remotely. My post here shows you a typical example case for such safe and flexible on-the-fly analog-level tone controls. This my post (as well as
this post) would be also of your interest.

Of course, I know well that I (we) can also perform such relative gain control using DAC8PRO’s 8-channel output gain controllers. I do not like, however, to change the DAC8PRO’s output levels frequently on-the-fly (while listening to music) due to safety and inconvenience concerns; I like to keep DAC8PRO’s analog out gain level always at constant -4 dB which should remain to be usually “untouchable” in my case.

One of the very unique aspects/features of my multichannel audio rig is that I fully utilize four HiFi-grade “integrated amplifiers” plus L&R active subwoofers, each of them have its own gain (volume) controller for safe and flexible relative gain (tone) control in analog domain even on-the-fly i.e. while listening to music.

In this perspective, my posts #438 and #643 should also give you better understandings. Furthermore, my posts #317(remote thread), #313(remote thread) would be also of your reference and interest.
 
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Very impressive! Your multi-amplifier approach, especially selection of amplifiers, looks similar to mine.
I assume you would kindly agree with my description written in my post #931 on my project thread; let me copy-paste here under the below spoiler cover.;)
In my post #931, I wrote:
Here in this post, please let me emphasize again about the pros and merits of relative gain (i.e. tone) control not only in digital domain but also in analog domain using pre-amplifiers or integrated-amplifiers (in my setup). I recently wrote again in my post #56 on a remote thread like these;
Yes, as for safe and flexible tone controls (or I can say "relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers"), my stance (policy) at least, is that we are encouraged to utilize the "best combination" of "DSP configuration in digital domain" and "analog domain tone controls using HiFi-grade preamplifiers and/or integrated amplifiers".

We need to note (and to respect for) that analog domain tone controls (relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers) give no effect nor influence at all on the upstream DSP configuration (XO/EQ/Gain/Phase/Polarity/Group-Delay). I believe that this is a great merit of flexible tone controls in analog domain. We know well, on the other hand, in case if we would like to do the "tone/gain controls" only within DSP configurations, such DSP gain controls always affect more-or-less on "XO" "EQ" "phase" and "delay" of the DSP settings which will leads you to possible endless DSP tuning spirals every time; within DSP configurations, XO EQ Gain Phase and Delay are always not independent with each other, but they are always interdependent/on-interaction.

Just for your possible reference, my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier active system has flexible and safe analog level on-the-fly relative gain controls (in addition to upstream on-the-fly DSP gain controls) for L&R subwoofers, woofers, midrange-squawkers, tweeters, and super-tweeters, all independently and remotely. My post here shows you a typical example case for such safe and flexible on-the-fly analog-level tone controls. This my post (as well as
this post) would be also of your interest.

Of course, I know well that I (we) can also perform such relative gain control using DAC8PRO’s 8-channel output gain controllers. I do not like, however, to change the DAC8PRO’s output levels frequently on-the-fly (while listening to music) due to safety and inconvenience concerns; I like to keep DAC8PRO’s analog out gain level always at constant -4 dB which should remain to be usually “untouchable” in my case.

One of the very unique aspects/features of my multichannel audio rig is that I fully utilize four HiFi-grade “integrated amplifiers” plus L&R active subwoofers, each of them have its own gain (volume) controller for safe and flexible relative gain (tone) control in analog domain even on-the-fly i.e. while listening to music.

In this perspective, my posts #438 and #643 should also give you better understandings. Furthermore, my posts #317(remote thread), #313(remote thread) would be also of your reference and interest.
Wow! Just wow.. You have really went all in, and with Accuphase and the AS-3000! Totally impressed. My rig by comparison is quite dull, but it does sound good if I say so myself. It's strictly 2ch, with the 50 year old L200's (yes I bought them in 1974 at the age of 19). I started revamping them after discovering a very knowledgeable guy @Neddy (hope you are doing well!) who got me onto the 2216ND1 drivers from the JBL 4367 which was a bolt on. Soon after I biamped them, then added the super tweeter JBL 077) and triamped. I am now using a Sublime Acoustics K231 electronic crossover and an old MiniDSP for the PEQ's. With these incredible woofers I have no need for subs as I am flat (+- 3db) from 23 hz up. I just ordered a MiniDSP Flex digital output and will probably get a new DAC to replace the old Modi 3. I run JRiver as well and don't stream much.
A few pictures..
1736381912296.jpeg
 

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Wow! Just wow.. You have really went all in, and with Accuphase and the AS-3000! Totally impressed. My rig by comparison is quite dull, but it does sound good if I say so myself. It's strictly 2ch, with the 50 year old L200's (yes I bought them in 1974 at the age of 19). I started revamping them after discovering a very knowledgeable guy @Neddy (hope you are doing well!) who got me onto the 2216ND1 drivers from the JBL 4367 which was a bolt on. Soon after I biamped them, then added the super tweeter JBL 077) and triamped. I am now using a Sublime Acoustics K231 electronic crossover and an old MiniDSP for the PEQ's. With these incredible woofers I have no need for subs as I am flat (+- 3db) from 23 hz up. I just ordered a MiniDSP Flex digital output and will probably get a new DAC to replace the old Modi 3. I run JRiver as well and don't stream much.
A few pictures..
View attachment 419751

Thank you for your message and photos!
If acceptable for you, I would highly appreciate and welcome your kind participation on my another thread, having your signal path diagram(s) (and hopefully photos of your system).;)
- Let's share diagrams (and photos) of our total physical audio system and the whole signal path, with a few words and/or links
 
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Not sure whether to choose this as701 over the audiophonics da-s250nc
I think you asked a similar question in another thread and I'll answer here some more.
The Yamaha has analogue inputs that might be handy including a phono pre-amp section. Additionally you get bass and treble, loudness and digital inputs although a bit limited with no USB in. As per power output they are both so close in tests here at ASR that the difference is almost not worth even mentioning. The Audiophonics has slightly cleaner amplifier output but again they are both in the good enough levels that the difference will not be heard and Bluetooth is in there too. If my money I would choose the Yamaha one day and then the next it might be the Audiophonics. They are both that good. Make your decision based on features and form factor.
 
Thanks for the clarification, it's mainly going to be used for 2.1 listening so maybe add a sub but I'm guessing both don't have high pass?
 
Pass
I think you asked a similar question in another thread and I'll answer here some more.
The Yamaha has analogue inputs that might be handy including a phono pre-amp section. Additionally you get bass and treble, loudness and digital inputs although a bit limited with no USB in. As per power output they are both so close in tests here at ASR that the difference is almost not worth even mentioning. The Audiophonics has slightly cleaner amplifier output but again they are both in the good enough levels that the difference will not be heard and Bluetooth is in there too. If my money I would choose the Yamaha one day and then the next it might be the Audiophonics. They are both that good. Make your decision based on features and form factor.
Thanks for the clarification, it's mainly going to be used for 2.1 listening so maybe add a sub but I'm guessing both don't have high pass?
 
Thanks for the clarification, it's mainly going to be used for 2.1 listening so maybe add a sub but I'm guessing both don't have high pass?
Like Yamaha's subwoofer output but no high pass at the speaker terminals.
index.php

The Audiophonics has no subwoofer output and maybe it has a menu driven high pass output. One needs to consult the owner's manual to confirm that.
index.php
 
Like Yamaha's subwoofer output but no high pass at the speaker terminals.
index.php

The Audiophonics has no subwoofer output and maybe it has a menu driven high pass output. One needs to consult the owner's manual to confirm that.
index.php
✌️
 
I checked the Audiophonics owner's manual and there are no tone controls or high pass output.
I checked the Audiophonics owner's manual and there are no tone controls or high pass output.
I don't use tone controls never have, that's why I want to get my first sub and benefit from it alone. I know it's not a big deal with having an amp with high pass, but would be nice to control the low end of the speakers. The other option is to get a Nad C379/C389 and use it's bluOs DSP that has high pass filtering but here in the UK it's £900 or £1400.
 
It is, but overkill price ratio with my current speakers (C389 that is) but C379 is good but less power which is not bad specs say 80w continuous and 250w dynamic power into 4 ohm. Doesn't meant much I guess.
 
Apologies if this has already been asked: can this amp be used as a power amp?

Since Yamaha A-S701 does not have PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN functionality/terminals, it cannot be used as pure power amp.

Within present-product-line Yamaha integrated amplifier series, A-S1200, A-S2200 and A-S3200 has PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN functionality/terminals to be used as power amplifier.
 
Since Yamaha A-S701 does not have PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN functionality/terminals, it cannot be used as pure power amp.

Within present-product-line integrated Yamaha amplifier series, A-S1200, A-S2200 and A-S3200 has PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN functionality/terminals to be used as power amplifier.
I use mine as a power amp with a Wiim ultra as a pre. I set the amp vol to an arbitrary level (just happens to be midday position), adjusted the sub volume to correspond to that (connected via sub out) using wiim settings and the subs own settings. The Wiim acts as a pre amp to control master volume. It works perfectly, just don't touch the amp volume control. Just think of it as a power amp with variable gain.
 
I use mine as a power amp with a Wiim ultra as a pre. I set the amp vol to an arbitrary level (just happens to be midday position), adjusted the sub volume to correspond to that (connected via sub out) using wiim settings and the subs own settings. The Wiim acts as a pre amp to control master volume. It works perfectly, just don't touch the amp volume control. Just think of it as a power amp with variable gain.

Not the same thing as a pre amp poweramp really. But I get it. I do the same with my Cambridge CXN v2 and CXA81.. :)
Since Yamaha A-S701 does not have PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN functionality/terminals, it cannot be used as pure power amp.

Within present-product-line Yamaha integrated amplifier series, A-S1200, A-S2200 and A-S3200 has PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN functionality/terminals to be used as power amplifier.

Oh that’s great to know.. I’m very interested in getting the A-S2200 towards the end of this year :)
So this would bypass the Yamaha volume control? And basically turn it into a poweramp . Nice!

Not sure whether to choose this as701 over the audiophonics da-s250nc

If I had to choose between a brand with a long history in everything connected to audio / music like Yamaha or Denon (loudspeakers, cartridges, recording studios, instruments.. and decades of experience with this stuff) vs basically another OEM type manufacturer I would go with the Brand manufacturer.. but that’s just me. YMMV :)


A used A-S1000 / 1200 is also great option for a „statement“ piece of equipment without having to sell a kidney.

These Class D amps are well designed and got it’s benefits that I don’t want to deny but a great looking amplifier like a Yamaha is something if you also want to look at your equipment.
 
I use mine as a power amp with a Wiim ultra as a pre. I set the amp vol to an arbitrary level (just happens to be midday position), adjusted the sub volume to correspond to that (connected via sub out) using wiim settings and the subs own settings. The Wiim acts as a pre amp to control master volume. It works perfectly, just don't touch the amp volume control. Just think of it as a power amp with variable gain.

Yes, you can do that.:)

I too even use my Yamaha A-S3000 (although it has PRE-OUT/MAIN-IN) just like you are doing, as shown in my latest signal path diagram below (for the details please visit my post here #931 on my project thread);
Fig03_WS00007533 (7).JPG


I wrote there (#931 on my project thread) regarding the pros of using integrated amplifiers in PC-DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver mulit-amplifier fully active audio system shown under the below spoiler cover;:D
I wrote there #931:
Here in this post, please let me emphasize again about the pros and merits of relative gain (i.e. tone) control not only in digital domain but also in analog domain using pre-amplifiers or integrated-amplifiers (in my setup). I recently wrote again in my post #56 on a remote thread like these;
Yes, as for safe and flexible tone controls (or I can say "relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers"), my stance (policy) at least, is that
we are encouraged to utilize the "best combination" of "DSP configuration in digital domain" and "analog domain tone controls using HiFi-grade preamplifiers and/or integrated amplifiers".

We need to note (and to respect for) that analog domain tone controls (relative gain controls among the multiple SP drivers) give no effect nor influence at all on the upstream DSP configuration (XO/EQ/Gain/Phase/Polarity/Group-Delay). I believe that this is a great merit of flexible tone controls in analog domain. We know well, on the other hand, in case if we would like to do the "tone/gain controls" only within DSP configurations, such DSP gain controls always affect more-or-less on "XO" "EQ" "phase" and "delay" of the DSP settings which will leads you to possible endless DSP tuning spirals every time; within DSP configurations, XO EQ Gain Phase and Delay are always not independent with each other, but they are always interdependent/on-interaction.

Just for your possible reference, my DSP-based multichannel multi-SP-driver multi-amplifier active system has flexible and safe analog level on-the-fly relative gain controls (in addition to upstream on-the-fly DSP gain controls) for L&R subwoofers, woofers, midrange-squawkers, tweeters, and super-tweeters, all independently and remotely. My post here shows you a typical example case for such safe and flexible on-the-fly analog-level tone controls. This my post (as well as
this post) would be also of your interest.

Of course, I know well that I (we) can also perform such relative gain control using DAC8PRO’s 8-channel output gain controllers. I do not like, however, to change the DAC8PRO’s output levels frequently on-the-fly (while listening to music) due to safety and inconvenience concerns; I like to keep DAC8PRO’s analog out gain level always at constant -4 dB which should remain to be usually “untouchable” in my case.

One of the very unique aspects/features of my multichannel audio rig is that I fully utilize four HiFi-grade “integrated amplifiers” plus L&R active subwoofers, each of them have its own gain (volume) controller for safe and flexible relative gain (tone) control in analog domain even on-the-fly i.e. while listening to music.

In this perspective, my posts #438 and #643 should also give you better understandings. Furthermore, my posts #317(remote thread), #313(remote thread) would be also of your reference and interest.
 
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Oh that’s great to know.. I’m very interested in getting the A-S2200 towards the end of this year :)
So this would bypass the Yamaha volume control? And basically turn it into a poweramp . Nice!
Yes, exactly!
 
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