Yamaha A-S701 Stereo Amplifier Review

[Settembrini]

How do the record/pb outputs and inputs work?
Are the inputs sth similar to a "main in" connection? I mean, do these inputs bypass the attenuation and eq stages?

 

[antcollinet]

How do the record/pb outputs and inputs work?
Are the inputs sth similar to a "main in" connection? I mean, do these inputs bypass the attenuation and eq stages?

Don’t think so - they are just 2 of the 3 analogue line inputs as far as I can see.

 

[jmtabernero]

How do the record/pb outputs and inputs work?
Are the inputs sth similar to a "main in" connection? I mean, do these inputs bypass the attenuation and eq stages?

These are tape/CD/MD/DAT recorder loops.

 

[early rejecter]

These are tape/CD/MD/DAT recorder loops.

Though technically not loops anymore, as Yamaha has sadly dropped the recording monitor function with this series.

 

[antcollinet]

Though technically not loops anymore, as Yamaha has sadly dropped the recording monitor function with this series.

Not a big surprise. I can't believe there are anything other than a tiny minority of users still recording to external analogue devices.

 

[early rejecter]

I can't believe there are anything other than a tiny minority of users still recording to external analogue devices.

I’m sure you’re right about that. I don’t do any recording anymore, but I use my tape loops all the time — they’re perfect for adding e.g. a MiniDSP or other processors/EQ, and I also use it to switch in and out a streaming device depending on whether I’m prioritizing no latency or syncing with other systems in the house. I get that it’s a use case that likely isn’t worth catering to. This review thread fortunately made me aware of the discontinued R-S700, which I was able to pick up cheaply, and it’s just about the perfect receiver for me — tape loops, pre-out/main-in jacks, and switchable zone 2 output.

 

[xevman]

I miss mine, might buy it back again

 

[Gideon]

Hi everyone,
I found this Yamaha for 530€ (open box) and I was wondering if it delivers enough power to drive a pair of Polk R700 (87dB/4Ω) to an average SPL between 75-80 dB in a listening distance of 2-3m - I have checked the Crown Calculator but the parameter called "headroom" got me lost since I don't really understand what this concept means and how (if at all) it relates to the notion of "dynamic range"
Thank you so much for reading!

 

[JRob1125]

I’m sure you’re right about that. I don’t do any recording anymore, but I use my tape loops all the time — they’re perfect for adding e.g. a MiniDSP or other processors/EQ, and I also use it to switch in and out a streaming device depending on whether I’m prioritizing no latency or syncing with other systems in the house. I get that it’s a use case that likely isn’t worth catering to. This review thread fortunately made me aware of the discontinued R-S700, which I was able to pick up cheaply, and it’s just about the perfect receiver for me — tape loops, pre-out/main-in jacks, and switchable zone 2 output.

Each year that passes, the more proud I am of buying the R-S700 in 2017. It's practically a vintage receiver made with modern parts. I don't think there's anything new on the market like it. These days I only see integrated amps that are purely analog

 

[ZolaIII]

Hi everyone,
I found this Yamaha for 530€ (open box) and I was wondering if it delivers enough power to drive a pair of Polk R700 (87dB/4Ω) to an average SPL between 75-80 dB in a listening distance of 2-3m - I have checked the Crown Calculator but the parameter called "headroom" got me lost since I don't really understand what this concept means and how (if at all) it relates to the notion of "dynamic range"
Thank you so much for reading!

It will drive them to full calibration point (85/88 dB white noise) no sweat.

 

[Gideon]

It will drive them to full calibration point (85/88 dB white noise) no sweat.

Cheers! I appreciate it

 

[ZolaIII]

Each year that passes, the more proud I am of buying the R-S700 in 2017. It's practically a vintage receiver made with modern parts. I don't think there's anything new on the market like it. These days I only see integrated amps that are purely analog

After R-S and A-S 700 (discontinued lot later) they keept the amplifier part in A-S and now R-N line but analog input went to integrated one (from Yamahas property motorised semi mechanical one) with SNR degradation of some 7~10 dB. On the other hand newer A-S 800 and N-R 1000A have good DAC's so you can use it feed digital instead.

 

[Member 90125]

I picked up a refurbished A-S701 from Accessories4Less for about $600 not too long ago. I stream Tidal and run TV through a Wiim Pro Plus (using the Wiim DAC and light EQ) into it. With my Polk R-600's and an RSL 10e sub- and it sounds amazing to me. I appreciate the ASR review and comments running through this thread- they really sold me on the choice. I have no doubt this will be the heart of my system for many years to come. Balanced, beautiful sound, plenty of power, aesthetically very pleasing to my eye- I just love the darned thing.

 

[SigmaR1]

After R-S and A-S 700 (discontinued lot later) they keept the amplifier part in A-S and now R-N line but analog input went to integrated one (from Yamahas property motorised semi mechanical one) with SNR degradation of some 7~10 dB. On the other hand newer A-S 800 and N-R 1000A have good DAC's so you can use it feed digital instead.

Does it mean that A s700 and R S700 do not have the "bad" Yamaha's semi-integrated analog input? Thanks!

 

[Mr_RGB]

Thanks to this thread I now own two R-S700s! I use one as preamp-tuner and another as a receiver. Love the pre-main connection on the R-S700.

 

[ZolaIII]

Does it mean that A s700 and R S700 do not have the "bad" Yamaha's semi-integrated analog input? Thanks!

No they have motorised old analog one which is better (SNR).

 

[smclk89]

I have 2 small questions. If I replace the DENON DRA 800H model with this one, is it worth the expense? Does the subwoofer continue to play in PUDE MOD?
Regards, thank you. Everything is so expensive in Türkiye, damn country.

 

[ZolaIII]

I have 2 small questions. If I replace the DENON DRA 800H model with this one, is it worth the expense? Does the subwoofer continue to play in PUDE MOD?
Regards, thank you. Everything is so expensive in Türkiye, damn country.

Even AS-701 is much better amplifier to DRA 800H which is also quirky you won't really gain much. How about WiiM Ultra (Pure direct into 800H) instead?

 

[smclk89]

Even AS-701 is much better amplifier to DRA 800H which is also quirky you won't really gain much. How about WiiM Ultra (Pure direct into 800H) instead?

Pc>Fiio K7>Dra 800h I use it as such. I am actually satisfied, but this disease constantly provokes people to ask why it shouldn't be higher.
So your opinion is that I won't see any difference? thanks.

 

[ZolaIII]

Pc>Fiio K7>Dra 800h I use it as such. I am actually satisfied, but this disease constantly provokes people to ask why it shouldn't be higher.
So your opinion is that I won't see any difference? thanks.

It will be too small to justify the spending. WiiM proposal whose more for PEQ and room EQ but if you do that on PC (and lot better) them you don't need it. R-N 1000A is good enough to ditch the DAC and PC but price ain't great. Perhaps invest in speakers instead.