Yamaha A-S701 Stereo Amplifier Review

[Bernard23]

I had the same dilemma and got the 501, and my room is bigger. I think the biggest difference between them is the dac, which tells you how similar they are.

The 1200 is a completely different design and components. They're beautifully made, though whether you'll really hear much of a difference. The 1xxx, 2xxx and 3xxx are objects of aesthetic engineering beauty 8f those things are important. (ftr I'd have one if I had that kind of spare cash to fritter)

 

[catch22]

Also why the absurd gap in price between 701 and 1200?

Comparing sound fidelity alone, it is not worth it.
But taking into account build quality, the gap is really not absurd at all.
The 1100/1200 series and above are next level.
Plus, beautiful VU meters

P.S. Since you don't care about the DAC, you might consider the 700 for half the price of the 701.

 

[catch22]

I had the same dilemma and got the 501, and my room is bigger. I think the biggest difference between them is the dac, which tells you how similar they are.

The 1200 is a completely different design and components. They're beautifully made, though whether you'll really hear much of a difference. The 1xxx, 2xxx and 3xxx are objects of aesthetic engineering beauty 8f those things are important. (ftr I'd have one if I had that kind of spare cash to fritter)

didn't see your response when posting mine

 

[antcollinet]

The 701 is around 30% more expensive for what on paper looks like a relatively small increase. (15W @8 Ohm) They would drive a pair of Wharfedale Super Lintons which are rated a 6Ohm.

40W (120 to 160) based on max power specs, 20W based on high dynamic power specs. (your 6 home rated = 150 to 170). Your 15W increase (85 to 100) is just 0.7dB

Either way the difference is only 1.2dB for the former or 0.5 dB for the latter.


Most of the other specs look similar or identical. I would certainly not pay +30% for such a small power increase. You get a lot of value for the money with both amps. Moreso, I would say with the 501.

I am not too worried about the DAC since I am happy with my CD Player a Denon DCD 900NE,

In any case you would not hear any difference between the DACs - even if there is a measurable one.

 

[Ruediger]

Interesting review!

I see I probably didn't miss anything with never using any digital-in or phono-in on my A-S301.

Actually swapped it out for a Vibelink Amp. But hesitant to let it go - they are just not that much value on the used market. That's different with the bigger ones of course.

If I ever want another simple, good class AB amp I would buy from this lineup again. But not without spending some time looking for used x00/x000 models!

 

[Willem]

A few years ago I bought an A-S501 for my daughter for only 350 euros. That was quite a bit cheaper than the A-S701, for not much less power. It clearly was the sweet spot in the range. I added a Chromecast Audio and with some decent speakers she was and is all set for music and for much improved TV sound.

 

[SigmaR1]

ANd what's about a very affordable R S700 recever? I know that It's usually considered rubbish by the audiophile community, but in France, for less than 200 euros you get a A S700 + a FM synthoniser including the possibility to split the preamplifier and the power amp. I've got one myself

 

[ZolaIII]

ANd what's about a very affordable R S700 recever? I know that It's usually considered rubbish by the audiophile community, but in France, for less than 200 euros you get a A S700 + a FM synthoniser including the possibility to split the preamplifier and the power amp. I've got one myself

It's A-S 700 with radio tuner but got disconnected earlier. They wouldn't know what's good even it hit them.

 

[SentientNr6]

Thanks everyone! Bought it and started listening to it this weekend. What can I say?! It's great. The EQ is really useful and I love the loudness control. That feature is so good I cannot understand why more manufacturers don't offer it.
Next step is looking for a decent streamer that can can serve an USB drive full of CD rips.

 

[Ruediger]

Next step is looking for a decent streamer that can can serve an USB drive full of CD rips.

One usb drive will hardly be a challenge. I recommend the WiiM streamers. That Yamaha offers line-in and a direct analogue path. Together with a very good DAC from a modern streamer that is a very nice combo.

 

[Bernard23]

One important consideration between the A-S501 and the A-S700 is the latter has a pre out / main in. I'm not sure of the A-S500 has the same feature, if so same argument applies for users of something like a Wiim ultra whete you're using the Wiim as a preamp including sub management. That's how I use my Ultra which means I'm only using the 501 as a power amp, I have to avoid touching the volume control on the amp otherwise the sub and mains go out of balance. It's a real pita when visitors unknowingly fiddle with the amp volume, not the Wiim. Main in would remove that problem.

 

[antcollinet]

One important consideration between the A-S501 and the A-S700 is the latter has a pre out / main in.

As far as I can see the connections between 501 and 701 are identical and nether have pre out/main in. Nor does the 700 if the manual I am seeing is to be believed.

 

[Bernard23]

As far as I can see the connections between 501 and 701 are identical and nether have pre out/main in. Nor does the 700 if the manual I am seeing is to be believed.

My error. I'd read on another post somewhere that it did, seems you're right it doesn't. The RS-700 does though, bizarrely. Not sure about the 1xxx and above but you'd hope so.

 

[SentientNr6]

you're using the Wiim as a preamp including sub management. That's how I use my Ultra which means I'm only using the 501 as a power amp, I have to avoid touching the volume control on the amp

Is the WiiM sub management so good that you opt for it as compared to the sub out of the amp?

I wanted to buy a streamer for the usb storage to analog only and hence was looking at the Ultra but also at the Cambridge Audio MXN10. Both seem to have good smartphone apps.

 

[Bernard23]

Is the WiiM sub management so good that you opt for it as compared to the sub out of the amp?

I wanted to buy a streamer for the usb storage to analog only and hence was looking at the Ultra but also at the Cambridge Audio MXN10. Both seem to have good smartphone apps.

Yes. The Wiim can set a custom crossover in both F and roll off. It can also time align the sub to the mains. You can also elect to either push the full range through the main speakers, or roll them off to match the sub. Roomfit will adjust everything once you've decided how to configure your system. The Yamaha does none of that, simply adds a 75Hz low pass filter.

Save your money and get the Wiim. The updates are regular and driven by user feedback from the user forum. It's a refreshing business model tbh and works well.

 

[ZolaIII]

Yes. The Wiim can set a custom crossover in both F and roll off. It can also time align the sub to the mains. You can also elect to either push the full range through the main speakers, or roll them off to match the sub. Roomfit will adjust everything once you've decided how to configure your system. The Yamaha does none of that, simply adds a 75Hz low pass filter.

Save your money and get the Wiim. The updates are regular and driven by user feedback from the user forum. It's a refreshing business model tbh and works well.

Low self filter and that's for amps only with sub out, R-N and AVR line have YPAO for good and bad it brings. It's only one with automatic equal loudness compensation in higher tier of such (YPAO automatic loudness). Former is rare and hard to have, don't get me wrong I don't fancy either and quite like much more DSP control by my self. Music Cast is fine (not great but there isn't such thing anyhow regarding the app).

 

[putridspecies]

Just picked up an open box Yamaha as501 at a very good price and what can I say, it’s great. I didn’t have to spend a ton of money and it should last me through any future speaker upgrades. I just wish it had 12v trigger in and quicker auto standby, I’ve been spoiled by a wiim pro plus + topping and Fosi. But I was looking for an all in one integrated amp with phono, trying to eliminate so many boxes and cables. This thing is chunky but I do love the look of it and blends in nicely with the rest of my system. Price to performance I am very happy with it

 

[Steven Holt]

Just picked up an open box Yamaha as501 at a very good price and what can I say, it’s great. I didn’t have to spend a ton of money and it should last me through any future speaker upgrades. I just wish it had 12v trigger in and quicker auto standby, I’ve been spoiled by a wiim pro plus + topping and Fosi. But I was looking for an all in one integrated amp with phono, trying to eliminate so many boxes and cables. This thing is chunky but I do love the look of it and blends in nicely with the rest of my system. Price to performance I am very happy with it

buddy, welcome to the club!

 

[EXIF68]

My Yamaha A-S2100 has an issue in the last time: After a hour of playing on decent levels, the amp switches off due to trigger of protection circuit.
Then I have done som research because of this behavior: the LED above the power switch is indicating the kind of error: Thermal overheating!
But that couldn’t be true. The amp goes only hand warm. The impedance of my speakers are also not a real problem: ProAc Tablette 10 Signature has 10 Ohm nominal impedance.
So there must be a problem with the temperature sensing in the device.
Any ideas what could be done in this case?

 

[Overseas]

Temp sensor, if any ?