Yamaha A-S701 Stereo Amplifier Review

[BlueMax]

My sources apart from the Ultra are Oppo BDP-105D, Yamaha CD-S303, Apple TV box and TV decoder box. No analogue sources in this setup.

I don’t use subwoofer since Harbeth SHL5 XD have plenty of bass for music that I listen to and I don’t apply any DSP room correction in the Ultra since bass from my speakers in my room is OK and I don’t believe DSP is any good for frequencies above Schroeder.

Yes, I find volume control and remote on the Yamaha to be very convenient to use, especially that I control my Yamaha CD player from the same remote.

PS I have another Harbeth based system (M30.3 XD2) with analogue sources too. I use QUAD 34 as phono preamp and some Elite mono power amps there but I’m just thinking about getting a used Yamaha A-S1200 for that system and use its in-built phono preamp for convenience and a little bit of luxury.

 

[ZolaIII]

@BlueMax let's just say I DSP a lot, it's not true DSP isn't useful above shoulder and I tried to explain to you how bass is a live thing. You do need limited accustic treatment to focus highs and even mids a bit, DSP can't focus such diffusion. I moved mostly to use server and PC with JRiver as its AV setup and control most of the things including volume trough phone app but that's me and it's 2.2 setup. To get automatic loudness compensation on the amp you nead to go with higher end Yamaha R-N (2000A) and it still ain't neither as good as proper ISO 226 2003 or 2.2. I use EBU R128 on sources I have and synced DX Show for movie's (it's a beemer setup) but some input sources which are far off still need quick adjustments. I try to use as least remotes I can (and I can with a phone and WiFi outlets for sub's). Follow strict I/O when I can (even setup is far from complied as it can be).

 

[bob77]

I'm truly interested in this amp to drive DALI Oberon 5 loudspeakers.
I have got an old Yamaha Pianocraft E600 paired with those speakers and I typically listen with volume knob set lower than 9 o'clock. Hardly ever I turn it higher than 11 o'clock because then it is really loud and neighbours might be upset. Pianocraft doesn't have loudness, so for my typical volumes I need to use bass knob.
I wonder if it makes any sense to upgrade Pianocraft amp to A-S701. Will I hear any difference?

 

[Ruediger]

I'm truly interested in this amp to drive DALI Oberon 5 loudspeakers.
I have got an old Yamaha Pianocraft E600 paired with those speakers and I typically listen with volume knob set lower than 9 o'clock. Hardly ever I turn it higher than 11 o'clock because then it is really loud and neighbours might be upset. Pianocraft doesn't have loudness, so for my typical volumes I need to use bass knob.
I wonder if it makes any sense to upgrade Pianocraft amp to A-S701. Will I hear any difference?

The Dali Oberon 5 are no difficult to drive speakers.

If you would hear a difference depends mainly on your sources in my opinion. The A-S701 is a superb amp capable of making a lot out of a good signal you feed it.

Don't expect too much of a change. But I would get the better amp nonetheless. I had a lot of Yamaha amps and in my eyes the A-S amps are real keepers.