Hi-Fi Japan! Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier Review! (Take 2, Ep:24)

[@davidt8438]

I have owned this integrated amp for at least four months now and it definitely needs some breaking in for the tonality to settle down. You will notice a big difference after 10 - 15 hours and another big difference after about 30 hours. The treble softens and the lower bass comes alive. It has plenty of power even in a 16 x 30 foot space. I have driven JBL century 100 (original 1975) as well as Infinity rs3 with Emit tweeters and my current Paradigm 95f with no problem in terms of efficiency even with the Infinity’s but after about an hour of listening to both the JBL 100 and the Paradigms at high levels simultaneously (enough to notice ear pain) did I experience or start to hear distortion due to the impedance being out of range. (Remember this was loud, very loud) After leaving the amp to cool several hours I returned and the sound was back to normal. I did notice the bass really improved when I hit 50 hours of usage and the midrange opened up to what I can only describe as lovely clear and balanced. While I too wish you could control the tone controls with the remote, what I really wish was that it had a loudness switch for low levels of listening. You’re right when you say the build quality is outstanding. This thing is built with pride. I also wish the volume control had a small indicator light so I could tell where I was at from a distance. Other than those minor gripes I think this amp would satisfy most everyone with the means to buy it. I will say that this amp is very revealing and you will notice the short comings of whatever speaker you use and the placement of those speakers so you do have to be more careful with setup but once you get it right you can settle down to blissful listening and start saving up again for your dream speakers. I’m very happy with it and thank you for giving an honest review.

[@olaniyi570]

What you said about break-in is correct. I have an AS-1100. Nowhere near the price of the AS-3200, but it had that same lack of "grunt" in the lower regions. However, after an extensive break-in period (with mine, it was significantly longer than what you are reporting), the lower registers came alive. Never underestimate break-in.

[@willbrink]

Retro looks, modern sound, high end components and build = win win. That's quality worth paying for if you can make the $ squeeze. I'm not big into the nostalgia looks per se, but I get the attraction for sure. A statement piece and the last integrated one may ever need (vs want!).

[@snowrang3r657]

I love my A-S2200, at around half the price it certainly has more bang/$ but no doubt the 3200 is a wicked statement piece. If anything I'd say Yamaha's site does a poor job telling you the differences between the 1200/2200/3200, there is more than they list in the brief marketing materials.

[@massimilianozeni1848]

I definitely agree, if you check their materials it seems they changed to fully balanced and changed internal cabling only which would be absurd given the fairly different price point. would like to test them side by side, might do it here at yamaha

[@nyxsplitter7168]

I have the as3000 for a year now love the look ,and sounds amazing.

[@RoyFJ65]

Yamaha have made great amps and speakers starting with the legendary NS-1000 to their B-2, M series and MX series amp so its nice to see that even in this day and age when true stereo is out of fasion they are still offering these gems. This amp is truly one such gem combined with their NS-3000/5000 speakers. Great nice and balanced review btw.

[@SzymonMelewski]

When I purchased Yamaha as3000 two years ago for silly money friends and forum members laughed... yet once they heard it they were speechless but didn't want to admit they were wrong. Sound is subjective what I like some might not but please don't cross off a amp without listening.

[@joshuamirabal9891]

Yamaha says it best "the amplifier is meant to step out of the way of the music".

[@wm2357]

I have the as3000 and it worth every penny.

[@arunhembram1859]

Have you compared it with other amplifiers?

[@davidslaney65]

@Jingle Nuts how’s the Dac sound in the CD player, I’m not blessed with any dealers and have been considering buying it

[@dennishill290]

Correct...!

[@kazmisadiq]

It would be great if you can also review the Yamaha A-S2200 and compare it with the Denon 110 anniversary edition

[@tomsmith338]

I would love to hear from your perspective, how this A-S3200 compares to that Denon PMA-A110 I see sitting in your rack.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Interesting. Once you put a proper power cord on it and powerbar and source, then Yamaha usually gets a lot better at the higher listening volumes. Also takes a while to break in many times.

[@SzymonMelewski]

Any recommendation on good quality power cord and power bar?

[@RealHIFIHelp]

@@SzymonMelewski Hop on my channel and look through my circa 300 videos, there I cover that in detail.

[@Roof_Pizza]

LOLZ. Like they'd scrimp and use an inferior piece.

[@sv1201]

@@Roof_Pizza Yes, the power cable that comes with a-s models is really good and doesn't really need an upgrade.

[@olaniyi570]

PowerBar? Personally, I would never use a PowerBar with any of yamaha's higher end stuff.

[@moustachio334]

On a bench test there’s no more than a 1.5db difference anywhere along the frequency spectrum from 20hz to 20khz. What you’re hearing is not the amplifier. You’re never going to hear an amplifier. You’re going to hear how that amplifier reacts to the resistance, sensitivity, drivers, and crossovers in your speakers and then from there you’re hearing the acoustics of your room. If the sound is too trebly, it’s just revealing a fault in your room acoustics or speakers. The Yamaha supplies plenty of power. Your speakers tweeters are actually being driven hard enough and you’re just now realizing you bought the wrong speakers for your room setup. Who am I going to believe? So called audiophiles who probably never played an instrument or someone like Alan Parsons that called these morons out decades ago?

[@marklennon4664]

Don't think he considered system synergy at all.

[@juliangst]

Yamaha really makes some great gear recently. I hope some reviewer will do a review on the 5000 series especially the NS5000 speakers which seem to be one of the best speakers in their price range accoding to the few written reviews that are out.

[@moustachio334]

It blows my mind that Yamaha has speakers made of zylon now. That’s an expensive material. I can imagine the speakers just disappear in the room.

[@Slim-man1977]

It all depends of the speakers. generaly i will pick up a paire of speakers that are smooth at the the top end and boosted a bit at the midbase and you get rid of the brightness or the lack of the midbase effect. I m using dali rubicon2 with the as2100 and the match is greit but with the Opticon serie and Monitor Audio silver are not as greit. dark,smooth and bassy speakers are to recommend like Dali rubicon/Epicon ,Dynaudio, Harbeth,Proac System-Audio and even Martin Logan are a good match

[@moustachio334]

Too many people focus solely on the receiver and not the right speakers or even their own room acoustics.

[@petethegreekre]

Tone controls is a great thing.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Not for me 😉

[@Pinio7063227]

Hello. Great video Yamaha a-s3200 vs hegel h390. Maby yamaha is better choice for my aria 948 ?

[@olmasterpl]

How about the current efficiency of this amplifier? Has someone used it with demanding loudspeakers with electrostatic ribbons, such as Infinity with EMIM and EMIT? Thanks!

[@nebulusnebulus6503]

Yamaha A-S series integrated amps needs 300 hours break-in to reach its plenty power and proper quality.

[@SirMountainpass]

My Creek Destiny 2 has never sounded better than today - 13 years after I purchased it as a new item 😅

[@massimilianozeni1848]

HI Jay, it would be nice to understand how this compare to the Kinki studio and the other super integrated you rated so high in your list. Supernait 3, Hegel H190, NAD M33. You didn't mention this in the review of the Kinki monoblock, make me feel you didn't like it that much or maybe you found it good but not to your taste. Many says the actual gem of the Yamaha line up is actually the a-s 1200 which has very similar sound from the amplification (probably much worse for phono and earphone but not everyone needs them) but cost way less. I would love to see your review on the entry level model. ciao

[@arunhembram1859]

You are killing it.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Balanced review, rare to hear caveats, this piece isn't for me but love the choice as it is an endgame amp for the 99%.

[@yippie6862]

No comparison to the Denon A110???

[@davidbenson5371]

No matter what you say $7500.00 is a lot of money in the sense that there are a lot of other high end manufactures in that price range. While the Yamaha is well made, if I were considering it I would certainly take a look at others before making a purchase decision.

[@MichaelBlum-c3v]

NO! Denons Build-Quality so much better!

[@AntonioPerez-gj7js]

Stepping up your filmmaking skills! Good review 👌

[@DBravo29er]

Wow. Vintage Yamaha is BACK. Do you think the sibilant stuff would diminish after some use, Soulsik?

[@davidperry4013]

Imagine pairing Q acoustic concept 500s with this receiver?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Great review again! I would love to have the chance to compare this Yamaha to the Pass Int-60 🤤

[@daudiophile]

I’ve owned both Int60 and 3200 they sound more alike than different with Yammy has more snap and Pass more mellow perhaps a bit more holographic but not as clear as Yamaha. Just my 2 cents cheers!

[@nitinsoniism]

@@daudiophilethanks! What about bass? Which one performs better when it comes to bass?

[@daudiophile]

Bass is equally good in both units. Pass is no bass monster and you’ll get better bass control out of Luxmans ie Luxman 509x

[@nitinsoniism]

@@daudiophile thanks!

[@devwhit]

“... but if you see it for what it costs - $7,000 - you will note that this thing is frickin’ expensive.”

[@NiSHAN256]

You don't have to say "in my opinion" every other sentence, this whole review is your opinion right 😅?

[@aussie8114]

Very very very few amps allow for tone control on the remote. But I agree that it’s a feature which is desirable and useful.

[@jedknutson8373]

my Rotel does...

[@dangrass]

A thing of great beauty. But I have to say, it makes the Macintosh MAC7200 seem like a bargain at $8k.

[@Rickky007]

That amplifier will probably out live you .

[@paulgauci4903]

i used to own the as 3000 and unfortunatly it gave me a lot of issues ,sorry guys for the money at least it should be made in japan ,so will look else where

[@joshuamirabal9891]

K bot

[@sylvainbiensur7370]

what issues ? its 5 years warranty dude.

[@MichaelBlum-c3v]

Bad Build- Quality😂

[@MichaelBlum-c3v]

5 years... wohoooo.... Ans a year Later??!

[@aussie8114]

That’s my concern with it, though my dealer said they’ve never had issues with the AS range. May be correct or may be bullshit. Had considered the 3200 but might pay the extra for the Accuphase 4000.

[@genaishivatov1737]

Compared 3200 to Luxman 505 uxII. The second is much better for me. For the same price, you can buy a great MM cartridge and a mediocre MC.

[@antonioinacioconceicaoreis9004]

Bether than Denon? PMA 110?

[@vikaschhaunkar]

At 7000 USD, I had expected dual mono right to toroids. Rest can be assured that this engineered piece will be the part of your will .

[@henriksrensen3220]

Hi Jay. Fine review, but I prefer the warmer and more relaxing sound of the Gryphon amp.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@Lion-vv8dq Gryphon Diablo 120 er den måske bedste forstærker i klassen.

[@normanleach5427]

Finally an alternative to consider. Thx

[@ilisbsd]

Too expensive for me yet)) but still thank you for the review

[@go2mac]

No loudness control.

[@xsamitt]

I love loudness control!!!! A must a low volume levels!!!

[@fletchermunson6225]

While I always liked my inexpensive S801, I cringe at $7000 for an amp. I guess it hinges on what you consider your disposable income. With the virus, I guess you could spend that $7000 you wold previously spend on a trip to Europe, and buy an amp. Cant take it with you.

[@Cooliewhistles]

For me , Ive had integrated amps around $800. I could see myself splurging up to 2k for an amazing one, but absolutely no point in going above that...

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@Cooliewhistles I went from a S801 to a Schiit Raganok2. I'm done.

[@sheerenergy8602]

Build quality and looks is beautiful, but the sound it's not for me. And not for many bright speakers, were is plenty of this sound signature in hi-end speakers. Yamaha is targeting some kind of niche with it for dark, heavy sounding speakers.

[@moustachio334]

I wonder what those treble and bass knobs do

[@sheerenergy8602]

@@moustachio334 Are you trying to be sarcastic? If so, I suggest you to correct your knowledge, why audiophiles dont want to use equalizer. I give you a hint, bypassing that eqalization is called "pure direct" and equalizer is not called pure equalizer.

[@sv1201]

@@sheerenergy8602 The problem with Yamaha amps is that they change sound so much after burning-in so speaker selections are difficult, but once they settle, they are great.

[@gregoryeiding5395]

An audio reviewer who doesn’t have a turntable set up! Sacrilege!!!!! Jk - I don’t have one either - my kind of reviewer!

[@kristiantizzard7796]

These amps are a shadow of the Japanese super integrated of the 70s/80s. I’m sure this amp sounds great but the aesthetic design isn’t there. The accuphase e270 is closer to the classic look, insanely well built and costs less.

[@meshplates]

So it's a lean sounding amp. no thank you!

[@Andrew-do4jy]

3200? Are you joking? This is a very very meaty sounding amplifier. No way you can call it as a lean sound. Very full body sound!

[@moustachio334]

@@Andrew-do4jy he’s just a dumbass pulling a generalization from a compressed KZbin video. I’ve seen expensive systems set up in rooms with terrible acoustics. It’s better to be too bright and have a treble control than to be dull without a treble control. This KZbin review goes in contradicts most reviews anyways so take it for what’s its worth.

[@bigjay1970]

Great review! A silly product when luxman is knocking on your door! Buy the 2,200 and with the left over money buy Tesla stock and in three months time, you can buy a frigen car!🙄🙄🤭😒 Watch how that one works out people in the coming months! I just couldn't resist!🤭🤭🤔🤫😇

[@sylvainbiensur7370]

you will have to sell your Tesla stock at a loss, go for the 3200...😆

[@benbow7998]

Sound like you are working for yamaha

[@rhwinner]

If I were looking to buy a boat anchor integrated like this I wouldn't get one built at some satellite factory in Malaysia I'd just get a Macintosh with their lifetime warranty. Ymmv.

[@amirjubran1845]

Calling it a satellite factory is a bit of an overstatement. Yamaha made that factory many years ago and the staff they have there is very skilled and experienced. So much so that there's hearsay that Yamaha can't go back to Japan because they would have to start all over and the quality would take a hit.

[@csabakereszturi945]

Maybe a butterfly’s lifetime.

[@sv1201]

That Malaysian factory builds them for the Japanese domestic market too, so if it's good for that one it's good enough for any other market.

[@pennfootball71]

LMAO He said Statement piece!!! I love you Jay man but come on. This is no set of mola mola Kaluga monoblocks with a Makua preamp and tambaqui dac!

[@mikrophonie5633]

Wow those are some expensive feet.

[@dennishill290]

Yamaha... !

[@haihophan]

2/3 of the vdo and you keep talking about the same "craftsmanship", urrrrrg

[@mat.b.]

guy talking about "MM and MC" and doesnt even know what the words mean

[@MichaelBlum-c3v]

Bad Built-Quality.... No Phono Xlr-Ins! Transformator Low-Cost( not shielded)😂

[@TajitsuTakeuchi]

山水 アルファ リファレンスオーディオアンプ ?

[@pennfootball71]

I mean it’s designed for Japan they like treble canons. A lot of them even put marble bases on their speakers to make them ring more treble canons! It’s just not neutral. It doesn’t have a lot of power either. Ugh! I spent $7600 on my used Mola Mola Kaluga’s for crying out loud.

[@joshuamirabal9891]

You'll never hear an amplifier impart any sonic signature on a system unless it's broken.

[@pennfootball71]

@@joshuamirabal9891 you obviously are completely clueless because they all have different sounds from different amplifiers in different companies!

[@net_news]

nice piece of jewelry, generic amplifier.

[@이병욱-e1y]

야마하도 망하냐 요즘 재고 밀어내기하는 모양인데 속지 마라 일본에서도 중급인 오디오 한때 한국 아남도 야마하만큼은 만들었다

[@tomwebb7091]

I bought the previous AS3000 very early on.... beautiful BUT.... thats it.... the sound quality is utterly meh to the point of blandness and emotionless. The look is stunning, the build is good quality and the meters are hypnotic but again it was very annoying to listen too as it just doesnt serve the music at all... very matter of fact, tonally dry and extremely closed in sound compared to the 24watt valve amp i replaced it with. This almost totally identical model COULD be much better but i seriously doubt it and clearly Yama has sent out some demo models and golden handshakes to reviewers all over the world who are only full of praise for this new one. Well im not so easily fooled anymore so dont let the looks and build fool you people, this is likely a poor mans Luxman/Accuphase and a glorified £1k home receiver at best!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

That transformer is puny compared to my Krell's, which is 2000 VA, and my amp cost much less than what this one costs.

[@briandorsey6437]

Transformers have a lot more to do than just be bigger…. Is yours the same quality transformer with the same materials and build quality or is it just a bigger transformer? It’s just a bigger much cheaper probably not terroidial transformer