In Depth Yamaha A-S301 Review a different take from Z Reviews

In this one I take a look at an excellent entry level hi-fi integrated amplifier. I come at from a different perspective than the only other actual review on KZbin I could find on this amp which is from the reviewer known as Z Reviews.
amzn.to/2Q9bqmx

[@hifi-lofi]

I bought this amp last year. I initially was attracted to it due to its array of inputs, which I needed for my collection of audio gear. I wanted the A-S801 but my budget wouldn’t allow it at the time. I didn’t think this lower powered sibling would drive my Dali Oberon 5 speakers adequately; I was wrong; I never have the volume control over halfway. This amp outperforms not only what it says on paper it but its price range too. It never breaks a sweat and always sounds composed, regardless of demand and conditions. I don’t believe anything comes close at this price point and perhaps not even at higher price points.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Yeah it's a great amp glad it's working out for you.

[@ZiggyAndTheSpiderFromMars]

I was also amazed the headphone amp on this Yamaha even drives AKG 701's to their limits, really made this purchase for me.

[@AT-wl9yq]

The position of the volume knob has absolutely nothing to do with how much power the amp has. If you have 2 source components, one may put out 2v and the other 3v. That means, in order to achieve the same volume level as your 3v source, you need to turn the amp up more because the signal is weaker. The amp is still going to put out the same exact amount of power regardless of which of the 2 sources you choose. In fact, if you have really efficient speakers, its sometimes necessary to install some type of resistor in between the source output and the amp input, to give you a more useful volume range.

[@PrettyGreenVinylGuy]

This will be my exact set up. Glad to hear it works well.

[@thomaswachter7782]

I bought this unit in part by your excellent review. It is very good indeed. I actually like the loudness feature, but I use it very judiciously if at all. It's all the amp most people will ever need.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad it helped you make a decision!

[@philchapman1463]

I sold Yamaha amp years ago when the yamaha introduced the loudness control, it was introduced to enhance bass naturally. All other amps would have a "loudness" button you would press at low volume to bump up the bass (a bass boost). So Yamaha came up with the idea of rolling off the mids and highs instead. Its work like this, you crank up the volume and get a nice bass tone going and then you use the loudness control to roll back the mids and highs thus bringing down the amp to a lower listen level but allowing the amp to drive the bass with full current going to it, thus no artificial boost but yet a strong bass response. Its quite a brilliant idea and works well when you understand what it does and how to teak it. It's great with klipsch speakers that can be a bit forward in it projection of sound. The loudness control helps tame that. This also help with speakers that have low bass output because you drive a lot of current to the bass.

[@williamclark2730]

Thank you why is that hard to understand

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

The loudness control changes the freq response by lowering midrange gain thereby leading to a u or v shaped contour. This is useful for quiet listening. You can see it as a supplement to treble and bass controls: a midrange control. Comes in handy sometimes. Purists can bypass the tone controls anyway by going 'direct'. I like to have the option.

[@rishalj]

loved the review. ive owned this amp now for almost 2 years and i love it but when i bought it i really had no idea what i was getting into and there were almost no online reviews available.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad you liked it.

[@stephencostello1296]

Thanks for the thoroughly informative video. I fall into the normal category and been researching articles and videos like yours and I'm gonna go for it. I have an old Akai from the 80's and it's finally ran out of steam . With pretty good speakers I have,, with this amp and a turntable upgrade ,, music will be like hearing it for the first time. Thanks again for helping me decide and have a great one buddy. Cheers to you ,, well done👍 .

[@smay7733]

Thank you very much for your review! I've been thinking about replacing my old Pioneer VSX-520 with the A-S301, and I feel much more confident about that choice after watching your review.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad it helped.

[@phoenixrising4073]

I'm running this amp but upgraded to a Topping D50s dac, and it did improve the sound a touch over the integrated dac. Not night and day difference but it is a little better, plus it has a really good Bluetooth. Powering it with a battery pack even though I know I could just hook it into the Yamaha's usb power. Good review, been running mine 5 years now and it still sounds as good as the day I got it.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Awesome glad it's working well for you.

[@svalbard01]

I appreciate this in-depth review. Good stuff. I note from the transcript that you say "obviously" 29X. That means that something is obvious about this amp only once every 1.5 seconds, approximately. Which means there's a lot that's not obvious, and your review was helpful in that regard. I learned a lot (obviously!). Thank you.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Well glad you liked the review but if you're going to be "that guy" at least get your pedantry right sure maybe I said obviously 29x but that wouldn't even be once a minute since the review is over 45 MINUTES LONG you would be correct if my review was only one minute long OBVIOUSLY you are mistaken with your math. :) Keep in mind I most certainly don't script my vids and this stuff is mostly stream of consicousness so some verbal flubs and repetition are bound to pop up.

[@iWiplex]

Hi! I am new to the "hifi world", i just bought a turntable and was looking for an amplifier. You convinced me and i just ordered it with some Cabasse MT32 Antigua speakers. Thanks for this great review!

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks and enjoy!

[@jordanpavlica6768]

I appreciate this quality review!

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks Jordan glad you liked it!

[@thefixxer72]

Thanks for a great review. Nice to see some other reviews besides z reviews. I think he enjoys the V curve sound.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad you liked it.

[@StewartRoss]

Spoken like a true audiosnob, ahem I mean audiophile. ;)

[@dangrass]

I think that the Z guy doesn't actually know what high fidelity is.

[@paulmcleod8370]

Thanks for your review - I have just received this amp and am in the process of setting it up. I agree that they should have put a LED in the volume control, I’m really looking forward to hearing it in my own space.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Excellent and I hope you enjoy it.

[@paulmcleod8370]

@@baldmetalnerd Thanks - I’m pairing it with a Audio Technica 120xusb turntable, a Denon DCD-800ne cd player and a pair of Edifier R1280db active speakers, just waiting for it all to rock up 👍😄 then I should be able to play my cd and vynal collection - yay

[@howatdwhite5028]

Thanks for the great information. I will buy one very soon

[@bartrainer3916]

I have the A-S300 for years. It runs 14 Hours a Day, sometimes loud. 0 problems. I'm using AKG K240 with 55 Ohms and the Headphone Amp. at max is 1/2 vol.

[@Gynnemo]

Great review. Thank you!

[@robertwilson214]

I have this amp.If you want it to sound it's absolute best,connect it to your source with the qed reference optical....it sounds like you've upgraded to a mid level amplifier,astonishing detail and dynamics!

[@Old_Sailor85]

I have an "audiophile" system for critical listening, but this little Yamaha is what lives in my bedroom. It gets used every day. Pretty decent bang for the buck IMHO. Driving ELAC B6.2 speakers.

[@chasefreedom5178]

Upon removing from box plug in connect speakers and connect a source. Under a load for 4 days break in. Judgements can then be made. I own the AS801 and AS501 both great amps. The 301 will be no different. Buddy of mine has the 701 it is a beast and is comparable to the 801. The primary difference is in power. Sonically all are very similar. With the 701and 801 having slightly better soundstage and imaging. Leave the switch at 8 ohm. Switched to 4 ohm you cut amplifier power. This Amp will easily power speakers down to 2 ohm loads in 8 ohm setting.

[@richardwilson4757]

I have an old Denon receiver with variable loudness control. I turn up the volume to achieve the bass and treble levels I like, then use the loudness control to lower the volume and keep those level of bass and treble I like. Is that how you use it ?

[@Infynyte]

Hello, nice review, thank you so much. Please can you tell me what type of banana plug is the best for this amp? I have the 501 but think that both have the same speakers plug. Thank you!

[@UNSERALVUJUDE]

Nice review ! Thank You!

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad you liked it.

[@felixlaboy1453]

Hey great review. I’m looking for a amp. I was wondering if you would still recommend the Yamaha as3901.

[@CoreysChannel]

That was a very detailed look into the new amp. I like that amp a lot, clean and powerful. I'm glad you are really enjoying the benefits of a new higher end equipment! I like your approach to setting up the sub. A lot of people just plug it in and crank it up too loud or boomy. What is the brand and model of the sub? Your best comment was about sitting and being impressed with what you're hearing for hours on end. That's what it's all about right there.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks Corey I definitely didn't just want a booming sub, that throws off the balance of the music I want my sound reproduction to be as "accurate" as possible or slightly altered to my taste with the tone controls which way I listen depends on my mood of course. My sub is a fairly cheap one it's a Sony SA-W2500 I think it cost around $110 or so when I bought it, I will eventually upgrade it but that won't be till I get a proper home theater room down here, relagate the Sony to the home theater and buy a more music oriented model for in here or maybe I'll just get the urge before then who knows? Also yes being impressed with better equipment is great!

[@baldmetalnerd]

Oh I would also describe the sound as very "lush and warm". It really is a sweet sounding amp, I love the hell out of it.

[@CMurphy21100]

Awesome review - any chance you could measure the distance between the bottom feet? I can only find one number for depth online and that’s 15-1/4” . I have exactly 13-1/2” of depth surface to work with and I don’t mind a bit of overhang but I want to make sure that the feet will fit on the surface I have. Thanks.

[@thomasperry4825]

This is definitely a very good amp! It has more than enough power to kick butt, and I have it hooked up to believe it or not, 3 big sets of 15 inch speakers 4 ft high a column 8 ohms, the sound is totally awesome!

[@gopyyanusdev3486]

Did you connect a subwoofer with it or just two woofer

[@net_news]

Great piece of gear, I had the A-S201 (same amp w/o the integrated DAC) and I loved it. In the future, if you want to improve the sound even more, add the iFi iTube2 tube stage to the Yamaha and enjoy. :)

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks for the suggestion I do know tubes can add even more "magic" to the sound.

[@net_news]

@@baldmetalnerd yw and yeah, in this case, the synergy is amazing. Give it a try if you have the opportunity.

[@dineshruwankumara34]

What is the enjoyment of sound when watching films? Is there depth and clarity? I am very excited to buy this .But I also want to watch films .There is no question about the music. Does it feel deep when there is no surround sound? please reply...

[@bluebillygrit1]

Would this amp be suitable for Fluance's Reference High Performance 3-Way Floorstanding Loudspeakers?

[@mrhoffame]

Nice. Always fun to get a new piece :)

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks it is indeed pretty great.

[@m.moreira3969]

Hello there, greetings from a fellow Bald(ing)metal nerd! Your review was one those that helped me decide for a Yamaha A-S501 (but more powerful but basically the same). This amp is a true gem , specially considering the value for money! If you haven’t also check out the 3 part Stereopolice review of the 301 here on KZbin :) Love the variable Loudness control, allows to soften /smoothen the sound for a more casual listening or late sessions, I like Z’s reviews but IMO he missed the point of the Loudness dial :)

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad this helped! I did watch and quite enjoyed the stereo police review!

[@freddycovenasgomez1073]

Hay, wath speaker for yamaha as 301???? Tank you bye

[@Mask242]

Nice review.. Thanks

[@dixielandfarm]

A little simpler than I would prefer (since we do double duty with movies and quad material here), but it looks nice. My Auto-Shut off happens after 20 minutes, but only if no sound is detected, which I like. An interesting inverse of what you typically would have (needing a bass and treble boost at lower volumes)...

[@baldmetalnerd]

I think the bass and treble boost is what the loudness is supposed to do. I have two AVRs for movies and surround but I don't actually have any 5.1 setups currently active it's been that way for a few years now but I do have the speakers once I get my "home theater" room everything will get hooked up.

[@alexcvalex9425]

Is there a microprocessor, what is its life expectancy?

[@Texxler]

Do you guys think i can run the Teufel Theater 500s 120w with this amp? Im rly unsure cause in the www they say the amp need to have more power than the speakers. im soooo confused cause there are so many different opinions...

[@vageliskomninos2723]

well baldmet, i managed to find the discontinued As 801 model and bought recently. I totally understand why you pick a 2 ch instead of an AV amp. it is true No AV amp can match the sound quality coming from pure 2ch amps. Sadly i dont have passive speakers for the 801 yet (planning to) but i connected my smaller Active (2X30W) (using with laptop) speakers to the Headphones jack of the amp. Clearly awesome quality. The 801 model is so powerful (2X100W) that i reach full volume on the edifiers speakers via headphone jack using only 3/10 of the amp volume. Wanted to say i verify the video makers opinon on the quality of the yamaha 301 even if i got the big model. Yamaha sounds v good and will please you. I will be Making my own video review on the 801 when i finish setting up the system i got in mind

[@baldmetalnerd]

Cool enjoy the system.

[@robertomanodepiedranomas4283]

Hi my friend, great work!! can you tell what is the difereence between this AS301 and the Yamaha RS202 Receptor de Audio y Video ? Im about to get one of these. waht are the bes each ? Regards !!!

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad you liked it. The differences are going to be amp vs reciever. I'm assuming the reciever is class D and the amp is class AB. But if you care more about features than sound quality the reciever is the better choice.

[@veedub95]

Welcome to the world oh HighEnd. This unit has the analog separate from the rest of the unit. The headphone amp most likely is discrete. Great entry level high end unit

[@jimardee]

Hello, I own the A-S301 as well as a set of Dali Oberon On Wall speakers (6ohm nominal) and a set of Dali Spektor 2 speakers (6ohm nominal). I want to play through both sets of speakers at the same time (different rooms) but i've just noticed that if you want to play through A + B outputs at the same time, the speakers should be minimum 8 ohms... oh no! Will I damage anything if i try and play the two sets of speakers at the same time as all my speakers are 6 ohms? Also, should I set the impedance switch on the back of the A-S301 to HIGH or LOW when playing both at the same time? I'm guessing LOW as my speakers are close to 8 ohms?

[@baldmetalnerd]

I would say definitely keep the impedence switch on high there's an article you can find on Audioholics about it just google it. As far as damaging the 6 ohm speakers I doubt you would hurt anything just start at a moderate volume and as long as nothing gets too hot I'm sure it would be fine just experiment carefully.

[@arnelcomia2060]

Denon or yamaha sterio??thnks

[@ErickReyes-oc2or]

I have several amps, and I always return to this A-S301, is very underated.

[@martinmedrano]

Can you use this with a desktop through the line out jack. I am looking at the yamaha rx-v385 and this. Also how well will it drive a pair of klipsch rp 600m's

[@baldmetalnerd]

Yes you can use any analog device with it including line out on a desktop it would do great with those speakers I reckon.

[@teddyphillips9669]

ben on the fence on what to buy bought 3 or 4 recevers on ebay that blew up or quit working and i deff what to buy a yamaha product i think you sold me on this thanks for the in put

[@baldmetalnerd]

No worries I hope you like it!

[@petercollie9251]

The loudness knob sounds great you do not turn your volume up and turn the loudness button down to zero leave the loudness at 12:00 turn your volume down then turn it up to desire setting you want it to be at night then turn your loudness from 12:00 down to six dial in slowly.

[@alekskot9240]

I have the WHARFEDALE Diamond 320 speakers... maybe please someone can help me ? Will they sound good with Yamaha A-S301? Im thinking buy this amp from internet, i dont have the solution to hear them with him... so im going blind... What do you think?: Thanks

[@reaality3860]

There is a difference between watts and current. True 'high-current' 30-watt amplifiers will outperform regular 100-watt amplifiers.

[@farleyespinha6570]

The Amplifier returned from repair. I was informed that it did not take replacement parts. It makes me think that one of the plates was not tightened in the assembly and over time it interrupted the power. What I can say is that the sound came out much better. However, I bought an A-s701 in Silver, it has been paid since September and has not yet been delivered due to demand and production is delayed at the factory. It was unlucky.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Sorry you're having so many troubles, hopefully it goes smoother from here on out.

[@farleyespinha6570]

@@baldmetalnerd Thank you.

[@farleyespinha6570]

@@baldmetalnerd I paid for the A-s701 via PayPal 5 months later and Yamaha London Music did not send it. I communicated to PayPal and they returned the money. I only regret Yamaha's lack of professionalism. They lost the sale and the customer. Now I will think of another one from another Japanese or English brand.

[@vechnyak]

Watching this trying to make decision between this one, NED 316 and Cambridge AXA35...wonder how they compare.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Not sure as I don't have those amps but good luck deciding.

[@matthewstearle7395]

This or the Cambridge axa35?

[@williamclark2730]

Thank you very much I'm just now considering this intergrated amp to go with my Yamaha MX-800 amp. I'm retired now 58 years old I'm getting back into music application no kids not a lot of movies . Do you think that is a good match

[@baldmetalnerd]

I would say it would be great for those uses I still love this amp.

[@randall96]

Wow. U have basically the same setup as me. I have D1 DAC into the Yamaha as500

[@baldmetalnerd]

Cool it's a good combination.

[@nikandbdog]

How does this compare to the Sony STR190? I am thinking of going with this for a warmer sound.

[@Yiannis2112]

I'd go with Yamaha.

[@0ace0hitta0]

Thanks Hairless Metal Guy!! The headphone amp is important to me cuz I use headphones when making music. I guess the 301 is still a excellent buy in 2020? Maybe i wait for the next yamaha A-S3XX so the 301 or 501 is cheaper

[@baldmetalnerd]

Yeah I would say it's still great hope this helped you out!

[@0ace0hitta0]

@@baldmetalnerd thanks a lot... again!! Appreciate it! Some people mentioned the Marantz PM-5005. But a lot of KZbinrs recommend the 301... I dont feel Marantz... Guess the good old times of Marantz are over

[@marcosa22]

Hi friend. What about Phono input? I need to know if volume level is equal or similar like Cd or line in inputs. In Pioneer A40ae Phono level is poor against CD input. I try with 2 diferents phono cartridges. Can you helpme with this question? Great channel and very good videos. See you

[@baldmetalnerd]

It's a standard moving magnet phono input that's all I know about it. I can tell you with my LP-120 with it's internal phono preamp turned off it sounds fine haven't tried another TT on it.

[@kennethwilliams4874]

7:01 One of the inputs is labelled "Tuna"? Because I noticed that on the front there was a control for "Bass". I don't know, something fishy about this...😉😉 Great review vid, BMN. I just ordered the A-S701 and I've been watching every review vid for any amp in this series while waiting for its arrival.

[@kostiskimis]

with classic music -piano solo most- is it silent enough?Because the noise is something embaracing with amps at lower prices/

[@baldmetalnerd]

I think I understand your question the noise on this amp is incredibly low, at full volume with no music playing I have to press my ear up next to the speaker to hear buzzing or humming, at a more normal volume which is generally less than 50 percent on this amp it's dead silent.

[@masterchef6694]

That's a great reviews. Could you do a review of Yamaha R-n803

[@sktfan3843]

Dont think twice the R-N803 music cast has a Yamaha Top Art components in it. It is designed for modern music listening, unlike the audio/video receiver.

[@millabasset1710]

I'm no DAC expert.. But what's a good DAC for my Senheisser headphones?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Your guess is as good as mine Google is your friend.

[@trickster_qc]

Do you know someone with an LG V20 or V30 phone? Give that a try with your senheiser headphones and a good source of music. That will give you a good reference in terms of good DAC. ( Yes the integrated DAC in those LG phones is quite good )

[@citronski]

You say at the end that the Pioneer has, on paper, more power. Could be that the Yamaha is class A/B and the Pioneer is class D? That would explain the lighter weight, yet higher power rating. Also, the better sound from the Yamaha. My experience is that class D amps often sound bloodless. Don't get me wrong, i think it's great technology for PA systems, maybe even for active subwoofers. But not for honest reproduction of high resolution sounds (mids and highs). Another issue could be dampening, which is objectively, measureably higher with the Yamaha. Basically your speakers act like generators at higher power, they feed back power to the amp. The lower the internal resistance of your amp, the higher the dampening of effects caused by this. Anyway, i own the A-S501 in silver and am very happy with it.

[@leonardlos3209]

Is the phono stage in this Yamaha better than the phono stage in the Sony STR 190?

[@BadEnglishRecs]

I am still looking for new amplifier. Before you bought this did you compare it for Sony STRDH190? I went to hifi store first thing they showed was 1500€ and next 3000€. I didn't buy. Where could I get that money. I understand they would have been good, but then I would also need new and better speakers. mr. Finglish (Bäd English Recs)

[@baldmetalnerd]

The Sony wasn't on my radar as I was specifically looking for an integrated amp over a receiver. But I looked it up and it seems like a pretty good amp for the price and here in the US it's $130 as opposed to the $350 I paid for the Yamaha. From what I can tell is "worse" about the Sony is fewer inputs, no bananna plugs, no sub output, and the power rating is probably less honest than Yamaha's but all that being said it looks like a REALLY good entry level piece. For almost 2/3rds less cost I'd say a few compromises would be worth it.

[@BadEnglishRecs]

@@baldmetalnerd Here that Yamaha is $312 and Sony $224. Yeah maybe someday optical might be cool to have, and Sony don't have it. So hard. I was almost already going to buy that Sony. But I couldn't repair my phone's speaker. So now I have to buy also phone! Thanks for your thoughts.

[@Adam-qs5ir]

@@BadEnglishRecs I have that sony. It's secent. I've had it for around a month and a half. The lack of optical is annoying but I bought a converter to fix that. My main beef is the lack of an optical input and there is a somewhat flat sound to it. Not extremely so, just a tad. All in all though for what I paid it's a great little receiver. Oh! The bluetooth ability is handy at times as well.

[@BadEnglishRecs]

@@Adam-qs5ir Great to hear positive about Sony, because I paid it already. Now just waiting it to come store, so I can pick up it. Waiting to do unboxing for it. Let's see if I have power to make somekind of unprofessional review.

[@dangrass]

This is a great amplifier. As for Z reviews, I've watched a number of his "reviews" and I found them to be sort of weird, and generally useless. This one was no exception. Thanks for posting an actually useful review.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Thanks glad you liked the review.

[@roxrolldog]

You are correct about the amp's sound without the subwoofer. I find subwoofers unnatural sounding and do NOT use them-ever !

[@birdlegs846]

Nice review baldmetalnerd! Thinking about purchasing this receiver but think I might bump it up to the a-s501, what do you think? I might need the extra power. I have very inefficient speakers, I have a choice of 2 sets of speakers I can use 6 ohm at 86or88db from JBL studio 500 line. I plan on stealing a set of either the JBL530 bookshelf or the JBL 570 mini tower from my HT setup and 1 of the SVS SB12 NSD twins (sub) if I need it. Ill be connecting the Yamaha to my desktop computer with optical cable and also hooking up a old Teac cd player and old Teac stereo tuner. as-301 or a-s501 for my setup?

[@baldmetalnerd]

I'm no Paul McGowan so I can't tell you exactly what you need but I can tell you it looks like the only difference between the 301 and 501 is the extra 25 watts. I have very efficient speakers in I think the 93db range and if I have the amp even at half it's so loud it's blowing me out of the room. So to figure out if you need that extra 25 watts or not you would need some sort of a calculator that would help you figure out the load you would be placing on the amp for a certain db output based on the efficiency of your speakers. You can probably google around for one.

[@steviesteve750]

Just get the 501, you won't be disappointed. Its quite a step up from the 301, and is generally considered the sweet spot of the range

[@birdlegs846]

@@steviesteve750yes think you are right the 501 seems to be the sweet spot and I will be ordering it in the silver. Waiting, these never seem go on sale I guess I might have to pay the $549!

[@steviesteve750]

@@birdlegs846 amazon UK 350 gbp in black.

[@fiddell69]

Why is there no Record Selector switch? And how do I tape from one source to another?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Why would there be a record selector switch? This is an amp not a turntable it only supports moving magnet turntables if that's what you mean. The tape loops on it work the same as any other amp if you want to learn more you can try reading the manual.

[@citronski]

Rec out is always what is selected on input select. That sadly means you can't use a tape monitor via loudspeakers. But then again, the price! BTW, i recommend the 501, it has the large capacitors from the 701.

[@fiddell69]

Confusing. If I am playing a Cassette or LP and wish to "record out" the music of either to a CD, without the presence of a Record Selector Switch linked to "CD" on the amplifier, how do I accomplish that task? I have a Yamaha A-S501 and it lacks a Record Selector Switch--unlike its previous model.

[@brandonhibbs6598]

Looking at buying tha as301b i got 2 8 ohm speakers but the ohm switch on the bakc got me cofused i juts want 2 hook up 2 spaekers on channel a and leave channel b with nothing wpukd i leave the switch on high or low

[@baldmetalnerd]

I set mine to high as that seems to be the general suggestion.

[@jschoenzy9416]

I have a 20 year old NAD C320 that has lost a channel and I've been looking for a replacement, do you think this will be an upgrade sound wise? Nad is class D and Yamaha is class AB, power output is similar.

[@baldmetalnerd]

I have no real idea but I would guess yes

[@williamh5780]

This might be a dumb question (I'm just getting started with trying to understand hi-fi) but what kind of speakers would work well with this amp?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Almost any speakers would work great with the amp. Check the power handling rating of the amp and your speakers 8ohms, 6ohms, or 4ohms and plan accordingly.

[@williamh5780]

@@baldmetalnerd the ohms have to match then?

[@baldmetalnerd]

@@williamh5780 It's better if they do this amp can drive any ohm load speaker but it matters more if you run 2 pairs of speakers at the same time. For example if you run 2 sets of 8ohm speakers at the same time it creates a 4 ohm load. Google can explain this way better than I can.

[@williamh5780]

@@baldmetalnerd na, that's good man. I'll definitely look more closely into it. Thanks

[@andreassouth1523]

Just don't buy bright sounding speakers like kef,b&w,monitor audio,klipsch etc.because of listening fatigue.Prefer neutral or warm sounding speakers like wharfedale,mission,elac etc.Also you must listen the speaker before buy it because of personal preference.

[@zkid1582]

looking for a good amp.. PLz tell me if this amp has good sound and bass .. Also what power is it 120v or 240v

[@baldmetalnerd]

Did you even watch the video? I talk extensively about how it sounds as well as the bass response of the unit. You can use this invention on the internet called google to find the voltage.

[@ngtflyer]

If you buy the unit made for your country, it will use the voltage your country has.

[@alekskot9240]

First of all thanks for your review. i just bought him and i switched it to 4om cause my speackers are 4.. but i read diferent opinions, to if i should leave it to 6, or 4. Any suggestions?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Put it on high and leave it there.

[@alekskot9240]

@@baldmetalnerd thanks! Is it safe? Cause someone said that it might hurt my amp in high volume... so whats the reason for being theare?

[@baldmetalnerd]

@@alekskot9240 It's due to some sort of regulation regarding power amps and ratings I honestly don't know why but google audioholics and impedance switch and there's an article that explains it much better than I could.

[@alekskot9240]

@@baldmetalnerd thank you my friend

[@CT-vl3iu]

.....saw you fiddling with a graphic equalizer there,...how did you hook that to this amp?..LED on the volume knob...spot on....stupid

[@Pirxel]

Great stuff man, already watched it two times , I'm considering this one hard, but I had a pair of KEF Q100 (8ohms 86 db sensitivity) and I was looking for something that could really man-handle those ( I was aiming for 80w per channel) so that would mean in theory the 501, but after your tests I'm wondering if that's not overkill. Getting the cheaper 301 would be great for my wallet obviously :P

[@bobo-si3kw]

For a small room should I get the 301 or the 501?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Depends if you need more power or not. But generally I would say the 301.

[@pbaker7160]

I recently purchased the A-S301 to replace a failing 1990 Luxman R113 receiver. The Yamaha A-S301 is definitely a great value for the money, but I was naive to think that the sound quality would be on par with the R113. My ears have been spoiled for the past 32 years. The sound quality of the Yamaha is really good for $350. It's just not as pleasing to the ears as the Luxman Receiver.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Well the fact that it lasted for 32 years says a lot my current oldest reciever is from 2001 it's a JVC probably entry level one we'll see how much longer it goes.

[@aarong6132]

im new to this whole thing and was wondering how i would play music from my phone through this amp onto the speakers

[@baldmetalnerd]

Get a bluetooth adapter with RCA outs plug it into the amp, select the source and go for it.

[@aarong6132]

@@baldmetalnerd would i be able to do it through wires without buying a bluetooth adapter? was planning on using my aux port

[@baldmetalnerd]

@@aarong6132 Buy a 1/8 to rca adapter plug it into your headphone port, select the amp input and go.

[@chrise36coupe]

How is the hiss with this amp is it how audible is it?

[@baldmetalnerd]

It's silent as can be.

[@user-el2zj3pw5r]

Hi, s201 got more rms and same peak power comparing with s501, but s501 cost as twice, so whats the deal??

[@baldmetalnerd]

The s501 is their "mid tier" integrated amp is slightly higher quality I don't know anything about the s201 since it's not available in the US.

[@user-el2zj3pw5r]

@Johannes R I’ve got s201 with b&w 606 and also had and tried monitor audio bronze 100 6g, and does good good job 👍

[@garymcfarlan4840]

Is the sub out for passive or powers subwoofers?

[@baldmetalnerd]

It's a standard sub out.

[@michaelhead4387]

Any problem with 90hz set cutoff on sub out?

[@saarmaoz]

what about the Yamaha A-S501 ?

[@baldmetalnerd]

What about it?

[@johnlittletree875]

The switch does not matter as much as what nominal impedance your speakers are. Lower impedence speakers allow more power to flow through the amp and out to your speakers. Impedance is a measure of how much resistance a circuit has to the flow of electricity. So a 16ohm speaker resists the flow of electricity more than 4 ohm speakers do. So an amp that can handle 4ohm speakers will always make deliver more power to them then it wil an 8 ohm or 16ohm speaker. So for instance a 60watt per channel amp @8ohms will normaly do at least 100wpc into 4 ohm load.

[@nathaneldogo]

You can hook up 2 subwoofers?

[@clonesteak]

Just use a Y adapter

[@djaxe32]

This or the A-S501? I want to pair Dali Zensor 3 with this.

[@Dulence96]

I hope you have chosen 501, because it's much much better. 501 is the best value for money at this moment.

[@Mr.Deeds.]

@@Dulence96 Hello, why is the 501 better?

[@Dulence96]

@@Mr.Deeds. it is more powerful , if you can visit store and hear it in person it would be best. i don't know prices now, but back then difference was only 100 euros and difference in power like 50%

[@Mr.Deeds.]

@@Dulence96 thank you, how about sound quality is it the same?

[@Dulence96]

@@Mr.Deeds. honestly i don't remember. because i look for full package and power is very important thing. when i heard 501 i heard so much more power which gives it better sound, so i would say yes it is better. and now after so many amps i changed, i can tell you there are no differences in sound or they are small you can rarely hear the difference. for my ears marantz is same as yamaha for example. all these budget amplifiers sound the same (my opinion) and you will not be wrong if you buy it. you will be satisfied. but if you expect 10000 euros sound from 500 euros amp, then it will be dissapointment.

[@nathaneldogo]

How connect a a Xbox PlayStation & Ruko to the Yamaha amp ????

[@baldmetalnerd]

How is babby formed?

[@nathaneldogo]

@@baldmetalnerd 🍒🍆

[@BorisKid]

Isnt it better to get the one with the tuner?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Not if you don't care about the tuner.

[@joestrickl]

I've got the Yamaha R-N303 and the tuner is exceptionally good.

[@dreaminglifepodcast]

Always Yamaha over Onkyo. I got a used Yamaha receiver for $60, it's amazing.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Sounds like a great deal, before I got this AMP I never knew my music could sound even better than it did before but with this AMP everything is just so smooth and lush it's one of my best purchases ever.

[@net_news]

Onkyo's sound signature is very dry, more akin to home theater stuff. Yamaha's more warm and musical. I prefer Yamaha sound hands down.

[@thomasward00]

@@net_news Onkyo has a very clean sound.... BUT both companies are awesome and you can't go wrong with either.

[@bboydevilparis]

This amp or the Marantz PM 5005 ?

[@RainbowCharade]

did you find out?

[@igoldin74]

RainbowCharade lol

[@chasefreedom5178]

Marantz laid back mids and highs. Yamaha neutral. Take your pick.

[@xxxPROCLAIMEDxxx]

Ted Mosby?

[@avocadoextreme]

Is it possible to use powers speakers with this

[@baldmetalnerd]

why would you want to? it's a power amp

[@tacofortgens3471]

Spend money on a preamp then, no need to spend money on a intergrated amp

[@dm95422]

I have a similar "sister" model R-S300 with 50 high power watts per channel @ 8 ohms with built in FM tuner and it sure sings pretty on my JBL 100 floor monitors !!

[@heromail2903]

Here in Jakarta Indonesia, Yamaha A-S 301 costs USD 357

[@citronski]

I like the loudness implementation, it makes sense to me. I set the sound volume to what i would like to hear normally. Then at night i leave the volume alone, and use loudness to turn the level down, without loosing too much base and treble. Why am i the only one who sees the genius in it?

[@baldmetalnerd]

Personal preference?

[@citronski]

Sure. But what is the alternative? A loudness that is on or off, with the same intensity at every volume.

[@milesdavissays4653]

I love it as well. I'd be rocking out before dinner. Then we go to eat and I turn down the loudness so I can still hear the music in the same glory and have an audible conversation at the same time.

[@BanBiofuels]

I should have bought the Yamaha integrated amp instead of a Dayton Audio amp. I actually bought two Dayton Audio amps over the years. The first was a digital amp that sounded shrill and thin, and its volume control went bad after one year. Then I bought their more expensive analog amp, that is actually a power amp with a big volume control in the front. That volume control went bad after just three months. I decided it was not worth sending it back for exchange because the shipping money is worth more to me than the amp. How much is an amp worth where you know that the volume control design is no good and will soon fail? If you have had one, you do not want to pay for a second. So, now I have two Dayton Audio amplifiers that I will just throw out. A total loss. I have a Panasonic clock radio that is 28 years old and it still works perfectly, even the volume control knob. Chinese manufacturers are no good unless you have your own people in the factory at all times to oversee quality.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Well everything is made in China nowadays it's hard to avoid but I hope you find something that works well for you, My amp is still working perfectly BTW.

[@dangrass]

the Yamaha receivers are made in their factory in Malaysia. Pretty big difference in the design acumen and testing that happens at Yamaha versus what happens at Dayton, FOSI, etc. The odds of having a 20 year old Yamaha that still works are quite a bit higher than for your basic Chinese class D amp.

[@yahneh7919]

Can I hook it up to a sub?

[@baldmetalnerd]

rtfm

[@trickster_qc]

I've been using a Yamaha amp for about 15 years and it gave up a few days ago ( after moving places ) I think I'll go get this Yamaha amp and give it a try as I found one for 240$ CDN brand new.

[@metalmickey]

niiice, toys are always good lol

[@baldmetalnerd]

Yes they are.

[@luisedgardogomez4328]

Please subtítulos en español

[@baldmetalnerd]

not likely to happen bub there should be built in tools for that

[@martyjewell5683]

Sweet! A review of an integrated amp. Did some research on this Yamaha and found one thing kinda puzzling. A switch for 8+ ohms and less. Hifi gear from the 1980's and earlier had internal switching, with no pesky switch. Good amps from that time usually provided more power into 4 ohms than 8 ohms. I have two pairs of speakers on my Hitachi SR-804, one pair 8 ohm and one 4 ohm. Would be a bitch to have to reach behind the receiver to adjust impedance and remember that when inebriated. My (seldom used) Kenwood KR-A3060 has that switch. The A-S301 S/N ratio is good for both CD (99dB) and phono (82dB). Also THD of 0.019% but no mention of IM (intermodulation) %. Rated at 60wpc, it's a good amount of power. Your speakers are 91% efficient (sensitivity) and that is good but not high. High would be 96 or 97%. What makes me laugh is the reference to "DYNAMIC POWER" of 100wpc. I seriously doubt it. That would be almost 3dB of headroom. In 1978 the IHF ruled that amps couldn't be rated in music, dynamic or reserve power and had to use the dB rating which was much more accurate. My SR-804 is 50wpc with (class G) 3dB (short term) of headroom, that's twice the power for musical peaks without clipping. Price for this Yamaha listed as $350-ish. If this is how they build amps today give me yesteryear. It is a nice unit with that "industrial" look and I'm sure a fine amp for hifi systems. Especially with all your computer gizmo hookups (sarcasm implied). Didn't wanna step on toes here, just my observations. Your critique in this video is interesting and useful. Maybe even far out, man. Forgive an old dudes rambling.

[@baldmetalnerd]

Hey Marty great to see you stopping by, I'm not surprised that "back in the day" that amps were built with a lot more power. I'd say the amp is good for a "modern" amp but probably definitely lacking compared to a "vintage" piece. All I know is it sounds great to me no matter what source I'm playing stuff through, CD, Vinyl, Cassette, and Computer all sound great.

[@martyjewell5683]

@@baldmetalnerd, too bad about the equalizer. It's a useful component. I have mine on whenever the hifi is on (RG-2 expander too). My ADC Sound Shaper Two IC equalizer is almost 37 years old. Moderate boost of 2dB only at 180, 320 and 560 Hz for a small bass/mid boost. The variable loudness on your A-S301 is a good thing. It is much more effective than the conventional loudness switch. Yamaha has used that since the 1980's. What really counts is how it sounds to you, your viewers included. As for power, 60wpc is fine. Years ago manufactures built budget receivers with 12wpc (Technics) and Rotel had a 5.5wpc model in the 1977 tech hifi book. So calling the A-S301 a budget model is funny. You did a good conscientious review.

[@hochhaul]

For me, it's tragic that Yamaha designed the knobs the way they did. It annoys the hell out of me. Otherwise, it's a great amp.

[@yomama5785]

Go to a craft store and buy a white acrylic marker and tape off the knob and paint the indent. It will look awesome. www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Paint-Marker-Titanium/dp/B00BSR90XM

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Buy some "chicken head" knobs that are used on old guitar amplifiers. Great retro design and you can instantly see what your set at. Hee hee.

[@invisired]

@@NeverTalkToCops1 kkkkkkk