Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier Review

Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier Review: In this video Gene and Hugo review the Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier. Yamaha has come out with a solid lineup of integrated amplifiers geared towards soothing the two-channel audiophile in all of us. If you think that these integrated amplifiers are your father’s or grandfather’s integrated, you’d be sorely mistaken. Yamaha has gone to great pains to outline the company’s rich heritage in the integrated amplifier market and show how today’s integrated amps link tradition to tomorrow.
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[@hdgboy]

Just to clarify what an integrated amplifier is. It is partly true that an integrated amplifier doesn't have a built in tuner. But that doesn't have anything to do with why it's called an integrated amplifier. The reason it is called an integrated amplifier is because it takes two components (a preamplifier and a amplifier) and Integrates them into one component called an Integrated Amplifier. I see too many videos where this component is incorrectly called a receiver. A receiver has a tuner, preamplifier and amplifier integrated together.

[@kless001]

Bruce Allen thank you. Getting into audio has been so confusing because of things like this.

[@Juraiprince]

Great Review guys, BUT would love to see the front panel in better lighting. It was kind of difficult to see. Please forgive these 49 year old eyes!

[@SirNuk3]

I own the A-S701, it is ridiculously powerfull and with the integrated DAC the output hiss is non existent. Coupled with Klipsch RP-250's I never had to go beyond 50% to make it damaging loud at 2.5m. It effortleslly pulls out the bass out of my towers and In fact an A-S501 would probably have been enough! Highly recommended. My wish for the next version is an integrated crossover for the sub and a small led on the volume knob.

[@jsbasketball]

SirNuk3 which speakers do you have Connected up too & how many?

[@drewkilkenny]

Should I switch the impedance switch to low if I'm running by wire a plus b channel to my Klipsch RF7 Mark iii?

[@RockCity1111]

No. Leave it at 8 ohms. Trust me.

[@aegisofhonor]

Yamaha made a whole line of affordable IAs ranging from this unit currently for $800-900 down to the AS-301 for $350-400. Very nice and I hope they continue to make good affordable products like this.

[@TheJeof1000]

My wife gave me yamaha a-s301 and b&w 686 as a gift. For me the sound quality is perfect. Two channel rocks!

[@andreassouth1523]

as801 has neutral to warm or neutral to bright sound?what speakers do you use?

[@datsunmadman]

Great amp I bought mine in January I love it

[@bartoszri]

as801 or as1200 ? or as701 if I have a own DAC ? significant differences with sound quality?

[@sevintrix2962]

Love Yamaha. I'm about to sell my RX497 2ch amp, to buy the A-S701 amp. 2ch all the way.

[@nizodizo9549]

If I own 4 Ohm speakers wouldn't I want I want to change the impedance on the back of the amplifier? I always thought running 8 Ohm into 4 Ohm was a big no'no and vice versa.

[@zen10ten]

I watch all my movies in two-channel. Most everything I watch on DVD is in Black & White...Old Film Noir, 50's TV Classics & Westerns. Two Channel is perfect for me!

[@lyudmils]

Hi quick question IOTAVX SA3/Emotiva TA-100/Yamaha A-S701/Yamaha R-N60 which would be your choice of those amps?

[@Holychickendestroyer]

I got the A-S501 recently. It's 85 wpc @8 ohms and connected to it I have Klipsch rf-82 II towers. It has no problems pushing them. I wouldn't go back to any AVR. EVER! Hugo looks like Lou Ferigno, I mean it as a good thing

[@jonkvh]

Always been a 2 channel audiophile. Watching/reading the Audioholics site just kept me up to date with the surround AV stuff, but I'm a purist(mono block), so it's good to see this sort of stuff get a mention, especially since the Yamaha is under a grand.I tried 5.1 channel 20 years ago, but once you get 'proper' 2 channel, you don't go back.

[@carravagio16]

wish you guys would put a video on building a decent 2 channel system intergraded with in a HT system. I just can have 2 separate systems like i wish i could

[@ptutul]

Dear Sir, I have a JBL 590 six ohms, can I able to run? Thanks

[@JoePalau]

After looking around and asking a slew of audio advisors for tips, I decided that this is the amp for me. I am a two channel guy and I plan to drive Elac Uni-Fi Bookshelf speakers on stands with their entry-level subwoofer. I stream the majority of my content from You Tube. So, I plan to use the Focal Bluetooth adapter with my iPhone 7. My aim is to buy a basic, no-frills, high-quality stereo system that performs at the top of its class. Yamaha and Elac are the cornerstones of my plan. Thanks for you excellent review.

[@Audioholics]

I'd recommend connecting an analog cable from your iPhone to the Yamaha rather than using bluetooth adapters if you care more about audio quality. Also, if you can plug the A-S801 into your PC via USB, you'd get really great quality from the internal DAC the Yamaha has built in. Good luck.

[@JoePalau]

Thanks. I see your point. The Bluetooth strategy allows me to sit wherever I please in the room and not get up to change programming. It may be a choice between best quality and personal convenience

[@hi-rez3552]

www.google.com/chromecast/audio/ Have quality and convenience at a fraction of the price Joe! Works with Android and iOS when you download the "Google Home" app. If you're amp has an optical input you can also connect to that.

[@misterx3666]

Joe Palau Why are you buying a sound system for over 1000$ when you are only listening to low quality mp3s?

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

I have an HK 3490. If I were to buy this Yamaha, would it be an upgrade sonically or would it be a lateral move? Thanks

[@sti2071]

How would you compare this Yamaha to its NAD and Marantz equivalent? I think it would be the NAD C356 DAC and the Marantz PM8005... Looking to buy a new integrated amp and cant decide.

[@biffnaked5363]

+Michael T I find the yamahas have the most detail in the midrange and highs, the NAD sounds bassy-warm. I have a Marantz PM7000 and it just does not like to play at low volumes like the Yamaha and has less detail but a decent sound, nothing special though.

[@sals26]

Used to have both a seperate 5.1 and 2 channel system. Finally decided that was a little silly and costs more money. Now I have a great sounding 5.1 system that do whatever I'm in the mood for. 2 channel, no problem just throw a switch, enhanced stereo to 5.1 channel, same answer. You get it, a good 5.1 system will do it all so why shortcut yourself.?

[@charlesclifton1006]

You guys offer clean, honest, easy to understand reviews and I, for one, appreciate it. I've done it all; tubes, buffers, Classe Cd players, Paradigm, B&W - there was always something better (and more expensive). Can't say it wasn't a ton of fun. Now I am older and it is time to downsize and get into some basic but very good 2 channel sound. This AS 801 sounds (pun intended) like just the ticket. I may even consider the higher end with the Mosfets. The bottom line is I would not even be aware of these Yamaha products if not for Audioholics. You've educated me regarding other products as well. If only you guys were around in the 60's when I first started with a Dual turntable, Harmon Kardon 50plus and a set of Altec Boleros. I was 19 and making too much money. My friends said I was nuts so to screw them over I bought a new Volvo. Thanks guys.... Yamaha is back

[@daveh9474]

What did you end up with? the new NAD C388 looks amazing. I have the as-801. I love it. Using it with Pioneer Elite floor standers. I prefer using the dac from my lap top, but my wife likes using the AT-120 with the phono amp removed. the phono on the yamaha works well, cant compare it to much and the TT is no Project or Rega but it gets the job done.

[@ThousandThrills]

@@daveh9474 after 2 years, sorry but did u get the nadc388?because I'm having a hard time choosing between that and this s801...much cheaper but maybe more reliable and good enough for vinyl?

[@arthurvin2937]

Damn, now I'm confused about the impedance, help me out guys! Just got my A-S801 + two Polk TSx 550T Towers + Polk PSW505 powered SUB. TSx 550T as well as A-S801 has bi-wiring option to drive tweeters+mids and woofers independently - I definitely want this. 1) TSx 550T is 8 Ohms and A-S801 Impedance selector has to positions: LOW A or B: 4ohm Min /SPEAKER A + B: 8ohm Min /SPEAKER HIGH A or B: 6ohm Min/SPEAKER Which position will be correct for bi-wired connection. 2) A-S801 speaker modes A + B and Bi-wiring - Are they both technically the same for the AMP? And how the Amp knows how to distribute the frequencies in bi-wiring mode or it's built-in speaker filter responsibility? 3) You said that AMP will output full range to both channels even if SUB is connected and to keep SUB low pass away from 100Hz. But the problem is that Sub which is connected trough the single RCA will bypass low pass filter knob, and it's AMP responsibility to distribute it correctly. But as I understood A-S801 Sub Out is fixed at

[@blueboyblue]

Generally, you set the Impedance to 8 ohms regardless of what your speakers are. When you switch it to 4 ohms it drops the voltage on the output and lowers your power thereby keeping the amp cooler. Better, at least some believe, to leave it on 8 ohms, keep it ventilated, and use it responsibly.

[@circrna]

I am big fan guys. Thank you.

[@10MEGAMETAL]

Hey guys can you do a review on the A 701 amp? I just bought one and Would do like to know if the A 801 sounds better than A 701 ? They have the same power I believe the only difference is the DAC thing I don't care to plug my pç or laptop on it I'm only wants to know for the other things like phono turner cd DVD will sound better on the A801? Please let me know thanks guys

[@markwasilow2757]

amps are the same, pre are the same. the 801 has a better DAC.

[@ngtflyer]

I am in the market for a new integrated amp and this review exemplifies why Yamaha's line of integrated amps are high in the running. Good build quality, nice no-nonsense controls and design, and no blinding blue LEDs! I am considering an A-S501.

[@TheWretchedWorld]

picked up the brother to this the as 701 which has the same amplifier but has a lower end dac (burr brown rather than ess) and its an absolute beast well worth the money

[@jsbasketball]

TheWretchedWorld r u using it for home theater?

[@Zockopa]

Years later,this amp still is a rather liked upper middle class integrated,and deservedly so. Nevertheless meanwhile Yamaha could have upped the quality of the phonostage a notch to get on equal footing with the rest of the amp to catch the vinyl lovers. And add a couple VU`s of course..

[@Miguel8131981]

Thank you for such a detailed review of this Yamaha amplifier. I decided to buy it based on several reviews but mainly your review. It is a powerful and smooth sounding unit. I particularly like the phono stage with my Pro-Ject turntable. Thanks again.

[@nobogasawara9253]

Your review convinced me to grab one for my office. I use it to drive a pair of KEF LS50 bookshelves + some ancient Yamaha twin 8-inch sub. Mostly used for Spotify Premium, regular KZbin, and TV, I love the crystal clarity and depth of sound with a ton of power to spare. This is a great product. Thanks!

[@HP83Smoke]

Hey you guys! is there any real world performance difference between this and the Yamaha RN803? I'm in 2 minds to go for one of these cheaper amps or save a few more pennies and get the yamaha as1100...

[@johnpunnen]

Hi Jean I want a comparison between AS801 & RN803 from Yamaha. Will u help me which one to go for. I am seriously thinking to buy one among these.

[@wongsenghong3039]

I wish to know too

[@Adrian-hz5uh]

Running Kef q300 bookshelf (2.1) and a second system with pair of the Kef LS50s (2.0)... what are your thoughts on upgrading to the Yamaha A-S801 with these speakers? My the kef q300 produce a bright sound and im looking for an amp to balance out by bringing out some more warmth, could this potentially do the trick considering the tone control? I l have also given thought to the Cambridge CXA80, the Rotel RA-1570, and the Marantz PM7005 and HD-AMP1. Any suggestions?

[@MoD_Master_Of_Disaster_]

I'm running the A-S701 with the LS50s. A match made in heaven me thinks.

[@drj7328]

Great content and humor guys. 👏 Could you give me your impression of this unit versus the AS1200 In terms of sound quality . Is one of the more warm or dynamic or more balanced? I listen to many genres... And appreciate musicality. Could you also comment on whether it's better to just bridge at my speakers or use the A+ B to by wire?

[@vicg5323]

I have the as300 which is very good and have demo'd the as1000 which was better, so I decided to get the as2000 for a little more, but they where out of that model and offered me the as2100 for the same price. The unit weights in at 52 pounds and sounds fabulous. Why is the as801 called flagship?

[@todddembsky8321]

Finally, the Yamaha!!! My first Sound System was a Yamaha B-6 Amp, C-4 pre-amp, T-2 tuner, B&O 1800 turntable driving Magnaplaner speakers. I still have the B-6 in my listening lineup. Love the 1980's look. To think that I am running a 250 watt power amp that is 35 years old is amazing. I am glad that they are getting back to the retro look. Depending on my mood, I will plug in the B-6 or my other main amp is a Dynaco St70 fully upgraded. Two channel, driving home designed and built BTMB Towers with an MK sub. Awesome Vid. Go Yamaha !!!

[@charlesjacques750]

Yes, I'm an old guy getting back into HiFi and wanting to build a simple 2 Channel system (again). Dumping the old (nice Pioneer Plasma) tv and all the "boom-boom" AV stuff, ecch, and all the "slime coming out from your TV set" as Frank Zappa would say for love of music. My goal is to get real high end sound at low volume without getting gear drunk. I'd like the gear to disappear for sound. Headphones, head-fi got me back into well recorded music just recently. I need silver components since black is too hard to read now, LOL 😂.

[@bogadebkdahl5894]

Who knew that Lou Ferrigno knows about amplifiers :-)

[@derrickdoucette6164]

So is this amplifier not a good match for ELAC uni-Fi UB5 speaker

[@2WhiteAndNerdy]

Very nice! I do believe you guys may have just turned me on to my next integrated amp. Well done, Yamaha! This is exactly what I've been searching for.

[@beyondonethousand]

In other words this Yamaha integrated amp is not your father's oldsmobile. Sounds like a no nonsense product. Those underpowered Atmos receivers etc are one reason why Atmos and its cousins will utterly fail. I'm only into home theatre myself.

[@TuneHead]

Thanks guys. Back into vinyl again for about 3 years and now ready to upgrade to a decent 2 channel system and you have been very helpful in many videos explaining the current technology (of all audio equipment) so I feel I can make an educated purchase. Manufactures pay attention!!! These guys are worth your time and money.

[@frederickfranchi6408]

You guys are great I'm just wondering if I got the 501 I know it's only 85 Watts per Channel but do I get the same sound if I connect my turntable to the inputs????😎 also what budget speakers would you recommend for this I'm in a small space so I need bookshelf????

[@Audioholics]

Sure the 501 will just not play quite as loud as the 801. Get yourself some Elac B5 or B6 bookshelf speakers and you should be good to go.

[@frederickfranchi6408]

Audioholics yeah I thought the same thing about the Elac B6s but I will try to wait and see if I can get the 801 but if not the 501 will do just fine thanks for the info😎😎

[@marcump]

It’s good to hear that Yamaha is still making high quality products at various price points. I still have my A-1000 and A-1020 integrated amps from the 80s.. sweet sound.. this one is tempting me.

[@kingcarcas1349]

To make it more confusing i've seen "stereo amplifier"

[@Squishmallows24]

Damn, this is an old amp lol I thought it was kinda “new”

[@mariogalicia4607]

80 % music - 2 channel or 2.1 (depends on amp and speaker used) 20% movies - 5.1 Current set up 5.1 Marantz SR 6010 with def tech SM 65 at fronts. Thinking to add an integrated pre amp from pre out of SR 6010. Choosing between Marantz PM 8005 or yamaha AS801 (any advise highly appreciated) Is this worth a jump to enjoy the 2 or 2.1 channel? Is it a big difference in tone quality if I do this? rather using my Marantz 6010 on my stereo sound? Appreciate your advise on this.

[@premiere3610]

I have the same question. i am torn between yamaha as801, marantz pm7005 and nad 356bee but i am leaning towards yamaha because of the dac since i will be using pc as source. i

[@Tony-Tequalla]

Nice looking Amp. The facia input selectors and rear panel component connections layout reminds me of the format Technics used back in the 1980s, namely SU-V707 integrated amp. A great sounding 2 channel Class AB amplifier.

[@tweakerman]

I was thinking of buying the as801,to replace my Arcam alpha 10p integrated amp, which is 20 years old, would this be a good replacement or should I spend more, the Arcam cost me £800 in 1999.

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

I have the Yamaha R-N803 powering the elac unifi ub5- from what I understand the amp section is the same as the A-S801 - but I have switched the impedance (as recommended) from default 8 ohms to 4 - am I able to switch the impedance back to 8 so I can take advantage of the full power? Thanks in advance- I don’t really expect an answer but would be good if there was one. Regards-

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

I switched my rn803 back to the default of 8ohms running a pair of reportedly power hungry elac uni-fi ub5 at normal listening levels. Would not classify it as “loud”. The amp was warm but I don’t think any warmer than if I ran it with the impedance switch at 4ohms. Ran it for about an hour and a half with cantopop music. Seems ok.

[@kurtzcol]

i have this as801 in silver its a real beauty

[@renatooca2277]

kurrtzcol

[@renatooca2277]

how much the prize yamaha A-S 801 amplifier

[@charlesjacques750]

Yes, I need a flashlight to interact with black gear, especially if it's in some low rack and not up high on top of a cabinet.

[@andreassouth1523]

as801 has bright or warm sound?What speakers do you have with?

[@godamongmen2]

awesome we just got these in my store. Sounds awesome and powerfull!! very excited

[@bernie6355]

Love 2 channel and love what Yamaha is doing. Got into hifi in the 80's and Yamaha was the introduction to this hobby. Excellent review.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

Can you, should you play the A+B speakers simultaneously? Or play a or b at any given time ?

[@apg91]

I bought this amp after your review. I'm using it with a DAC from PS Audio and some loudspeakers from T+A. Thanks!

[@rolandlickert2904]

T+A speaker are pretty good

[@apg91]

I'M surprised how good and neutral they are. For my living room are more than enough. I'm using criterion tb 100 and plan to switch to tb160 or tmr160.

[@TD402dd]

I'm old school, so the fancy features are unnecessary, but nice! People don't understand how important it is to have a clean amp to drive their speakers. Clipping, high distortion amps is the weakest link in a system, so it's nice Yamaha has decided cheap junk is no longer part of their product line. Now, they should get rid of those cheap receivers and go to quality like this.

[@gemini211269]

Great video and content, Gene and Hugo! Having sold mid-high end gear back in the late 80s to mid 90s (Yamaha being one of the brands), this excites me. I may have to pick one of these up and see how it sound compared to my current integrated amp (Bel Canto c5i). Keep up the great work!

[@ronnieblack2482]

My 2 channel set up is Klipsch RF-62II's ...They sound almost as good as the 8000f's ..These floor speakers are like a 60-70s muscle car. Just pure power and loud as it gets...I'm actually running 2.2 The RF-62IIs and a pair of spl 120s...

[@kingpetra6886]

I never left two channel.

[@aaronrojas5399]

Great review! Question: how will this handle 4 Elac B6 Debuts and a Klipsch 10" wireless sub? I currently run these on a AVR Onkyo Tx-Rz620 and I hate it. I also have a Pioneer plx1000 w/ a Schiit Mani w/ a Loki EQ to listen to records. These 3 I love. I just can't get anything out of the Onkyo worth being quality. Help.

[@ronnieblack2482]

When I started building and learning about home systems I made a huge error. I purchased a Denon Receiver that you can't attach an AMP to. Thankfully I got the speakers right. Now I have to go back and buy the receiver then the amp. I'm really thinking about this AMP paired with the big Pioneer Elite 9.2

[@rekor]

do the optical inputs use the in-built DAC as well or just the USB?

[@DannoCrutch]

About time. RE: 2 channel. I have a nice desktop Computer system with Meridian Explorer feeding Emotiva amplified speakers, another desktop system with a Emotiva 50W amp and Peachtree Audio speakers, and the He-Man 2 channel Rig with Cary Pre, Primaluna Amp, and Thiel Loudspeakers. Front ends are Thorens TT, Emotiva CD, And Yamaha CD.

[@sylvainmasson8629]

I have a Denon avr1505 run in 2 ch . speakers A for woofers / low mids and speakers B for tweeters and high mids on Paradigm monitor 11 v5 . Thinking of swapping with a Yamaha A-S801 .

[@RoyFJ65]

Over the years my Yamaha gear addiction has got me two pairs of NS1000Ms, one P2200 amp, one PC2002m, M50 and MX-1. Recently I acquired a R-N603 for streaming but I was surprised that it managed to drive the NS1000M speakers as well and with impunity and signature Yamaha sound.

[@cagatayseri]

After 10 months of torture by this piece of crap, i have traded it in with a true amp...MARANTZ. Yamaha sounds weak, no details, no stage. Sounds like music is played behind a sponge wall. The look is ok. Good number of inputs but these metal boxes are built for music. As long as it does not sound well, i don't care about the good look, number of inputs, weight or data. All that matters is the SOUND. Finally my ears are blessed again by MARANTZ .

[@cmkilcullen8176]

What do you guys think of the performance of this amps phono stage? Do you like the way it plays lps? Do the specs on it look good? I have an ortophon red on an onkyo turntable cp 1050 in case that matters. I had a Yamaha RS 700 receiver and now I am considering this amp. On the RS 700 I used a pre-amp as I thought the out put on that receiver was quite low for it's phono performance. Your feed back (all's feedback) would be appreciated.

[@14TacomaDR]

I have a issue the USB DAC indicator light doesn't change when playing 96khz or DSD files ....did you notice that in your tests ?

[@williamkarlschneider4101]

All 2 channel. Been running Onkyo dx 7555 cd player and lossless files from my iMac through my Onkyo A9555 class D amp ,rega mm Dac ,Rega fono mm.Speakers are Dynaudio Audience 52 4 ohm ,Amp is 11 years old and starting to have some issues.Will be looking to replace amp with this or 701 amp or new Rega Brio amp. Any suggestions or comments welcome.

[@newton5954]

I cannot really hear the difference between pure direct mode on or off nevermind CD direct I don't use that feature but as in terms of pure direct on and off I know what it's supposed to do and I know what it's designed to do but if I don't use any tunnel controls and that's a I have everything already flat without adjusting there's no difference in sound quality I don't know what's all the hype and speculation about o pure direct is the best way to go I wouldn't even listen to music or use it if you don't put it in pure direct mode at all times like really? I don't know who could really hear the difference regarding my controls are already flat so whether it's engaged on or off no difference. but sound is very subjective from somebody to another person if you have warm sounding speakers and you want to add a little bit more sharpness and clarity and make it sound a little bit more present like how your resolution kind of sound is the best way I can put it his by just only increasing the trouble ever so slightly nothing dramatic. I personally like having total control adjustment over pure direct something about just me increasing the trouble ever-so-slightly like I just said sounds very great on my warm sounding speakers I'm not losing sound quality or Fidelity I'm still getting really high-quality high-res sound so I don't know why people would want to sacrifice and listen to something flat when they can tweak it to their own liking and make it sound more sharp and more cleaner or the opposite of that if that's what they're going for any feedback from anybody? I've read numerous of form saying pure direct mode is the best but I personally like using a little bit more trouble but keeping everything like the bass and everything flat stock zero. That's the only thing I increase and it just sounds more crystal clear to me anything that comes through the speaker sounds cleaner what's going on in the background who really knows if I can hear and I can't hear it.

[@Miguel8131981]

Hello. I purchased this amplifier nearly two years ago and have been very happy with its performance. I made my decision to purchase this Yamaha amplifier in part due to your excellent review. I am currently using Bowers & Wilkins 606 bookshelf speakers and a Rythmik L12 subwoofer with this amplifier. However, I have been wanting to purchase floorstanding speakers to pair with this amplifier. Which brand/model floorstanding speakers do you thing would be a good sonic match for this amplifier?

[@peppeste79]

Hi Guys I have an A S=501 that run perfectly my DIY speakers . I Bi amp them using A+B. My question is (after watching your video) you do not reccomend bi amp speakers so it should be better bi wiring instead? Many thanks for all your videos

[@TimBaoht]

does it have replaceable opamps??? If I cant put a Burson SS in it forget it.... I use 7.1 for movies, but for music atm Im using a pair of chane arx 1rxc's with an Alesis RA 500 coming off of an Asus Essence STX II Sound card running bursons. How's that for a run-on sentence

[@amasu89]

I want to drive my Yamaha NS-10M pair of studio monitors on this. Can i connect this amplifier with my Audio interface (Presonus Studio 192 Mobile)? if so, how? which inputs would i be using? Thanks.

[@Miguelramirez-ow7ot]

this looks pretty badass

[@PlateletRichGel]

I bought the S301 which is the exact same amp at a lower wattage. However, most people don't use more than 1 to 15 watts anyway. At $269 it's 1/3 the cost of the S801. It doesn't have the ESS DAC but that's ok.

[@jaybrenner5927]

2 channel.But I do like to listen to movies through my mains & sub..The 1 thing that bothers me since I got my new TV is I Cant. My hk 3490 has an optical but it does not work. Tics me off.

[@illiniheel67]

Can you add an equalizer? I own a lot of old vinyl that really needs EQd to sound beautiful. I am currently running a Natural Sound EQ70 with my Yamaha Natural Sound A1020 integrated amp...

[@linreyes5656]

plan on Bi-wiring, what setting do you set your impedance on? this amp has, low (A or B 4min, A+B 8min) or high (A or B, 6min, A+B 12min) using a pair of 8-ohm polk lsim 703. also is this a good match? thanks

[@donalddeorio2237]

An integrated amplifier is higher build quality than a receiver, beefier power supply, can drive low impedance loads without blowing up higher maximum wattage. If you are more concerned with sound quality, this is the way to go. Good advice guys

[@nmbdk4955]

I have an Yamaha A-S2000 which drives a pair of floor standing speakers (no subwoofer). I have my DAC, CD player and turntable connected to this and it sounds great! My only complaint with the Yamaha is that they don't include an adjustment-pot for the output offset, so I'm stuck with a rather high -73 mV on one channel and a more respectable -13 mV on the other :( Does anyone know if the -73 mV is okay, or should I contact my dealer?

[@cmkilcullen8176]

I pretty much answered my own question. I read the Audioholics review of this fine machine, but there was no real input as to the phono stage performance, nor was attention given to it. NO bad rap on you guys as I could not get any real feedback on that elsewhere. Anyways- for those of you interested. It is okay - a little noisey with respect to picking up needle to vinyl contact. I ended up using a phono preamp from pro ject, which I already owned. Now the performance of the turntable is proportionate to performance with the rest of the features on the this amp. I do have a rather decent turntable and cartridge. I think it's cool that companies, including Yamaha, are recognizing the popular resurgence of vinyl, but I also find that many considering including a phono option alone to be alone a selling point. ( So as to not have to use other rca lines or to acknowledge the occasional lp listener perhaps). It doesn't appear to me that as much emphasis of quality is put on this analogue feature as is the DAC and other things. But .... that's cool. Some more attention to the quality of the soundstage of phono outputs and others would be (I think) a good thing to review just as thoroughly as the digital features and such. I know that every amp has it's own sound, but how that sound and character translates in each of the elements (not just the exciting or sexy ones) would make for the consumer having a more rounded and informed forewarning of the products performance. Perhaps one thinks that true audiophiles are going to end up getting their own phono preamps and such anyways? If one is going to invest in an amp and not have to buy a really good dac, then why not have that same thinking for the soundstage and such of the other outputs as well? I know it means having to provide as examples the component you use, but - it still helps (what kind of cd player etc..). Most reviewers say what components they plug in anyways for demonstration.. Just a thought. Peace - and happy listening.

[@14TacomaDR]

well I bought the 801. Very happy so far . I have a old set of DB plus 1212 speakers .there very efficient 101 db . It doesn't seem to have as much bass as my old NAD 3080, which is so old it doesn't even have a CD input ! . But the 801 has a very HD sound . I am using a nice HDMI cord to connect which I got free with the amp.

[@TheDutchSandwich]

I have two 2 channel setups. One is 2.0 and the other is 2.1. I have a Peachtree Decco65 in one and a NAD 356BEE in the other. I love the NAD, but have been jonesing to upgrade the Peachtree to a Rogue Audio Sphinx or something similar. This Yamaha seems like it could be a good option too...although the wife really does like the look of the Peachtree.

[@newENIO11]

gene, are you ever going to do a review of ROTEL gears? i think you'll like their new lines of integrated amps the ra 1570 and ra 1592. and for the answer to the question. i have never liked multi channel audio. its not that i spurn it. its just not for me. i remember the first time i learned about stereo imaging when i was 12. i was so blown by it that there's no multi channel system that have impress me ever since. specially in music reproductions where most music that i like are mixed in 2 channels or mono.

[@BlazejMarczak]

Hi can I connect my android phone (or any other streamer) to it via USB cable and utilize Yamaha internal DAC?

[@tapemaster8252]

I'm buying the s501 to use my CD/minidisc unit and cassette deck and buying a receiver for surround, I think I'm gonna have to get a speaker switch box for the fronts.you guys didn't mention the subout feature, the main reason I bought it

[@jzacinter]

I have the Yamaha RN803 and just purchased Martin Logan 40i , 4 or 8 ohm setting on receiver ? Thanks

[@Townie1000]

I have a dedicated 2 channel system (Marantz) feeding a set of Def Tech 8040s. I plan on getting a separate home theatre system but I would like to use the Def Techs as the front L/R channels. I have two questions. Does anyone know of a device that can switch two sources (2 ch and AV receivers) to one set of speakers. That would save me from having to unplug from the 2 ch amp to plug into the home theatre AV receiver? And second, I plan on a single chair for the sweet spot, right in front of the speakers. Do I still need a centre speaker? I read somewhere that you only need the centre for folks who may be seated off axis.

[@illiniheel67]

To answer your question, I am converted BACK to 2 channels. Several sources, but my ProJect Debut Carbon is my favorite.

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

Guys I have a question that was not clear? I think if you biwire and loose the bridge on an 8 home speaker you would want to use the Low setting and basically get more power to the speaker being that your down to a 4 ohm split and basically bridge amped for more power??? set on low 4 ohm setting and run 4 wires and use A&B and it will make more power than on the high setting with 1 wire???

[@charlesjacques750]

This thing looks massively big, think small is better. My old Marantz 4415 receiever is even smaller and lighter. Why so BIG?

[@ls1chevy2]

I'm running Polk Signature Series S60 Floor Standing Speaker with this amp, they sound great, any ideas what sub and self speakers I should add to the system

[@Coilaman]

I have an NAD C340 Integrated amp and a pair of PSB Image 4T speakers. A wonderful combo with no need for anything else. Home theater is too expensive. A good 2-channel setup is good enough for movies. Most movies are crap anyway. Star Wars especially.

[@alem123]

Dear Audioholics, I hope you will help and elaborate on the differences between A-S801 and A-S701 to a total Hi-Fi newb. I am searching for my first stereo amp. I did the spec. comparison and found the main difference to be the ESS USB DAC on the A-S801. The advantage is that it can play the DSD audio format, which from my understanding is limited in availability. If I mainly want to listen to FLAC and Spotify lossless from the PC, wired optically on A-S701 or USB on A-S801, would I hear a difference? Please explain it to me like I am an 5 year old :)

[@danielwashburn9744]

well actually I run an Onkyo TX NR 828 but 99% of my listening time is spent in 2 channel/ (Def Tech 8060s) 2 sub mode. I guess I just wanted to make sure that when I run a blu ray I've got the 7.2 wired up and ready to go as well.

[@zivoradnedeljkovic8242]

I am only 2 chanel stereo.

[@beslemeto]

I bought Yamaha AX-497 for £100 and apparently sounds better than A-S801.

[@run_taurus7635]

since you asked about what people are doing home theater or 2 channel. I am about to get into hi fi and what I want is kick ass 2 channel stereo and a great home theater. I am thinking about a Parasound integrated amp which has home theater bypass so my 2 channel speakers can also be my home theater front left and right. anybody want to suggest a pair of speakers for the parasound - i am all ears.

[@allstar930]

My listening station is always 2 channel. I have a nice little system built around my desktop computer. I've been using a pre-hdmi Pioneer Elite A/V receiver to drive the system for many years but I'd like to switch up to something like this Yamaha.

[@vman7502]

About A Year Ago I Purchased The Yamaha T-s500 and A-s500 . Worked With My Budget (Need Speakers, Subs. ect. Also) The Yamaha Equipment Was/Is Amazing...NOW, Seeing This Review On The A-s801... Makes Me Yearn !

[@ducksonetime]

I have a R-S500 driving my fronts and all my music goes directly to this receiver/amp. I have an RX-V663 for the surrounds and center channel but this only gets powered on for movies. I'm still a 2 channel guy at heart.

[@musclecarfan74]

Bruce Allen you are correct