Z Review - Yamaha A-S301 [The Return of Real Amp Problems]

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[@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.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

The 'loudness' control changes the equalization curve giving it a v shape. It lowers midrange. That way you get extra bass and treble when listening at low volume.

[@christopherheinz6809]

I know you're not fond of this AMP. I've contacted Elac directly, as I own several of their speakers. They recommended Yamaha A-S integrated amps line to be one of the best matches with their speakers.

[@rotorfix]

Many amps "leak" when there are multiple sources playing at a time. That's very common with non-balanced inputs, even in expensive integrateds. The manufacturers don't expect anyone to have simultaneous sources running.

[@jamesjackson2766]

I have this amp and love it. You need to cap off the unused RCA inputs and the bleeding will go away. After 2 years of use I recommend that you "ALL WAYS USE IN DIRECT MODE", it actually makes the source sound better.

[@TehEpicMinecraft]

yeah i basically always use that pure sound button

[@filipbabok9023]

What does it mean - cap off?

[@jamesjackson2766]

@@filipbabok9023 They make a cap for the unused RCA connections. It helps stop bleed over.

[@awwtergirl7040]

Finally someone dropping knowledge on this.

[@jonathanlazaris3627]

what's bleed over?

[@billd9667]

Ok - variable loudness control “explained”: a. Variability is provided to accommodate speakers of different sensitivities. A fixed loudness (which actually varies with volume settings) for both Magnepans and Klipschorns is useless. With Maggies the loudness effect is gone by the time you get the volume up to the point where you would really need it. On the Horns, you can never get the volume [knob] up high enough to escape the loudness function. A variable control allows you to tailor the loudness to your particular scenario. With this knob, you can set your usual sorta medium-loud volume with the loudness control set to flat and then just use the loudness knob to control volume instead of the actual volume knob (yeah, I know - it’s hard write this stuff too!). Or, you can just set your main volume and then make yourself happy with the Loudness knob. Me? I wouldn’t use it unless the volume was at midnight/everyone is sleeping level anyway. b. The Fletcher-Munson curves used to define the olde tyme loudness control that many manufacturers still use today were long ago proven in double blind tests to be exaggerated in relation to what the human ear requires for accurate loudness compensation. What tested to be preferable was just bass compensation and a lower shelving point. The first component to offer this option and explain it in the documentation (a veritable phone book) was the Apt Holman Preamp of the late 1970s. Yamaha got this and ran with it ever since. Other manufacturers still “juice it up” because people like it. People also like earbuds. Yech.

[@manFromPeterborough]

The classic volume control with middle tap had bypass capacitors to ground for bass and hot to middle tap for treble, this format is garbage 'cause the mids hump kicks in @65% vol setting

[@Grindermetalhead]

I almost decided not to buy this amp based on this video, but then I bought it anyway, and I didn't regret it. I had it for several months now and I love it. It's a really good amp for the price.

[@hifitommy]

the loudness system on yamaha equipment is sophisticated. so turn the GAIN to as loud as you will be playing it. THEN switch on the loudness. as you turn down the LOUDNESS, the bass and mids elevate to accommodate the ear loss you have at soft levels in the bass and upper treble. minus 30db is not an unusual amount of attenuation you might employ. this works even if you had changed the BASS and TREBLE knobs to equalize the sound at the loudest level at which you would be listening. think on that for a while. Yamaha did. ...hifitommy

[@TehEpicMinecraft]

thanks for the explaination i've figured this out as well good info there man

[@middle_pickup]

I have this amp. I enjoy the volume knob's design. I don't care to know where the knob is set. I like to set things with my ears-not my eyes.

[@Dan-km1zs]

Love these amps but its just nice to be able to glance and know where its at if you're switching inputs, or albums etc.. having a small and dim led on it would take nothing away from the clean look either imo

[@pbaker7160]

That’s because you’re normal. Who constantly looks at their volume knob? Who cares where it’s at on the dial while listening?

[@remy7721]

I would not recommend this video to anyone else suffering Meniere’s Disease. The motion WILL make you sick.

[@lithiumstatic]

The Yamaha A-S301, A-S501, A-S701 and A-S801 all 4 kick ass in their own way. Very similar, but different options like DACs etc. I have the A-S501 for about a year and it stomps my previous Onkyo into the ground so bad. I was shocked. The loudness knob has a purpose Z.... You have access to a computer and internet and should research it, because your not using it right.

[@petercollie9251]

loudness knob you're not trying to play it loud leave it on 12 turn down your volume on your amp then turn your up the amp desire volume music playback for late night listening then dial your loudness knob from 0-12-6 slowly like a EQ and stop being aggressive with the amp it's ears and patience. 🎶🎵

[@roger_985]

To use the loudness you're supposed to set the volume to the highest you'd ever listen and then use the loudness knob to control your volume. It functions as a kind of dynamic eq. Whether or not it sounds any good is certainly up for debate.

[@Curi0u50ne]

roger_985 thanks for the simple explanation, makes sense now.

[@manFromPeterborough]

All loudness or turbo bass features are crap

[@greencityman420]

When recording from records the speaker off function is very useful especially if your using the recording ports on the back of the amp.

[@Punisher9419]

I have the AS-501 for quite a few years now, it's a really great amp. Very powerful, I've never taken it past half way. I use it with two Wharfedale Diamond 220's. I would like to say the remote is the best remote I've ever used. It's the same layout but with better sound. But yea it's not the best amp probably but it works well enough and it still works, it's why I still use my Fiio E10 none k because it works and it's good enough. My speakers are the real magic maker in my setup because they are so detailed and accurate. They lack bass though. Onkyo is probably better then the 501 but I don't have it.

[@temporarynickname1]

Marc Gallant Absolutely correct.

[@temporarynickname1]

Marc Gallant I understand your concerns, I had the chance to demo together the A-S301 vs the A-9010 and the second one, according to my taste, sounded way, way better. I would take the Onkyo any day of the week over the Yamaha. I owned the A-S701 and oh man, trust me, there isn't a single day I don't regret selling it. THAT is a true amplifier, if you check the test ran by Audioholics on the A-S801 (same amp under the hood) it's quite scary what Yamaha sells for only 500€ over here. (I'm from Italy) By the way yeah, the A-S501 and all the models up the line are a complete different story compared to the smaller models.

[@Punisher9419]

I have a dedicated desk just for the A-S501. It's very big but looks very nice. I've never heard the Onkyo so I couldn't give my opinion, all I know is the A-S501 is the best AMP I've listened to.

[@temporarynickname1]

It's way easier to blown up speakers with distortion than power, as long the A-S501 is away from clipping you can send all the juice you like.

[@Punisher9419]

I've never taken it past 50%. It didn't even start to distort the audio either and it was damn laud. I might try and take it up beyond 50% next week when everyone is out of the house.

[@vicg5323]

buttons aside. The amp is very good sound for the price. I have it and because of it upgraded to the AS-2100 which is an audiophile beast. But even the top end AS-3000 does not have clear markings on the knob nor lighted indicators. But i don't look at my stereo, I listen to it.

[@ricstars95]

@vic g @mr hulk How do you define the amp's sound signature? Slightly bright or warm from neutral? Im considering this for tannoy eclipse 3. Any feedback would be highly appreciated

[@vicg5323]

ricstars95 sorry I did not see you question. It is neutral and very musical.

[@DamionG1987]

@@ricstars95 The sound is a little on the warm side. It's really nice and sweet IMO. It's beautiful and great sounding.

[@prateeksamuel8603]

That loudness level is really good if you want to tone down the volume a little bit or if you wanna fine tune the volume

[@marcuscarey2147]

How can you be upset about the tuner option for the input selector? It isn't a receiver it's an amp.

[@arthurlyons8498]

I have this amp hooked up to the speaker inputs of my powered sub using its active x_over set at 80 hz..& sending the signal to my bookshelf speakers. The sound is fabulous. I now have a 2.5 way system. this is how to use a 2channel amp. No need to use a useless sub out. That"s for crap AVRs. This amp is GREAT.

[@horhey4063]

Idk why manufacturers don't do the LED indicator on the volume knob anymore, it wouldn't cost much more and there's very little engineering to get to to work. Literally all they have to do is drill a hole, add a fiber-optic ring to the volume knob shaft, and then have an LED shine on to the ring and boom. Light up indicatorb

[@locutiss100]

As for the loudness CONTROL it's design is to allow speakers of differing sensitivity to benefit from an appropriate amount of low end bass, however it works in such a way that it doesn't really alter the lows at all, but, rather decreases the the midband creating the illusion of increased bass. If you you use it correctly for a while and then try listening without it the sound is very mid rangie

[@faberfalco2705]

Traduzione

[@WXSTANG]

The "OFF" function on the selector is so you can wire up different speakers, or Bi-AMP, without having to turn it off.

[@oldschoolbluesplayer5319]

* * * Holly Crap...OCD Dude...What About The Sound Vs ONKYO ?

[@gman5218]

All THE GEAR AND NO IDEA ... comes to mind. Read the manual if you don't know how the functions work. And why complain so much about knob markings when you have ears and if to far away to see u have a remote. I have the 501 its great and yamaha's loudness control features is very useful (🤔if you know how to use it).

[@williekenk]

"There's a bit of a buzz" - in a phono analog chain that could be so many things, but my guess would be the TT is picking up RFI from all the other electronics near by. I previously had a UTurn and it was wonderful, but always had a bit of a hum. I also could not turn on my TV (plasma) while the TT was running or I would get heavy feedback. I've made a range of upgrades that have progressively reduced the hum, but I never fully eliminated the hum until I upgraded to a MoFi UltraDeck. Part of a really quality turntable is excellent shielding through the entire chain, from the stylus all the way to the amp.

[@jamesg.5079]

I couldn't watch the entire video, started to get a headache with the camera shaking all over the place. The other item is it wasn't necessary to make a big deal out of no LED on the knobs and then slobber them up with a white substance. The least of my concern is where the volume level is. I expect it to be where it was the last time I played the sound system. All that was needed to be said was "it would be nice if Yamaha added an LED on the volume knob to indicate position. Who cares what you had to do to see where the volume is.

[@stephane522]

Oh my god, there no light on the volume indicator, it's a bad amp.

[@dm95422]

I was going to purchase the 301, but instead was lured into buying it's sister the R-S300 only because it has an FM tuner & display. Both have same power & great sound quality & stereo image separation & the fact the R-S300 was on sale & an FM tuner was a MUST in my stereo setup & I do not want to buy a separate unit for it.

[@kvltovfreki6020]

Loudness at -36 + all the bass - all the treble = Beats By Dre mode.

[@lizichell2]

Kvlt Ov Freki with the treble down all the way

[@kvltovfreki6020]

Fixed!

[@ilpatongi]

The Loudness buttons helps mainly at low volumes and then fades out at higher volumes It let's you have improved bass and highs without having to go load. Soooooooo this is stupid

[@paulreed1142]

I have (and enjoy) the older A-S300. To solve the volume knob issue, I employed a self-adhesive, Avery, color coding label (a 1/4", yellow dot).

[@timschutte6924]

I went one step further. I employed the same technique that I use on my firearms. Pick out your color. Then I clean the area to be COLOR FILLED, Finger Nail polish. There's a billion different colors. Use rubbing alcohol. Do Not use the higher percentage. Use the weaker strength about 75 percent. NOT the 90 percent so you won't remove the factory Black base coat color. Then either do at DOT or a LINE. Your choice. Turns out nice. Just make sure to do all of the other knobs the exact same way

[@KerbuIon]

This video proves you have no idea about audio.

[@MegsKal]

Hi Z.. love your videos but this one...hmmm I watched the whole video waiting for your review on its sound and DAC comparisons... I have this amp and I absolutely love it’s smooth sound and actually it’s DAC is very good.

[@Realflanker]

The Yamaha 301 sounds great it was a little flat bass wise until I added a PSW 10 10" Polk subwoofer with a pair of Polk T15 I enjoy playing music and movies on that setup I also recommend using a optical cable with amplifier you love it even more

[@MoltenHelium]

I decided to get this amp with the Neumi bs5 and the jamo c910. For my first new system. Everything I used before was from the 90s/00s. I mostly use it in pure direct mode. The controls on my unit seem fine for switching the input .. I use the remote most of the time anyway. The loudness only really makes a difference when you’re at really low volumes… if not don’t touch it. It’s simple and it works. I’ve seen elsewhere that the insides are very well built. No light on the volume knob is a mute point… music/sound is not a visual medium… adjust to your ears. For a first system to me it’s worth the money…also I haven’t noticed any noise coming through mine.. I use the phono and line one. (Record player and echo dot) but there is definitely a little bleed through on the inputs. Would it be better if it didn’t? Yeah… but I only have something playing on one input at a time.

[@Holychickendestroyer]

There was no mention of the plastic volume knob on the onkyo. Seems like someone just felt like critizicing this unit to shut people up. Amazon has it at a 4.5 rating while the onkyo is at 4.0. The screw on top bothers you?

[@Holychickendestroyer]

Dont know but hundreds of people can't be wrong. I tried both (yamaha and onkyo) before getting one and even looked at this video but I couldn't ignore the massive amount of positive reviews yamaha had over onkyo. The sound of yamaha is more relaxed (natural) over the smiley configuration of the onkyo sound which on first impression may cause one to think differently of both systems. Other features that sold me were the built and weight. There is no way a 20 lb. Amp will outdo a 25lb. No matter what specs may claim. The only pro I could find over yamaha was the price. To be fair I got the a-s501 not the 301.

[@dapster]

Zeos is a self admitted OCD so any little thing - such as blue LCDs - will bother him. TBH if he were to buy a Yahama product I think the R-N303 - which I own - would be more to his liking. No knob with an indicator - has an LCD display (in white) that shows the volume number - or knobs to turn up or down the bass and treble controls. Plus the mute function will actually mute the volume. Plus if he's one of those who still listens to the radio - like me - it has internet radio so almost no need to use an antenna, though I still use one just in case.

[@andyt704]

Use a correction fluid pen to mark/fill the notch on the knobs.

[@Curi0u50ne]

ANDY T or white art paint, already used on a tube preamp

[@TheSkysolid]

I think "Speaker Off" switch for using pre outs. You can use it like a DAC by this way.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

yes

[@andreaslossius7920]

Good point!

[@horhey4063]

I've seen the A+B selector used as a primitive two zone system back in the 90s Speakers A = indoor speakers Speakers B = porch/outdoor A+B = usually used when there's a party

[@JanKowalski-vh1rg]

A+B is for bi-wirning

[@temporarynickname1]

The "leaking" problem happens often on cheap amplifiers, I had it on my old Marantz PM6005 too. The A-S301 is quite an unlucky amplifier, the A-S501 it's just way better in all ways, it's absolutely worth the extra money. If you can't shoot for the bigger Yammies stick with the A-9010, it will serve you very well. I personally owned the A-S701 and demoed many times the A-S2100, I can only say they are absolutely worth every penny.

[@TheWretchedWorld]

I owned the a-s701 and it was an awesome amplifier i ended up selling it on to 'upgrade' to other gear and ended up regretting it.

[@haris525]

Yes I own the Yamaha a-s 2000, and it’s great. Pure unadulterated 2 channel integrated amp powering my paradigm studio 100 v3

[@temporarynickname1]

I can feel you, I sold the A-S701 too and I miss it very much. It's a real powerhouse but without renouncing to a refined sound.

[@superpeca]

I am looking at 701 on sale for around 450. My issue is the subwoofer cutover frequency - does it act the same way as 301? I have small KEF 100s and a sub and I don't want the KEFs to play anything below a certain frequency to free them up to get louder or more controlled at lower volume...

[@temporarynickname1]

@@superpeca For that you need a crossover. The A-S701 has no high pass filter on speaker output. If I remember right it only has low pass filter at 110Hz on the sub preout.

[@ratherbeboating10]

I'm going to make a suggestion. I have a Technics amp from the early 90s that also gets bleed through only on empty channels from the tuner. But if you have RCAs on the port and they're off (no signal) the bleed through stops. That being said, that is one of the best sounding amps I've ever heard. Now when I blew that one up, I replaced it with a yamaha R-S700 and that sounds every bit as good. I tested the lower end yamaha models in store and wasn't impressed. The 700 just sounded powerful if you will. I used it for podcast mixing and got studio sounding audio from it. It's a very natural receiver. Just my experience.

[@markrigg6623]

That switch that turns off the speakers is the proper mute switch. The actual mute switch is actually just an attenuator. Thats why it exists and I thought you would have realised!

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Yeah, my 1996 Aiwa receiver had a red LED on the volume knob, it was awesome! It still runs to this day too, and I think it is more powerful than a lot of modern AV receivers.

[@DamionG1987]

I have the A-S501 and it sound amazing. It's so sweet sounding. Your 301 is 60W a channel btw. Not 100.

[@rsdno]

60 watt RMS into 4 OHM or 6 Ohm I try for 8 OHM RMS when you had to get a Scott Kit diy in the 60s if you wanted 100 watts per channel @8 Ohm and the Macintosh Kit

[@filipog4]

I just bought A-S501 and I hope to be happy. As a curiosity, I'll tell you that it has more power than the manufacturer says. During the measurements, it turned out that it has 2x 95 W RMS at 8 ohms and 2x 138 W RMS at 4 ohms! |Will be at my place tomorrow, I can't wait. Greetings from Poland :)

[@anthonysmith8900]

I have the AS701 and it's the shit. I wish I had the 801 with the usb and bad ass DAC.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

yamaha's "variable loudness" exists since the middle ages.

[@Bob.martens]

Has it been this weird since then?

[@Chardiieee]

Sorry Zeos but does the loudness knob really act as an EQ of sorts, or does it actually act like an audio compressor (which is usually what other loudness functions do)??? I have an audio compressor program on both of my PC's specifically to bring up and equalise the volume (not the tone) of quiet sounds, so that you can hear everything without bursts or dips in volume. I would assume thats what this does, and the knob just scales the amount of compression.

[@sodapopinski690]

Here's the problem with ''audio experts'' and reviewers. They listen to so many different systems that they poo poo just about everything that doesn't blow their socks off in the first 2 minutes of listening. Your ears have to get used to the sound of your equipment, and if you are constantly A/B switching between different amps and speakers you are going to become desensitized to all sound. He stated in a previous video that the only speakers he ever really loved was some high end Martin Logans. That says it all. And this dude's reviews are not very informative. Too much opinion.

[@colanitower]

Unwatchable. Camera moving all over the place.

[@dontpanic15]

his reviews are all like this unfortunately. i dont trust his recommendations either. too bad because he has lots of content.

[@kennethwilliams4874]

Just think of the loudness feature as a mid-range cut. The difference is, most other amps only give you an on/off choice. This one gives you level control of that midrange cut. Why one would take such umbrage at an additional control aspect THAT NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO USE...

[@SuperMatrix59]

I got the 501 listen this amp is like the QSR Amp I used to use in the late 80s 90s. Built to last. You can kick it shoot it smack it up down run that shit on 2 ohms for hours and still sound good Period.ZTeviewer man.

[@brolsonmusic]

I have the A-S801 and use two sets of speakers (A+B) 1st set is my Advent Heritage which are brighter, and then my Paisley AE500 speakers which are warmer...together they sound great.

[@Pepeluisvai]

I have this amp, and its perfect, enough power and quality, had previously the onkyo and the volume knob goes crazy. Also no leakage and it also has a very neutral sound, it depends on your preferences.

[@TehEpicMinecraft]

I have it too I like it a lot as well

[@inmorthex]

coz is critical and he use a shit DACs

[@robertorodriguez2609]

i agree that sub out is useless, doesn't have bass management at all; you have to go the amp-to-sub-to-spkrs route.

[@intothevoid9831]

The loudness function should only mess with the low end, so i guess you're upset that the loudness control is working like it should?

[@TristanLowePT]

That Jerry Goldsmith score is a masterpiece 🎧🎬

[@travis4798]

Well it is cheaply made! This is Yamaha's "cheap" line of amplifiers. It's part of their "classic" series from the 1970's so that's why the knobs look like the 30 year old version. I've powered some meaty floor speakers with it, it's not as boomy as an old amplifier but it's very clean. As for loudness that's pretty much how any loudness function works, not designed to sound good just make the music sound "louder" lol I have plenty of old receivers with the loudness function that as soon as you depress the button they sound like a dog taking a dump in a tin can, they Yamaha wins in the slightly better sounding loudness feature department. I'm using a Yamaha Bluetooth module that plugs into the usb and digital coax, actually sounds very good. Btw this is 60 watts per channel not 100.

[@crystalstanborough4053]

yall just dont know the proper use of it ,smh

[@kermitkanode6508]

Tip: Use a yellow post-it note to make a volume knob indicator. Cut out any shape from the sticky end. Easy to remove and/ or change.

[@tonyleungnl]

What I understand for bi-wiring is that you can use e.g. Silver (often thinner) wires for the tweeter for the clarity of mid high and other wires for the dome. So, bi-wiring with 2 same cable doesn't make sense like Z says. Even you can debate about the one can take away some juice of the other speaker. In this class. It doesn't matter.

[@ZReviews]

Only thing I can think of for the "OFF" function on the front selector is to run the Loop out RCA's on the back with no speakers. So using it as a pre-amp IF that is what it does.

[@juliangst]

You have to do the next podcast with Paul McGowan from PS Audio. He also runs a KZbin channel.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

Z Reviews does it have headphones out? it must be to turn off the spkrs because connecting 'phones won't do it.

[@juliangst]

Have you even watched the video?

[@sudd3660]

i know, its the mute switch .....

[@juliangst]

The Onkyo 9010 is a steal for 185€, but the 9150 (newer version?) looks also very nice.

[@Geerladenlad]

Yamaha has done the loudness control this way as far back as the early 90s maybe even before.

[@partypetie]

38+ mins for a review? If this were 38+ mins of relevant information and comparison, it would be considered a comprehensive review, however, half of it is you loving the sound of your own voice and appreciating your own glib comedy a little too much. It’s nauseating.

[@iamcypher]

I have a Yamaha RN-602 and keep the bass tilted 30 degrees and while it breaks symmetry, you don't quite notice it from the distance as it's a black colored knob on a black unit.

[@gioziss]

This review is very poor with little useful information for the potential buyer. The only valid judgement was the sound leakage, which should be common within this price range and as is a trait that most people would rarely/ never face. Little talk about connectivity and abilities, even less about internal components/ technical specification. Most of the 38 minutes are spent on pointless commenting about mute ability, knobs and how ugly it is with the knobs turned (...). You provide no measurements at all, yet you state that Onkyo is much better sounding, an argument that is highly questionable, considering the sighted (aka biased) listening and poor listening environment, at least based on what was presented on this video.

[@justanotheryoutubeuser5029]

I bet this is your first z reviews?

[@Derpderpson123]

- Rambling - Japanese Amps - Anime Waifu's YES BABY

[@crystalstanborough4053]

and one deaf, blind, stupid fucker that ate to much paint chips

[@snipewa4]

So did you not consider that because the speakers and sub are on a different channel...you confirm this at 33mins....that's why the speakers continue to take the bass frequencies...I'd wager if you threw the speakers on the b channel with the sub they would no longer try to hit those lows....thoughts? I think so. All and all great vid. Very in depth and you describe a lot of potential issues. Cheers

[@KerbuIon]

you should buy a bluetooth adapter that plugs into the coax Zeos (use the internal DAC)

[@shipsahoy1793]

I have a Denon DRA-835R 2-channel (100W/ch) receiver from the 90s that you could shut both speaker sets off, and when you plug in the headphones, the speakers stay on if selected, and it’s got that stupid variable loudness knob you were talking about on the Yamaha. The remote will crank the volume up and down, but at least the big volume knob has a line on it that’s lit up by an LED. Also has a source direct switch, but no subwoofer output, and no coaxial, no digital, and no USB. It was way over priced at the time and I was never with happy with myself for buying it, but I guess I really can’t complain because it worked for years and still does.

[@hawkeyed77]

I run a blutooth Tx of Rec Out on Line 3 to my Audio Technica Wireless ATH-ANC900Bt headphones on th A-S 301 so the speaker off option is great for turning off my KLH main speakers when the house is quite , so there's that . As for the loudness control it helps if you tune the Treble and Bass to what ever position you set your loudness to suit the sound you like if you use it." Enjoy natural sound even at low volume by lowering the mid-range sound level and compensating for the human ears’ loss of sensitivity to high- and low-frequency ranges " ( Manual) I dont use it as in run Pure Direct myself. It seems you don't get much at all , Yamahahave been doing this type of very versatile controls on their stereo amps for a long time my A-760II has almost identical controls from the 70'S except for the DAC and the sub woofer option and remote control. Who else gives you a variable Loudness Control instead of just a push button, riddle me that?

[@rh6108]

Good review, it would have been top notch excellent if you kept the camera still and pointed at the subject, not your pants.

[@MrMrpony]

I don't understand why this guy uses remote from 2 feet. And yes, I can see that volume indicator moving.. whatever that is worth

[@1972mercurycougar]

I get this way, occasionally, but not to this degree. Crypes!!! I Do like your videos, though. Wow, and wow.

[@steven44799]

i have a rotel A10, i got it for its simplicity in that its just an amp and all the controls have nice solid feels to them. it packs a punch for its 40w per channel much like the A-9010, it lacks the DAC and remote if those are features you want, but benefits in that its only 1/2 - 2/3 the height of the onkyo and has A/B speaker outputs.

[@ReYKaP-2010]

awsome review..learned a lot of things...One suggestion required, do you recommend these old geneation amps A-S301 or 501 series or do you recommend the new line musiccast series R-N303 ??

[@stephenmclaughlin5191]

How could anyone learn anything from this guy??? He doesn't know how to use most of the functions!

[@cowbellsuperstar1948]

I’m sorry, but it is so ridiculous condemning something when you don’t even know what it does. The variable loudness knob is something other manufacturers should follow. It really is a beautiful thing.

[@jeffkent6886]

I think if speakers are set to off its because your using it as a preamp. in case down the track you add a power amp. That's my best guess. Actually quite thoughtful as it will draw less amps this way as a pre.

[@WillTheSage]

Glad I opted for the Onkyo 9050 now after watching your Onkyo review and now this one. Clean headphone amp - upgrade from the Dac X6 I'd been using

[@TheTardis157]

I bought one last year when they were $350. Best decision I made for something to feed my L810s.

[@iamcypher]

I wish they had a black remote too.

[@BastianUllr]

Sorry, there is benefit to bi wire. Sometimes you have a hot Tweeter, thus you throw copper at the tweets and silver wire to the bass, bass becomes predominant. Stuff like that, so you can toy around with the wires to balance speakers. Also, I use quite a bit the off functionality of speakers when flipping through without having to constantly turn on and off the amp. Could it very well be changing inputs, or else... It does do its job sometimes. Better to have it than not to Imo. Regarding a+b, you can play an array with it. You can put speakers on 2 areas. Arrays are very interesting, and as long as you run true 8ohm speakers, you're fine. Loudness on yamaha does not mean you bump the V shape cuz that's adding gain and that adds distortion. What yamaha does is decreasing the mids so you push the amp, not add gain. What you are also supposed to do is set a flat volume and adjust the loudness anytime you want less volume... Volume should be a constant in a place for your listening room. That's what I know.

[@dennisduran8500]

How can anyone stand to watch this?

[@bizyz]

i am curious as to what the folks over at yamaha think of this review.

[@redpillrat163]

You don't have to SEE the volume you can HEAR if the volume is at the level you want.......sheesh dude!!

[@scottlowell493]

Unlike the bullshit ratings for their a/v receivers, this at least has an honest 60wpc, 20hz-20khz.

[@purplehayes4215]

I have a vintage Pioneer SA-6500 II integrated amp and I have a pair of Acoustic Research speakers rated at 8Ω each. The back of the amp says "A, B 4Ω or More Speaker" and "A+B 8Ω or More Speaker". What's the proper way to connect these?

[@markpersson3682]

It means you are only supposed to use A+B if both speakers are 8 ohms or higher.

[@kellytaylor3915]

Read the manual.

[@bradbeck6158]

21:23 ITS LIKE YOUR RUNNING AWAY!!!! Best reviewer ever. 22:48 ROASTED!

[@thomasraven]

I own this amp and I love it. My only complaint is that volume knob indicator.

[@josevsv8392]

why do you said that you dont want use 4 speakers at the same time on this amp i want to connect 4 speakers at 50watts continous at 8ohms i will not work fine?

[@mrhobs]

Man I have a lot of questions. I'll try to keep this relatively concise. (Sorry I haven't done more research.) I want to have DIGITAL audio out from my iMac (so mad they no longer have optical) to my Kenwood VR-407 A/V receiver which has optical and coaxial as the digital options. Can I just use the Cayin CS-30TCR to go from my USB-C straight to the VR-407's coaxial port? There seem to be very few cables and adapters that can accomplish USB-C to optical or coaxial. There's also the Hifime UAE23HD USB type-C DAC with Sabre 9018 chip, OR the ICUSBAUDIO2D External USB Sound Card for optical. Seems like one of these should work. The last one has reviews that claim it works. My main question is... well, I'm only a baby audiophile, but is this sort of work around some kind of agregious audio sin, or will it sound good? Do I really need separate preamp or amp before going to the big fat Kenwood receiver? I've looked at the Sprout100 and one or two similar options, but I really just feel like my old receiver will suit me fine. Just don't want bad/weak/laggy/jittery/etc (or analog) audio going into it. Would like to listen to music and edit video/film. EDIT: I've just discovered the Zeos reddit buying guides, so... maybe I should help myself. :P

[@jameswheeler7679]

I have seen this review and the Onkyo review I ended up purchasing Onkyo A 9150

[@shannonwilliams6623]

I like watching your reviews but is there a chance or possibility you could mount your camera on a tripod for viewing thankyou

[@brydon10]

His signature style is the GoPro on his head. That will never change, and it shouldn't change. I love it.

[@thomaswachter7782]

Hey Z, you're doing it all wrong on the loudness control. If you turn the volume down, then you use the control. You use the compensation when you decrease volume. Your volume is way up when you tested it. It is quite a useful feature used correctly. It is old school for sure. Anyway, thank you for the review. I bought the RB42's off your review. Amazing.

[@lizichell2]

Yay chewbacca at 10:40

[@johnwalck3003]

Why do I think that you are the same guy who played Warlock in Live Free Or Die Hard?

[@gerum009]

you can't even do decent camera work? seriously? Why not just post a stills picture and talk if the camera is too much work for you?

[@vikac7818]

Z please can you tell me what keyboard is that ? I really like the keyboard shining from left to right..

[@guachito33]

place the camera somewhere man !!

[@aldig3935]

Those hands are like water filled gloves.

[@huddyrj]

Now why in the world would you insult a stranger's hands?

[@roger_985]

Nice review, Yamaha has always had that weird variable loudness control. Even their receivers from the 70's had it. I guess it's just a Yamaha signature feature. It was something to standout from the glut of stereo receivers in the 70's that all had a loudness switch. The same with the rectangle knobs, Yamaha has always used those. It fits with the throwback styling of this amp.

[@timwynn6079]

i just can't stand watching this video, gives me a migraine from the motionsickness.

[@andrewganley9016]

Needs to get out more!

[@rdmeenach]

Yeah, this is really awful. That putty on the knobs....this is a bad

[@edwardbustillos7554]

It's not the motion sickness it's the dialogue and self talk it's nauseating.

[@dayelbeny]

Is the Onkio 9010 volume button any diffrent? The rest of the control buttons are any diffrent? (Yamaha with the strait button desingn is much easy to see in the dark). What about that boring design with straight led signaling for onkio selector? :)