Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier

Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier

We like the pure analog design of the Yamaha AS-S801. Bravo Yamaha! for not resorting to digital like so many peers. Built like an Audiophile amplifier, Inputs for TV, digital and Phono, a smooth, lovely sound, and power to delight. 

Yamaha is serious about their HiFi amplifiers. 

Yamaha’s amplifier design technology called ToP-ART features an I/O (input to output) Direct Symmetrical Design, with left and right channels organised in a straight, symmetrical layout for highest signal purity.

In addition, the ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) Base bottom chassis and a solid centre bar provide high-rigidity support and vibration damping. These Yamaha design innovations contribute to this amplifiers’ musicality.

"currently nothing I’ve seen combines this power, digital ability and price"

"The A-S801 is a powerful, versatile component with the inherent character of a format-leading Sabre DAC and a detailed, energetic SS amp. There’s a whole lot to like. If the asking price were higher, it would still compete but Yamaha have chosen an extremely aggressive ask. At below $1200 Canadian it could shake up the marketplace if people just paid attention. So audiophile snobs, you've been served. The A-S801 pounds hard on that HighEnd door. I think I hear the wood splintering"

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High Quality Parts for Outstanding Audio Performance

Custom-made power transformer, custom-made block capacitors, two direct signal path speaker relays, one-point grounding system, aluminium-extruded heat sinks and other top-quality parts effortlessly handle demanding audio signal conditions. The quality of each individual part, as well as how they work together, basically determines the sound quality of any component. Yamaha uses only very high quality parts, carefully selected and tested.

CD Direct Amplification and Pure Direct Mode for Greater Sound Purity

With a straight connection to the CD input, CD Direct Amplification maximises CD source S/N ratio. Additionally, engaging the Pure Direct mode causes the music signals to travel the shortest possible circuit route, bypassing the buffer amp and the tone, loudness and balance controls to virtually eliminate any signal degradation for the purest sound quality.

Gold-plated Terminals

Gold-plated terminals ensure a high quality connection that prevents signal loss. the A-S801 have gold-plated speaker terminals and input terminals.

USB DAC Function Supports 2.8MHz/5.6MHz DSD Native Resolution and PCM384kHz/32*bit Reproduction

USB DAC function supports 2.8MHz/5.6MHz DSD native resolution and PCM 384kHz/32-bit* reproduction

A built-in USB DAC function allows direct connection to a PC and reproduction of today's popular high resolution sound sources. The Yamaha-developed USB device controller IC has its own master clock that eliminates PC jitter for high-resolution signal transmission. The ASIO2.3 Yamaha Steinberg USB driver achieves lower delay and higher throughput. Offering compatibility with 5.6MHz DSD native reproduction and PCM 384kHz/32-bit PCM reproduction, you can enjoy a wide range of high-resolution sound sources for high quality sound. In addition, an indicator on the front panel displays easily understandable DSD and PCM playback formats and sampling frequencies.

* Windows support. Mac support is 24-bit.

Exceptionally High-Performance 32-bit D/A Converter

The D/A converter for the A-S801 is the ES9010K2M from ESS Technology, Inc. We selected this after careful examination of all points—not only its high precision processing of 32-bit audio, but also the ability to handle large amounts of audio data with full PCM 384kHz, DSD 5.6MHz native reproduction, strength in the low register, and high-quality definition in the high register. Since the built-in D/A converter generates its own master clock, an original Jitter Elimination function is also included, permitting D/A conversion with extremely low impact of clock jitter. Moreover, a 2-channel D/A converter is housed inside the chip and applies double differential operation. The result is an exceptionally high performance and high-quality signal output with superior signal-to-noise ratio.

Digital Audio Inputs

The A-S801 equipped for digital audio input with both optical and coaxial terminals. The optical is for receiving audio from a TV, and the coaxial for receiving audio from media streamers. 

Speaker A, B or A+B Selection and Speaker Terminals for Two Systems

You can connect two separate speaker systems in different rooms and switch between them, or have them both playing at the same time. There are four terminals, so by just pushing a button, you can switch speakers to match the sound source.

Subwoofer Terminal

A terminal for connecting a subwoofer is provided, allowing you to increase the bass output of your system for a more powerful sound with better overall sound quality.

Phono MM Terminal

You can connect a turntable with an MM phono cartridge to play vinyl records. This lets you enjoy not only CDs but also analogue record sound from an amp with the latest digital/analogue technology.

Reviews

"The Yamaha A-S801 looks good, sounds splendid, and has a long list of useful features at a price that makes it a bargain!" Absolute Sound Editor's choice 

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