Stereo Integrated Amps for Audiophiles
Yamaha just released reengineered A-S series integrated amplifiers for high-end audio enthusiasts. The new models — A-S1200, A-S2200 and A-S3200 — join the recently introduced 5000 Series of speakers, amps, preamps and turntable, offering audiophiles a complete family of premium Hi-Fi audio components. They replace the A-S1100, A-S2100, and A-S3000 that could now be price reduced.
Yamaha coined the term “Hi-Fi” 65 years ago with the release of its Hi-Fi Player and subsequent 1000 and 2000 series (see history), which are still highly regarded by audio enthusiasts. The 5000 series, over eight years in the making, was built on the success and performance of those legendary products, surpassing them with new patented features and construction. The same attention to design and detail as well as engineering philosophies can now be found in new A-S Series of integrated amplifiers.
An integrated amplifier is built to drive a system for serious music listening, offering both a power amplifier to generate wattage for loudspeakers and a preamplifier to support inputs from all music source components.As with all Yamaha audio technologies, the new models draw on the company’s expertise as the world’s largest maker of musical instruments and audio gear to deliver the most accurate and dynamic expression of “True Sound.” This Yamaha concept is based on reproducing the sound of musical instruments in the most natural and lifelike way, whether it’s in the studio or on stage.
“Music lovers deserve a rewarding and authentic reproduction of their favorite tunes. A pure and truly moving listening experience is never the result of just one component,” said Alex Sadeghian, director, Consumer Audio, Yamaha Corporation of America. “These new amplifiers combine years of customer feedback, research and development to deliver a reinvented line of amp technology, with many engineering and patented features directly carried over from our 5000 Series.”
Each new integrated amplifier shares several key features with the 5000 Series, including toroidal transformers with drawn-out wiring to reduce energy loss, mechanical grounding to reduce unwanted vibrations and thick wires for ground connection for lower impedance.Every piece in the A-S Series exudes beauty as well as craftsmanship, mimicking the meticulous attention to detail of the inside with a stunning aesthetic design for the listener. Each model is available in black or silver, with polished piano black sides, featuring vintage-styled level meters and iconic knobs on the front panel for a stylish, elegant statement.
The A-S1200 adds silver-plated metal feet, a range of inputs (RCA x 4, MAIN x 1, Phono x 1) and outputs (Rec Out, Pre Out, Remote I/O) with a weight of 48.5 pounds and measuring 17-1/8″ x 6-1/8″ x 18-1/4″ (W x H x D).
The A-S2200 has a fully balanced circuit with floating amplifier design, silver-plated brass feet, a fully discrete headphone amplifier, inputs (XLR x 1, RCA x 4, MAIN x 1, Phono x 1) and outputs (Rec Out, Pre Out, Remote I/O) with a weight of 50 pounds and measuring 17-1/8″ x 6-1/8″ x 18-1/4″ (W x H x D).
The A-S3200 also has a fully balanced circuit with floating amplifier design to minimize ground noise, a fully discrete headphone amplifier and custom feet from the 5000 Series. It features high quality polypropylene capacitors, brass screws and block capacitor terminals, larger level meters, inputs (XLR x 2, RCA x 4, MAIN x 1, phono x 1) and outputs (Rec Out, Pre Out, Remote I/O) with a weight of 54.5 pounds and measuring 17-1/8″ x 7-1/8″ x 18-1/4″ (W x H x D).
Both the A-S2200 and A-S3200 incorporate the 5000 Series’ use of pure copper continuous crystal construction internal speaker wires and four 22,000uF/63V block capacitors.
Comparison
| A-S3200 | A-S2200 | A-S1200 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Ground Concept | |||
| Rigid Streamlined Construction | – | – | |
| Welded Bolts for Feet | |||
| Feet | Brass, spike with a guard base | Brass | Iron |
| Low Impedance Concept | |||
| Internal Speaker Wires | PC-Triple C (Φ2.7mm) | PC-Triple C (Φ2.7mm) | Super Thick Copper (Φ2.0mm) |
| Brass Screw and Gilding OFC Terminal | – | – | |
| Components | |||
| PP Film Capacitor for Audio | |||
| High-quality PPS Film Capacitor for Audio | – | – | |
Pricing & Availability
The new Yamaha A-S Series of integrated amplifiers will ship in May 2020 at the following manufacturer suggested retail pricing in black or silver:
- A-S3200, $7,499.95 in black / silver (at Amazon)
- A-S2200, $3,999.95 in black / silver (at Amazon)
- A-S1200, $2,799.95 in black / silver (at Amazon)
