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Yamaha A-S301
A-S301 Integrated Amplifier
Designed for excellent sound quality, with a beautiful appearance. An integrated amplifier with the advantage of digital inputs.
- 60 W x 2-ch (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Digital audio inputs for TV or Blu-ray™ player
- Pure Direct mode for greater sound purity
- ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) and high quality parts
- I/O (input to output) direct symmetrical design
- ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) Base
- Custom-made power transformer / 6,800uF block capacitors / extruded aluminum heat sinks
- Simple yet sophisticated design (aluminum front panel)
- Continuously variable loudness control
High Quality Circuit Design Based on the ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) Concept
The amplifier design technology from Yamaha is called ToP-ART which features an input to output with a direct symmetrical design. ToP-ART design and ART Base ensure optimum sound when processing and transmitting the audio signal. The signal is simple and direct, therefore it is less likely to be affected by noise and distortion. The left and right channels are organized in a straight, symmetrical layout for the highest signal purity. In addition, the ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) Base bottom chassis and a solid center bar provide high rigidity support and dampers vibration. These design innovations contribute to this amplifier's rich audio reproduction with abundant musicality.
High Quality Parts for Outstanding Audio Performance
Notice the custom made power transformer, custom made block capacitors, two direct signal path speaker relays, one point grounding system, extruded aluminum heat sinks and other top quality parts to effortlessly handle demanding audio conditions. The quality of each individual part, as well as how they work together, basically determines the sound quality of this component. Yamaha uses only very high quality parts, carefully selected and tested for their sound properties.
Created by Rich Experience, Tradition and High Technological Expertise
Yamaha, with a long history of over 125 years as a musical instrument maker, also has a high reputation for Hi-Fi components. The A-S301 is created by taking advantage of this rich experience and high technological expertise. Based on the concept of “Natural Sound” for reproducing all music as it really sounds, this amplifier is built with scrupulous care from its circuit design to basic sound production.
Pure Direct Mode for Greater Sound Purity
The Pure Direct mode causes the music signals to travel the shortest possible circuit route, bypassing the buffer amp, the tone, loudness and balance controls to virtually eliminate any signal degradation for the purest sound quality.
Continuously Variable Loudness Control
The A-S301 also features a new analog loudness control on the front panel that uses electronic volume for higher sound quality which lets you adjust the loudness effect as desired. Separate from the overall volume, this controls the balance of the low and high frequencies providing full tonal range at any volume level by compensating for the natural loss in the human ear at soft levels.
Digital Audio Input for TV and/or Blu-ray Disc™ Player
The A-S301 is equipped for digital audio inputs with an optical and digital coaxial input terminal. The optical is for receiving audio from a TV and the coaxial for receiving audio from a Blu-ray Disc player. The audio stays in the digital domain giving you pure, pristine and dynamic sound for all of your entertainment sources.
Connection for YBA-11 Bluetooth® Wireless Adapter (Optional Accessory)
With the YBA-11, you’ll be able to stream music wirelessly from a Bluetooth® compatible mobile phone or a PC. Thanks to the digital coaxial connection and the aptX® audio coding algorithm, you will enjoy wireless music streaming with optimum sound quality. You can also conveniently power the YBA-11 via the DC out connection on the rear panel of this amplifier.
Speaker A, B or A+B Selection and Speaker Terminals for Two Systems
You can connect two separate speaker systems and hear them in different rooms at the same time. There are four terminals, so by just rotating a simple selector dial you can switch between the two pairs of speakers to play the selected 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 Moving Magnet Input Terminal
You can connect a turntable with a MM phono cartridge to play vinyl records. Get the best of both worlds whether listening to analog vinyl or the latest digital technology.
Simple Yet Sophisticated Design
With a beautiful, simple and unique design inherited directly from Yamaha Hi-Fi audio components, this amplifier also boasts an easy to operate layout. The aluminum front panel has a richly textured silver hairline finish.
Remote Control with Clean, Simple Design
The clean, simple design of the remote control provides easy to understand operation with a single hand. The design makes it simple to adjust inputs, volume and more. The unit has a sophisticated looking hairline finish that matches the design of the amplifiers. You can also use the remote to control a Yamaha CD player.
Rotary Encoder Input Selector with LEDs
The rotary encoder makes it quick and easy to select input sources. The luxurious hairline finish offers a nice tactile feeling. LEDs clearly show which source is selected so you can easily switch sources, even in a dark room.
Auto Power Standby
When Auto Power Standby is engaged, the amplifier will automatically shift itself into standby mode when a user function has not been executed in eight hours. This a great function if you forget to turn the amplifier off and it will help minimize power consumption when the unit is not in use.
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Professional Reviews 86/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
82/100
Build Quality
85/100
Features Connectivity
89/100
Value for Money
92/100
Yamaha’s full-bodied A-S301 pairs a warm, weighty midrange with solid control, making vocals and everyday listening easy to enjoy. What Hi-Fi? also praises its feature-rich design, from optical and coaxial inputs to a built-in phono stage and subwoofer out, while noting that its sound is more agreeable than electrifying.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Warm, full-bodied presentation with especially pleasing midrange vocals.
Well-equipped for the price, with optical/coaxial inputs, MM phono stage, and subwoofer output.
Solid build and tactile controls give it a more substantial feel than a typical budget amp.
&
Cons
Lacks some excitement and drive compared with more engaging rivals.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 82/100
Reviewers describe the A-S301 as bold, full-bodied, and easy to listen to, with a pleasant warmth in the midrange and a generally even balance. It offers respectable detail and separation for the money, but the presentation is more competent than thrilling, with some comments that it lacks excitement and drive.
Transparency Resolution
82/100
The amp is described as competent and well-behaved, with parts of the music generally in the right place and no obvious muddle. Reviewers do not praise it as especially revealing or highly resolving, so it comes across as clear enough rather than explicitly airy or reference-grade.
Tonal Balance Musicality
87/100
This is a strong point, with reviewers calling the sound bold, full-bodied, and pleasantly warm through the midrange. They also describe it as an exceedingly easy listen, which suggests a relaxed, musically appealing balance rather than a clinical one.
Dynamics
81/100
There is praise for light-and-shade, low-level shifts, and large-scale dynamics, so it is not short on basic control. Even so, the review also says it lacks some excitement and drive, which keeps the impression from feeling truly punchy or commanding.
Soundstage Imaging
76/100
Imaging and timing are described as solid but not especially vivid, with instruments generally in the right place. The criticism that parts do not seem particularly excited to be there points to a presentation that is stable enough, but not especially spacious or dimensional.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
85/100
Reviewers say it looks and feels like more than a budget component, and they highlight its thickset chassis and tactile front-panel controls. The comments are mostly about solid feel and presentation, while long-term construction detail is not discussed in depth.
Features Connectivity
89/100
The A-S301 is well equipped for the price, with multiple RCA inputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs, a built-in MM phono stage, two pairs of speaker terminals, and a subwoofer output. Reviewers also note the USB power socket, impedance switching, and standby management, though Bluetooth requires an add-on rather than being built in.
Value for Money
92/100
Reviewers explicitly call it a sub-£200 integrated amp that is well worth considering and say they would struggle to imagine anyone being disappointed. Against similarly priced rivals, that is strong praise, especially given the combination of sound quality, phono stage, digital inputs, and dual speaker outputs.
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- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 138 Quaiduson — online and in-store — Lille, Hauts-de-France, France (website)
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- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sound Design — in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
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