Arguably one of the most prestigious brands in the music and audiovisual industry, to summarise Yamaha’s musical heritage would require a review in itself. Since building their first reed organ in 1887, Yamaha have remained a key innovator in almost every area of music technology from musical instruments, to recording equipment, professional audio and consumer hi-fi. If you listen to music, chances are it was in some way influenced by Yamaha’s technology.
While their professional audio equipment and musical instruments have remained the standard for professionals and budding musicians for many years, Yamaha’s critically acclaimed hi-fi and AV components have taken the world by storm thanks to the resurgence in popularity of both budget-oriented and high-end hi-fi. Their A-S500 won numerous awards – and with such stunning sound quality for such a modest price, it’s not hard to see why. Their statement S3000 range caused something of a stir in the market on release; a highly desirable amp and CD player combination with the attention to detail found only in the finest musical instruments, bringing together Yamaha’s considerable expertise in both fields.
The A-S201 sits at the bottom of their amplifier range – but it’s packed with advanced technologies found only in Yamaha products. With 100W per channel, enough inputs to hook up a decent array of components (including a turntable), and classic yet contemporary styling; it’s an amp clearly designed to dominate the budget market. Let’s see if Yamaha have achieved their goal.
Features
With a claimed 100W per channel, the A-S201 packs enough power to drive even the most inefficient loudspeakers to uncomfortable levels. Of course, power isn’t just about going loud; a high power amplifier is able to more easily cope with large dynamic swings in music – such as large orchestras or heavy bass notes. In theory, a more powerful amplifier can reach higher volumes without clipping – a form of audible distortion that can damage not only your amplifier, but also your speakers.
Yamaha have optimised the circuit layout – placing the transformer near the power amplifier section to increase the power supplies peak output power, again helping to cope with large dynamics when required. Pure direct bypasses the tone and balance controls as well as the back buffer amp, shortening signal paths and offering better sound quality. And 2 pairs of speaker outputs allow you to power a set of speakers in another room, or take advantage of bi-wiring if supported by your chosen speakers.
Stylistically, the A-S201 is designed to match other hi-fi components (both from Yamaha and other brands). An automatic power-down function sends the A-S201 into its eco-friendly, <0.5W standby mode after a user-configurable period of inactivity. And last but not least, it’s equipped with a moving magnet phono stage – a welcome addition, given the recent resurgence of vinyl.
The Packaging
The A-S201 comes packaged in a thick, strong cardboard box. This is something manufacturers often overlook, instead choosing thinner, cheaper boxes; not Yamaha. Opening the box reveals a neat presentation – clearly a lot of thought has gone into this packaging to give a good first impression.
polystyrene blocks keep everything in place, and even the included AA batteries for the remote have their own designated slot (not to mention the AC power plug which slots in neatly with the cable out of sight).
The amp itself comes wrapped in a rectangular felt-like cloth material, neatly taped in a single location. It might not sound like much – but it sure makes repackaging the amp easier should you ever need to do so.
In the box, You’ll find the remote, a quick-start guide and a set of batteries. No cables, as the power cable is permanently attached. A huge A+ on the packaging – I wish more brands packaged their products this way.
Initial Impressions
Build Quality
The A-S201 isn’t a weighty amp – in fact, the left-mounted transformer is undoubtedly heavier than the rest of the machine. . That said it’s well built – there’s no flex in the casing and the aluminium front panel feels solid. The usual tap test on the top panel results in a metallic thump – hardly surprising, as the top casing is fairly thin. It doesn’t resonate though – which is a good thing – and it’s further supported by a screw on the top as well as the sides.
Only the speaker terminals show slight signs of cheapness – they’re thin plastic, and have a tendency to flex when inserting banana plugs.
The Back
The A-S201 may be a budget amplifier, but that doesn’t mean it’s connection options are limited. Around the back, you’ll find the input for the moving magnet phono stage, as well as an associated ground screw for your turntable. 4 Line inputs and a record output allow you to connect line level devices such as cd players, streamers, tuners, DACs, computer sound cards, cassette decks etc.
It’s worth noting that the recording output is just that – a single output. It’s linked with the Line 2 input, so that when line 2 is selected as your input source nothing is sent to the record output; this prevents possible feedback. However, it’s not a monitor loop – so it’s not suitable for use with 3 head tape machines.
The aforementioned speaker terminals allow you to connect 2 pairs of speakers or bi-wire your speakers if supported. The ends of the terminals are plugged with small plastic caps – these are extremely annoying for those of us who wish to use Banana plugs. You can’t pull them out with a fingernail – you need a bent paperclip or similar to remove them. It would be nice to see Yamaha include a removal tool in the box for these, or even better – leave them out altogether.
Finally, affixed to the back panel and surrounded by a plastic strain relief, you’ll find the permanently attached power lead. This has the advantage that there’s no bulky IEC plug protruding from the back of the amp – however, if the cable gets damaged it does mean the amp will need to be repaired, rather than a simple cable replacement. Perhaps an IEC or figure of eight cable would’ve been a better choice.
The Front
As previously mentioned, the front of the A-S201 is designed to match that of other hi-fi components, such as Yamaha’s own cd players, tuners, and streamers. Due to its flat, classic design, it’ll look good with just about anything – from modern AV kit to a classic cassette deck.
The most obvious feature of the front panel is the large volume control. As with many modern amplifiers, the A-S201 uses a digital volume control – however, Yamaha have put a great deal of thought into the feel of the controls – and it shows. The volume feels smooth to turn, and doesn’t flex. Its large size means it’s easy to grab and turn quickly, and it fits nicely in the hand.
To the left, you’ll find the large square power button, a headphone jack, and controls to enable or disable both sets of speakers. As is the case with most budget amps, the headphone jack takes its feed directly from the power amplifier, rather than having its own dedicated circuit.
Along the bottom, you’ll find the tone and source controls – these are push buttons, with a thin style designed to match those on Yamaha’s other components, and somewhat reminiscent of the vertical dials found on classic equipment.
Interestingly, the volume control is not used to increase and decrease the tone controls values as is the case with many other designs – instead, Yamaha provide an increase and decrease button for both bass and treble. The tone controls offer +/-10DB boost. Pressing the pure direct button to the right of the source controls disables the tone controls for a cleaner signal and thus better sound quality. . The A-S201 doesn’t remember whether pure direct is enabled for each individual input. Storing settings for individual inputs is something that many products with digital interfaces can do, so it would be nice to see it implemented here too.
I like that the A-S201 has physical buttons rather than a click wheel to select the source – that being said, it would be nice to see direct access buttons. As there are relatively few inputs, a small row or even grid of source controls would take up very little space on what is a fairly large front panel.
The gap surrounding the central display panel is almost non-existent – again showing Yamaha’s attention to detail. The display shows the status of the amplifier, including the selected source and current volume – as well as allowing access to the configuration menus.
Adhered to the upper left-most area of the front panel, aligned with the display, is an advertising sticker, promoting the virtues of the a-s201. This can easily be removed, but I’d rather it not be present in the first place. It looks a little cheap and unnecessary.
All controls, from power to volume and tone, are fully digital, meaning they can be controlled either using the front panel controls or the remote. Interestingly – though one is present – the balance control is not featured on the front panel. This requires the remote – which is disappointing. The same can be said for the sleep timer, and the control giving access the options menu.
The Remote
The A-S201 is supplied with a Yamaha system remote. This remote controls all functions of the A-S201, as well as Yamaha’s matching CD players and Tuners (such as the CD-S300 or T-D500). It’s slim but thick, thanks to the AA batteries that slot in behind the removable rear cover. It doesn’t sit in the hand as well as other remotes – however it’s far from being uncomfortable, and is more than adequate for changing tracks or occasionally adjusting the volume. The buttons are also fairly small – it would be nice if key controls such as the volume were slightly larger, making them easier to locate.
It’s well made though – there’s no flex in its casing – and the buttons, though not as tactile as some, are very responsive. Whereas some remotes are very unidirectional (I.E, they must pointed straight on at the IR receiver), the Yamaha’s works fine as long as it’s aimed in the amps general direction.
Usage
Usage is simple – following a short press of the stand by button and 2 relay clicks, the a-s201 is ready for use.. Select your speakers (using the a/b controls on the front panel), select your source, turn up the volume and you’re good to go. Pressing the pure-direct button will after a few seconds disable the display. It comes back on temporarily when required, for example after a volume change or when entering the options menu.
Sound Quality
The first thing I noticed when powering up the A-S201 was the noise floor – it’s somewhat higher than many other budget amps I’ve tested, such as the NAD D3020. It’s not overly obtrusive; it’s a gentle hiss that’s especially noticeable when using speakers with sensitive tweeters. Once the music gets going you won’t notice it – but it’s worth noting if your speakers are particularly efficient.
Natural sound is a term Yamaha use to describe many of their hi-fi products. The concept of ‘natural sound’ is, quite literally, to amplify the sound with as little colouration as possible, remaining faithful to the artists performance.
The A-S201 achieves this, though you do trade a little excitement and rhythm for smoothness and balance. The sound stage is wide, with decent separation between the instruments. It lacks the separation of NAD’s D3020 – but if you’re using similarly priced source equipment and speakers, you’re hardly going to notice.
The second thing that hit me (quite literally) was the power. Yamaha claim the A-S201 can output 100W per channel – and they certainly weren’t exaggerating. Bass notes are deep and powerful, even when hooked up to the Tannoy V1is with their relatively small, 5” bass driver.
Play Lorde’s ‘Royals’, a current favorite amongst reviewers, and allow those bass drum hits to slam, 1 by 1, into your chest – each one hitting with bruit force and precision. The synth line is well-controlled, and the reverb, not to mention the multi-layerd vocals, are beautifully portrayed.
Spin Queen’s ‘live at Wembley’, an album featured on my Top 5 Live Albums – and allow the Yamaha to transport you back in time to 1986 – and your very own, free of charge front seat at Wembley stadium. There are some issues with this recording – mainly the panning of instruments and the overly aggressive reverb, probably caused by the room mics. But the Yamaha doesn’t mind – in fact, unlike some more revealing systems, it’s a very pleasant listen.
The built-in phono stage is excellent. It’s better than many of the cheaper, sub-£50 units on the market – and is perfectly suited to an amp at this price point. It’s sensitive, too, meaning it’ll work well with the majority of cartridges on the market, even high output moving coil designs. It’s quiet, lacking the obtrusive pink noise of many integrated stages – perhaps its only weakness is in its low end punch (or lack thereof); but it’s nice of Yamaha to include a decent phono stage as standard.
Spin Pink Floyd’s ‘money’, and you’re rewarded with a beautifully wide sound stage. Instrument placement is spot-on – arguably better than using the amp with a line level component. It’s not too bright, unlike many other integrated stages – and rhythmically, it’s astounding. It’s an enjoyable performance – if you’re a vinyl fan on a budget, this amp should be on your shortlist.
Summary
All in all, a great effort from Yamaha – and one that pays off. Only a few things let the A-S201 down – the lack of a front panel balance control means that, if you’ve lost the remote, you could be left with unbalanced sound. Perhaps it would be better to ditch the digital controls – and simply use good old potentiometers instead. The speaker terminals are also a little flimsy – and the capped ends are an annoyance for anyone using banana plugs.
That said – these are minor complaints. The A-s201 is a solidly built, well-specified amplifier for very little cash. You can add fantastic sound, and an excellent built-in phono stage too. If you’re looking for a simple, smooth-sounding integrated amplifier – the A-S201 should be on your shortlist.
Regarding Yamaha S201, Can I connect the rec output directly to a power amplifier, or it is better to connect it first to a preamp, then to the input of the power amplifier?
You absolutely should NOT connect the record output directly to a power amplifier, as it has no volume control so the power amplifier would produce full power, which could ruin your speakers, your hearing or both. It would certainly be very loud. You can connect the rec output to a preamplifier and then the preamplifier to the power amplifier, and use the volume control of the preamplifier.
Hi, nice review!
I’m thinking to substitute my actual amplifier Onkyo A-9010 with this one, to better drive the Quad S-1 which sensitivity in quite low (84 dB): is it a good idea or I have to choose a different amplifier and which one?
Thanks a lot.
Marco
Not a good idea at all, the Onkyo is a better amp than the Yamaha. If you like the Onkyo sound, try one of their bigger models. Otherwise at least a Yamaha A-S501, if not the A-S701.
I am looking to purchase this amplifier along with a pair of yamaha nsf51 floor standing speakers. I would be connecting the amplifier to my audio technica lp120 turntable which has a phono level built in. Would it be safe to use this amplifier and speakers together? The speakers are rated at 6ohms and the amplifier is rated at 8ohms.
It will be perfectly safe to use, though I would step up to the 301 which would be much better.
Hi! Great review.
I’m thinking of getting this amp. But I’m not sure if it will make a big difference from my actual setup.
I have a Sony STR-K685 connected to a pair of Yamaha NS-50F (I know, it’s a surround receiver, but I only use stereo).
Normally stereo amps sound better than 5.1 ones, but still, does it worth the change?
Thank you!
I think you’d need to step up to at least the 301 to benefit from the upgrade.
Thanks for your reply! 🙂
Where I live, the 301 cost 50% more than the 201, it’s out of my range. I’ll try the 201 hoping to upgrade in the future.
Regards,
Did somebody tried to pair these with famous Yamaha ns10 speakers? Thanks !
I certainly haven’t, and wouldn’t. Those speakers are worthy of a much better amp and would only show up the flaws in the A-S201
Hi Ashley,
I’m thing of pairing my A-S201 with Yamaha NS-F51 speakers, but I’m only worried about the fact that the A-S201 has impedance 8 and the speakers have 6. Will it be a problem?
No, it won’t be an issue. A lower impedance essentially means the speaker is a bit harder to drive, but like most (if not all) good amps the A-S201 can happily drive a 4 ohm load, so a 6 ohm load will be fine.
Thanks for the quick answer! Great website by the way, very usefull!
Thank you!
Hi again Ashley,
After pairing my A-S201 with NS-F51 speakers, I’m now thinking of improving my turntable.
Right now I have a Technics SL-QD3, it is still working 100%, but it is getting old and probably losing quality.
Do you think a Audio-Technica AT-LP60 would improve my audio experience? or should I keep the SL-QD3 and maybe replace some parts? Note: I’m trying not to spend more than 150€.
Thanks!
The Technics is a fine turntable indeed and an AT-LP60 will be significantly worse in just about every way. I would consider mounting a new cartridge such as the Audio-Technica AT-311EP and enjoy. Alternatively you can still buy the replacement EPS-30ES stylus for the original Technics cartridge, which has an elliptical stylus and will I’m sure give you improved audio quality over the standard conical stylus. That turntable will have many many years of life left in it yet.
Very useful review. Having worked for Yamaha R&D in Pro Audio (many years back), and having been a fan of Yamaha AV equipment and guitars, I am now only able to afford the low end stuff- due to major life challenges. So, it was nice to be able to read this review prior to purchasing the A-S201. It’s only been a week, but thus far, the review’s desciption of the sound , output, features etc , all match my experience.
Thank you .
Thanks for sharing. This is a pretty old review now so I’m glad it continues to be of use!
Was very useful actually- even the part about the speaker connectors . Thanks again. EXCELLENT review – 10/10 !
Great review Ashley – I was thinking of getting this amp as my old denon receiver only has 22W output.
I want to set up with Dali Zensor 3 speakers which are rated for 25W – 125W with 6ohm impedence (sensitivity of 88dB)….hooked up to an audio technica LP1240 turntable.
Love to know your thoughts?
Given the quality of the turntable and speakers, I would at least consider stepping up to the 301. Remember that it’s not all about watts per channel, current and power supply headroom are also important. There are no easy ways to measure these, but suffice it to say that 1 20W amp isn’t necessarily the equal of another. As has been pointed out below in the comments, the A-S201 delivers 100W at 10%THD which is rather high. It delivers 50W at a more respectable THD figure of 0.2%, so can effectively be considered a 50W per channel amp. I would consider the 301 or an alternative given the quality of your other equipment.
Thanks Ashley. I’ve stuck with the 201. For now. Ideally I’d like the 501 and zensor 3s but it’s mostly for my study which is about 13metres squared and my budget is limited. Still better than my trusty old Denon ud31 and mission scm51s…I hope!
Oh and I went for the zensor 1s due to size issue and budget control. I still feel I’ll be happy although at times bass lovers seem to not like the zensors
The Zensor 1s should be a nice match with the 201. I never recommend ‘buying blind’ as it were, and I would say not to trust everything you read about the sound of a component, particular with regards to speakers as the room has so much of an impact on how they sound. The Zensors are a hi-fi speaker (albeit a budget one) and bass lovers do have a tendency to find products with hi-fi virtues lacking.
They certainly are a good match Ashley. Thanks for your advice. The only thing is that I have to turn the amp to at least 50 out of 100 to get a listenable volume. (20 is basically a whisper).
Do you know why this may be?
I believe the volume scale of the A-S201 is measured in decibels, so it is likely that you will see a higher number on the display before reasonable levels are reached. In increase of +3dB is usually perceived as twice as loud, so in theory 6 who’ll be twice as loud as 3, 9 twice as loud as 6 etc. Of course it is advisable to check your wiring and also verify that your source component is functioning, adjusting the volume on it if it has one (as all computers do for example). Some computers and laptops have output amplifiers designed to run headphones and don’t output a full line level signal, which could be another possible cause. In general I’d say if you can reach the volume you want, and if you’re not hitting maximum volume on the amp, it should be fine.
Thank you for your review. Will it work well with Castle Knight 1 speakers?
It will drive them, but I would consider stepping up to the A-S301 instead.
Thank you for your reply.
Would the AS- 201 be good with a pair of Boston a25?
Very nice review.
It would run them, but I’d recommend stepping up to a 301.
Will my R-S 201 Yamaha accept banana plugs in the receiver speaker connections? You say they will but are sort of flimsy. I am definitely challenged in this area. Mine only seem to accept bare wire connectors. I got two new speakers and they require banana type plugs, so I am at an impasse. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks for the interesting article.
It will, but you have to remove the little plastic end caps from the speaker terminals. Gently insert the end of a thick paperclip or a small screwdriver into the hole at the end of the terminal and slowly lever the small insert piece out. You can then insert your banana plugs.
The R-S201 has spring clip connectors. It’s the north American version of the A-S201 without phono input or pure direct button.
Ah! my bad, in that case it won’t directly. The simplest solution is to simply cut the banana plugs off of 1 end of the cable, strip about 10MM of the insulation from each cable and insert them directly into the connectors.
Thanks for the information! I will strip one end of the cables and use bare wire into receiver while plugging the speakers. Thanks again Ashley.
I am using a Pioneer vsx 510 av amp to drive a pair of Mordaunt Short avant 904i speakers . Would this amp be better for music ? My source is A pc with a 1TB HDD cast to a Panasonic BDT 120. Thanks
I think there would be a difference, but not one significant enough to justify the outlay. You’d have to step up to at least the A-S301 for a worthwhile improvement.
Thanks for your reply
I would like to pair this AS-201 to dali zensor 1 . how will be this combination ? or my next choice is pair this one with wharfedale diamond 10.1s. please give your suggestions.
either will work fine, though I’d upgrade to the 301 amp if you can.
Hey,
What do you think on pairing A-S201 with Tannoy Mercury 7.4.???
Thank you
The 7.4s deserve a better amp. An A-S301 at the very least, though an A-S501 would be better.
You are right Yamaha was too weak i sold it and pair Tannoy’s with Cambridge Audio Azur 840A.
Please tell me if this is better match.
Regards,
Karlo
absolutely, great amp.
I don’t know about the amp, but is it compatible?
I mean music compatible?
Thank you
usually you would pair the Mercurys with something like the Yamaha A-S501 or the Marantz PM-6005, but the 840A is certainly compatible and will run them to their full potential with room for future upgrades if desired.
thank you…now I can rest in peace…:)
hey,
is there any chance of bi-amplifying Tannoys with these two integrated amps?
And if so, would it sound any better?
Reason that im asking this is that even with cambridge amp im still raising volume to over 90% on Mercurys.
Everything is conected perfectlly.
Regards
No, you can’t use these 2 amps to bi-amp. How loud are you playing? 90% on a Cambridge 840A should be extremely loud. What is the music source, which input is it connected to and have you double-checked your speaker connections?
Yes ive checked connections and they are ok. bi-wire model.
i play music from my computer, maybe that is the case.
inputs are audio output on the back side of computer connected with good cabel to input 1 on Cambridge.
What do you suggest?
I suggest firstly getting rid of the bi-wire cables and running single cables to the speakers, with the speaker terminal jumpers in place. Then (if you’ve checked that the volume on your computer is at 100%), you’ll probably need an interface like the Behringer UCA-202 which will offer your amp a full line level output. If those things don’t work I’m running out of suggestions.
https://www.asus.com/Sound-Cards/Xonar_U7/overview/
Maybe this woulb be better solution?
I’d go for the Behringer myself.
Ashley, ty so much for all the help.
Just tell me why do you think getting rid of the bi-wire cables would help sound?
Regards
Because you’re not splitting the crossover of the speaker.
I have very nice set of cables…can i do something with other pair?
keep them as spares?
Hi,
Im looking to purchase this amp soon and use it with my SONY PSLX300 turntable. I’m just trying to choose a pair of speakers to purchase now. I’ve read through some of the comments here regarding this and I am quite interested in pairing this amp with the CAMBRIDGE AUDIO SX50s. What would be your best recommendation for a pair of speakers with this amp with a budget of about 150-200.
Thanks.
The SX-50s would work well, as would something from the Wharfedale Diamond range. I’d also change the stylus on the turntable to an elliptical one, such as This one from LPGear. They do a hyperelliptical too which is even better. Either stylus will improve the sound and help to reduce wear on your records.
Hi Ashley,
I bought A-S201 few months ago together with CD-S300 CD player and Focal Chorus 714 speakers. What do you think about my configuration.
Thy for your comments.
Best regards Zdenko
I’m surprised you chose the A-S201, as personally I would’ve paired the 714s with at least an A-S501, and probably a 701 or 1100 to get the best from them. That said if your’e happy with the sound, you have the right system for you and that’s all that matters.
Hello, of course I watched A-S501 as better amp, but a propper budget is the limited factor; I have awsome vintage amp Toshiba SB-115 25W/8Ohm and it seems to me that ca easily drive my speakers then A-S201 ; Thank you anyway;
That Toshiba is a great amp.
Yes it is! What a great time of my life! Best wishes to you.
Hello, after few months I have some extra money to replace my YAMAHA A-S201 amp with new one. My budget is about 1000 EUR. I am focused on CA CX-A60, CA Azur 651W, YAMAHA A-S501 or some NAD. My speakers are FOCAL Chorus 714V. What do you think and you suggestion. Zhank
Firstly, the 651W is a power amplifier. It will require a preamplififer and cannot be used as a standard integrated amp. I’d go for something like a CA CXA80, Yamaha A-S701, marantz PM-8005
How do you think this compares to the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 Receiver? Could you do a review of that Amplifier?
The SR10 is the better of the 2 amps. More useful power and a larger power supply. I will see if I can get one in for a more comprehensive review.
Thanks, I will look forward to that review
The review is now published, you can find it Here
Thanks, appreciated.
Hello and first of all, thanks for your review.
Finally I got this amp with a couple of Yamaha speakers (NSBP400) -there was a bundle pack in the mall-.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase but I feel a bit lack of bass, so I started to look for a subwoofer. Problem here is that the amp does not have a rca conector for this, so my question would be if I could connect the sub to the amp using the B speaker connections.
Also if you know about a budget sub (max USD/EUR 150).
Thank you very much in advance and keep up the good job!
Some subs do have speaker level inputs. I’m afraid I can’t recommend an exact model, I never use subs with my stereo setups and therefore have limited experience with them. That said look for a sub with speaker level inputs and you will have no problems using it with the B outputs on the amp.
Thanks for your fast response! I will try to tune it a bit, lets see if it works.
Speakers need a few good weeks of run in time also to sound their best. During that run in period the bass should improve. Positioning in the room will help too, as will the furniture the speakers are placed on, the distance from walls etc.
Can i connect this amp to ss-sh2000 ??
I can’t find any info on them aside from them being Sony speakers of some kind, apparently included with a mini hi-fi system with a hugely ambitious power rating. If they have the standard red and black speaker inputs and the speakers themselves don’t contain an amplifier then I see no reason why not.
Hello Ashley,
I am thinking of using the Yamaha A-S201 Stereo Amplifier with:
An Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB Turntable
A pair of Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers, or a pair of Cambridge Audio SX-50 Bookshelf Speakers
Do you think these are going to be a good match and work well, and which speaker choice will be best?
Thanks
Ian
The Cambridge speakers are slightly easier to drive than the wharfedales, so they’d probably be my choice with the A-S201. Both speakers would offer good sound quality. If you step up to the 301 which is a better amplifier capable of driving more difficult loads, I’d lean more towards the wharfed ales.
Thanks for your feedback and advice Ashley. I will take a look at the 301 option as I am leaning towards the wharfdale speakers, they have received a few good reviews.
No way is this a 100 watt amp!
Just read Yamaha manual and it states 10% THD @ 100w into 8ohms.
That is a very poor figure. Completely unlistenable!
Look further down the sheet gives a more honest figure
THD 0.2% @ 50w into 8ohms.
So a 50 watt amp then. Very dishonest from Yamaha.
You’re right of course. But in an average environment with suitable speakers, you’re unlikely to need anywhere near 50W, let alone 100W. The A-S201 sits in a price bracket where first-time buyers or people who simply don’t care buy their amp based purely on the specification and to that end Yamaha market the 201 as a 100W amp, which it can achieve albeit with a lot of distortion. Anyone who cares can read the manual as you’ve done for the true specification. In real world usage you’d be unlikely to notice the difference as you’ll use a few watts at most.
This amp sounds really good actually Ashley, I just feel that people are going to see the 100w spec and think that they can run 83db 4 ohms speakers to ear splitting levels when all they risk is burned out tweeters.
That’s true, but very few budget speaker models have such sensitivity ratings and those are what the A-S201 would likely be paired with. It’s sad that the A-S201 can’t be advertised as a 50W amp, but the simple fact is that were that the case they’d never sell any because almost everything at this price level has a seemingly high power rating and many with such a budget walk into a dealer and buy the amp with the biggest numbers. I do agree with you though, and hope that the dealers are sensible enough to recommend suitable partnering speakers to save otherwise decent components being needlessly damaged.
Indeed. With 8 ohm 90db speakers this amp sounds brilliant!
Anyway, i enjoy the site Ashley. Keep up the good work. All the best.
Hi.
Im thinking on buying the Yamaha A-S201 to connect with my Monitor Audio Bronze speakers and with my Audio Tecnica turntable..
Will it be a good “married”?
Thks for your comments
It should be a very good match, though depending on the model of your MA speakers you may find the combination a bit bright. I’d probably be looking at the Marantz PM-5005 instead.
I have paired this amp with a Sony turntable and ns 1000 m speakers it sounds great and has plenty of power to drive these speakers .
Ｈi, Ｔhank you for your review.Ｉ am thinking of pairing Ｙamaha Ａ-Ｓ201 with Scandyna Bigpod speakers and Ｏnkyo 7030 ＣＤ player, is it a good idea? Ｔhank you.
Sounds like a perfect match. Yamaha’s own CD-N301 would probably be a better match, but the Onkyo should work just fine.