Yamaha A-S801chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Digital inputs with a solid internal DAC, a phono stage, subwoofer output, and dual speaker terminals for A/B or bi-wiring let owners build complete systems in one unit. Many stream FLAC via NAS, use CD transports, or add turntables directly.

@EvaKom-t4x

A S801 i bought it in 2023 from an american retailer because couldn't find any in Europe. Started using it in 2025 since i paired it with 2 Dali Oberon 5s and My laptop via a Fiio dac with coax out . Its my first amp so cant compare. I am very happy and pleased with the sound. For sure the Oberons translate what the amp delivers but what i get i can describe as warmth, detailed sound, very accurate tonality in low freqs, great bass, big Stage. Also huge power and no distortion. \nThe highest volume i can bear in my 15sqm room is 50%. VERY LOUD. Musicality and no fatigue i can listen simply all day. Overall the system is PURE FUN with any kind of music. \nWatching movies from the laptop The Yamaha and Dalis is again pure enjoyment. TV and SAT TV again sounds great.\nI plan to add a sub , a turntable and a cassette deck then come back to complete review.\nDO NOT HESITATE. BUY AS801 its fantastic, powerful, connects to everything is not expensive and sounds so damn good.launch

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May 9, 2026

@JamesKorber

As a stereo salesman for Sound Advice Once I discovered this amplifier I sold a great many of them. This amplifier is one of the greatest bargains in affordable, high-end audio! The sound quality is excellent with 100 watts per channel, An excellent phono stage, three digital inputs, ability to connect a subwoofer and two pair of speakers. I don’t know what you more you could ask for for $900. I have connected this amplifier to many incredibly expensive speakers, and was never disappointed. Highly recommended!!!!launch

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January 13, 2024

@larryhoffman7471

I bought my A-S801 to pair with my Kef LS-50's. The minute I hooked it up to them I was very happy. I had been using a 50 wpc Rotel integrated that I purchased back in the early 1990's and the sound was ok. But the extra power and smoothness in the treble was a great match for the Kefs. The sound was more relaxed, no strain or hardness. For the LS 50s it's a great match. I also have a Cambridge CXC CD transport hooked up to its digital input. Works great.launch

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June 11, 2019

@bobster110

Thanks for the review, Sean. \nIt's nice to see someone skip past the hyperbole and actually talk what a component does and doesn't do well.\nI've got an A-S701 (the 801 minus the internal DAC), SVS Ultra Bookshelves, and an SVS SB-2000, so this has been my month with your recent reviews hitting pretty close to my setup. I've got my albums converted to flac on a NAS, and am playing them through a Chromecast audio via the mini toslink connector using the HI-FI Cast app. I was able to use the low pass filter on the sub to get it blended with my Ultras, and I get compliments from everyone that hears the system.\nI think the Yamaha does seem to blend well with any speakers I've connected to it and the system is nimble and non-fatiguing. I am very happy with it as good mid-fi. To be honest, you got my curiosity up about the IOTA VX, but for the moment, I'm happy with what I'm hearing.\nAll the best, and thanks for your time and effort on this channel.launch

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June 11, 2019

The 100 watts per channel drives demanding and low-efficiency speakers like KLH Kendall Towers, Klipsch Heresy 3, JBL L-100s and big Paradigm towers without strain. Several note they never need more than half volume to get very loud, clean output.

@cvee2614

I have the Yamaha SA801 and the Marantz PM8006, a Fisher 700T. As I’m retired engineer and part-time FM disc jockey so I feel overqualified to make the following statement. The Yamaha has fantastic output capability driving, 100 W per channel very clean and pure music. Driving open baffle Model 8 ( my own design) loudspeakers Yamaha has absolutely no problem driving with the best base, competent mid range and amazing travel with ease. The internals as far as components layout engineering was done with impeccable engineering style that many more expensive amplifiers try to emulate. Some people come across as used car and snake oil sales, both of which Andrew excels impeccably.launch

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June 24, 2026

@EvaKom-t4x

A S801 i bought it in 2023 from an american retailer because couldn't find any in Europe. Started using it in 2025 since i paired it with 2 Dali Oberon 5s and My laptop via a Fiio dac with coax out . Its my first amp so cant compare. I am very happy and pleased with the sound. For sure the Oberons translate what the amp delivers but what i get i can describe as warmth, detailed sound, very accurate tonality in low freqs, great bass, big Stage. Also huge power and no distortion. \nThe highest volume i can bear in my 15sqm room is 50%. VERY LOUD. Musicality and no fatigue i can listen simply all day. Overall the system is PURE FUN with any kind of music. \nWatching movies from the laptop The Yamaha and Dalis is again pure enjoyment. TV and SAT TV again sounds great.\nI plan to add a sub , a turntable and a cassette deck then come back to complete review.\nDO NOT HESITATE. BUY AS801 its fantastic, powerful, connects to everything is not expensive and sounds so damn good.launch

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May 9, 2026

@JamesKorber

As a stereo salesman for Sound Advice Once I discovered this amplifier I sold a great many of them. This amplifier is one of the greatest bargains in affordable, high-end audio! The sound quality is excellent with 100 watts per channel, An excellent phono stage, three digital inputs, ability to connect a subwoofer and two pair of speakers. I don’t know what you more you could ask for for $900. I have connected this amplifier to many incredibly expensive speakers, and was never disappointed. Highly recommended!!!!launch

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January 13, 2024

@matteup1502

I tested a Yamaha A-S801 side by side a McIntosh MA8900 and Anthem STR Amp in a treated room with B&W, Paradigm and Magico speakers. If you have the ability to do such a test, you will learn what law of diminishing return really means. The A-S801 is a beast and powered the high-end speakers with no sweat whatsoever. Outside of minimal volume knob position between the 3, there was no difference in how well the $1000 A-S801 performed vs the $5-$6000 amps did.launch

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February 18, 2023

Multiple owners describe the sound as balanced, neutral, and revealing without coloration, with good depth and soundstage on classical and choral recordings. Several say they can listen all day without listening fatigue.

@EvaKom-t4x

A S801 i bought it in 2023 from an american retailer because couldn't find any in Europe. Started using it in 2025 since i paired it with 2 Dali Oberon 5s and My laptop via a Fiio dac with coax out . Its my first amp so cant compare. I am very happy and pleased with the sound. For sure the Oberons translate what the amp delivers but what i get i can describe as warmth, detailed sound, very accurate tonality in low freqs, great bass, big Stage. Also huge power and no distortion. \nThe highest volume i can bear in my 15sqm room is 50%. VERY LOUD. Musicality and no fatigue i can listen simply all day. Overall the system is PURE FUN with any kind of music. \nWatching movies from the laptop The Yamaha and Dalis is again pure enjoyment. TV and SAT TV again sounds great.\nI plan to add a sub , a turntable and a cassette deck then come back to complete review.\nDO NOT HESITATE. BUY AS801 its fantastic, powerful, connects to everything is not expensive and sounds so damn good.launch

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May 9, 2026

@Csnumber1

Several major points here is that Yamaha doesn’t use a Toroidal Tranformer, but a Custom Built one that will last longer and is better at managing Bass. It also has its own USB device controller and its own Master clocking system. Ive owned mine for 5 years now and I can legitimately say it easily competes with Amplifiers costing $5000!! And thats not an exaggeration…this amplifier is so under reviewed and underrated its almost criminal! Its dead on neutral and offers no coloration from end to end. If your speakers don’t dip low enough this amplifier will reveal that. Bad recording…that too!! Of course you can “sweeten” the program with its what??….tone controls, Yes! But like you, mine stays in Direct mode. Paired with the Eversolo A6 Master DAC/Steeamer/Pre, with volume control bypassed…its a perfect match with my original KLH Kendall Towers, rated down to 25hz, 96db, 250w max!!!launch

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July 6, 2025

@erickruse4679

I got my 801 this past weekend. I've gone through a couple of sony and denon avr's with one of the denon's being a higher end model, a 316bee, a vintage nad 3140, and a 600ne. I think you really nailed it on the review, but I would add something about the depth. There are some famous classical pieces I listen to which the other amps poorly render the depth of a choir in the background (sometimes 20 feet back) to various degrees that make those amps range from unacceptable, to not even being able to hear that the choir isn't in the front row. The 801 really captures the distance, and i think it does so partially because of the airiness of the treble and the way it captures and conveys echo throughout the \"room\". And I think it is also more dynamic. That is something I haven't heard in any sub-1000 dollar amp, which is all i've ever owned. I've only heard it at a high end store, and then saw the price tag and left, sad... And St.Teresa ? It's got ssss and not exagerated shhhh like almost all the other amps except the vintage nad. I'm actually keeping this one. Done shopping. Thanks!launch

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March 29, 2022

@bobster110

Thanks for the review, Sean. \nIt's nice to see someone skip past the hyperbole and actually talk what a component does and doesn't do well.\nI've got an A-S701 (the 801 minus the internal DAC), SVS Ultra Bookshelves, and an SVS SB-2000, so this has been my month with your recent reviews hitting pretty close to my setup. I've got my albums converted to flac on a NAS, and am playing them through a Chromecast audio via the mini toslink connector using the HI-FI Cast app. I was able to use the low pass filter on the sub to get it blended with my Ultras, and I get compliments from everyone that hears the system.\nI think the Yamaha does seem to blend well with any speakers I've connected to it and the system is nimble and non-fatiguing. I am very happy with it as good mid-fi. To be honest, you got my curiosity up about the IOTA VX, but for the moment, I'm happy with what I'm hearing.\nAll the best, and thanks for your time and effort on this channel.launch

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June 11, 2019

Owners directly compared the A-S801 to amps costing several times more, including a McIntosh MA8900 and Anthem STR, and found little to no meaningful difference. Multiple long-term owners say it 'competes with amplifiers costing $5000' and call it one of the best bargains in high-end audio.

@Csnumber1

Several major points here is that Yamaha doesn’t use a Toroidal Tranformer, but a Custom Built one that will last longer and is better at managing Bass. It also has its own USB device controller and its own Master clocking system. Ive owned mine for 5 years now and I can legitimately say it easily competes with Amplifiers costing $5000!! And thats not an exaggeration…this amplifier is so under reviewed and underrated its almost criminal! Its dead on neutral and offers no coloration from end to end. If your speakers don’t dip low enough this amplifier will reveal that. Bad recording…that too!! Of course you can “sweeten” the program with its what??….tone controls, Yes! But like you, mine stays in Direct mode. Paired with the Eversolo A6 Master DAC/Steeamer/Pre, with volume control bypassed…its a perfect match with my original KLH Kendall Towers, rated down to 25hz, 96db, 250w max!!!launch

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July 6, 2025

@JamesKorber

As a stereo salesman for Sound Advice Once I discovered this amplifier I sold a great many of them. This amplifier is one of the greatest bargains in affordable, high-end audio! The sound quality is excellent with 100 watts per channel, An excellent phono stage, three digital inputs, ability to connect a subwoofer and two pair of speakers. I don’t know what you more you could ask for for $900. I have connected this amplifier to many incredibly expensive speakers, and was never disappointed. Highly recommended!!!!launch

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January 13, 2024

@davidrucker7900

I own this Product, and I absolutely love it. When I first saw this review by Mr. Robinson It killed his credibility as a reviewer of audio products. I ran my unit without a sub for months, and the bass was decent. I added a powered subwoofer and wow. I was lucky to pick this unit up for $400.00 the owner had just purchased it and was promoted and moving to California. Man did I luck out, if I had listened to Robisons review I may have passed up this Jewell of an Intargrated. Amp. Thank you for an honest and truthful review.launch

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September 13, 2023

@matteup1502

I tested a Yamaha A-S801 side by side a McIntosh MA8900 and Anthem STR Amp in a treated room with B&W, Paradigm and Magico speakers. If you have the ability to do such a test, you will learn what law of diminishing return really means. The A-S801 is a beast and powered the high-end speakers with no sweat whatsoever. Outside of minimal volume knob position between the 3, there was no difference in how well the $1000 A-S801 performed vs the $5-$6000 amps did.launch

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February 18, 2023

Owners repeatedly report the amp revitalized older speakers like Polk Monitor 10s, restomodded ADS 701s, and vintage Advents, describing the improvement over previous amps as dramatic.

@GaryA26

Superb integrated amp. I have always been a fan of the Yamaha sound. I had a vintage Yamaha CR-2020 receiver. I now have this more modern A-S801. It's the same classic sound as my former CR-2020 but it does it all better.\n\nI have it paired with a couple of different setups that I swap out.\n\n1) 2 pairs of Original Large Advents that I stack\n2) ADS L810's paired with an SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer.\n\nBoth setups sound fabulous with this amp.\n\nRight now I have it playing with the stacked Advents.....no need for a subwoofer with that setup : )launch

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May 20, 2026

@tedroybal5231

I know! This video is old. I'm old. Who cares? I saw this video yesterday. The 801 was the only receiver that checked 100% of my boxes. You convinced me it was the way to go. I saw a local add for used one in black. Called the gentleman. Wonderful guy. Loves audio. He got a whole new system and sold me his prestine 801 for $450. I hooked up my 45 year old ADS 701s that I restomodded. Absolutely love the 801! That you for the content!launch

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April 19, 2024

@esk_71

I initially bought the Cambridge Audio CXA80 and was not impressed. Perhaps the sound was too warm for my tastes. After some research, I decided to give the A-S801 a try. I did an A to B comparison with both amps and as soon as I plugged in the Yamaha, my old Polks came to life. Without making any tone adjustments, the sound was much more lively than the Cambridge amp. I kept the Cambridge network streamer and sent the amp back. I added an SVS sub to the mix to fill out my system. For a budget stereo, I'm pleased with the sound.launch

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October 26, 2021

@esk_71

I purchased the 801about 2 months ago. I'm new to the stereo world and thought this would make a good entry point for me. I'm running it with the Cambridge Audio CX series transport and network streamer, some older Polk Audio Monitor 10 speakers and I recently added an SVS sub. I've been happy with how this unit brought life back into my Polks. Adding the sub made a huge improvement in giving me a richer, fuller experience. I watched the Audioholics review prior to purchasing it and I think you both presented accurate descriptions of the unit. Thanks for the review.launch

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June 9, 2019

The loudness control is praised as a smart, well-engineered way to boost bass at lower volumes without artificial coloration, and tone controls help tame speakers or compensate for new/unbroken-in gear.

@MisterDopeTunes

Why were the tone controls turned to max?\n- The integrated amplifier, speakers and interconnects were brand new.\n- Speaker break in and electronics burn in does make a difference.\n- Room acoustics played a part in the controls at the time.\n- Watch the newer videos. Tone controls are set at neutral, pure direct is engaged and the sound is very enjoyable and engaging.\n\nNew electronics and speakers don't always sound amazing when new. To help with this issue, tone controls are very helpful.launch

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April 6, 2025

@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.launch

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December 7, 2021

@fletchermunson6225

In my two year journey for a good system. I stopped off with a S801 for quite a while. I really liked this amp. For the money it is really good. If you look closely at the knobs, they are plastic, very good plastic, vs metal on the more expensive Yamaha units. Got to give up something to get something. If you are looking for a sub $1000 amp, give it a listen. Andrew didn't like the look of the knobs when off twelve o'clock, but then it is a great visual reminder as to what EQ that you have dialed in. Swings and round about.launch

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October 19, 2021

One long-term owner notes Yamaha uses a custom-built transformer (not toroidal) said to better manage bass, plus its own USB controller and master clocking system, contributing to a dead-neutral sound.

@Csnumber1

Several major points here is that Yamaha doesn’t use a Toroidal Tranformer, but a Custom Built one that will last longer and is better at managing Bass. It also has its own USB device controller and its own Master clocking system. Ive owned mine for 5 years now and I can legitimately say it easily competes with Amplifiers costing $5000!! And thats not an exaggeration…this amplifier is so under reviewed and underrated its almost criminal! Its dead on neutral and offers no coloration from end to end. If your speakers don’t dip low enough this amplifier will reveal that. Bad recording…that too!! Of course you can “sweeten” the program with its what??….tone controls, Yes! But like you, mine stays in Direct mode. Paired with the Eversolo A6 Master DAC/Steeamer/Pre, with volume control bypassed…its a perfect match with my original KLH Kendall Towers, rated down to 25hz, 96db, 250w max!!!launch

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July 6, 2025