Review on Yamaha A-S301BL Integrated Stereo Amplifier - Enhanced Natural Sound | Black by Adam Johnson

I have had two stereo audio systems for years. My "secondary" had a NAD-7020 receiver as amplification equipment. After 30+ years it "died" and instead of trying to fix it I decided to replace it with a Yamaha A-S300 Integrated Amplifier. I was (and still am) very happy with this amp. (I had some experience with Yamaha products. Before purchasing this unit in 2013, I had two Yamaha home theater amplifiers, one of which I still use. I also have a Yamaha Clavinova, so for me that meant another Yamaha product to buy.) In my "main" audio system, the amplification equipment was a Hafler DH-101 preamp and a Hafler DH-200 power amplifier that I built from kits in 1980. They have been providing good service for over 36 years. However, some circuits began to degrade: I heard more and more "hissing" through my speakers (a pair of clip horns) and especially the balance was badly disturbed. Without having (or even knowing how to use) the very sophisticated electronic test equipment to determine the cause and the necessary repair/replacement (and the cost of such obviously necessary repair/replacement) stopped I consider it advisable to replace these devices (although in my heart for them). I chose this Yamaha A-S701BL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier (Black). I put this device on my Revain wish list when the model was first introduced in 2014 and I started tracking down its price, which was $799.95. This price was maintained all the time - until November 29th. 2016 when the price suddenly dropped to $511.14 (plus VAT). I did not wait, I ordered immediately! (The price went back up to $799.95 the next day, where it stayed.) Don't get me wrong, this amp is well worth the price. It's just that my finances require me to be careful about what I buy. (And I wouldn't even consider buying such an expensive device anywhere other than Revain.) Also, Hafler still worked in the end, so "good price" was the main factor for me. But I have to tell you that I am just as happy with this A-S701BL stereo integrated amplifier as I was with my previous A-S300. I'll tell you why I was more interested in the '701 than the '801. The '801, which costs $100 more, has a built-in USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter) port. Since I already have a few DACs, I don't really need a Yamaha DAC. Also, DACs are constantly evolving; Built-in ones cannot be upgraded, and external ones can be replaced. Everything else in the '701, including sound performance, is exactly the same. So I'm glad I bought a '701 and not an '801. How is the sound quality now? In a word, excellent. This LIGHTLY matches my Haflers (when they were new, not how they are now). The reproduced sound, especially on vinyl, is full and rich, with no discernible roll-off or peaking in any frequency range. I think the phono stage in the amp is fine. However, there is only one phono input and I have two players. The solution to this "problem" is the BEHRINGER MICROPHONO PP400 external phono stage which, despite its very reasonable price, is the most outstanding phono stage I have ever heard. (Some reviewers have complained that it's loud. If those reviewers don't have a defective unit that should be replaced, that's bullshit. I can't hear ANY hum or hiss through my Clipshorn speakers, the most sensitive speakers on the market, and if there is no hum or hiss through those speakers (can't be heard through any speaker!) this second turntable connects through the Line 1 input.There are many more jacks on the back of this amp, I use them all except for binding of the second set of speakers. I even added a Bluetooth receiver via the optical input. I connected a CD player to the coax input, a SACD player to the CD input, two cassette decks and, as mentioned above, an external one DAC connected to the tuner input I think I could go on indefinitely but as this review is already too long I'll just say, if you are looking for a truly excellent integrated stereo amplifier at a reasonable price (or even unreasonable price), you can't buy anything better than this. . I've heard many esoteric (and ridiculously expensive) amps over the years and I can tell you none of them sound better than this one. Technically, an amp doesn't have to have its own "sound", but everyone does! At least this statement is based on my own experience and is my personal opinion. (Of course, you and some others may have different opinions.) In any event, and in conclusion, I am as happy as can be with this amp and HIGHLY recommend it. Thank you for reading and considering my opinions. Lawrence H. Balk