The Yamaha A-S801 integrated amplifier has a reliable design and is equipped with circuitry made in accordance with proprietary ToP-ART technology. The technology involves the use of an absolutely symmetrical design of the left and right channels (Direct Symmetrical Design), in which the signal is transmitted from input to output in a direct symmetrical circuit with a minimum amount of noise and distortion. The result is exceptional sound purity and accuracy. The amplifier uses quality relays, a single point grounding system, custom capacitors, and other carefully selected premium components. To effectively dampen vibrations that negatively affect sound quality, the chassis of the Yamaha A-S801 amplifier has a double bottom with a 1 mm thick steel sheet. In addition, the power transformer and heatsinks in the power amplifier section are supported by an extremely durable and stable ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) Base. The massive central bridge further increases structural rigidity and vibration damping. These design enhancements help increase the signal-to-noise ratio and produce natural, rich sound.
The power supply includes high-capacity buffer capacitors (each 12,000 uF) and a custom W-core transformer, which, together with aluminum radiators for cooling the power amplifier section, rests on a durable ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) base. The metal body is equipped with an anti-vibration chassis with a double bottom, which has an additional millimeter-thick iron plate. A central beam-screed is built into the body, reinforcing the rigidity of the entire structure. Such technical solutions make a certain contribution to increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and achieving natural sound. The model produces 100 W per channel at 8 ohms and 160 W at 4 ohms.
The Yamaha A-S801 amplifier is equipped with optical and coaxial digital audio inputs. The optical connector is designed to receive audio from a TV, and the coaxial connector is designed to receive audio from a Blu-ray Disc player. The signal remains in the digital domain, providing clear, pristinely dynamic sound from any source, from sports and other programs to movies and concerts.
With the Yamaha YBA-11 adapter, you can wirelessly stream music from a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, tablet or PC using the amplifier’s built-in network audio receiver. At the same time, thanks to the presence of a digital connection and the aptX® audio encoding algorithm, optimal sound quality is ensured. To simplify powering the adapter, it is connected to the DC output on the rear panel of the amplifier.
The Yamaha A-S801 amplifier has a loudness function with smooth adjustment using a control, which allows you to maintain the correct balance of highs and lows even at low volume levels. There is a CD Direct Amplification mode, which, when connected via the “CD” input, guarantees an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio, turns off the power to unused circuits and ensures the clearest playback. Another Pure Direct mode allows the signal to follow the shortest path, bypassing the buffer amplifier, tone control, loudness and balance controls, which allows you to eliminate noise and get clear sound.
Built-in USB DAC functionality allows direct connection to your PC and playback of today’s popular high-resolution audio sources. Yamaha’s USB drive IC has its own master oscillator that eliminates edge jitter from the PC signal to improve resolution. Yamaha Steinberg ASIO2.3 USB driver reduces signal latency and increases throughput. Supporting native 5.6 MHz DSD resolution and 384 kHz/32-bit PCM resolution allows playback of a wide range of high-resolution audio media for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, a front panel meter displays DSD and PCM playback formats and sample rates.
The Yamaha A-S801 uses the ES9010K2M from ESS Technology, Inc. as its D/A converter. We selected it after careful consideration of all its strengths, which, in addition to high-precision 32-bit audio processing, include the ability to process large volumes of audio data at 384 kHz PCM resolution and 5.6 MHz native DSD resolution, powerful bass response and high definition in the high frequency register. Since the built-in DAC generates its own clock signal, jitter elimination is also included, allowing digital-to-analog conversion with extremely low clock jitter. Moreover, the chip contains a 2-channel DAC operating on the double differential principle. The result is extremely high efficiency and a high-quality signal with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
You can connect a turntable with an MM (moving magnet) type phono cartridge to the Yamaha A-S801 amplifier. This will allow you to use the amplifier with its latest technical capabilities to listen not only to CDs, but also to analogue recordings.
Featuring a unique, simple yet aesthetically pleasing design directly derived from other high-end Yamaha audio components, this amplifier, like its predecessors, features an intuitive layout of buttons and knobs. The aluminum front panel has an elegant, textured, hairline finish. No less presentable controls are identical to those used on our “top” models.
The Yamaha A-S801 amplifier has a power management function that, even when the power is turned on, detects that the unit has not been used for a long time (approximately 8 hours) and causes it to automatically switch to standby mode. Therefore, even if you forget to turn off the device, power consumption will be kept to a minimum.
The simple and intuitive design of the remote control allows you to perform all necessary operations with one hand (for example, adjust the volume or set the playback order of tracks). The remote control, like the amplifier, has an elegant finish in the form of thin “hairline” lines. The remote control can also control a Yamaha CD player.
Characteristics of Yamaha A-S801
Output power minimum (RMS): 2 x 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, THD: 0.019%), maximum: 2 x 160 W (4 ohms, 1 kHz, THD: 0.7 %)
Dynamic power/channel 140 W (8 ohms), 170 W (6 ohms), 220 W (4 ohms), 290 W (2 ohms)
Damping factor 240 Frequency response
10 Hz – 100 kHz (± 1 dB)
Harmonic distortion distortion 0.019% (50 W/8 Ohm, CD input to speaker output, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio 99 dB (CD, 200 mV)
Headphone amplifier yes
Input sensitivity/impedance 200 mV/47 kOhm, 3 mV/47 kOhm (MM phono input)
Maximum input voltage 2.2 V or more (1 kHz, THD: 0.5%), 45 mV or more (MM phono input, 1 kHz, THD: 0 .03%)
Output voltage/impedance 200 mV/1 kΩ or less (recording output), 3.5 V/1.2 kΩ (subwoofer output, cutoff frequency: 100 Hz), 470 mV/470 Ω (recording output) headphones)
DAC ESS Saber ES9010K2M
Continuous loudness adjustment yes
CD Direct Amplification mode is supported (only for the “CD” input), the signal bypasses the input selector, tone block, balance and loudness controls
Pure Audio mode is supported for all inputs, the signal bypasses the tone block , balance and loudness controls
Auto Power Standby Function Pure Audio switchable, when activated, automatically switches the amplifier to standby mode after 8 hours of inactivity
Circuit topology is made in accordance with ToP-ART technology (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology)
Impedance switch located on the back of the case
Outputs 6.3 mm for headphones, 2 recording outputs (RCA), subwoofer output (RCA)
Inputs 5 line RCA, MM phono input, optical (24 bit / 192 kHz), coaxial (24 bit /192 kHz), asynchronous USB (PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz, DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz in native mode)
Other switching USB port for powering connected devices, also used to power the optionally available Yamaha YBA Bluetooth module -eleven; grounding terminal
Power consumption 270 W, standby: 0.5 W
Speaker output 4 pairs of gold-plated screw terminals
Universal remote control
Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x152x387 mm
Weight 12.1 kg
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