Yamaha A-S1200 Amplifier Review

I consider the A-S1200 the entry point into Yamaha's higher tier of amplifiers. It is well engineered, impressively built and looks great with the retro VU meters. Can this offering, from a large Japanese corporation, compete sonically with the the best from smaller audiophile brands?

Link to manufacturer's webpage

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Time Stamps:
Intro 0:00
Design & features 1:11
Technical insights 4:16
Sound quality 7:49
Setup & partnering equipment 10:57
Conclusion 12:18

[philipciantar]

Hi Tarun. Your review was indeed a help to make my decision to purchase my A-S1200 February 2023. I purchased the new Mission 770's /walnut finish at the same time. I let them both break-in together for over 6 months. After waiting 6 months, I then ended up adjusting the bass tone control to a perfect horizontal position setting turned clockwise to add some punch. Bullseye. It added plenty of punch. One of the top reasons I went with the A-S1200 was due to the tone control setting feature. I am surprised that some companies do not even offer these adjustments. The A-S1200 is very under rated for power output. At 1/2 volume setting the volume is impressive, clear and probably a little to loud for comfortable extended listening periods. And I do like it loud. That says a lot. I wished the built-in phono stage was a little bit better. It's acceptable, even slightly better than the built-in phone stage in my Dual CS 618Q/Walnut Finished turntable. My next piece will be a external phone pre-amp to match the quality of the Yamaha core amp. With my Rotel CD-14MKII CD player, the A-S1200 kicks serious ass. Imagining is as close to a 3D experience that I have ever heard. Bass, Mid and Treble is very good across the range. Separation is impressive. I just could not be any more satisfied with this package of items. Tarun, what would you recommend for an external phono pre-amp in the $600 to $1000 USA range? I am grateful for the consistent quality and effort that you put into this channel. It comes thru every time I watch it. Cheers.

[spark]

Once again, a fine and detailed review, Tarun. I appreciate your ability to explain the technical aspects of components that even those of us without a strong technical background can comprehend. Well done.

[russelhaxby]

I hit the thumbs up before I even watched, just because I was glad to see this unit reviewed on this channel.

[hugobloemers]

That is a really nice (looking) amp. I like that it is a purely analogue amplifier so it will not become obsolete. Also the fact it gives double the power at half the impedance means it can probably deal well with difficult to drive speakers. I would be happy to own one.

[nunocruzer]

Hi Tarun, I never trust a review that only says good things about the equipment being reviewed. I like your reviews as you point out what you hear, the plus and the minus, and this is why I think you are one of the best reviewers. Keep the good work!
I have a AS2100 and just love it. I never felt the need to try something else, I like the forward sound and the clarity. I'm pairing it with Klipsch Forte III and bass is strong and impactful. You need to review more Japanese amplifiers :)

[djpwl]

Many thanks for this detailed and fair review, Tarun. I've been in the market for a new integrated amplifier to pair with my B&W 706S2 for quite awhile, and after hours of listening sessions with loads of amps here in Tokyo, I finally went with the A-S1200. Your review was extremely helpful in making the final decision. Cheers!

[igaldins]

This review is very very accurate.
I purchaced this amp blindly partially relying on this review.
I have it for one year now. Again this review is accurate for every word!
I love this amp. Love the sound and the looks.

[UnconsciousCompetence]

I have owned the A-S 1200 for about 2 years, and I feel like this amplifier definitely matured after a few hundred hours of burn-in. That somewhat cool analytical nature that Tarun referred to takes half a step back, and the sound becomes more lush and integrated as time goes on. Maybe I just have some confirmation bias because I spent a lot of money to own this amplifier, however I don't ever see myself buying another integrated amplifier. It has a way of pulling me in. It frequently leaves me sitting overcome, and totally absorbed in the music. I might upgrade my speakers at some point, but I definitely feel like I own my ultimate end game amplifier.

[JuanLega]

I purchased the Yamaha A-S1200 a couple of months back, I have it paired with a pair of kef R5's and the bass is very strong, extremely clean and detailed. I'm still amazed at how good it sounds. Highly recommend it!

[bengtekman]

Thank you Tarun for a very nice review.
I agree with all your positive comments on it.
I bought the 2200, mainly because of the balanced input for my Technics SL-G700 CD/SACD/Streaming player.
I use it together with Ohm Walsh Tall 2000 speakers and I couldn´t be happier.

[xjmzrq]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing. I purchased this unit back in December & paired it with Cornwall IV’s - and I could not be happier. It’s like being in the first few rows at a concert, engaging me in a way I never thought possible.

[Henrydrn]

I enjoy how mature and civilized your videos are. Your reviews make others look like children. Your list of favorite amplifiers is excellent; civilized.

[WiliiamNoTell]

Really enjoy your channel. Very informative and educational. Audiophile since 1972. Thanks for sharing look forward to your next video!

[danallan]

Close but no cigar on the 'Outstanding recommendation.' I appreciate the cool but fair honesty Tarun. Keep it up and call them like you see it.
Just love the way these brute Yamaha battleships display their armament. Bucking the minimalist look trend.

[giangvu]

Large Japanese Hi-fi brands such as Yamaha don't get enough recognition for their achievement in terms of what you get for the price they charge.

[henrymichaels]

I listen to ALL the YouTube stereo reviewers and there are a lot of good ones. I think you, Audio Excellence and Zero Fidelity are the best. You have been very helpful in educating me, thank you!

[simonjones]

As someone who sold Yamaha, and Nakamichi in the late 70’s, and, at one stage had a C2/B2 pre/power amp driving NS1000’s, note, note M’s. Always beautifully built and true top end kit.

[williamdirks]

Yours are the best online reviews. Keep em' coming, please.

[thisisnev]

Thank you for calling out the common audiophile bias against Japanese brands, Tarun. They made a lot of great audio gear in the golden age of the 70s, and I like that Yamaha, Luxman and Accuphase all reference that era in their external design.

[Simon_Hawkshaw]

Your honest and balanced review of this amp is great and even saying you may be a little roo critical means that for us less refined listeners, this is an amp to top 5 list in any equipment choice. Thank you as always, Sir, for your time and effort to share.