Yamaha A-s301!

[wushuliu]

The

The 301 is warmer and more rounded....with a slightly less forward in the top end....

Just watched a tear-down review on Youtube and the A-S301 uses Nichicon KG Gold Tunes for the main power supply caps which are $15/pr. I think that's unheard of for a $350 amp. I don't think the higher models use them, just the 301 (a tear down of the A-S701 showed Chemi-Con caps).

 

[runnin']

I believe my 501 has “Yamaha” branded main caps, and Nichicon gold all over. I’m a recent convert to Yamaha after I grew tired of the warm sounding Parasound Hint 6. I picked up the A-S501 used, as an experiment. Completely impressed with the sound and realizing I could trust the brand, I hunted down a A-S1100.

My understanding is the the 501 is more forward than either the 301 or 801. At any rate, I’m a big Yammy fan now! The 501 and 301 have quality parts and discrete circuitry while other brands cheap out. Drives my newest addition to the collection, Kef Q150, very well.

Better quality parts than my old Nad c356bee, and the dac and phono section is included! As an experiment, I ran two pairs of speakers (one pair a 4 ohm), at the same time on the 8 ohm switch setting. No problem at about 9:30 on the dial, mildly warm. Otherwise the amp is cool all the time.

 

[Bill Ashton]

Do you mean mean "mildy warm" thermally or mildly warm sound-wise?

 

[mythless]

I have the RS-300, and I think it sounds very similar to previous Yamaha amplifiers/receivers I've had before (70s,80s,90s). I can't say anything really stands out but, it's pleasant sounding. For the price of some of these units (and especially on sale or 2nd hand) they are impressive. I highly recommend them over vintage units for the same price for people getting into the hobby. There is a lot of good modern stuff at an affordable price point.

 

[E2]

The only Yamaha I have now is this one.....(Thrift find in 08', $43)

 

[Retro_Pete]

I have the RS-300, and I think it sounds very similar to previous Yamaha amplifiers/receivers I've had before (70s,80s,90s). I can't say anything really stands out but, it's pleasant sounding. For the price of some of these units (and especially on sale or 2nd hand) they are impressive. I highly recommend them over vintage units for the same price for people getting into the hobby. There is a lot of good modern stuff at an affordable price point.

To be frank it's because they use the same design in these amps as they did in the end of the 80's. They stuck to the working formula.

 

[mythless]

To be frank it's because they use the same design in these amps as they did in the end of the 80's. They stuck to the working formula.

Can't fault Yamaha, if it works and "measures" well, no need to reinvent the wheel - especially for their entry level gear. I am now curious about their higher end line. I wouldn't mind snagging a RS500/700. I do like listening to radio as background noise.

The RS300 is probably the first modern stereo receiver (made in the 2010s) I've owned since I've started the hobby. Now I am curious about these Onkyo models. Can't find any in internal shots but, they do have a lot of modern features that would make an okay/decent TV setup.

 

[Retro_Pete]

Can't fault Yamaha, if it works and "measures" well, no need to reinvent the wheel - especially for their entry level gear. I am now curious about their higher end line. I wouldn't mind snagging a RS500/700. I do like listening to radio as background noise.

The RS300 is probably the first modern stereo receiver (made in the 2010s) I've owned since I've started the hobby. Now I am curious about these Onkyo models. Can't find any in internal shots but, they do have a lot of modern features that would make an okay/decent TV setup.

You'll find Yamaha in general tend to have better specs (audible or not is up for discussion) and better tolerance componentry in the pricier ones.