Yamaha R-S700 or A-S801

[yycdave]

I’m looking for comments from someone who has used an A-S801 amp as well as a R-S700 receiver. The A-S801 gets glowing reviews however, on paper at least, the R-S700 has essentially the same specs. In the give and take of them the A-S801 of course has a built in DAC, while the R-S700 supports use as an amp or pre-amp, and also provides Record Out selections. These are features, which may or may not be used, and are secondary to the sound. So how do the two compare that way?

I have an R-S700 with an external DAC and turntable connected, and am not at all unhappy, but sound wise would could an A-S801 bring to the show?

Cheers

 

[Natasha Bell]

As someone who has owned an A-S801, I would DEFINITELY recommend it over the receiver. There is this notion that both are similar, but the 801 has incredible depth to its sound. In addition, the build quality is extraordinary. Speaking strictly as a piece of equipment for audio reproduction, the A-S801 (in my opinion) beats the receiver hands-down, in every parameter. It is, very much, a two-channel powerhouse of an integrated that is robust and honest. The only reason I sold mine is because I was itching to go back to separates. Had I not had that desire, I would still have the A-S801 today (or perhaps had upgraded to the A-S1200)

 

[yycdave]

Thanks for you comments, have you listened to a R-S700 to compare? I don’t disagree with your rationale, just looking to support it with “ears”