I primarily use this amplifier for listening to records (for those who use it for streaming digital music, this review will not pertain to you). I do prefer more separation between instruments when listening to music. However, for some reason, I keep coming back to this Yamaha amplifier. Maybe it's because this amplifier does output a very clean sound, and can be forgiving of vinyl pressings that are not in great shape. I had another "livelier" receiver, but ended up selling it and keeping this one. Per Yamaha's customer service, expect this amplifiers sound to open up even more over time. Even so, one can already still expect to hear some details that perhaps one hasn't heard before. I recommend that you use the tone controls to refine the sound to your liking. If the sound happens to open up more over time, you can adjust them accordingly. Don't listen to audiophiles that claim that you're not supposed to use tone controls. In addition, some folks may prefer using the "pure direct" mode, but personally, I don't care for it. Maybe it's a placebo effect for some listeners. My review is based on years of experience, and many comparisons; I'm not a newbie to this hobby. I'm not going to tell you that this amplifier is the best out there, but in my opinion, it is enjoyable to listen to, and once it's sound grows on you, you might be hooked.

I am using this amp as a subwoofer amp. It has enough watts to do the job. My complaint is the remote does not work. I don't really need it but it would have been nice to have one working. Hope this unit continues to work.

On par with best of vintage

This amplifer is very crisp and clear. Love the extremely low distortion..... blue tooth connectivity would be nice but plug in ones are not expensive....

I can’t overstate how well the AS 701 sounds! If you need an old school 90’s sounding stereo receiver with punch, this fits the bill. I used the Pure Direct button. It bypasses the tone controls and is practically like setting them to flat, but it does sound cleaner. If you’re going to use bookshelf speakers, save your money and get the 301. The 501 or above just aren’t worth your money for bookshelf speakers and quite frankly waste your money since the majority of wattage is going towards bass which bookshelf speakers aren’t known for. Pros: - Bass: It drives my 3 way speakers with 12” woofers hard and shakes the room without a sub. - HiFi sound straight from the 90’s - Clarity - Sleek look Cons: - The loudness button is useless. Normally loudness increases the bass volume while ignoring the mid and treble. In this case, the whole unit turns down. - Not really a con for me, but if you’re into bass management (sends low to subs instead of main speakers), this isn’t for you. You can hook up a sub to this, but it just duplicates the bass to the sub instead of redirecting it. If to have huge speakers, you won’t need one. AS 301 for bookshelf speakers AS 501 or above for large 3 way speakers.

I received my order and I am happy with it .

Really jams

1. If when its playing and at 8hrs it shutoff the Selector knob light, around back to left of speaker connections theres a switched marked "Auto power standby" flip to Off..... Im very happy with this unit, it has really great sound and I am.happy it offers bass and treble controls.... 85wpc powers polk es55 speakers plenty loud..... it does have a point in volume where when turning it up fairly loud the speakers really come alive..... I almost thought about returing it until I found out about the switch for turning off standby.... Most people will be happy with this but if you are streaming this does not have bluetooth... Ive been very happy with my audioengine BT1. The 801 amp has a better dac but If you are streaming from a cable connected unit it most likely has a Dac built in so the 501 is fine... This is 2 channel 85wpc8ohm (most home speakers are 8ohm)

I compared the Yamaha A-S301 with the Fosi ZA3, pairing them with Emotiva B2, T1, and Klipsch RP-600M II speakers. Starting with power, Yamaha outclasses the ZA3. Whether the Yamaha’s power rating is conservative or the ZA3’s is overstated, the difference is unmistakable. Tracks like Enter Sandman and Thunderstruck showcase Yamaha’s ability to deliver distortion-free power, pushing the speakers to their limits and filling the room with strong bass even at moderate volume (around 55). The ZA3, though powerful for its compact size, lacks the same oomph but is still sufficient for most setups. The experience varies by speaker in terms of sound. Emotiva B2 shines with the Yamaha A-S301. The pairing produces open, balanced sound, tight bass, a wide soundstage, and detailed highs. The Fosi ZA3 performs admirably with Emotiva B2 and T1, though the bass lacks the Yamaha’s punch. Klipsch RP-600M II fares better with the Fosi ZA3, which emphasizes detail in the highs and slightly improves the muddy bass. However, I find the Klipsch underwhelming overall, regardless of the amp. The Yamaha A-S301 consistently makes speakers sound fuller and more dynamic than the ZA3. While the differences are most apparent during A/B testing, Yamaha’s ability to make sound feel "bigger" is immediately noticeable. I use a WiiM streamer, and Yamaha’s optical and digital coax inputs are a big plus. Contrary to some reviews, I don’t notice any significant differences between Yamaha’s internal DAC and external DACs S.M.S.L. SU-1 and Schiit Modi, which I also A/B tested with. This saves cost and complexity since I can connect my WiiM directly to the amp. The Yamaha A-S301 outperforms the Fosi ZA3 in almost every aspect, except for its larger size and higher price. If space or budget is a concern, the ZA3 is still an excellent option. But if you can stretch your budget, the Yamaha A-S301 offers a superior listening experience and is worth the investment.

This amplifier has excellent sound quality: Power to speaker output is great (KEF speakers), and the cabinet stays incredibly cool - even when driven hard. The aesthetics are great, and because of the design, and slightly retro look, it appears heavier than it actually is. And you know what they say: Heavy equals expensive - LOL.

I’ve owned “audiophile” amps at twice the price, but with my daily driver speakers (Wharfdale Diamond 220s) am hard pressed to tell the difference. The Yamaha has a well-balanced, clear, and open sound, and it’s ready to go from power on, no need to “warm up” or anything of that sort. For 85W output with minimal (truly inaudible) THD, it’s a steal. Two areas where I do disagree with other online reviews: phono stage and build quality, in opposite directions. I’ve read that the built-in phono stage on this amp was mediocre, and it does have a relatively high capacitance (200pF) and does sound a bit recessed with my VM740ML, which likes 100-200pF total (including cables, etc). However, with the less sensitive / more flat vm95ml it sounds great, and even with the cap loading off target, vocals and mods were fantastic. I went back and forth between the inbuilt and my Parasound ZPhono XRM many times before deciding to stick with external preamp so that I could use the better cartridge. For most listeners with most gear, though, I imagine the internal preamp will do really well, and with a warm source and warm speakers it sounds buttery smooth. On the other hand, I’ve heard raves about how good this unit looks, and it’s really only skin deep for me. Obviously this is subjective, but as soon as you touch those dials you really feel how flimsy and plasticky they are, and the 501 even has a fixed (non-removable) power cord, which just feels cheap. So a bit of a “meh” on appearance, but Yamaha had to cut corners somewhere, and I’m really pleased to say it was NOT the sound delivery. I’m digging it so much I’m sending much more expensive equipment back and keeping it!

After several years of trouble-free listening it has developed an intermittent issue. From time to time it will cycle off briefly and then come back on. I've checked on a number of audio forums and it seems to be a wide spread problem with this model. As best as I can tell it is related to a glitch in the "self protection" circuitry. It doesn't happen often but it ruins the enjoyment of listening when it cuts off without warning :(

I wish I could take down my one star but I thought I could go back and update it I didn't :0\ speak of the seller ones of the bests he was great he made sure it had a signature receipt at the door I don't believe I asked for that but I liked it...... that shows a man with pride. Amplifiers great very easy to use and that loudness button I think there's more to that than they lead on I didn't move anything just the loudness button I just got it working and it sounds beautiful I wanted it because you don't have that funky surround sound I wanted my stereo to cruise through the kitchen and family room I got two sets of speakers none of those funky little bookshelf things didn't have much luck with him real smaller 12 mid tweet design home stereo speaker I wanted to get the silver but it just won't look right with all the black components it's expensive but it will satisfy

Yamaha is an historically outstanding brand - in equipment and instruments. I bought this one to replace an audiolab, which had failed me twice. I’m very pleased with this integrated amp. It doesn’t have a bunch of flashing lights. It’s straightforward. I listen to a wide variety of music, from Renaissance to Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Stravinsky, Kronos, Beatles, Billie Eillish, Bird, Miles, Mingus and on and on - this Yamaha sounds true to every style. I’m hard to please. I am very pleased.

Sound quality is good but unit turns itself off after several hours.

Nothing to compare with Sansui au 717. With my all respect, this amplifier for my opinion it is D class. I regret buying this.

The A-S301 is an outstanding integrated stereo amplifier for the money. Some of Yamaha's AV receivers get too complex if all you want to do is play records or cds. For what I do, I didn't even want a tuner. At last they have started putting phono inputs back on amps. The 301 has a phono input is for a MM cartridge. If you want to use a MC cartridge you'll need a phono pre-amp stage and go into the amp through an AUX port. No big deal. It even has hand adjustable tone controls and a manual output selection knob. THANK YOU YAMAHA! I've been a longtime user of Yamaha equipment and will say this little amp exceeds my expectations.

Phenomenal amp. Good sound. Looks great in silver. This is so worth it. I paired it with Polk R 200's and I think it is absolutely amazing .

Was looking for a good quality stereo integrated amp to replace an old 100-watt Onkyo receiver. After tons of research and review-reading I ordered the Yamaha AS-801. I didn't think much about the USB input until I actually hooked it up to my main living room desktop computer. I have a huge library of digital music including high-bitrate FLAC audio files. The sound of these files through the DAC of the Yamaha 801 is stunning! Total gamechanger in terms of how I enjoy my music. Others have written about how powerful it is (WAY more headroom and damping control than the 100watt Onkyo receiver). Beautiful sounding and basic...just what I was looking for!

A very high quality product. Silent source switching. Able to handle multiple types of speaker loads. Very versatile. PCM digital inputs a plus.