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A little puzzled by my newly acquired Yamaha A-S801

Picked up a Yamaha A S801 integrated, sounds clear and ’light’ if that makes sense. Nothing else in system has changed, same speakers, Epos Elan 10 and refurbished JR149s.

What’s bothering me is two-fold: 1. LOW frequencies seem a little pale (yes I know both speakers have limited extension, but did not hear this same effect on older 60 watt Rotel that is now defunct and irreparable) and,2. interestingly, 9 o’clock on volume control knob gives roughly the same volume level to my ears as the previously mentioned 60 watt only Rotel RA 1060.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Source is CD Onkyo C7030, virtually same whether or not I’m using ’CD DIRECT’ or PURE SOUND’ setting. Thoughts?

(Should mention I tried a Rotel A11 MK2 earlier, did not like at all and bore no resemblance in my system to the Rotel of old)

sifter
mesch
3,529 posts
 

As just a thought, If you want to continue using the CD direct mode, which removes the tone controls from the signal path and provides a cleaner signal you might try a Schiit Loke 4 band equilizer between CD player and the 801. It is not expensive and better than the tone controls in the 801. It can be found used.

chasda's avatar
chasda
67 posts
 

I have had a AS2100 for several years. It obviously has a little more power than the 800. My original system had KEF R3s. I had the same complaint. I think it was the R3s. I added a subwoofer, and everything changed. In fact, I eventually added a second subwoofer. I doubt any amp will give you impressive low end from those speakers. My system has evolved. I kept my AS2100, for my outdoor system, I think it's a quality integrated amp. Yammies don't get a lot of love. Small speakers need subwoofers if your looking for more low end. IMO

joekapahulu
252 posts
 

Had mixed results with low price Yamaha amps. I found them a bit bright. The Belles Aria amp is excellent sounding but there seems to be something going on with the production, as of a few years ago. I was set to buy one about 2 years ago and was "dissuaded" from it by 2 different long time retailers (29-30 years) who referenced inconsistency in build and product needing to be sent back to NY for repairs. The company stood behind its products and addressed the issues but it took time.  Both eventually stopped selling the line, though I cannot say it was due to this situation. It scared me off as I live far away from any repair facility and gear failure was what had put me into the market initially. On the other hand, the Aria is a gem in sound and you do find some for sale online every so often and Dave Belles past gear has been seen as very reliable. You might check in with John Rutan in Verona, NJ @Audio Connection. He sells lots of Belles, is a big supporter and seems to be a real straight shooter. He shows up on this forum every so often and has a great reputation. I would believe that he of anyone knows what is going on with the brand and would answer honestly as he has a good long standing shop and reputation. I was dissuaded because it is a boutique production situation and have moved to buying bigger brand components with large repair networks. It works for me but my situation is unique so I play it conservatively.

avanti1960
1,532 posts
 

@sifter 

Let the amp burn in more before you ditch it.  Give it 200 hrs or so.  

sifter OP
79 posts
 

Well, this weekend I acquired a pre-driven NAD C375BEE, initial listening is very positive. Definitely more immediacy and more satisfying low end. I do, however, plan on doing some comparison listening on a few tracks to see what I think both overall and regarding the upper midrange/top end as well.  NAD heats up a bit more but I have several inches of ventilation space above so hopefully not an issue. 

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