Integrated Tube Amp approx. $2,500

Need an update.

@br3 well, how is it??  did you go with the 1200 or the 2100?

that’s how I have heard Yamaha, my ears just didn’t want me to like them

The MOSFET transistor Yamahas have to go through a fairly lengthy break-in before they sound best. I didn’t believe in amp “break-in” prior to owning one. The difference between the first and ≈50th hour is drastic. They sound very different from Yamaha’s AVRs and considerably different from their BJT based integrateds.

@shtinkydog ​​​​@russ69 I received the A-S1200 yesterday and within two songs I knew I was going to keep it. I've put about 10 more listening hours in since then, and I haven't heard anything to change my mind. One of my biggest concerns was that it would be too forward, but I've found the presentation to fill the room more than pound my face. I think that the instrument seperation is really good, and they sound more realistic and clear than the tube amps I had been using (this may be because I haven't ventured into high-end tube amps yet). Obviously, it's not as warm as a tube amp, but it's not harsh at all. It's kind of like a tube amp in ultralinear mode, but better (I'm not quite sure how to explain it). I've read that the sound improves after approx 50 hours. If that's the case, then it's just icing on the cake. I couldn't of hoped for better thus far.

@br3 , thank you for your impressions. I've been eyeballing the 1200 and the 2200 for another system.  Your comments help.  Congratulations and hope it brings you years of pleasure.