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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
bubbagump
9 posts
 

Pick up a used NAD 375Bee fot $650-750 on ebay.  I have one driving my 4ohm Aperion Towers with ease and it will blow the Yamaha out of the water. 

bassbuyer
251 posts
 

That’s my experience with both Yamaha and Rotel.  I have had several Yamaha integrated amps and they work well and last but they don’t have the power of some others.  I upgraded to separate Rotel components a couple of years ago.  I have the RB 1582 MKII power amp that’s conservatively rated at 200 WPC into 8 ohms.  I have Arendal 1723 towers that dip down to 4 ohms and it drives them much better.  I don’t listen higher than 45% power, less than noon on the dial.  Any louder and it’s too much.  Much better value in my experience with better build quality and power for the price.  Rotel isn’t as well known but you know it from experience and Yamaha makes everything.  I love my Yamaha 150 HP ShoMax outboard motor on my boat.  Their high end stuff has more power but you’re going to pay more.  

porchlight1's avatar
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porchlight1
39 posts
 

Your Yamaha A-S801 has both tone controls and a variable loudness function. If the sound you hear is too “light”,  experimenting with those controls - using a “light” touch - will most certainly remedy your problem. A 1-2 dB increase in bass is all you probably need. That’s what they’re there for. And it’s totally free. 

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,470 posts
 

Yes experiment with the tone controls.Everything ,isn't build perfect.

devinplombier
318 posts
 

[...] Rotel that is now defunct and irreparable

Few amps are ever irreparable! Better fix them than throw them away 🙂

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