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

A few years ago when I picked up the Epos Elan's the seller was kind enough to include a MAC Sound Pipe, which I felt offered a subtle but noticeable improvement in what I was playing at the time, as far as power cord is concerned. I was using either NAC A5 wire, good but difficult due to its rigidity, or more recently some SIGNAL cable, where I have not noticed any downgrade at all, and possibly an upgrade. I tend to keep things minimalist if possible. Yes, my budget isn't ideal, I realize that. I like some of the ideas posted above I 'll check them out.

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.

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