Yamaha A-S3000 (What's not to like?)

Freo-1 · « **on:** 3 Jun 2013, 08:36 pm »

Was researching the Yamaha A-S2000, and stumbled across this little gem:

http://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/amps/a-s3000_g/?mode=model

Yamaha and Sony ES CAN make audiophile gear when they put their mind (and resources) to it. This thing just looks very cool (and retro), and I bet sounds pretty darn good to boot!

It's not available in the North American market, but I hope it does become so at some point. With today's audio setups, I think integrated amps make a lot of sense.

iamjaymo · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 12:41 am »

Been lusting after this baby since owning the A-S2000 - which is fantastic. If it comes to NA, I will buy it. Period.

Doublej · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 01:01 am »

No USB dac, how 1970s.

SET Man · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 01:15 am »

Quote from: Doublej on 10 Jul 2013, 01:01 am

No USB dac, how 1970s.

Hey!

And 1980's too I guess

well, is sure looks pretty.

I'm cool with that. It does come with Phono stage! I rather have it with phono stage than USB DAC any days. Now, where is my Saterday Night Fever LP.

Take care,
Buddy

Cacophonix · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 02:51 am »

Quote from: Doublej on 10 Jul 2013, 01:01 am

No USB dac, how 1970s.

The Yamaha CD-S3000 CD player features a built-in USB DAC.

Mudslide · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 04:52 am »

You might as well get a matched set while your at it!

And maybe an old school Yamaha P450 on top of this pair...would look sweet.

JLM · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 09:37 am »

Sweet retro look!

And weighing in at 54 pounds too.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Jul 2013, 10:13 am »

Rumor central has it that this will be released in time for Xmas in North America later this year. The A-S2000 sounds great, and this should b e as good or slightly better. The second XLR will be nice as well.

mamba315 · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Sep 2013, 03:59 pm »

MSRP was announced several weeks ago. $8000 for the amp and $7000 for the player. You can pre-order the amp from BH Photo for "only" $7000. At these prices, Yamaha seem to have a lot of confidence in their product (or they wish to appear so, in any case)

Yamaha press release from 8/20

http://usa.yamaha.com/news_events/audio_visual/yamaha_unleashes_flagship_s3000series/

Freo-1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Sep 2013, 08:16 pm »

Well, the answer to the question of what's not to like is "the price"

I have serious reservations that the A-S3000 is going to sound much (if any) different than the A-S2000. The single biggest delta is the use of MOS-FETS in the output stage. Although it looks drop dead gorgeous inside and out, not convinced it will translate sonically.

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Sep 2013, 09:17 pm »

$8000 is super integrated territory. I mean, Pass Laboratories, Hegel and all other renown brands have offerings at that price point and if Yamaha things it can charge that much for it, I think they are calculating wrong. Or, am I wrong?

Freo-1 · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Sep 2013, 09:30 pm »

Quote from: Bemopti123 on 10 Sep 2013, 09:17 pm

$8000 is super integrated territory. I mean, Pass Laboratories, Hegel and all other renown brands have offerings at that price point and if Yamaha things it can charge that much for it, I think they are calculating wrong. Or, am I wrong?

No, I think you have it right. Especially when you consider that it will very likely not sound any better than the A-S2000. I think it's an over-reach. Time will tell.

srb · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Sep 2013, 09:33 pm »

I see it more as a marketing maneuver to create a very expensive flagship that not too many sales are expected from, but its existence now serves to make the A-S2000 look like a relatively great bargain with much increased sales.

Steve

Freo-1 · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Apr 2014, 04:02 pm »

Well, at least one reviewer went over the moon with the unit on his review. He compares it favorably to his high end tube setup. That's pretty high praise for an solid state integrated amp, indeed.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/the-yamaha-a-s-3000-integrated-amp-review/

I WISH it was not quite so expensive.

Hogg · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Apr 2014, 11:29 pm »

I assume you've read this Australian review as well.

http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/Product-Reviews/Hi-Fi/yamaha-a-s3000-amplifier-review-and-test.html

Jim

johsti · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Apr 2014, 11:51 pm »

The A-S3000 looks like a beast, but more than I want to spend. I'm anxious to see if they bring the A-S2100 to the US. I might be tempted to trade my A-S2000 for an A-S2100.

http://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/amps/a-s2100_g/?mode=model

Freo-1 · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Apr 2014, 03:48 pm »

Quote from: johsti on 10 Apr 2014, 11:51 pm

The A-S3000 looks like a beast, but more than I want to spend. I'm anxious to see if they bring the A-S2100 to the US. I might be tempted to trade my A-S2000 for an A-S2100.

http://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/amps/a-s2100_g/?mode=model

It look pretty cool. I wonder if it will sound any better than the A-S2000, or if just looks cooler due to the front meters? The A-S2000 sounds pretty darn good as is.

johsti · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Apr 2014, 12:04 am »

Quote from: Freo-1 on 13 Apr 2014, 03:48 pm

It look pretty cool. I wonder if it will sound any better than the A-S2000, or if just looks cooler due to the front meters? The A-S2000 sounds pretty darn good as is.

I'm really happy with the A-S2000, but the A-S2100 has mosfets, meters and a -6dB attenuator for the balanced inputs.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Apr 2014, 12:50 am »

Quote from: johsti on 17 Apr 2014, 12:04 am

I'm really happy with the A-S2000, but the A-S2100 has mosfets, meters and a -6dB attenuator for the balanced inputs.

All good features. The meters are cool (no sonic benefit, though). The MOS-FETs may (or may) not sound better. You would have to do a side by side to see.

johsti · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Apr 2014, 06:24 pm »

Quote from: Freo-1 on 17 Apr 2014, 12:50 am

All good features. The meters are cool (no sonic benefit, though). The MOS-FETs may (or may) not sound better. You would have to do a side by side to see.

Hopefully they bring the A-S2100 to the states so I can compare. Looks like a slightly watered down A-S3000 for a much more reasonable price.