Love this. I've been in this game for 40 years and have chased the hype many times so I get what you're saying. In regards to this post - I listened to the samples with Grado phones and an Audioquest Dragon Fly DAC and I can fool myself into thinking there's more refinement with the 1100, but if I'm totally honest, I can't hear the difference. The two amps are shockingly close. Now I suspect there may be a bit more bass control and soundstage difference with the 1100, as heard in your room, but through phones, wow, indiscernible. Thank you for taking the effort - so fun. You are rocking it.
@@HanifBarnwell it is worth if you go straight for 2000/2200. I went through a bunch of stuff, marantz’s, onkyos, nad, and yamaha, some other stuff in between. Right now i think I have settled on as2100. It was a goodish deal and sounds pretty amazing
Thanks again for the video. I always enjoy the Yamaha and Lux content. I haven't knocked out the Audiophile University videos yet, but they are up next! We appreciate your effort.
Thanks for the ‘real speak’ and video. I’ve had the A-S801 for about 7 years now, matched with a pair of Linton’s, and it sounds satisfyingly punchy and clean. Unfortunately, I have always lusted for the VU meters. Before your video, thinking that maybe I would eventually upgrade to the 1200 or 2200. Your video just saved me a chunk of change! Thanks
Hard to really here any significant difference. The A-S1200 is about 10 times the price. No one could reasonably say it sounds 10 times better. I cannot tell much difference. The 301 is clear and smooth. One would not get tired of listening to it.
The deciding test is a double blind test. I have yet to see anyone consistently pick out a particular product. Any differences are so minute, that humans can NOT pick out the differences consistently. Since we are interpreting the signals from our hearing mechanism, we very easily "hear" things that are not part of the original nerve impulses. As for your note to equalize the volume levels, all it takes is one decibel louder to make a signal "sound" better than another.
I have Forte II's and sure would like to try the Cornwalls. I just found your channel, just keep making videos, the money will come, it took me years and years.
With my cheap headphones I hear more clarity and detail with the 1100 . I could better hear her voice and instrument detail even with my 76 year old ears. I listened repeatedly to insure my mind wasn't playing tricks. Thanks for your work.
I own the Yamaha A-S1200. I’ve always felt that their products offer a great value, but I also realize and understand that I paid about a thousand dollars more than I needed to just because I wanted vu meters. 🤷🏼♂️ I could have gone for the A-S80* whatever it’s called and easily saved some cash. As for Crap TM Audio, I do think you managed to expose one of their biggest weaknesses. I would have felt similarly in the same position. Having said that, I did build a secondary system in my office with their multibit Gungnir (No, I’m not choking to death, that’s the actual name of the product.) I used them because it was the only way I could get a balanced run all the way from my dac to the amp, using a Freya+ tube preamp and Vidars running as mono blocks. It’s not perfect, but damned if it doesn’t sound fantastic for so much less money than anything else I could find at the time. You should give them another shot imo.
Agree 100% on Yamaha. I own several Yamaha pieces cd players amps etc. I have a 1000as amp....no meters but a very heavy high quality design.. huge power supply given the 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms. I sold hifi part time for a year when I left school now I sell hardware as there is so much snobbery in this industry. High value gear is essential today given people's budget. We all started somewhere. Your speakers would reveal amplifier characteristics easily. I like and own Jbl and Ev and Altec Speakers. Many elite audio types would shun my stuff and I even use a professional eq in one system .. shock horror lol. Keep doing what you do mate.
I love yamaha gear. I definitely believe it's way under appreciated. I run the yamaha Mx 1000 M85 M80 power amps with the Cx 100 C80 C85 with the yamaha EQ. My speakers are klipsch KLF 30 Tannoy Dmt 215 and jbl S3100. Sounds Incredible. Rock on best to ya!!!!
AS1100 sounds like more depth, but difference is minimal. Question, where should the money go in hi end speaker? Driver, Box and or crossover parts? Which part affects the sound most?
Andrew Robinson’s review of the 801 says it all. If you like more zeros in your bank account then go for the 801 over the 1200. The difference is not worth the dollar difference. Are those newer Heresy’s with the front openings? Something to take into consideration is the lower frequencies. The amps should be compared on full range speakers to get the full spectrum. But I’m still think it wouldn’t be worth the comas missing in my bank account
I restarted my audio journey a few years ago with the Audio Science Review website, a bit later with Erin's audio corner. Subscribing to your channel now! I have no engineering credentials but have little patience for BS regardless of field. I also don't have any money to waste in gear that's poorly engineered and overpriced. I do have to confess to a bias towards Japanese gear because I understand a bit how they think - although I had to travel there to realize how a search for excellence really pervades about everything they do - and it is at core a culture of trust. As to the Yamaha, I think I'm going to go for the 501 for the extra power just in case - but good to know the 301 is top notch.
Thanks, SP. Do you think you would be able to set up a blind ABX test with the 301 and Lux? I guess the methodology is a little involved, but nobody seems to have done something like this on YT. Not with gear with disparity in cost. It would be interesting to see how you fare.
I have had an AS301 connected to eight Polk T-15 bookshelf’s and a Polk PSW 10. I stack the T-15 sideways to create a poor man’s linear array. The speakers are 8 ohm but I wire pairs in parallel for 4 Ohm impedance. I consider the system an entry level hifi. I am not sure what the term audiophile means expect lover of audio? I paid $349 for the Yamaha and $59 a pair for the T15s and $99 for the sub. I am pleased with the quality and the sound. I have found the recording, mixing and mastering of the music has more to do with my enjoyment of the music. If music is recorded poorly the amplifier will not improve the music. Amps should just reproduce what was recorded faithfully. I have recordings of local artist that were made at performances I attended. These are simple 2 track recordings digitally recorded off the soundboard. They sound great using my home system. I also have over 1500 CDs, hundreds of vinyls and cassette tapes as well as a subscription to Spotify. I guess I spent most of my audio budget on the music itself. I opened the Yamaha just to look inside and you can see it is a quality build with quality components. The AS-301 is rated at 60 watts channel. My normal listening volume is about 1/4 to 1/3. If I turn up to 1/2 it’s too loud but not distorted I am listening in a large family room with high ceilings. As with any hobby you can sink a ton of cash into it and you make a point about diminishing returns. i.e. spending 10x does not yield 10x listening enjoyment but you might have a show piece to impress other HiFi enthusiasts.
I hear a big difference!!! I switched back and forth between the first 60 seconds of the tune listening to the amps in your video, and I hate to say but to me the s1100 was much better. If you don’t hear the difference then go with the s301 but I’m going to serch for a used s1100 (I don’t know what what changes Yamaha did with the s1200)
AS1100 sounds clearly much better on this demo and room, even with the low quality youtube audio. It's 3 times beter as it's price? No. But the differences are very important. The AS301 sounds excellent either, nothing wrong here reproducing the tracks with natural tonality, with thickness of the notes, articulated and dynamic. AS1100 doing that same too, but... it plays clear that reverberation sound around and between the notes, around the voice and the room where the track was recorded. This exactly makes the AS1100 touching some sensitive strings on the soul of the listener, like he is being there physically, the listening becomes more emotional experience.
Yes I could. With both my Mission speakers and B&W Headphones I hear the differences even blind. But I'm curious how they'll be compared when playing some busy and speed music like metal, where the positives of the AS1100 may become negatives.
Stereopolice, I love your videos! Audio is a giant scam! Hard to admit that we were scammed for decades. Stuff happens. I helped direct and drill 25,000 oil wells, that is very objective, audio is very subjective.
I'd be curious to hear the difference with a harder-to-drive speaker. The Cornwalls are so sensitive you don't need much power to crank them. I wonder if the A-S1100 would show out a bit better with some Magnepans for instance. Fun video regardless. I own an A-S1100 as well and love it.
With the a-s301 right when the bass kicks in (in the beginning), you hear distortion cracks from the microphone. This is not the case with a-s1100. This leaves only two options. Either the a-s1100 controls the bass way better or lack of level matching. If it is the latter it makes is impossible to conduct a fair comparison.
Agreed with the cracking. You can definitely hear the sound being immediately compressed. The volume/dynamic drops down immediately after the first big bass kicking in and then going back up until next kick. Great video ! I'd fancy the as1100 but I absolutely can't hear any difference with both amps on the video even with good headphones...
All amps sound the same - volume matched and providing they have plenty of current reserves for the matched loudspeakers. Yes, its shocking, but it's also true.
Here is the thing. In building amps it takes allot to get a bit. There isn’t really any Carrie over in parts or design from the 301 to the 1100. Or better to say from the 3 digit to the 4 digit model amps. People need to decide for themselves weather it is worth it for them to step up for the bit of sonic improvements. With some speakers the improvements can be large. I am purchasing the new Yamaha NR2000a. I could get the NR800 for way less. But to me the build quality alone on the 4 digit Yamaha models is totally worth it. 👍🏻🔈
Agreed. Value is a personal judgment. The "warm fuzzy" factor goes a long way with me; I love the bulk and VU meters on my Luxman, and just "knowing" that it's a Class A amp; that's all. Sonically, not that much of an improvement, maybe a tad, but not $8500 sounding better than the A-S301 LOLOLLO. Cheers.
The high tone keyboard sound is lost in some passages with the 301. Follow the same sound in the 1100 and you will realize the instrument separation is better and timbre also better. Try an R2R DAC with the 1100 you will be surprised!
euphemism for a marketing company pretending to be a high end audio company - could be any number of companies out there, use your imagination @@zachb5508
Try them with some hard to drive ELAC speakers....your using maybe 3 watts of power with those speakers.....power need is gonna separate these amps quickly.
The better test would have been using the AS801, which is till several thousand less in cost. It’s got the superior DAC and more HC Amps. The 801 is the true bargain of almost any Integrated Amplifier under 1500 bucks or more. Some ask is the difference in sound between the 301 and 1100, worth the xtra money…of course it is to anyone who has the cash!! But compared to the AS801, sonically, you’ll be hard pressed to hear any difference.
Huge difference in sound quality and this is clearly not fair. 301 is not in the same league as the 1100 sonically. Even with this poor quality youtube the 301 is not even close. Open them both up and see the difference also.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596I bet you can't reference a single, properly done, blind test from a reputable source done on any piece of high end audio equipment ever made. Show me 1 test.
1- there is a clear difference between 301 and 1100 here. More Broad range on mids , a bassy depths on 1100. 2 - I feel like 1100 has more room to process Basses where 301 is about its peak ..
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Love this. I've been in this game for 40 years and have chased the hype many times so I get what you're saying. In regards to this post - I listened to the samples with Grado phones and an Audioquest Dragon Fly DAC and I can fool myself into thinking there's more refinement with the 1100, but if I'm totally honest, I can't hear the difference. The two amps are shockingly close. Now I suspect there may be a bit more bass control and soundstage difference with the 1100, as heard in your room, but through phones, wow, indiscernible. Thank you for taking the effort - so fun. You are rocking it.
Nailed it , I love my n803 but is it worth really upgrading to the n2000 or 2200 ?!?
Thanks much for the reply.
@@HanifBarnwell it is worth if you go straight for 2000/2200. I went through a bunch of stuff, marantz’s, onkyos, nad, and yamaha, some other stuff in between. Right now i think I have settled on as2100. It was a goodish deal and sounds pretty amazing
@@Odessit657 thank you
Thanks again for the video. I always enjoy the Yamaha and Lux content. I haven't knocked out the Audiophile University videos yet, but they are up next! We appreciate your effort.
Thanks for the ‘real speak’ and video. I’ve had the A-S801 for about 7 years now, matched with a pair of Linton’s, and it sounds satisfyingly punchy and clean. Unfortunately, I have always lusted for the VU meters. Before your video, thinking that maybe I would eventually upgrade to the 1200 or 2200. Your video just saved me a chunk of change! Thanks
don't worry, it won't last, in the end you will not resist, you will go after the VU meeters, belive me 😁
Hard to really here any significant difference. The A-S1200 is about 10 times the price. No one could reasonably say it sounds 10 times better. I cannot tell much difference. The 301 is clear and smooth. One would not get tired of listening to it.
no one says it sounds 10 times better
I think they sound pretty much identical. I have an A-S801, very pleased with it! Enjoyed the demo. I really like Yamaha gear-always have. Cheers!
Great honest review, thanks so much
The deciding test is a double blind test. I have yet to see anyone consistently pick out a particular product. Any differences are so minute, that humans can NOT pick out the differences consistently. Since we are interpreting the signals from our hearing mechanism, we very easily "hear" things that are not part of the original nerve impulses. As for your note to equalize the volume levels, all it takes is one decibel louder to make a signal "sound" better than another.
This is it man.
Both are beautiful amps!
The 301 is offering a tremendous value for money in this days overpriced hifi market.👍
I have Forte II's and sure would like to try the Cornwalls. I just found your channel, just keep making videos, the money will come, it took me years and years.
With my cheap headphones I hear more clarity and detail with the 1100 . I could better hear her voice and instrument detail even with my 76 year old ears. I listened repeatedly to insure my mind wasn't playing tricks. Thanks for your work.
You have a stern look about you, I like that. All music teachers in the 70's shared your countenance 🙂
I'm the nicest guy you would ever meet; promise.
I own the Yamaha A-S1200. I’ve always felt that their products offer a great value, but I also realize and understand that I paid about a thousand dollars more than I needed to just because I wanted vu meters. 🤷🏼♂️ I could have gone for the A-S80* whatever it’s called and easily saved some cash.
As for Crap TM Audio, I do think you managed to expose one of their biggest weaknesses. I would have felt similarly in the same position.
Having said that, I did build a secondary system in my office with their multibit Gungnir (No, I’m not choking to death, that’s the actual name of the product.)
I used them because it was the only way I could get a balanced run all the way from my dac to the amp, using a Freya+ tube preamp and Vidars running as mono blocks. It’s not perfect, but damned if it doesn’t sound fantastic for so much less money than anything else I could find at the time.
You should give them another shot imo.
Agree 100% on Yamaha. I own several Yamaha pieces cd players amps etc. I have a 1000as amp....no meters but a very heavy high quality design.. huge power supply given the 90 watts per channel into 8 ohms. I sold hifi part time for a year when I left school now I sell hardware as there is so much snobbery in this industry. High value gear is essential today given people's budget. We all started somewhere. Your speakers would reveal amplifier characteristics easily. I like and own Jbl and Ev and Altec Speakers. Many elite audio types would shun my stuff and I even use a professional eq in one system .. shock horror lol. Keep doing what you do mate.
I love yamaha gear. I definitely believe it's way under appreciated. I run the yamaha Mx 1000 M85 M80 power amps with the Cx 100
C80 C85 with the yamaha EQ. My speakers are klipsch KLF 30 Tannoy Dmt 215 and jbl S3100. Sounds Incredible. Rock on best to ya!!!!
AS1100 sounds like more depth, but difference is minimal. Question, where should the money go in hi end speaker? Driver, Box and or crossover parts? Which part affects the sound most?
I agree, I think I hear a little more body jajjaja
60wpc vs 90
Andrew Robinson’s review of the 801 says it all. If you like more zeros in your bank account then go for the 801 over the 1200. The difference is not worth the dollar difference. Are those newer Heresy’s with the front openings? Something to take into consideration is the lower frequencies. The amps should be compared on full range speakers to get the full spectrum. But I’m still think it wouldn’t be worth the comas missing in my bank account
th-cam.com/video/2aRrnKgxoNc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ekjreRL-JvXGHKFf
I can hear more depth and ambience in the AS1100's sound but whether it's worth the additional cost is another matter.
I restarted my audio journey a few years ago with the Audio Science Review website, a bit later with Erin's audio corner. Subscribing to your channel now! I have no engineering credentials but have little patience for BS regardless of field. I also don't have any money to waste in gear that's poorly engineered and overpriced. I do have to confess to a bias towards Japanese gear because I understand a bit how they think - although I had to travel there to realize how a search for excellence really pervades about everything they do - and it is at core a culture of trust. As to the Yamaha, I think I'm going to go for the 501 for the extra power just in case - but good to know the 301 is top notch.
Hola, I have another Yamaha and I have the Loudness knob set to 'ten to twelve o'clock', so the music sounds softer.
Thanks, SP. Do you think you would be able to set up a blind ABX test with the 301 and Lux? I guess the methodology is a little involved, but nobody seems to have done something like this on YT. Not with gear with disparity in cost. It would be interesting to see how you fare.
Yo creo que si hay diferencia se nota que el 1100 imprime mas tension y mas energia (claridad) que el AS301 🤷♂️
How can I hear the difference when I am hearing this thru my crappy desktop speakers ?
Both of those Yamaha have built-in DAC... Have you tried the Fosi ZA3 with a decent Dac? And compared to S301 or 1100
I have had an AS301 connected to eight Polk T-15 bookshelf’s and a Polk PSW 10. I stack the T-15 sideways to create a poor man’s linear array. The speakers are 8 ohm but I wire pairs in parallel for 4 Ohm impedance. I consider the system an entry level hifi. I am not sure what the term audiophile means expect lover of audio? I paid $349 for the Yamaha and $59 a pair for the T15s and $99 for the sub. I am pleased with the quality and the sound. I have found the recording, mixing and mastering of the music has more to do with my enjoyment of the music. If music is recorded poorly the amplifier will not improve the music. Amps should just reproduce what was recorded faithfully. I have recordings of local artist that were made at performances I attended. These are simple 2 track recordings digitally recorded off the soundboard. They sound great using my home system. I also have over 1500 CDs, hundreds of vinyls and cassette tapes as well as a subscription to Spotify. I guess I spent most of my audio budget on the music itself. I opened the Yamaha just to look inside and you can see it is a quality build with quality components. The AS-301 is rated at 60 watts channel. My normal listening volume is about 1/4 to 1/3. If I turn up to 1/2 it’s too loud but not distorted I am listening in a large family room with high ceilings. As with any hobby you can sink a ton of cash into it and you make a point about diminishing returns. i.e. spending 10x does not yield 10x listening enjoyment but you might have a show piece to impress other HiFi enthusiasts.
I hear a big difference!!! I switched back and forth between the first 60 seconds of the tune listening to the amps in your video, and I hate to say but to me the s1100 was much better. If you don’t hear the difference then go with the s301 but I’m going to serch for a used s1100 (I don’t know what what changes Yamaha did with the s1200)
AS1100 sounds clearly much better on this demo and room, even with the low quality youtube audio. It's 3 times beter as it's price? No. But the differences are very important. The AS301 sounds excellent either, nothing wrong here reproducing the tracks with natural tonality, with thickness of the notes, articulated and dynamic. AS1100 doing that same too, but... it plays clear that reverberation sound around and between the notes, around the voice and the room where the track was recorded. This exactly makes the AS1100 touching some sensitive strings on the soul of the listener, like he is being there physically, the listening becomes more emotional experience.
I bet you couldn't consistently pick which was which if blindfolded
Yes I could. With both my Mission speakers and B&W Headphones I hear the differences even blind. But I'm curious how they'll be compared when playing some busy and speed music like metal, where the positives of the AS1100 may become negatives.
@@isometrus
I can't just take your word, show me by making a video
Do you use a external DAC in the chain or are you using the bulit in DAC of the A-S301? What is your source? CD or something else? Coaxial or AUX?
Stereopolice, I love your videos! Audio is a giant scam! Hard to admit that we were scammed for decades. Stuff happens. I helped direct and drill 25,000 oil wells, that is very objective, audio is very subjective.
I feel exactly the same about these audio salesman and the overpricing
Thanks for video and honesty. How does the a-s301 compare to your Scott 222?
8:25, you’re welcome
I'd be curious to hear the difference with a harder-to-drive speaker. The Cornwalls are so sensitive you don't need much power to crank them. I wonder if the A-S1100 would show out a bit better with some Magnepans for instance. Fun video regardless. I own an A-S1100 as well and love it.
Actually 60watts of power is a lot of power.
Bingo! The A-S1100 has way more current and will drive more difficult loads much better.
Hi SP. What speaker cable are you using in this video?
With the a-s301 right when the bass kicks in (in the beginning), you hear distortion cracks from the microphone. This is not the case with a-s1100. This leaves only two options. Either the a-s1100 controls the bass way better or lack of level matching. If it is the latter it makes is impossible to conduct a fair comparison.
Agreed with the cracking. You can definitely hear the sound being immediately compressed. The volume/dynamic drops down immediately after the first big bass kicking in and then going back up until next kick. Great video ! I'd fancy the as1100 but I absolutely can't hear any difference with both amps on the video even with good headphones...
Hey, I has a lamp just like that! I'd like to get a A-S301 in silver to power a pair of Triangle BR-02 bookshelves. Do you think this is a gud match?
I think a black as301 would pair better
All amps sound the same - volume matched and providing they have plenty of current reserves for the matched loudspeakers.
Yes, its shocking, but it's also true.
Listen to the Yamaha Aventage line. Absolutely horrendous. If you think these amps sound the same as any other Id be shocked.
Enya une très grande chanteuse
Here is the thing. In building amps it takes allot to get a bit. There isn’t really any Carrie over in parts or design from the 301 to the 1100. Or better to say from the 3 digit to the 4 digit model amps. People need to decide for themselves weather it is worth it for them to step up for the bit of sonic improvements. With some speakers the improvements can be large. I am purchasing the new Yamaha NR2000a. I could get the NR800 for way less. But to me the build quality alone on the 4 digit Yamaha models is totally worth it. 👍🏻🔈
Agreed. Value is a personal judgment. The "warm fuzzy" factor goes a long way with me; I love the bulk and VU meters on my Luxman, and just "knowing" that it's a Class A amp; that's all. Sonically, not that much of an improvement, maybe a tad, but not $8500 sounding better than the A-S301 LOLOLLO. Cheers.
The high tone keyboard sound is lost in some passages with the 301. Follow the same sound in the 1100 and you will realize the instrument separation is better and timbre also better. Try an R2R DAC with the 1100 you will be surprised!
Who is the balloon hand guy?
Puzzled.....I too would like to know....lol
I don't name names. Sorry. A reviewer though. Respect! @@craigmichel9636
Can you help me out then with "Craap Audio."? Who is that?@@stereopolice
euphemism for a marketing company pretending to be a high end audio company - could be any number of companies out there, use your imagination @@zachb5508
I respect you not name calling. Love your videos man. Genuine stuff. Take care. @@stereopolice
Literally a clear difference between the two, unbelievable how bad the 301 is.
Try them with some hard to drive ELAC speakers....your using maybe 3 watts of power with those speakers.....power need is gonna separate these amps quickly.
Who's the ballon hand guy and who's the trusted salesman?
Not knowing anything about these two amps, the the silver one sounds a lot more open and engaging to me.
i love my AS 1100 !!
The better test would have been using the AS801, which is till several thousand less in cost. It’s got the superior DAC and more HC Amps. The 801 is the true bargain of almost any Integrated Amplifier under 1500 bucks or more. Some ask is the difference in sound between the 301 and 1100, worth the xtra money…of course it is to anyone who has the cash!! But compared to the AS801, sonically, you’ll be hard pressed to hear any difference.
Basically you are paying for the VU meters :)
Like your rant bro,in my opinion spend your money on speakers and work your way back on gear.
Yamaha... 🍺👍.... !
Huge difference in sound quality and this is clearly not fair. 301 is not in the same league as the 1100 sonically. Even with this poor quality youtube the 301 is not even close. Open them both up and see the difference also.
I bet you would fail a blind test between the two
@@crazyprayingmantis5596I bet you can't reference a single, properly done, blind test from a reputable source done on any piece of high end audio equipment ever made. Show me 1 test.
@@AT-wl9yq
So do one, you show me
match the volume better on the amps
1- there is a clear difference between 301 and 1100 here. More Broad range on mids , a bassy depths on 1100.
2 - I feel like 1100 has more room to process Basses where 301 is about its peak ..
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