Yamaha A-S301 2-Channel Integrated, 60 W Stereo Amplifier, Black $499 (RRP $699) Delivered @ Amazon AU

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Lbloomer on 21/06/2023 - 13:58 amazon.com.au (402 clicks)

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My first deal, hopefully done right: The Yamaha A-S301 is a well-regarded integrated amplifier, with the advantage of a reasonable DAC unlike many similar (or slightly better) amps at this "low-respectable end" of the audio equipment market. It hasn't been this cheap since very briefly late last year according to camelcamelcamel. Some audio stores occasionally have specials around low-mid $500s, e.g. currently $519 at https://www.audiotrends.com.au/home-audio/amplifiers-receive…

Sample review: Cheapaudioman

If you don't need as many inputs/outputs or controls (balance knob!, treble/bass/loudness/direct) you might be able construct a fairly respectable set of components using so-called ChiFi brands (Fosi, SMSL, Aiyama, etc) for a lower price.

Price History at CamelCamelCamel.

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  tonyjzx on 21/06/2023 - 14:29

  -4

  thing is a 19" wide full size component doesnt fit into people's lifestyles these days

  and you're paying for stuff that people dont use

  many folks would happily swap phono for bluetooth

  • 

    fredblogs on 21/06/2023 - 14:36

    +1

    this is prettier https://www.amazon.com.au/Yamaha-Component-Amplifier-Silver-…

    • 

      hen dawg on 25/06/2023 - 15:53

      And just dropped in price to $590

  • 

    Demarque on 21/06/2023 - 15:41

    +3

    Isn't 19" kind of the norm for receivers and Hi-Fi gear? 19" is also the standard size for rackmount audio equipment etc. I'm sure they can be made smaller but people probably expect "proper" receivers to look like this and might assume it's not a serious piece of kit if it were, say, half the width and height.

    As for Bluetooth, someone spending $500 on an amp probably cares about sound quality and might scoff at the lesser audio quality of Bluetooth, or would prefer to connect a dedicated Bluetooth receiver.

    Not saying I agree with either of these views, because I don't, but I'd assume they might be the reason why this product is what it is.

  • 

    xtraterrestrial on 21/06/2023 - 16:59

    +3

    " … doesnt fit into people's lifestyles these days"

    Those folks are not the target market for this.

    • 

      tonyjzx on 21/06/2023 - 18:21

      and yet the OP seems to compare this to bluetooth enabled mini Class D amps

      I personally find this amp to be a bit… low end.,. and to me its neither fish nor fowl

      either buy a small digital amp or go all out and get something really big and excellent

      i think the better digital amps would really show up a 10 yr old bottom of the barrel Yamaha but whether people will notice it with their speakers is another thing

      • 

        bloomer on 21/06/2023 - 21:36

        +2

        It's amazing how binary people need to be. There can be different use cases and a different mix of technologies. Given that some people who are curious about such things might be interested in the other types of solutions I mentioned, I was trying to be helpful, free of snobbery. And not every Class D amp has to come with Bluetooth or whatever. The point about those small components is flexibility for some users. It's possible to have different preferences.