Yamaha A-S1200 - A Dream Amplifier For Some But Not All

Summary

In this detailed review of the Yamaha AS1200 integrated amplifier, the reviewer dives into its design, features, and sound performance. Highlighting its unique characteristics, including its Vu meters, tone controls, and versatile headphone jack, the review emphasizes the amp's smooth yet neutral sound signature. While it may not be the best for every music genre, its smooth presentation makes it great for vocal-heavy music. The amp’s solid build quality, phono preamp, and ability to serve as both an amplifier and a power amp offer flexibility. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile and long-lasting audio solution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Yamaha AS1200 is a high-quality amplifier with a distinctive smooth sound that is either loved or disliked by users.
• 😀 The amplifier features various input options including CD, tuner, phono (with both MC and MM capabilities), and multiple line inputs.
• 😀 The amplifier has unique Vu meters that display real-time wattage usage, allowing users to monitor the power in use and the sound dynamics.
• 😀 The tone controls include treble and bass adjustments, and there's a relay that clicks into direct sound mode when the tone controls are bypassed.
• 😀 The rear panel of the amplifier is praised for its well-designed, gold-plated binding posts, making it one of the best in its class.
• 😀 The amplifier weighs 48.5 pounds, mostly due to its heavy toroidal transformer located at the front of the unit.
• 😀 Sound quality is smooth and relaxed, but it may not suit users looking for high texture and detail, especially in the mid-bass and treble regions.
• 😀 The AS1200 is more suited to vocal-heavy or acoustic music, providing a forward presentation of vocals but glossing over finer textures in the music.
• 😀 The headphone output is a standout feature, providing impressive power and sound quality, even for high-impedance headphones.
• 😀 The amplifier's phono preamp is effective for moving magnet cartridges and provides a quiet, dark background, though moving coil cartridges may require an external preamp.
• 😀 Despite being a solid amplifier, it may not be perfect for all music genres, particularly those requiring a more textured or detailed presentation of instruments and dynamics.

Q & A

What is the Yamaha AS1200, and what makes it unique?

The Yamaha AS1200 is an integrated amplifier known for its smooth sound, distinctive Japanese audio signature, and a range of advanced features such as phono input, tone controls, and various speaker connections. It also includes high-quality vu meters that display wattage usage, and it can be used as both an integrated amplifier and a power amplifier.

What is the purpose of the vu meters on the Yamaha AS1200?

The vu meters on the Yamaha AS1200 display the amount of wattage being used, allowing users to see dynamic swings in power output, ranging from 10 to 100 watts. This is useful for understanding how much power is being consumed during different types of audio playback.

How does the Yamaha AS1200 handle tone controls?

The Yamaha AS1200 has a relay system that engages tone controls when either the treble or bass is adjusted. This allows the user to alter the tonal balance while maintaining the amplifier's sound integrity. The tone controls are part of the amplifier's 'direct sound' mode, which bypasses some audio processing for a purer sound.

What is the significance of the speaker connections on the AS1200?

The Yamaha AS1200 features highly praised speaker binding posts, which allow users to connect both spades and banana plugs. The posts are gold-plated for better conductivity, and the rear panel design keeps speaker cables organized and separated, reducing clutter.

Why might someone prefer the AS1200 over other amplifiers in terms of build quality?

The Yamaha AS1200 is praised for its excellent build quality, including an anodized aluminum faceplate and a well-designed rear panel with premium speaker binding posts. However, its top plate is made of sheet metal, which some may feel detracts from its otherwise high-end build compared to other amplifiers in the same price range.

How does the Yamaha AS1200 compare in sound quality to other amplifiers like the Musical Fidelity M3SI?

The Yamaha AS1200 has a smoother, more neutral sound with a focus on vocals and mid-range clarity. While it's excellent for acoustic music and vocals, it may not provide as much texture, detail, or dynamic range compared to British amplifiers like the Musical Fidelity M3SI, which offers more clarity and excitement in the sound.

What types of music does the Yamaha AS1200 excel at reproducing?

The Yamaha AS1200 excels in reproducing vocal-heavy music and acoustic genres, where it provides a smooth, laid-back presentation of vocals. It's also beneficial for older, poorly mixed records, as it smooths out graininess. However, it may not be ideal for genres requiring high dynamic range or intricate textures, like progressive rock or metal.

What is the role of the 'main direct' input on the AS1200?

The 'main direct' input on the Yamaha AS1200 serves as a home theater bypass. It allows the amplifier to be used as a power amp when paired with an external preamp, enabling seamless integration with home theater systems.

How does the Yamaha AS1200 perform as a headphone amplifier?

The Yamaha AS1200 performs remarkably well as a headphone amplifier, offering substantial power for high-impedance headphones (up to 350 ohms). It delivers exceptional layering and separation, particularly for complex tracks, providing an experience that many dedicated headphone amplifiers can't match.

Is the phono preamp in the Yamaha AS1200 suitable for all types of turntables?

The phono preamp in the Yamaha AS1200 works well with moving magnet cartridges and offers a quiet, dark background for vinyl playback. However, it is not as effective with moving coil cartridges, which may require a dedicated external phono preamp for optimal performance.