Large Japanese Hi-fi brands such as Yamaha don't get enough recognition for their achievement in terms of what you get for the price they charge.

I have recently bought the A-S2100 and it sounds marvelous, it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I have owned the A-S 1200 for about 2 years, and I feel like this amplifier definitely matured after a few hundred hours of burn-in. That somewhat cool analytical nature that Tarun referred to takes half a step back, and the sound becomes more lush and integrated as time goes on. Maybe I just have some confirmation bias because I spent a lot of money to own this amplifier, however I don't ever see myself buying another integrated amplifier. It has a way of pulling me in. It frequently leaves me sitting overcome, and totally absorbed in the music. I might upgrade my speakers at some point, but I definitely feel like I own my ultimate end game amplifier.

I hit the thumbs up before I even watched, just because I was glad to see this unit reviewed on this channel.

Once again, a fine and detailed review, Tarun. I appreciate your ability to explain the technical aspects of components that even those of us without a strong technical background can comprehend. Well done.

Thanks for the concise description of its sound characteristics, got more from listening to you for a few minutes than reading many reviews

Nice job. Thanks for sharing. I purchased this unit back in December & paired it with Cornwall IV’s - and I could not be happier. It’s like being in the first few rows at a concert, engaging me in a way I never thought possible.

Many thanks for this detailed and fair review, Tarun. I've been in the market for a new integrated amplifier to pair with my B&W 706S2 for quite awhile, and after hours of listening sessions with loads of amps here in Tokyo, I finally went with the A-S1200. Your review was extremely helpful in making the final decision. Cheers!

That is a really nice (looking) amp. I like that it is a purely analogue amplifier so it will not become obsolete. Also the fact it gives double the power at half the impedance means it can probably deal well with difficult to drive speakers. I would be happy to own one.

I purchased the Yamaha A-S1200 a couple of months back, I have it paired with a pair of kef R5's and the bass is very strong, extremely clean and detailed. I'm still amazed at how good it sounds. Highly recommend it!

Yours are the best online reviews. Keep em' coming, please.

Thanks for the review! I have bought this amp (black version 👍🏻) a year ago and I can confirm your sound description although I'm impressed with the bass output. Very happy with this amp!

Hi Tarun, I never trust a review that only says good things about the equipment being reviewed. I like your reviews as you point out what you hear, the plus and the minus, and this is why I think you are one of the best reviewers. Keep the good work! I have a AS2100 and just love it. I never felt the need to try something else, I like the forward sound and the clarity. I'm pairing it with Klipsch Forte III and bass is strong and impactful. You need to review more Japanese amplifiers :)

Really enjoy your channel. Very informative and educational. Audiophile since 1972. Thanks for sharing look forward to your next video!

Honest, and precise. As always. Even if I’m not searching for an amp now, I learned something.

One of the best reviews of the A-S1200 on the web period. Thumbs up

Great review. In the 70/80s this style of Yamaha, amps, 7000 tuner was something I craved, but couldn’t afford. This review has started me thinking. Well done.

Dear Tarun...the consistency of all of yours presentations is fascinating !

Thank you Tarun for a very nice review. I agree with all your positive comments on it. I bought the 2200, mainly because of the balanced input for my Technics SL-G700 CD/SACD/Streaming player. I use it together with Ohm Walsh Tall 2000 speakers and I couldn´t be happier.

35K subscribers! Congratulations! I enjoyed the review. Very cool looking amplifier.

another excellent job. easy to follow your comparisons and awesome video editing.

Hello as always great detailed review, love how you cover all aspects of the equipment Thanks.

I enjoy how mature and civilized your videos are. Your reviews make others look like children. Your list of favorite amplifiers is excellent; civilized.

This review is very very accurate. I purchaced this amp blindly partially relying on this review. I have it for one year now. Again this review is accurate for every word! I love this amp. Love the sound and the looks.

Your honest and balanced review of this amp is great and even saying you may be a little roo critical means that for us less refined listeners, this is an amp to top 5 list in any equipment choice. Thank you as always, Sir, for your time and effort to share.

Excellent review. This unit is on my short dream list. But, got to hear it first hand to be certain. Nice job. Keep it up.

Always good info. I appreciate your content and you channel logo. Super classy green design!

Excellent review. Thanks for doing it. Makes me want one!

I appreciated much this review, thank you Tarun!

Thank you for this review. I’ve been a Yamaha fan for quite awhile.

A nice and well presented comprehensive review. Keep up the good work. 👍

Well, I just want to congratulate you for a wonderful channel for us audiophiles….well done!

Always great videos/reviews!! Thanks

Hi Tarun. Your review was indeed a help to make my decision to purchase my A-S1200 February 2023. I purchased the new Mission 770's /walnut finish at the same time. I let them both break-in together for over 6 months. After waiting 6 months, I then ended up adjusting the bass tone control to a perfect horizontal position setting turned clockwise to add some punch. Bullseye. It added plenty of punch. One of the top reasons I went with the A-S1200 was due to the tone control setting feature. I am surprised that some companies do not even offer these adjustments. The A-S1200 is very under rated for power output. At 1/2 volume setting the volume is impressive, clear and probably a little to loud for comfortable extended listening periods. And I do like it loud. That says a lot. I wished the built-in phono stage was a little bit better. It's acceptable, even slightly better than the built-in phone stage in my Dual CS 618Q/Walnut Finished turntable. My next piece will be a external phone pre-amp to match the quality of the Yamaha core amp. With my Rotel CD-14MKII CD player, the A-S1200 kicks serious ass. Imagining is as close to a 3D experience that I have ever heard. Bass, Mid and Treble is very good across the range. Separation is impressive. I just could not be any more satisfied with this package of items. Tarun, what would you recommend for an external phono pre-amp in the $600 to $1000 USA range? I am grateful for the consistent quality and effort that you put into this channel. It comes thru every time I watch it. Cheers.

Close but no cigar on the 'Outstanding recommendation.' I appreciate the cool but fair honesty Tarun. Keep it up and call them like you see it. Just love the way these brute Yamaha battleships display their armament. Bucking the minimalist look trend.

Great job. I have been a fan of Yamaha since the early 90s. Their higher end stuff is always good and some mid level as well. That thing looks great too.

Hi Tarun, I purchased the Yamha A-S1200 a few weeks ago based on this review of yours. I was intially discouraged by other less enthusiastic reviewers on KZfaq and was ready to spend the extra dollar to go for the Hegel 190. The final moment I decided not to spend the extra money on Hegel but instead, and based on your great input, opted for the Yamaha A-S1200 and the extra funds went towards the purchase of a Denafrips Ares II DAC. Although I have this amp for a couple of weeks, it replaced a Cambride Audio CXA61, I am truly amazed by its sound. It took a few hours of listening for an initial break in period but after that oh my aduiophile god, I was for the first time in my life in hifi heaven! As for the lenient bass I think Yamaha designed this on purpose just to accommodate WAF constraints for pulling the speakers too far in the living room. In my case moving the speakers closer to the wall did the trick and I have no complaints. Thank you again for your wonderful reviews and keep up the good work.

Great information. When reviewing for my purchases nearly two years ago, there seemed to be a group of audio enthusiasts who do like to stick to companies that build products for nothing more than tho channel HiFi stereo equipment. I too went with that criteria. Yamaha not only has a footprint in the multi-channel home theater market, like many other companies, but they also have their hands in just about everything else.

Thank you for calling out the common audiophile bias against Japanese brands, Tarun. They made a lot of great audio gear in the golden age of the 70s, and I like that Yamaha, Luxman and Accuphase all reference that era in their external design.

Another great review Tarun !

Great review, thanks Tarun.

Another great review. Very detailed

Another in depth review tarun, I've always liked uv meters on amplifiers, as for the side cheeks, my pioneer pd 75 cd player from the 90s had rosewood side cheeks, I'm a big fan, I've had some yamaha equipment myself in the 80/90 and found them to be very well built and sounded very good, thanks for the review and looking forward to seeing another review soon.

Great review. Very informative.👍

Nice review. I really enjoy my A-S2200. I still want to try some tube amps one day

Awesome review as usual !

Fantastic review.. thanks a lot!

I listen to ALL the KZfaq stereo reviewers and there are a lot of good ones. I think you, Audio Excellence and Zero Fidelity are the best. You have been very helpful in educating me, thank you!

great review, thank you. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in your testing room so I could actually hear all of this wonderful equip and experience the differences! Unfortunately, the rest of us have to go by reviews of people like you only....which isn't horrible.

Aways a pleasure. This channel is a true ray of sunshine after a long week. Please consider reviewing the Unison Unico Primo. Would love yo hear your educated thoughts. Have a great weekend

Sensational Job once again Bravo

Another Great review sir!!!

Excellent as always.

Very very precise review. Thank you.

Love your reviews ,I have a humble system by no means audiophile standards. One day when I could afford better,I would use the knowledge you impart on this channel to make my purchase.

Spot on, Tarun. I own the 2100 and would agree. Needs considered partnering IMO.

Great and thorough review! For bass weight and control, very few amps beat Marantz PM11S2 from 2008, arguably the best amp have ever made up to the present day.

Thanks for the review , I'm seriously thinking of getting it .

That looks lovely. Interesting history, Yamaha. Pianos, motorbikes, more pianos, amplifiers. Nice video, thanks.

As someone who sold Yamaha, and Nakamichi in the late 70’s, and, at one stage had a C2/B2 pre/power amp driving NS1000’s, note, note M’s. Always beautifully built and true top end kit.

In love with this 70s design 😍

Thanks for the review Tarun. I auditioned this yesterday at the London Yamaha Showroom and I bought it . The expensive As 3000 was there but fortunately I didn't need to hear it . The As 1200 cut it . Excellent with vinyl. Update , amp is now in my home and sounding superb already with my Imf tsl50 speakers ( transmission line) This DOES cut the mustard

Great review Tarun

Great reveiw thanks!

Great review!

Another excellent review! You point out things that really matter! Please review the Technics SU-G700 if you get hands on it.

I had two of the original styled Yamaha Amplifiers (very similar to this one ), the CA 800 bought new in 1976 and the CA 1010 with matching CT 1010 Tuner bought new in 1978, I too would take the case off too look inside , beautifully built back then as they are now. Moved on to a Musical Fidelity KW 500 semi integrated Valve Hybrid Amplifier since 2005 and matching Musical Fidelity KW Phono, Phono stage...Even better!

Thank you tarun for you'r unique way of reviewing the hifi products we like, I just bought this amp and paired it with my new wharfedale evo 4.4 so the bass issue is 80-90% of the time is covered, I think because of the midrange driver I'm having an issue of "too much mid's", that might be a bit annoying in some tipe junners, Overall I think you have just described my experience with this amp so far, Thanks again.

Nice review, Tarun! I have the AS-801 but have been eyeing the 1200 for a while. Probably not a huge jump in performance but damn it's got the looks :)

I have a Yamaha A-S501 and Dali Oberon 7 speakers. One day I shall have to venture with the premium line of Yamaha amps. For now, I’m happy enough. Anyway, thank you for the video! You got me as a subscriber!

Greetings Tarun I own and run the Yamaha AS1100 the one below your review model and I have to say it's a beast, built like a tank and sounds devine I simply cannot fault it. It's build quality is superb Yamaha have always made quality audio products with true value for money, let's not forget large corporations like Yamaha do vast amounts of research and development , Yamaha also has a huge history in making musical instruments, yes I am biased with good reason, as someone who put their hand in their pocket for me it was money very well spent. For me it's a very well balanced amp but I think that's a family characteristic, I would agree the bass is a tiny bit thin or would it be better to call it controlled, I would place hand in pocket any day for the AS 1200 as I know I would be getting a solid quality product even if I am biased I think your review is a fair a solid reflection of this item.

Nice review, I have the A-S2200 paired with Warfdale Lipton’s 85 anniversary edition speaker’s and it sounds really really good and it’s fully balanced. Worth paying the extra as it shares more components with the A-S3200 than its little brother A-S1200.

Looks so good you just want to lick it!! Tarun this could be the very best Audio review I have ever seen on you tube!! Great Job!!

Yamaha produce some excellent equipment and are somewhat overlooked by audiophiles in some instances. Good review Tarun.

I used to use a Japanese 'super amp'?, a Sansui AUD-9, fantastic build quality and a very good sound, as long as you didn't use an abnormally low output moving coil cartridge. I sold it to my brother in law when I upgraded to an Audiolab 8000Q, and 8000M mono-blocks. The Sansui was so good it was necessary to go pre-power to beat its performance by any sort of meaningful margin. My brother in law still uses the Sansui, and I still use my Audiolab's. Money well spent by both of us.

Hi Tarun, firstly let me say "Nothing against Yamaha or any such corporation from me". Thanks for another top review and of what seems like a carcking amplifier for the price. Now, if you allow me to finally conclude a discussion we've being having over some months I'd like to say I'm finally the proud owner of a pair of B&W 702 S2. The home trial went perfectly, super speakers and super service from my supplier. If you'll allow me I've uploaded a picture to a private area within my website domain so you can see them, no spam, no virus, nothing untoward, just a picture which is in the following reply here. Thanks again for all your help, advice and support, muchly appreciated.

I bought my AS1200 the first moment it was available in the UK. A client of mine has the AS1100 and I was desperate to own the latest incoming model. I'ts had a LOT of use. Mostly because I'm using it as a PA for the front channels of the Denon X3700H. This in turn is sync'd with the TV through HDMI so with one click the whole system comes alive. I do also have a turntable, streamer and SACD player hooked up. I'm still very very happy with it, one of the best things I've ever bought. I've recently added a Musical Fidelity M3X stage. The built in stage was still a good performer though. Just hope with the many hours of daily use it will keep running for years to come. Speakers are Kef R7 btw.

Thank you Tarun, a great review as always, definitely my go to reviewer along with the chap based in Germany who's name eluded me. love the old school look of the amplifier, looks very technics and Onkyo. But really I'm wondering if you have looked into the Purifi module based amplifiers yet and considering a review. You must receive a lot of requests for certain amps but this one seems to be a stand out product that some consider a bench mark for Class D at the moment. 👌👍😊

What an amazing amplifier! If your budget can’t stretch then try the Yamaha R-N803D. I’m sure its not in the same league as the A-S1200 but gives incredible user friendly music server with the Yamaha App, Bluetooth which is nice for guests to use and a very similar style on front cabinet. Almost two years and faultless so far. 5 stars!

The best amplifier I have ever heard at that price. I would consider it better than the Denon PMA1600ne, Marantz PM15S2 and Naim XS. To me, this amp is in the Luxman and Accuphase league. Never heard a more refined and transparent amplifier at that price. Especially in the treble. It is so refined that finally I can hear brass instruments properly. I love everything about the Yamaha A-S1200. Once paired with serious 15" speakers, to me, the balance is perfect. I connected it to 3 pairs of speakers and it neither sounded bright, nor lean. I find it somehow ridiculous judging the base of a 23 kg amplifier while paired to midget bookshelf speakers. That is not serious!

When I was first infected with the audio bug in the 1980's my parents bought me my first receiver which was a Yamaha and it had two features found exclusively on Yamaha gear for decades, an adjustable loudness nob and the term "Natural Sound"

Great review as a yamaha amp owner myself I find they dig impressive amount of detail up from recordings but I also found they tamed my B&w dm602s bright treble but I agree with the criticisms that you pointed out

I just subscribed to your channel, you’re now the chosen one!!

Hey, I have not listened so far the 1200, but have a 801. After a couple of day using it I was thinking to return it. Decided to drive it even more, so during the first 2 weeks it went at least 10 hours every day. The sound I heard was absolutely different, mostly in the bass region. It is strong and fast. It is a 1 and half old now and everything is just great. I am only telling this, because I cannot imagine that with frequent use, that amp would not out grow its initial weakness.

You mentioned speed and agility, those are characteristics that I like about Yamaha. I like amplifiers that are analogous to combat jets like the F-22 or super sports cars. They can be gentle one moment and almost violent a second later. Live music has a certain "immediacy" to it, that's something many amplifiers don't communicate.

Well done!

Pls add more of that transistor schematic that you explained!! That was nice to understand ☺️

Hi Tarun Many years ago I had a Yamaha CA610 which I absolutely loved. I made use of the tone controls regularly and could always regardless of the quality of recording ( I only listen to vinyl some of which I have had for over 40 years) I could always adjust to a degree which made me slide down in my chair and just enjoy the music. My big mistake was reading reviews which made me believe that my hi fi was poor quality, and that such things as tone controls were reserved for cheap gimmicky hi fi. I have found an amplifier that I am relatively happy with ( musical fidelity A3.5) but I keep thinking that I don’t have the sound I had before that made me so relaxed and happy. I certainly don’t have the ability to adjust the tone and balance that leads me to ignore recordings which I previously enjoyed. I do not really read reviews and on you tube take much of what is said as hi fi snobbery and elitism. In short people who listen to equipment and not music. I enjoy your channel Tatum and always find your content objective and about the pleasure of the music as much as the equipment. Keep up the good work.

Thank you Tarun for another thorough honest review. I'm so very glad that you point out the strengths and weak points of the gear you review. It's my opininion that too many YT reviews are merely fan-boy repetitions of the manufacturers claims. E.g., the rave reviews of the B&W 606s. Plenty of rave reviews, but an overly bright and forward sound. Lived with them for over a year before going back to my 1990 B&Ws. Please keep up the good work.

I love the looks too, very retro.

Great review, the AS1200 will be my next amp (replacing a Schiit SAGA S and Akitika GT-08 combination).

Hi Tarun, a comprehensive review as always. About one month ago I bought a Yamaha AS1200 as an upgrade from my Cambridge CXA80. The Yamaha is paired with Dynaudio Evoke 50s, and I have to say the sound is sublime. My source is a Bluesound Node 2i streamer and a 17 year old Pioneer DV-S969 SACD/DVD player (with a relatively ancient Burr Brown DAC). Now based on your very insightful review of the Denafrips Pontus 2 DAC, just 4 days ago I bought the Pontus to provide a boost to the DAC in the Node 2i and the Pioneer SACD player is now used only as a transport. This combination of Yamaha AS1200, Denafrips Pontus 2, and Dynaudio Evoke 50s speakers give a very 3 dimensional stage that is very wide, extending beyond the boundaries of my listening space, a lot of depth, lush bass, and most importantly a detailed yet more analogue sounding treble and midrange. Exactly what I was looking for for my stereo sound, to combat the dreaded digital sibilance and brightness. I have re-discovered my CD collection since getting the Yamaha and Denafrips DAC, as no longer did I get listening fatigue from the overly bright sound of the CD player. Streaming from the Bluesound Node2i has reached another level of sonic heaven with this Yamaha/Denafrips. Thank you so much for your review of both the AS1200 and the Pontus. Your recommendations are spot on.

Very nice and thorough review. You are the second reviewer that disliked the side panels, but I appreciate your comments about the unfair attitude that many audiophiles have about a Japanese company like Yamaha. People seem to forget that this corporation is the largest in the music industry. It makes more musical instruments and invests more into musical programs that any other company. (I think that the motors and motorcycles came along during Wartime). Might this company that began making musical instruments in the 1800s have a respectable knowledge and approach to sound and acoustics? With this in mind, I've heard that the engineering approach for many of their components is that of a musical instrument, hence the "Natural Sound" label they have used for so long. In closing, when I look and touch the side panels of my A-S1200, it feels and appears just like my baby grand piano. And the sound of the various Yamaha components I have owned produce sounds like musical instruments, and are not too "bright" -- a traditional complaint.

Hi Tarun, very interesting subject. Allow to me add that some cables can also be favourable depending on the individual listening room’s acoustic response ( emphasis in certain areas of the frequency band or as most often is the case, a substantially raised sub 100 Hz response). I feel that ultimately choice of cables should sit in a balance money wise within the overall cost of a system. My full cable loom constitutes just under 10% of the overall cost of my full system. As with many other things in life I personally do think, that you largely get what you pay for. It can here also be a help to simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for choice of cables used in their R&D when voicing their gear. Personally being a Naim sheep for over a lifetime ( Bah…) it was an easy choice to simply acquire their SL loom to go with their hardware ( most neutral sounding to my ears). Great review as always and all the best Peter

I have the Atoll IN 200 signature amplifier playing through Castle Howard S2 speakers. I found your comment re coolness and forward presentation interesting. The front of my speakers is 120 cm from the front wall and In my set up the sound presentation is plane of speakers all the way back to the front wall. No forward projection and neutral to slightly warm sound . I would have welcomed a slightly forward projection. I am tempted to try the Graham Audio LS6, having owned Rogers LS7s in the past, to improve on imaging, which is the only negative of the Howards. As always I found your Yamaha review illuminating. Daniel

Thank you for this review. It helped me decide on which amp to buy…..although I ended up purchasing the AS2200 because I felt it provided better bass and a bit better overall sound and so worth the upgrade. I am very happy….for now. ;)

Best review on the A-S1200! Thanks.

Good stuff again Taron, still waiting with baited with baited breath for those Sound Artist speakers…

Great review! I’d love to see you do a review on a pair of modern Proac speakers.

One of the best amps I've seen Inside wise