Yamaha Audio A-S2200BL Integrated Amplifier (Black)

Set up: MIssion 734 speakers (this model is when high end products was still made in their country of origin, mine was made in the UK) CD Player: Sony CDP-XA3ES (this is when Sony use to made their high end ES series) Dedicated external DAC: Topping D70 (Yes a Chi-Fi, laugh all you want but this unit uses dual AK4497 chips (one per channel) with medical grade toroidal transformer and all high end parts sourced from Japan, US and Europe, sounds amazing and it blows the Bifrost and Gungnir away, some even say it beats a Yggdrasil). The A-S2200 is simply amazing. . . -It's rated 105W/channel; listen to me clearly, this is under-rated, there is no way it's only 105w/channel, it's more like 150-200w/channel. I can't even go pass 1/3 way on the volume knob without my wife hearing it 2 levels up in the house. -Soundstage is wide wide open. -Imaging is pinpoint -Very neutral from end to end on the frequency band, but when the recording pushes the bass, oh boy, it produces the bass faithfully. -Vocal is crystal clear. -Produces very very clear, crisp, detailed sound on any and every track you can throw at it. You will more than likely hear subtle instruments that you have never heard before even on tracks that you have listened to many times prior. Sound is just so realistic. There were few times I paused the music because I thought I heard my kids calling me, but they didn't answer me back, I did it like 3 times until I realized it was the sound produced by this Yamaha; because it was a subtle sound I never heard on the track before and the imaging was way off from the speaker, just crazy detailed. It makes 320 MP3 sound pretty darn good, 24/48 and higher FLAC sounds out of this world. -In my opinion, I think this might got some boutique brands, the likes of McIntosh or Luxman beat. Yes, I know this is a bold statement, but I stand by it. -While expensive, but the sound you get for it, it's a great great value. Unfortunately, I have to return it. Why? The volume control, for the XLR balance input only, had volume pot static-like symptoms. I wanted to exchange it for another A-S2200, but Amazon was all sold out, so I was left with a return. Everything else that I actually tested on the A-S2200 during the time I had it works perfectly. I subsequently got myself a Cambridge integrated, but man, it does not make me smile while listening to music like this Yamaha. I am going to return the Cambridge and hopefully Amazon gets more of A-S2200 at the price I got it for, so I can buy another one; this time hopefully no defects. *Sigh*

Sounded really nice when it was working but randomly entered protection mode, despite whatever speakers and other components were connected. Seemed like problem was with receiver itself. Had to return.

if you are looking for a great sound and willing to spend some money - you will be not disappointed. Paired up with KEF Reference speakers your vinyl will blow your mind. For my ears it is Nirvana.

Clarity and musicality out of this world! A big upgrade from Yamaha 501.

Good soundstage and details. Entry level for hi-end audiophile.

This is a sonically great amplifier that deserves all the praise it's getting. Yes, the remote should have been illuminated, but the sound this thing produces (after about 100 hours of burn-in) is amazing. However, there is a huge negative and that is Yamaha's pricing structure in the USA in comparison to Europe. Over there, A-S2200's street price is roughly the same as what Yamaha charges for A-S1200 in the US ($3000), while A-S1200 obviously costs much less than that over there, too and that including VAT! I do understand currency exchange rate fluctuations but charging 50% more for the same product is simply insane and not justified! Now that this kind of information is just a few clicks away, Yamaha should seriously consider changing their MAP structure, or they will be at risk for alienating the very customers they need...

I have 2200 hooked via XLR. If you get static there is a switch on the back to lower input impedance. People returning perfectly good products because they don't read their owners manual

This is my go-to amp, it reminds me of my early years of getting into Hi-Fi and how an amp should sound. As Yamaha describes it, this amp stays true to form and function. Being a fully non-digital analog amp, it really promotes a pure analog sound re-creation and experience. And as long as your source is of that same magnitude quality-wise, your ears will thank you. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. The sound is simply outstanding! Bravo Yamaha...well done!