Yamaha A-S701 Integrated Amplifier

Yamaha has been building acoustically authoritative electronics since before most high-end audio brands existed — and the A-S701 is the clearest expression of what that century of instrument-making knowledge means in a modern integrated amplifier. At 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the A-S701 delivers considerably more headroom than its price suggests, and Yamaha's high dynamic power spec — 290 watts per channel into 2 ohms — tells you the power supply is overbuilt for a unit in this class. That reserve matters: it's the difference between an amplifier that sounds strained on large orchestral swings and one that stays composed.

The architecture is built around Yamaha's ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) design philosophy, which means a symmetrical dual-mono signal path, a one-point grounding system, and a custom-wound power transformer chosen specifically for its magnetic isolation properties rather than being sourced off-the-shelf. Two direct signal-path speaker relays protect your drivers without adding resistance to the signal chain. Pure Direct mode bypasses the tone controls, loudness circuit, and buffer stage entirely, shortening the signal path to its minimum. The result is not a gimmick — it's a measurable reduction in the opportunity for signal degradation, and you can hear it on quiet recordings where detail lives in the noise floor.

Connectivity is where the A-S701 earns its place in a modern system. Beyond the expected analog inputs and a moving-magnet phono stage, it carries both optical and coaxial digital inputs with an onboard DAC — meaning your TV, Blu-ray player, or CD transport connects directly without an external converter box. A subwoofer output and dual speaker-system switching (A, B, or A+B) make it equally at home in a dedicated listening room or a two-zone setup. Gold-plated binding posts and input terminals throughout, because the signal integrity at the connection point matters as much as inside the chassis.

100W + 100W with High Dynamic Power Reserve. Continuous output of 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (0.019% THD), scaling to 290 watts per channel into 2 ohms — the power supply is engineered for real dynamic headroom, not just a nameplate rating.

ToP-ART Symmetrical Dual-Mono Design. Left and right channels mirror each other from input to output, sharing nothing but the ground plane, so crosstalk and channel imbalance have nowhere to accumulate. Custom power transformer, custom block capacitors, and a one-point ground carry the same design logic Yamaha applies to its professional-grade equipment.

Pure Direct Mode. A dedicated signal path that bypasses the tone, loudness, and balance controls — plus their associated buffer stage — so the signal travels the shortest possible route from input to power stage. Switch it in on a well-recorded source and the difference is audible.

Built-In DAC with Optical and Coaxial Inputs. Two digital inputs let the A-S701 serve as the hub for digital sources without requiring a separate DAC. Connectivity that would cost extra in a separates setup is integrated cleanly into the chassis.

Moving-Magnet Phono Stage. A proper MM phono input, voiced for the level of the rest of the amplifier, so your turntable gets the same attention to the signal path as every other source. No adapters, no outboard stage required.

Continuously Variable Loudness Control. An analog electronic loudness circuit — not a fixed switch — that preserves tonal balance at lower listening levels without the harshness of a simple bass-boost.

Specifications

• Continuous RMS Power Output: 100 W + 100 W (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.019% THD)
• High Dynamic Power per Channel: 140 W (8 ohms) / 170 W (6 ohms) / 220 W (4 ohms) / 290 W (2 ohms)
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz, +/–1.0 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (CD to Speaker, 20 Hz–20 kHz): 0.019% (50 W / 8 ohms)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CD): 99 dB (input shorted, 200 mV)
• Damping Factor: 240
• Digital Inputs: Optical (Toslink) x1, Coaxial (RCA) x1
• Analog Audio Inputs: 8 (including Moving-Magnet phono)
• Analog Audio Outputs: 2
• Subwoofer Output: Yes (RCA)
• Headphone Output: Yes (front-panel, 6.3 mm)
• Speaker System Switching: A, B, or A+B
• DC Trigger Output: Yes
• YBA-11 Bluetooth Adapter: Compatible (optional accessory, sold separately)
• Standby Power Consumption: 0.5 W
• Auto Power Standby: Yes (8-hour automatic shutdown)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-1/8" x 6" x 15-1/4" (435 x 152 x 387 mm)
• Weight: 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg)
• Finishes Available: Silver, Black
• Remote Control: Included