About The Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier
Wow! The A-S3200 is Yamaha's top of the range integrated amplifier with sharp styling straight out of the 1970's which shows just how classic and appealing this design was to back then and how it has again attracted a new generation of buyer who loves the look AND the sound of the 70's and 80's. The A-S3200 not only builds on the foundation of its incredible predecessor, but also incorporates trickle down know-how and technology from Yamaha's flagship 5000 series amplifiers.
One thing we can all agree on is the Yamaha A-S3200 is an aspirational piece of beautifully designed hi-fi equipment which could be the last amplifier you ever need to own. Needless to say, it can coax aural wonders from our speakers, it's impeccably built, and has a no-nonsense appearance that says, "I'm going to knock your socks off." While lesser integrated amps can certainly make sweet music, our chase for new levels of sonic pleasure make the A-S3200 a worthy objective and a pure delight.
Power & Finesse: Many of the A-S3200's finer traits have been borrowed from Yamaha's flagship 5000 series components. There's a large toroidal power transformer, delivering a heavy dose of current to satisfy even demanding 4-ohm speakers. But superior sound is about more than just brute force. That's where Yamaha's exclusive Floating and Balanced Power Amplifier comes in. It employs a symmetrical layout with isolated circuitry, ensuring a very high signal-to-noise ratio and a large, well-defined soundstage. This design also separates the power amp circuit from the "ground," so even tiny voltage fluctuations don't adversely affect sound quality. The fully balanced signal path ensures an ultra-low-noise signal.
A Component You Can Be Proud Of: It's more than just the inner workings of this amp that demand respect. Check out those VU meters on the front panel. They harken back to an era in audio when sound quality was king and dancing dials were a visual representative of a component's dynamic agility. Heavy-duty switches and knobs grace the front panel, while a generous offering of connections on the back can accommodate both balanced and unbalanced sources. Once you've hoisted this handsome heavyweight into your cabinet or rack, you'll want to show it off like any new addition to the family. Except no one will complain when this thing gets loud.
A Closer Look
Floating & Balanced Power Amplifier: The basic design of the power amp circuit adopts Yamaha's own, uniquely developed Floating and Balanced Power Amplifier technology. Adopting output elements with the same polarity on the plus and minus sides of the output stage, and also completely separating the NFB (Negative Feedback) circuit and power supply into total of four plus and minus sides of the left and right channels, results in thoroughly symmetric push-pull operation of the output stage, Completely floating the entire power amp circuit from the ground removes any negative impact of minute voltage fluctuations or ground noise. Moreover, the output elements are comprised of MOSFETs, which provide a warm and natural sonic character. The use of MOSFETs, which have the same polarity on the plus and minus sides, further evolves the ideal of a complete symmetrical design, to eliminate sound quality variations due to difference in polarity, a major distinguishing characteristic of the Floating and Balanced Power Amplifier resulting in sound with a superior signal-to-noise ratio and superbly well-defined sound field.
All-Stage Fully Discrete Construction, Balanced Transmission & Low Impedance Design: The A-S3200 has achieved a fully discrete configuration during tone defeat, by thoroughly separating the tone control circuit from the signal system. This not only increases response but also improves slew-rate, and results in high range reproduction of greater vitality, richness and smoothness. Signal transmission and amplification features fully balanced transmission for thoroughly balanced operation, even of the control system circuitry. Signal loss through transmission has been significantly reduced, with the application of screw clamp connections and thick cables in connecting the pre amp unit with the power amp unit, which is vital for signal transmission, and in connecting the power step to the speaker terminals. This improves the damping factor and improves driver capacity and damping power of the speaker, resulting in vibrant and powerful bass reproduction.
Superior Quality Electronic Volume Control For Optimum Sound: Yamaha have utilised a high-quality digital volume control specially designed by New Japan Radio Co., Ltd., which consists only of ladder-type resistance, removing the impact of slew-rate decline or colouring of the sound, delivering higher purity in the sound, and excellent, fast response to large volume changes and steep transients. Moreover, the tone controls employ a triple-parallel method, minimising the detrimental impact on sound quality seen with straight-line tone controls. In addition, the bass, treble, and common circuits each utilise simple construction in which the NFB of the amp is not used and the CR elements are simply fixed in a straight line, ensuring exceptionally pure sound reproduction even when tone control is applied and superb response to audio signal transients. When tone defeat is applied, straight signal flow from only one volume circuit to a discrete configuration buffer amp is realised.
Large Capacity Power Supply Unit Delivers Energetic, Dynamic Sound With Fast Response: The A-S3200 employs a large toroidal transformer, carefully customised for optimum compatibility with the chassis. Combining four large capacity carbon sheath block capacitors delivers an energetic sound even during high volume; that is possible only with the A-S3200. Moreover, since the control amp and control system is equipped with twelve shunt type local regulators that prevent deterioration caused by currency fluctuation, a clean and stable power supply is achieved.
Mechanical Ground Concept: When an amplifier can deliver deep, rhythmic and melodious bass it focuses the mind and cleverly underpins all the emotion and expressiveness of the music. The Mechanical Ground Concept achieves this expressive and rhythmic bass by maximising rigidity and reducing any unwanted vibration. The large power transformer, block capacitors and heat sink are directly bolted to the chassis delivering greater rigidity, while the heavy-duty silver plated brass feet, which bolt directly to the main chassis, provide further reinforcement for absolute rigidity. The A-S3200 uses an original Rigid Streamlined Construction method that further suppresses vibration.
Symmetrical Design In Pursuit Of Ideal Stereo Reproduction: The left-right symmetrical construction with the power supply in the centre and the power amp blocks on the ends achieves greater separation of the left and right channels necessary for proper two-channel stereo reproduction and ideal weight balance. Including fine tuning by a centre frame which extends from the front to the back of the casing, the A-S3200 has superb mechanical rigidity and installation stability that dramatically lessens the impact of external vibrations on sound quality.
Discretely Configured Phono Amp: The phono amp is comprised of an MC head amp and an equaliser amp, each of which are discretely configured, resulting in a rich sound with pronounced musicality, when playing vinyl records with both MC and MM phone cartridges.
Headphone Amp With Fully Discrete Configuration: The headphone amp also is equipped with fully discrete configuration, for preeminent drivability and damping properties. Included as well is a specialised level trimmer that responds to various load impedances. The superior quality sound that only the A-S3200 can attain is yours to enjoy, even when listening on headphones.
Level Meters Visually Reflect The Dynamics In The Music: The centre of the main unit features level meters that provide visual enjoyment of the music as well, with the rapid and delicate movement of the needles. The meter is illuminated softly from inside by LEDs, giving a warm, beautiful lamplight look. The meter indicators can, along with VU display, be switched to peak display, and can be selected according to your preferences including, for the first time, a dimming function. The window of the meters has been precision-fit to the panel - completely flat, with no gaps - for an elegantly beautiful appearance.
Elegant Design With Luxurious Gloss Black Side Panels: The refined design and construction of the A-S3200 reflects Yamaha's commitment to fine craftsmanship and art, uniquely drawing on its long experience as a world-class musical instrument maker. The metal front panel and the gloss black side panels have been beautifully integrated by the masterful use of advanced processing technology. Moreover, the dials and tone controls are machined aluminium knobs, for a richly textured finish and graceful touch.
Original Speaker Terminals Combine Ease Of Use And Beauty With High Sound Quality: Yamaha's meticulous obsession with quality continues through to the speaker terminals, which are the last and crucial link in the audio chain. Featuring screw type terminals, with originally designed handles, these are created by cutting pure brass, enabling secure connection with no reduction in sound quality. Contoured to the shape of human fingers, they not only look beautiful, but can be turned easily and fastened tightly with minimal effort. They are also compatible with connections using banana plugs.
Remote Control With Simple Design And Superior Texture: The supplied remote control features a design complementary to the aluminium panel of the amplifier itself, with a simple, easy-to-understand button layout and gorgeous metallic texture.
In The News
"This accomplished performer succeeds through its breadth and depth of ability, rather than exceeding in one particular area. It's a highly capable all-rounder, and many will love its snappy sound and gutsy demeanour. Factor in its superb build, neat styling and overall air of quality, and I can't help but be seriously impressed. Although expensive, the A-S3200 offers fine value for money. Pros: Speed, grip, detail, power, versatility. Cons: Nothing at the price" Reviewary
"As an integrated amplifier, the 130Wpc A-S3200 produces a polished, palpable soundstage whose clarity and transparency are breathtaking when used with loudspeakers capable of showcasing its performance. With its smooth, near-flat tonal balance and exceptional resolution, in both amplitude and frequency response, it realistically characterizes recordings, its "natural sound" moniker perhaps closer to reality than mere marketing hype. If you are in the market for, or even just interested in, a high-quality integrated amplifier of this intent and power level, PS heartily recommends you audition the Yamaha A-S3200." The Absolute Sound Editors' Choice Awards 2023
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Retro Styled Stereo Integrated Amplifier
- Rated Output Power: (8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20kHz, 0.07% THD): 10 Watts + 100 Watts
- Rated Output Power: (4 ohms, 20 Hz to 20kHz, 0.07% THD): 150 Watts + 150 Watts
- High Dynamic Power/Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms): 120/150/200/320 Watts
- Damping Factor: ≧ 250 (1 kHz, 8 ohms)
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz-100 kHz (+0 dB/-3 dB)
- RIAA Equalisation Deviation: 20 Hz-20 kHz +/-0.5 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion CD, Line → SP Out: 0.035 % (50 W/8 Ohms)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Balanced): 114 dB
- Input Sensitivity (1 kHz, 100 W/8 ohms)
Connectivity
- Line-Level Inputs: Four pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs
- dedicated tuner and CD inputs
- phono stage for connecting a turntable with moving magnet or moving coil cartridge
- RCA main direct input
- no signal output to pre out, line 2 out
- Power Amplifier: RCA line out lets you use an external power amplifier
- Speaker Wire Terminals: Two pairs of pure brass binding-post speaker connectors
- These will accept bare wire or 'banana' plugs (recommended)
- IR remote control in/out: Yes
- 12-volt trigger input: Yes
- Headphones: Front-panel 1/4" (full-size) headphone jack
Other Features
- Feet: Chrome-plated iron feet
- Stand-By: Defeatable auto-power standby
- Power Cord: Detachable power cord allows for easy and beneficial upgrade
- Remote Control: Included
- Available Colours: Black or Silver
- Transformer: 623VA Toroidal
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 180 x 464mm
- Weight: 24.7 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.