Yamaha A-S2100 Integrated Amplifier Preview
The new Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier goes back to basics—sophisticated, incredibly powerful basics—with a floating and balanced power amplifier design. Yamaha is using MOSFET output elements with the same polarity on the both sides of the output stage while isolating the NFB (Negative Feedback) circuit. The result is a symmetrical push-pull output stage. They also floated the entire power amp circuit from the ground circuit so voltage fluctuations and ground noise can’t affect the audio quality.
Yamaha A-S2100 Integrated Amplifier Internals
With the tone control defeated, the A-S2100 has a fully discrete configuration, improving the slew-rate, and delivering the cleanest possible signal to noise ratio. The signal, from input to amplifier maintains a fully balanced operation, and solid screw clamp connections and thick internal cabling between the pre amp, power amp unit, and speaker terminals makes for a build quality that is quite impressive.
Build quality seems to be an emphasis of the Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier
Yamaha opted for a digital volume control specially designed by New Japan Radio Co., Ltd.. It uses “ladder-type” resistance, which fights the effect of slew-rate decline and yields a quick response to large volume changes and steep transients. The Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier uses an EI transformer alongside four large capacity carbon sheath block capacitors (and the transformer is mounted on the chassis using brass washers to reduce internal vibrations and noise).
The phono amp on the Yamaha A-S2100 is made up of an MC head amp and an equalizer amp, each of which are discretely configured, so you get pristine audio regardless of which style (MC or MM) phone cartridge you use. The headphone amp is also designed with a fully discrete design along with a specialized level trimmer that responds to various loads (impedances).
The Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier has a clean, simple look, like it stepped out of the heyday of the 1960’s era.
Of course the most visible element of the Yamaha A-S2100 has got to be the stereo VU level meters, whose needles are described as moving “rapidly yet delicately”. The VU meter is also illuminated via LED, but with a soft, warm glow that gives the impression of a classic lamp (but without the heat or short life of a traditional bulb). The meter indicators and VU display can be switched to either program or peak display and the meter windows are precision-fit to the panel—so they are completely flat with no gaps. It truly is a high-end look that screams retro (did you note the wood side panels and billet brass speaker terminals?) while implementing some 21st century sophistication (machined aluminum knobs).
Yamaha A-S2100 Remote Control
The remote control for the Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier matches the design of the aluminum face of the amp itself. It has a very simple, easy-to-follow button layout and feels comfortingly weighty in the hand. The remote supplies volume adjustment, input switching, and can even operate the companion Yamaha CD-S2100 SACD player.
Features & Specs
- Maximum Power (4 ohms, 1kHz, 0.7% THD): 160 W + 160 W
- High Dynamic Power/Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms): 105/135/190/220 W
- Damping Factor: 250
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz-100 kHz (+0 dB/-3 dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (CD to Sp Out, 20 Hz-20 kHz): 0.025%
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CD): 103 dB (S: 200 mV)
- Input Sensitivity (CD): 200mV/47k ohms
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-1/8” x 6-1/8” x 18-1/4”
- Weight: 51.6 lbs.
- Detachable Power Cord
- Three Year Parts and Labor Warranty
The Yamaha A-S2100 Integrated Amplifier retails for $3,299.95 but Audiogurus will have an initial discount. The receiver will ship in June 3rd, 2014.
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