Yamaha A-S2000BL Natural Sound Stereo Amplifier (Black)

by Yamaha

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18.3 x 17.1 x 5.4 inches ; 50 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 57 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001L19FBC
• Item model number: A-S2000BL
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,096 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Yamaha A-S2000 Stereo Amplifier: The Most Natural Sound Imaginable

Yamaha introduces a new, superior approach to analogue amplifier design. Find out what's really possible from your hi-fi components with Yamaha's most innovative amplifier design yet.

Heat sink	Huge power transformer
Custom-made block capacitors	Preamp board

Full Floating and Balanced Circuit Design Achieves for the First Time the Full Potential of Analogue Amplification
More that forty years have passed since the introduction and widespread adoption of full transistor HiFi audio amps during the 1960s. In the 1970s, high performance, high output PNP-NPN transistors made possible the pure complementary configured power amps that are now the main type of high quality audio amps. In recent years, however, digital amps have become popular for their high conversion efficiency and superior uniformity of operating precision, as well as for their lower weight, size, and heat production as compared to analogue amps. Which leads to the question, which direction will audiophile-level amps take in the future? Some manufacturers of audiophile-quality amps try to improve the traditional pure complementary analogue amplifier, while others are seeking to achieve higher sound quality from digital amplifiers.

But Yamaha has developed a third, superior approach. This is an entirely new floating and balanced power amp that, by using power transistors with the same polarity that are not complementary, achieves complete symmetry of pullable operation at the output stage and permits full balanced transmission (amplification) from the input jack to just before the speaker jack--a capability that has long been the dream of audiophiles.

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How Does the Floating Balanced Amplifier Design Work?

Completely symmetrical construction with integrated amp left-right separation View back panel

Floating Balanced Power Amp
The Floating Balanced Power Amp configuration is completely different from the pure complementary circuit design that has been the mainstream of HiFi amps for nearly 40 years. It adopts an output element having identical polarity on the plus and minus sides of the output stage, with both sides having their own power supply and feedback, thereby achieving total symmetry of pullable operation at the output stage. The power supply unit has four floating elements (no restrictive grounding connections), two for each channel, so plus and minus are completely symmetrical.

Full Stage Balanced Signal Transmission
The A-S2000 achieves fully balanced signal transmission from input to output (balanced design refers to the use of two signal conductors that have equal impedances to the ground). Balanced transmission is capable of canceling noise produced internally and externally, and so is considered to be an ideal amplification method, eliminating the sound quality degradation caused by noise. If it is only partially adopted, however, it will be largely ineffective and may even have negative effects. The A-S2000 is the world's first integrated amp to offer full-stage balanced transmission, combining high power output with good sound texture and outstanding signal-to-noise performance. Its capabilities will be heard to best effect when paired with the Yamaha CD-S2000 Super Audio CD player, which employs the same principle.

Fully Balanced Amp Control
To achieve fully balanced transmission, all audio circuits except for the phono equalizer are balanced. The line amp also uses a balanced configuration for its volume and tone circuits, achieving fully balanced transmission from the XLR balanced input jack to just before the speaker jack. Additionally, the output from the unbalanced RCA input and phono equalizer undergoes balance conversion internally.

Parallel Volume and Tone Controls
To ensure ideal fully balanced operation, the volume and tone control systems must be extremely precise. Conventional analogue volume systems suffer from gang error, and cannot achieve sufficient accuracy, even when using high precision parts. Therefore, for the A-S2000 we developed a unique method: canceling out slight precision differences by the parallel operation of three high sound quality digital volume ICs for each channel and operating the system with an analogue encoder. When using the bass and treble tone controls, each of the three volume elements is applied in succession, and during tone default, three equivalent volume elements for each channel are used for volume adjustment. This ensures the best sound quality during both tone control and default operation.

Power Supply That Cleans Itself
The A-S2000 has four large capacity power supplies for the power amp that are completely isolated from ground. Shunt type local regulators that prevent degradation of sound quality by amperage fluctuation ensure a clean and stable power supply for the preamp, so you won't get any "line noise" from a dirty power source. Naturally, parts that directly affect sound quality such as the large power supply transformer and carbon sheath block capacitors were chosen only after careful evaluation.

Symmetrical Construction Mimics the Benefits of Having Separate Amps
The A-S2000 has a completely symmetrical construction intended to achieve the ultimate in integrated amp left-right separation, equal to that of separate amps. A central reinforcing bar ensures that the chassis is rigid and stable.

Specially Designed Feet Dampen Noise Vibration
The extra-heavy feet provide a choice of two bases. You can leave the round, flat neodymium magnets in place or remove them to rest the amplifier on four single points. The feet are also height adjustable. They ensure stability on any surface, with superior vibration damping.

Headphone Amp for Low Impedance Drive
The fully discrete, high performance headphone amp is compatible with low impedance drive. Its pure and powerful sound quality is best appreciated with high quality headphones.

Discrete Phono Amp
An extremely low-noise phono amp plus a dedicated MC head amp ensure excellent musical clarity and imaging with both MC and MM phono cartridges.

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Optional Accessories (sold separately)

Yamaha CD-S2000 Natural Sound Super Audio CD Player--This ultra-high quality Super Audio CD player is for true music enthusiasts with benefits like Pure Direct circuitry and a fully balanced control amp. Plays SA-CDs, CDs, and CD-RW discs.

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Technical Specifications

• Minimum RMS Output Power
  • (8 ohms, 20Hz--20kHz): 90W + 90W
  • (4 ohms, 20Hz--20kHz): 150W + 150W
• Maximum Power
  • (8 ohms, 1kHz): 120W + 120W
  • (4 ohms, 1kHz): 190W + 190W
• Dynamic Power/Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms): 105/135/190/220W
• Frequency Response
  • CD, etc. to Speaker Out, Flat Position: 5Hz--100kHz, +0dB / -3dB
  • CD, etc. to Speaker Out, Flat Position: 20Hz--20kHz, +0dB / -0.3dB
• RIAA Equalization Deviation
  • Phono MM: 20Hz--20kHz, +/- 0.5dB
  • Phono MC: 20Hz--20kHz, +/- 0.5dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion
  • CD Balanced to Speaker Out: 0.01% (90W / 8 ohms)
  • CD, etc. to Speaker Out: 0.015% (90W / 8 ohms)
  • Phono MM to Rec Out: 0.005% (2V)
  • Phono MC to Rec Out: 0.05% (2V)
• Audio Muting: -20dB (approx.)
• Load Impedance
  • Speaker A or B: 4 ohms to 16 ohms
  • Speaker A + B: 8 ohms to 16 ohms
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 17-1/8" x 5-3/8" x 18-5/16"
• Weight: 50 lbs

Product Description

Yamaha A-S2000BL Natural Sound Stereo Amplifier In Black

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Smooth Sound with Bone Breaking Bass - At a premium price., July 5, 2011

By 

Y. Manoharan "Yuva" (Herndon, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yamaha A-S2000BL Natural Sound Stereo Amplifier (Black) (Electronics)

I am immersed and drenched in the A-S2000 sound. WOW. The sound is super smooth and crystal. I am hearing new instruments that barely showed up from the other amps. I had a Yamaha A-1 Stereo Integrated of early 80s which delivered smooth 2 ch sound. After it went kaput, I can't find the smooth sound from any digital amps. I replace may be around 10 different amps & finally I landed on a good analog amp. The A-S2000 beats my A-1 to the corner. If you are into moderate peaceful volume listening, this is the last amp you might ever need in your life. Period. If you listen at cranked up volume the sound might go a little bright sided(This is after 12 `o' clock volume position. Custom amps like Cambridge, Paradigm, anthem which will blow the speakers out loud & powerful but won't be as crystal clear & smooth as A-S2000. I listened to it. I have a builder authorized AV installer for new homes. He has all high ends testing room in his show room. You can just walk-in with your CD & play with the so called custom amps. The power & clarity is just what most of the audiophile / enthusiast music lover will ever need.

Now that I have had the A-S2000 for over a month, let me compare the sound quality and performance with the other Yamaha AX-596 which is a 2007 model & the A-S500 which is the latest - to give an idea of what & how Yamaha's circuit by itself differs in music reproduction between these models . It is very hard to find user reviews for A-S2000 online, so I will be giving a little detailed comparison which might not be useful for some. Please read this review with patience '
The speaker that I am using is Yamaha SOAVO1. I tried the B&W at big chain store which is $2000 each but it can go only up to 45Hz low which lacks the bass completely for a full size tower. They have good high end Polks that can go down to 35Hz. I like the sound from the Definitive Technology 700 series. But overall, the SOAVO just sings. The mid-range is a little recessed for my taste so even if I pump up the volume, the mid won't blast on my face. The listening is very musical at even very high volume.

Volume level and presence of the sound stage -With A-S500 is the same upto 12'0' clock position. Go pass that level A-S2000 doesn't show any bit of a sign to give up. You crank it up, it cracks your heart. AX-596 sounded a little louder at the same volume because the attenuation is a little narrow in older units. Yamaha changed the attenuation a little wider in the latest to give more control in volume when using remote.

Smoothness, definition and clarity - is definitely from the A-S2000. Nice well balanced warm sound. Not too bright, Not too shallow. The music that comes out of the A-S2000 is very mellow and strong with very well defined separation between instruments. There is literally zero frequency overlapping that makes the tiny instruments come out and sing for you. I am floored here. I tried Maranz at big chain store and didn't like the normal 2ch sound for its beefy price! It had the power though.

Bass - A-S2000's Bass is BONE BREAKING even without the Sub. When the sub is hooked up, it rattles the whole house. I can feel the vibration even in the basement concrete wall and the system is at two levels up. A-S2000 & A-S500 produced the same level of Bass but the smoothness in bass is more obvious in A-S2000. When you turn the bass control to more than 3'0' clock position, the A-S500's & AX-596 bass turn very tight while A-S2000 seamlessly increases the same full bodied bass all the way to the closing position at 5'o' clock position. When you turn the volume knob to more than 1'o' clock position, the Bass becomes distorted a tiny bit in the two low budget amps. Common listeners won't notice it but if you have ears for clean music, you will. A-S2000's bass comes full bodied with weight and depth to it

Treble - A-S2000 is a little lean and behind than the A-S500 & AX-596. I consider A-S500 to be on the bright side while A-S2000 is on the warm and smooth. You have to turn the Loudness & Treble control on the A-S500 to 11'o' clock position to get the A-S2000's Treble at its flat position. But still the Treble smoothness of A-S2000 is remarkable. When you turn the Treble on A-S500 to 9'o' clock position, it somewhat achieves the smoothness effect but still not as defined crystal clear + smooth Treble from A-S2000.

Mid - A-S2000 produces fantastic lively mid range. The voice clarity is stunning and lively. It makes the singer come home and sing for you. Not too shouting, not too shallow. It is just seamlessly increases along with the high & low frequencies and is just produced at the right level at the right way at any volume level. The smoothness in the voice changes a bit to bright side when the volume level goes beyond 12 `o' clock position. Honestly I cannot listen more than 11 `o' clock position. It is very loud and I fear of calling the police.

Heat - I ran the A-S500 for two hours at 10'o' clock position. It was barely warm. When I increased the volume to 12'o' clock position, after 10 minutes, it becomes hot (you can still keep your hand on it). When I let it to run for 30 minutes at 12'o' clock position, it becomes real hot that I can keep my hand barely for a minute. I ran the A-S2000 for two hours at 10'o' clock position. It was barely luke warm (slightly out of stone cold). When I increased the volume to 12'o' clock position, after 10 minutes, it becomes warm. When I let it to run for 30 minutes at 12'o' clock position, it was still at the same warmth. Now I let the A-S2000 to run at 3'0' clock position driving everyone in my family go crazy, it was hot you can still keep your hand on it for long time.

Remote -A-S2000 remote is a complete waste of time being designed, built and we cannot use it. I might have designed a standard useful remote for all A-S line of amps. The is no way you can put the amp in standby via remote. The smaller A-S500 has that feature which will let you to just standby the system while lying down in the bed. The Yamaha CD player remote has NO volume control or input selector. Adding just two functions on a CD player remote will be suffice. 1-volume control , 2. Standby. They do have the amp section in the player remote but that has just the Input selector - which is a waste stupid decision in my opinion. You are in the CD player input anyways and listening to it. Why do you need to change the input in the amp while you listen to CD and hold the CD remote. Even though you change the input, you need to go grab that particular input source remote to control it. Instead a volume & standby for amp will be more friendly. Common Yamaha, A $2000 amp comes with 6 useles button's on its remote ? AND you cannot use A-S500 or any other remote to A-S2000. Harmony One, A-S500 & AX-596 remote never worked with A-S2000. But on the other hand, all those remotes worked with all those amps. I can use AX-596 remote on A-S500 & the other way around. Bummer. Not to mention A-S500 remote is VERY VERY functional and flexible.

Verdict -The 4 x 24000 microfarad capacitor + 6 x main amplification chips per channel in A-S2000 really shows it's guts here with deep well defined Bass at any volume + running the unit cooler. There is zero strain and distortion at any volume. I gave up at 3'o' clock position because the whole 3000 sq.ft single family house shakes. You can feel the vibration in the basement concrete !. Four of my next door neighbors stepped in to see what I am doing and jaw dropped in front of the system. As you know the A-S2000 weighs a ton and the first time I lifted it from the door step to my music room gave me the feel of I am pulling the monster truck out of the mud. This monster is real heavy to break the components under it if you plan on keeping on top of any other unit.

If you are not spoiled by the 80s pure analog warm sound, you will fly in heaven with just A-S500 for very little money it takes out of your pocket to please you. If you are searching for the warm smooth sound over the A-S500, the A-S2000 is the only answer. It exceeds the 80s warm smooth sound with super smooth and crystal clear definition in sound. Definitely A-S2000 will create another history over the period. People will be talking about it for over a century for sure. I can boldly say, THERE IS NO AMP THAT MATCHES THE SOUND QUALITY, DEPTH, SMOOTHNESS & DEFINITION OF A-S2000. One amp for your life. PERIOD.

I am completely seduced by the overall sound. I can't find weakness. I tried this amplifier with all high end speakers at the chain store that needs power with authority and refinement. Highs are neutral, soft and not aggressive, the mediums are superb and bring to life voice and instrument, the bass is BONE BREAKING awesome, fast and powerful. At home, with my SOAVO, it just SINGS... The soundstage is deep and wide.

On classical music, you can literally BRING the musicians home, SEE them and feel the recording right at your music room. I MEAN IT. On a wide scale mix of multiple musical instruments playing a at the same time, this amp has ZERO overlapping and plays every single instruments un distorted with some air and room between them crystal clear as it is played in front of you by the musician. Just keep the volume @10 `o' clock position & sit back closing your eyes, you will feel the music and picture the musicians in front of you. IT IS THAT FREAKING AWESOME... The A-S2000 is always under control and excels in multilayer recording. This amplifier is also amazing with Jazz, Blues and pop music. It has enough power reserve that can handle the most demanding recording and dynamics. It delivers so much for the money.