About The Yamaha A-S1200 Integrated Amplifier
The Yamaha A-S1200 in black acknowledges the golden era of Hi-Fi with its level meters and beautiful design but under the skin it boasts an impressive array of the latest technology to accurately deliver an emotional, purely musical sound.
The Yamaha A-S1200 is a dynamic, high current stereo amplifier with low impedance drive capability and perfect for those wanting to listen to quality 2 channel audio from a multitude of sources, including vinyl. It is a dedicated single-ended stereo amplifier featuring unbalanced circuitry from the input to the control amplifier block. This masterfully crafted amplifier includes a discretely configured phono-equaliser and high-precision electronic volume control made by New Japan Radio Co, Ltd., and has inherited many superior and trickle-down features from the more expensive A-S2200 such as the toroidal power transformer and the volume/tone circuit that minimises sound quality deterioration.
It also has as a beautifully simple exterior design equipped with a peak/VU switching type level meter just as Yamaha had back in the 1970s/80s. Power output is rated at a continuous, full-bandwidth 90 Watts per channel with very low distortion specs.
Floating And Balanced Power Amplifier: The basic design of the power amplifier 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 a total of four plus and minus sides on the left and right channels, results in thoroughly symmetric push-pull operation of the output stage. Completely floating the entire power amplifier circuit from the ground removes any negative impact of minute voltage fluctuations or ground noise.
Toroidal Transformer: Usually reserved for flagship Hi-Fi components, the A-S1200 benefits from the technical proficiency and absolute musicality of a toroidal transformer. Combined with an array of high-end Hi-Fi features and components, the toroidal transformer assists in ensuring the musical emotion is conveyed to the your, the listener.
Mechanical Ground Concept: The A-S1200 adopts a Mechanical Ground Concept, inherited from both the A-S2200 and A-S3200. The concept begins with the bolts of the feet welded directly to the main chassis, followed with the large heat sink, power transformer and block capacitors also directly bolted to the chassis. Through this design, unwanted vibration is avoided, achieving expressive and rhythmic bass, presenting music you can feel to the you, the listener.
Dedicated Single-Ended Amplifier For All Types Of Audio Sources: Since this device employs a dedicated single-ended amplifier, it provides excellent response in amplification of single-ended analogue sound from all kinds of audio sources, such as CD players, turntables and music streamers (or Network Music Players) — and the A-S1200 takes full advantage of this in having been carefully fine-tuned for optimum sound quality. By fully utilising single-ended amplification, the A-S1200 transparently draws out the intrinsic qualities of your favourite audio devices, including those made by other manufacturers. With six unbalanced analog RCA stereo inputs for connecting an external audio source such as a CD player, AM/FM tuner, Turntable, and/or cassette deck; as well a preamp or AV receiver. There is also one analogue RCA stereo output for recording through the integrated amplifier.
All-Stage Fully Discrete Configuration: This amplifier adopts an all-stage fully discrete configuration through all sound circuit stages, using only the most meticulously selected high-precision parts from input to output. (Applicable during tone control circuit defeat.) The slew-rate of the audio signal has been improved to bring lively and strong response to high musical notes. Moreover, when the tone control circuit is set to defeat, the amp enters its fully discrete configuration that bypasses the op-amp IC of the internal circuit simply by setting the Bass/Treble knobs to their centre points.
Discrete Configured Phono Preamp: The phono preamp is comprised of a MC head amp and an equalizer amp, each of which are discretely configured, resulting in a rich sound with pronounced musicality when playing vinyl records with both MC and MM phono cartridges. The unit's Phono input consists of stereo RCA jacks and a ground terminal. There is a switch on the back panel which allows you to indicate what type of turntable cartridge (MC/MM) you are using.
High-Quality Binding Post Terminals: The Yamaha A-S1200 is outfitted with two sets of binding-post speaker terminals (A&B) that are cut directly from pure brass, enabling a secure connection with no reduction in sound quality. Contoured to the shape of human fingers, they can be turned easily and fastened tightly with minimal effort. They are also compatible with connections using banana plugs (single only).
Our Take On The Yamaha A-S1200 Stereo Amplifier
The current range of Yamaha integrated amplifiers are designed as descendants of the famous A-S2000 with Yamaha's strong commitment to quality craftsmanship being just some of the benefits. Furthermore, it is clear that they are taking advantage of the desire for a return to 1970s designs which were really, really good both in industrial design and performance. The Yamaha A-S1200 Stereo Integrated Amplifier has definitely been designed with the music listener in mind. However, the sound is just one part of the puzzle so-to-speak. You will enjoy using the traditionally styled solid aluminium knobs to control volume, bass, treble and balance and the dance of the front panel meters is always a delight. Weighing an impressive 22kg, the A-S1200 has plenty of the necessaries to power a wide-range of speakers.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Retro Styled Stereo Integrated Amplifier
- Rated Output Power: (8 ohms, 20 Hz to 20kHz, 0.07% THD): 90 Watts + 90 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): 105/135/190/220 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 (Line Level/CD): 110 dB
- Input Sensitivity (1 kHz, 100 W/8 ohms)
- Transformer: 625VA Toroidal
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 or phones
- 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
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 157 x 463mm
- Weight: 22 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E.&O.E.