Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier Review

The Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier is a two-channel flagship integrated amplifier in the Yahaha’s product line. The more superior Yahama 5000 series consists of a preamplifier and power amplifier systems, while there are no integrated amplifier products. Therefore, in the single-piece amplifier category, the A-S3200 is currently the top model.

Following it are the Yamaha A-S2200 and Yamaha A-S1200 integrated amplifiers, with slightly different specifications to meet the needs of audiophiles.

Design

The A-S3200 is not light, with a total weight of around 25 kilograms. It takes some effort to open the box and do the setting. The protective packaging during shipping is well done and can prevent collisions during transportation.

The silver part of the body is made of aluminum, and the two sides have black baked lacquer wooden boards. The top cover can be seen with many cooling holes. The entire machine is made in Malaysia.

The front panel has glass window-style left and right channel dials, as well as industrial-style switches and knobs. The flavor of the audio equipment is strong and is enough to keep audiophiles hooked. The simple control switches and knobs show the fine quality of Japanese workmanship and also satisfy visual enjoyment while fine-tuning the sound performance.

The back panel of theYamaha A-S3200 provides a wealth of input and output connectors, typical of Japanese design, including two XLR balanced inputs, one MM/MC phono input, multiple RCA single-ended inputs, one RCA preamp input, and one RCA preamp output, as well as two pure copper speaker terminal outputs.

Yamaha uses mechanical dials in its products, and the A-S3200 has a number of them on the left side in the following order: power, PHONES, function adjustment dial, balance adjustment dial, input source switch, PHONO’s MM/MC switch, and mute and volume dial.

The PHONES on the left can be used to connect headphones. The trim on the side can be used to set the gain value suitable for different impedance headphones, with values of -6 dB, 0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB.

Yamaha A-S3200 also provides two sets of speaker outputs, A and B, which can be selected using the speaker switch. It is also possible to adjust to A + B for simultaneous output for Bi-Wiring connection. The Meter switch can change the display mode of the meter.

Off means it is turned off, Peak indicates the peak output power of the music being played at the moment, VU represents the volume of sound perceived by the human ear. When adjusted to Dimmer, the meter light will continue to be on, but the needle part will not jump.

The A-S3200 allows for adjustments to be made to the low and high frequency gain as well as the balance between the left and right channels. The range of adjustment for low and high frequencies is +/- 10dB, which is convenient for those who need to adjust the frequency balance.

If both are adjusted to 0dB and not used at the same time, the adjustment circuit will be bypassed, resulting in a more direct transmission and, theoretically, better sound quality.

The input source switch of the A-S3200 shows that it can connect to a considerable number of input sources at the same time. In addition to the two BALs using XLR terminal signal lines, the others use RCA terminal signal lines. What is particularly special is that the A-S3200 can be used as a preamplifier or a power amplifier, meaning that users can connect other forms of amplifiers for use together.

The Main Direct input is used as a power amplifier. The PHONO switch is for switching between MM/MC input, corresponding to the type of head used by the user.

The Yamaha A-S3200’s glass dial has a retro look, the light is not particularly bright, and the subtle light shows a harmonious blend with the equipment. The display has two different displays, the lower one is the wattage output, and the upper one is the volume, corresponding to the Peak or VU level. If you like to see the dial move a little, you can choose the “Peak” mode.

The Inside

When the top cover of A-S3200 is opened, it can be seen that the materials used inside are quite rich. The overall design is mechanically grounded and the body is framed. The bottom is a double layer of copper base to carry the components on top, including the transformer, filter capacitor, circuit board, and radiator.

All are directly fixed to the frame with bolts, which can reduce any unnecessary vibration and directly guide the vibration to the bottom corner, achieving the purpose of eliminating vibration grounding. A-S3200 adopts a fully balanced circuit design from input to output.

The internal wiring uses continuously cast, forged pure copper (PC-Triple C) as the conductor, which makes the signal transmission smoother and can accurately present the recording effect of the original music.

Inside the Yamaha A-S3200, you can see a large circular iron core transformer with low magnetic leakage located in the center front. The copper wire pulled out after winding the iron core significantly reduces energy loss. Four specially made 22,000μF filter capacitors are fixed with screws and brass terminals instead of being welded, providing an extension of the extra dynamic range, making the sound field wider.

The large black symmetrical heat sinks on the left and right sides are directly connected to the power amplifier circuit boards for the left and right channels. Below the photo are multiple circuit boards, including phonograph, preamplifier, receiver, and output circuits.

The Attenuator switch on the balanced input terminal on the back panel can reduce the input voltage by 6 dB. When switching it on, it can be used when there is clipping or abnormal distortion when connected, otherwise it should be set to Bypass. This is because excessive input voltage can cause abnormalities, which can usually be reduced by adjusting the source or adjusting it here.

The Phase switch next to it can be turned on when the phase of the balanced output of the source is opposite to that of A-S3200, and the user manual of the source and A-S3200 can be referred to to see if they are in phase.

Sound Performance

The sound of the Yamaha A-S3200 amplifier is distinctively recognizable and has clear characteristics. The sound base is clear and bright, dynamic and sharp, with excellent clarity and detail. Both the high and low frequency ranges have good performance, with sufficient extension and power.

The vocals are not thick and the details are clear. If you prefer a thick sound base or a warm sound like Class A, this device may not be suitable. Otherwise, it should satisfy most users.

When I played Hilary Hahn’s Bach-Concertos released by DG, I listened attentively and repeatedly enjoyed the extremely clear and rich details, the wide field, the dynamic of the orchestra and Hilary’s lively performance.

The violin was smooth and fine, with a transparent airiness. If I had to give it a color, I would choose white. It is not cold or serious, nor does it use rouge, but rather it is like mountain spring water, clear and sweet.

When playing many vocal albums, the Yamaha A-S3200 can display the details of the singer well, with particularly good clarity and transparency, especially in albums that especially emphasize the depth of the sound field. The sense of air emanating from the back and spreading to the left and right is very good, and the sound is very smooth and refreshing.

For example, in The Police’s possibly most famous song “Every Breath You Take”, Sting’s emotions and gentle voice are naturally conveyed from the system, and the electric guitar and drums have a strong sense of rhythm, stable and clear, and sound very comfortable.

In addition, OneRepublic’s vocal line and rhythmic dynamics in “Counting Stars” also show the A-S3200’s clean and transparent advantages, with sufficient energy but not heavy, and a relaxed degree of dynamic and burden-free. Moreover, the Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amplifier is also particularly suitable for listening to piano music, with a natural sound color, and a well-balanced sense of weight and crispness.

It is clearly an excellent and versatile integrated amplifier that is suitable for listening to most types of songs.

When listening to “Rhapsody in Blue,” the sound of the clarinet is bright and solid, and you can clearly feel the player’s skill. The brass section has enough power, and when the piano comes in, the A-S3200 presents the piano’s played phrases with very beautiful lines.

Although different instruments are added during the ensemble, they do not steal the spotlight from the piano. In fact, the high notes stand out in the ensemble, drawing attention to the listening experience. After the climax of the music, the relaxed melody line is played, and the main line sings out a dense high-pitched section with a violin, accompanied by the brass’s hard sound.

The listening experience is very balanced and the sound field is more open. For a large-scale piece of music, the listening experience is very grand.

Conclusion

the Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amplifier is a top-of-the-line integrated amplifier that offers exceptional sound quality and a range of advanced features. It is the flagship model in the brand’s two-channel product line and is suitable for audiophiles who demand the very best in audio performance.

With its sleek design and durable construction, the Yamaha A-S3200 is sure to be a valuable addition to any home entertainment setup. If you’re in the market for a high-quality amplifier that delivers exceptional sound, Yamaha A-S3200 ingetrated amplifier is definitely your great choice!