Integrated Amplifier Is All About Emotional Involvement and Open Sound: Yamaha A-S1200 Features Single-Ended Preamp Circuitry, MOSFETS, Huge Toroidal Transformer, and More

While the retro VU meters and under-the-hood architecture draw your eyes, the illustrious transparency and wide-ranging openness of the Yamaha A-S1200 integrated amplifier lures your ears. Equipped with a single-ended circuit in the preamplifier stage, and structured around Yamaha's low-impedance concept to minimize energy loss and increase accuracy, the 90Wpc A-S1200 is all about emotional involvement and pure, meticulously defined sound. A floating and balanced power amp with MOSFET power transistors, a reference-grade volume control, and massive toroidal transformer further ensure edge-of-your-seat dynamics while a discrete MM/MC phono preamplifier invites you to enjoy analog warmth well into the early-morning hours.

Each detail of A-S1200 has been analyzed, tested, and verified for its impact on overall fidelity. For instance, Yamaha graces A-S1200 with heavy-gauge ground wiring between stages and relies on short power paths to preserve the integrity of the original signal. For the terminals, welded connections and brass screws translate into lower impedance. A plethora of hand-selected components – including Shinyei PP film capacitors, Toshin film capacitors, and thick copper internal speaker wire – help maintain the emotionalism of the performance and increases your response to it.

Yamaha's Mechanical Ground Concept – in which the power transformer, four 18,000uF block capacitors, and large heat sinks are directly bolted to the chassis – and welded iron foot mounts also reflect how seriously A-S1200 takes its responsibilities. Ditto the machined brass speaker terminals, which accept banana, spade, and bare wire.

Why go through so much trouble in engineering, materials, and layout? The question will be immediately answered once your hear music played through A-S1200. Be it an vinyl LP, CD, or streaming source, the 48.5-pound unit expresses a penchant for delivering the rhythm, groove, and beat of everything from rock to blues and jazz with exceptional prowess. It does the same for the smoothness, reach, and scope of classical and chamber fare. Factor in a brushed-aluminum remote control with metallic buttons, two pairs of outputs, six sets of inputs, and a trigger in, and A-S1200 takes center stage. 100% Music Direct Guaranteed.

"Yamaha's A-S1200 is a beautifully built and finished, very well-engineered integrated amplifier with the fine old-fashioned virtues of power, grip, smoothness and space. All of this comes at a keen price, making it hard to resist. As if that wasn't enough, many — myself included — love its looks. The distinctive fascia treatment allied to the twin backlit meters really works to my eyes and makes it visually interesting, as well as a tactile delight to operate."
—Mark Gusew, StereoNET, Applause Award

Toroidal Transformer

Usually reserved for flagship components, a toroidal transformer delivers technical proficiency and absolute musicality. Combined with an array of high-end features and components, it assists in ensuring the musical emotion is conveyed to the listener.

Mechanical Ground Concept

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, and presenting the "groove" of the music to the listener.

Thick Wires for Ground Connection

Yamaha's Low Impedance Concept, aided by the thick wires for ground connection, is critical for components adopting a premium badge. In A-S1200, it helps to present an open, natural soundstage, bringing the artist and listener closer together.

Gorgeous Level Meters

The level meters are both a nod to hi-fi's nostalgic era while simultaneously demonstrating the importance of pure fidelity for today's discerning enthusiast. Visually presenting the dynamics and pulse of the music, the level meters imbue a warm feeling through their softly illuminated LEDs.