The Yamaha A-S1100 Analog Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Most home theater audio systems are used to watch movies as well as listen to music. For some dedicated audiophiles, a home theater receiver simply doesn't cut it for serious music listening. For them, only a dedicated two-channel audio system will do.

If you require such a setup, Yamaha has an impressive line of two-channel amplifiers. One distinct offering in this category is the A-S1100.

Power Behind Great Styling

The Yamaha A-S1100 is a two-channel integrated stereo amplifier that incorporates heavy-duty construction and styling. It includes a black or silver finish option, wood side panels, and a distinctive front panel with large left and right channel analog level/watt meters.

The front panel also includes large bass, treble, and balance controls, as well as a rotary input selection switch and a large, classic-style volume control.

The A-S1100 incorporates a large capacity power supply behind the front panel and its controls that can push out continuous power over long periods. It also provides fast recovery and reaction time for audio peaks.

The power output capability for the Yamaha A-S1100 is 90 WPC (watts per channel), using a 20 Hz to 20 kHz test tone range with an 8-ohm load and a .07% THD (total harmonic distortion).

The Yamaha A-S1100 is no lightweight in the amplifier department. At about 50 pounds, it is heavier than most home theater receivers, so care is needed when lifting or moving.

Connectivity

The Yamaha A-S1100 has all the necessary connections needed for a good two-channel audio listening setup.

To start, three sets of analog RCA stereo inputs, as well as an audio record in/out record loop (for connecting a CD recorder, audio cassette deck, or other recording devices), are provided. There is also a pre-amp out/main in the loop for connecting to an external amplifier.

There is a dedicated phono turntable input for vinyl record listening that can accommodate moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono cartridges. These are switchable via a front panel control.

In terms of speaker connections, the A-S1100 provides both A and B speaker output connections, which can also be configured for a bi-wiring setup using heavy-duty brass screw-on speaker terminals.

You can connect either 4 or 8-ohm speakers if you use either the A or B speaker connection options. However, if you use A and B speakers at the same time (including for bi-wiring), you must use 8-ohm speakers only.

For private listening, the AS-1100 also includes a front-mounted 1/4-inch headphone jack.

However, one speaker-type connection option you won't find on the Yamaha A-S110 is a subwoofer output. For best listening results, use a set of good full-range floor-standing speakers, rather than bookshelf units.

Control Options

Control options include the provided remote and rear-panel IR sensor plug-in connections (labeled Remote). This allows the A-S1100 to be hidden from view or to control another compatible device that has an IR sensor input connection. A 12-volt trigger is also provided, which can turn an additional compatible component on or off.

What the A-S1100 Lacks

Because the A-S1100 is an integrated amplifier, it doesn't include digital optical/coaxial or USB inputs, a built-in AM/FM tuner, internet radio, or access to smartphone app control, as you often find in a home theater or stereo receivers.

If you want the benefit of these features in a two-channel setup, you might want to check out two-channel network stereo receivers or add on Yamaha's T-S500 AM/FM tuner.

The Bottom Line

The Yamaha A-S1100 is a high-end integrated amp that provides a clean and powerful sound for serious music listening.

The A-S1100 is designed to be a match with Yamaha's high-end CD-S2100 CD player. Still, you can use it with any audio source that has analog audio outputs. You can also use the A-S1100 as part of a second or third zone audio system in conjunction with home theater receivers that feature multi-zone capability.

The A-S1100 is available in Silver or Black.