Yamaha A-S3200
Hi-Fi Choice|Yearbook 2020
Unlike so many of its price rivals, the A-S3200 is totally devoid of streaming or even DAC functionality. This is an unapologetically old-school integrated, complete with MM/MC phono input and headphone out.
Yamaha A-S3200

Yamaha claims a punchy 100W RMS per channel into 8ohm and 150W into 4, for this Class AB design – which is more than most people will ever need. The power comes not via discrete transistors, but by MOSFET power modules. Interestingly, the phono preamplifier does use discrete transistors, and is very neatly laid out in a separate circuit board using good-quality components.

Sound quality

Standout facets are a crisp, detailed and precise midband along with effortless and authoritative power delivery. Feed it some punchy eighties pop from Duran Duran, and Last Chance On The Stairway comes over in a commanding way. Though not something you’d immediately classify as audiophile, this is still a well recorded track. There’s a lot going on, including a gutsy bassline and an energetic midband. Even at highish levels, driving big Yamaha NS-1000M loudspeakers, this amp doesn’t flinch; its bottom end is powerful and expressive, and never shows any sign of running out of puff even at high volumes on crescendos.

This story is from the Yearbook 2020 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Yearbook 2020 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HI-FI CHOICEView All
Old boys network
Hi-Fi Choice

Old boys network

As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
DESTINATION: LEITH
Hi-Fi Choice

DESTINATION: LEITH

Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2023
Core values
Hi-Fi Choice

Core values

Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
Forty something
Hi-Fi Choice

Forty something

Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
One for all
Hi-Fi Choice

One for all

German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
Three for all
Hi-Fi Choice

Three for all

The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2023
All in one
Hi-Fi Choice

All in one

DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
Wooden wonder
Hi-Fi Choice

Wooden wonder

Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
System matching
Hi-Fi Choice

System matching

Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2023
Game on!
Hi-Fi Choice

Game on!

At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023