New Goodies // Short Reviews

audiocr381ve

Polk fam!

It's been awhile. I have some new gear and I have no one to talk to about it so here I am hah.

I picked up the Yamaha A-S801:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS801S/Yamaha-A-S801-Silver.html

Short review:

What's not to like about this package? It's an integrated with a built in DAC with retro Yamaha styling. I have to say, a big part of its appeal for me was how gorgeous it is. No flash, vintage looking, and it gets raving reviews.

The only think I don't like about it cosmetically is the plastic nobs. You can't tell they're plastic, but you feel it. One thing I love about my vintage receivers was the feel of the metal nobs. Other than that, this thing is a beauty.

I bought this thing for my new office, but it just might stay at home with me. Not having to deal with separates is a joy, and you don't have to worry about finding that perfect synergy and coherency within your components. You plug this thing into a source and you're there.

I couldn't be more impressed with the sound. It's definitely voiced on the brighter side which I normally try to steer as far away from as I can, but its all very refined. I'm used to having tubes in my chain with pre's like the Dodd Reference Level pre or the Rogue Perseus Magnum that I recently sold, so its all a little more focused.

I think the separates I've owned ultimately beat out the AS801, but I've spent far more money on them. Tubes just win overall My point is, I think this piece is a winner. I like it more than the Musical Fidelity M6i I had a couple years ago.

I also picked up the Tekton Lore Reference speakers:

These are super fun and they actually remind me of my heavily modified SDA-CRS+'s. The Lore's don't the pinpoint imaging that my Totem Hawks do, nor do they have the resolution, but what they lack in refinement they make up for with scale & musicality. They aren't "hifi" sounding. Again, very fun speakers.

I'm excited about the Bottlehead Paramount 300B monoblocks that get here on Friday. Can't wait to put them on the Lore's.

Anywho, just a thread to chat so chime in with your thoughts

[Deleted User]

Welcome to the Yamaha fanclub!

erniejade

Nice looking unit! It's good to see Yamaha still making quality equipment.

vcwatkins

Interesting pieces. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Glad to see you here. Hope all is well.

kharp1

Thanks for the reviews. I was waiting on a pair of Tektons to be built and it got in to almost 4 months and I finally cancelled my order. Was buying them without ever hearing them, just was interested too. Would like to hear more about them ifpossible.

audiocr381ve

Hey everybody!

Things are going well here - 4 kids now. Unreal. It's a mad house but we love it.

@kharp1 the Tekton Lore Reference's are not perfect speakers, but they're affordable and fun. I'd take my old Harbeth SLH5's over them every day of the week, but again, those were pricey. Vocals sound a hair muddy on the Lore's and the resolution isn't quite there. I can say the same for my modified CRS+'s, but I love both pairs of speakers. I enjoy the music through the Lore's and that's what matters. They don't call to much attention to themselves.

So, the Bottlehead Paramount 300b monoblocks are in. Wow. That's what I've been missing out on all these years. Soulful AF.

Shane

jeremymarcinko

@audiocr381ve Still liking the A-S801?

Looks like a nice piece. I'm seriously considering getting one to pair with my lsim705s. With its DAC and phono section built it seems like it would suit my needs very well.