Well what a fun time was had with these two amplifiers. It’s not often you have a chance to listen to two amplifiers made by the same company separated by some thirty odd years. What follows is a brief description of my listening impressions of both amplifiers. I’m no “audiophile” professional reviewer of gear. These are just my ramblings on how I think they sound to me.
So we have the Yamaha Natural Sound CA-1010 (CA) integrated amplifier (1978) and the Yamaha Natural Sound A-S1000 (AS) integrated amplifier (2010).
The retro styling of the AS is attractive to my eye obviously. It’s interesting to directly compare the AS to the amp that influenced its design.
Technically, both amps are rated at 90w per channel driven at 8 ohms. The CA also has a switchable Class A function that is rated at 18w. Both amps have tone controls bass and treble. There is no loudness controls on either amps.
The AS employs a “floating balanced” design in the power amp and some innovative engineering and design in the tone section. I’m no tech guru but I believe Yamaha’s objective was to create a symmetrical operation, thus resulting in superior sound quality. There is also a parallel electronic tone and volume controls that is claimed to be of superior design also.
Certainly in terms of technology, the CA is of the “analogue era” and the AS the “digital age”. Ultimately however, none of that matters, rather how do they sound?
The A-S1000
The first thing you notice about the AS is it’s weight. This is one heavy integrated amplifier, heavier than the CA by some 2kgs. It weighs in at an impressive 22kg. I know heavy amps, most of my vintage collection is of a weighty disposition. The AS is in the same weight category as the Yamaha CA-2010 and Rotel 1412 integrated.
No question, the current model Yamaha’s tank like build is as good as, if not better than the CA series of amps. Very impressive.
On first listen, the first thing I noticed about the AS were the highs and mids. It’s interesting, as when I listen to different amps, the first thing I generally hear is the bass rendition. But that didn’t happen with AS. The AS has a very detailed top end. Some may find the treble verging on too “bright”, but not for me.
Mids are also good, with voices reproduced naturally and nicely. It’s not the fastest amp I’ve heard, but it’s good. Bass – plenty of it, gowing way down, plenty of slam. But it’s a good bass, nicely reproduced and controlled.
This is one very composed and powerful amplifier. It has effortless power and sounds big. I think it will drive any speaker down to 4 ohms - LOUD without even breaking a sweat. My notes read “powerful, yet articulate”, “neutral” and “composed” Certainly that’s what it is and then some.
Its an amplifier that you just want to keep turning up. And it delivers a precise, composed sound at high volumes. It is a non-fatiguing, linear, neutral delivery. If you like your music on the louder side, this amp is for you.
The CA-1010
The immediate impression - the CA is not as detailed in its delivery as the AS. It can’t match the AS in the articulation stakes, treble not as sharp, mids not as defined.
Where the AS appears to extract every nuance of detail from the track, the CA seemed a little veiled in its rendition compared to the AS. The difference in sound is not as big as one would imagine. In terms of bass, the CA matches the AS in bottom end. Its not as tight, but there is plenty of bass, extension is good, very nice bass from the CA.
Just like the AS, the CA has plenty of effortless power. It’s a definite vintage Yamaha sound and its very good. Neutral and revealing, and it just keeps giving. As you turn up the CA it continues to deliver a very composed sound. Not as rock solid as the AS however.
Pete Mac did a very nice re-capping on this amp, and it sounds like it. Very sweet indeed. This CA has not had a lot of hours on it since its restore. Minimal actually, and I think it may getter better as it is used.
Switching to Class A, we turn up the heat, literally! Everything tightens up and there is more detail, the gap narrows and it’s a very enjoyable smooth listen.
Summary
Both amps are designed in the “natural sound” ethic, its not night and day between them. But the CA is not as refined it does not have the composure of the AS at higher volumes. However it’s a great amp and I really like its sound.
The tonal neutrality of these amps, makes it easy to match source and speakers. A wide range would be available to you.
If we use the car as an analogy. The AS is a current model Mercedes. Using the latest technology, beautifully engineered, and built to a very high standard. It stops, and steers with ultimate precision and can cruise for long periods at high speeds without the driver getting tired. The CA is simply a 1978 Mercedes. Aged gracefully, still looks stunning, does everything right, can stay with the AS to a point. But ultimately can’t match the new car on the Autobahn.
Both amps are a joy to listen to. I’m keeping both of em! And look forward to many hours of enjoyable listening.
Associated Equipment
Squeezebox Touch
Rega DAC
Grave Science -10db Interconnects
Rogers LS2a Monitors (8ohms)
Quad 12L2 Monitors (6ohms)
Music
Talking Heads – Best Of
Angus & Julia Stone – A Book Like This
Acoustic Alchemy - Aart
Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms
k.d. Lang – All You Can Eat
Dave’s True Story – Unauthorised (Hi Res)
Donald Fagen – Sunken Condos (Hi Res)
Amy Winehouse - Frank