SeanMG
Member
I think it might be a bit less biased to look at a review like this:
http://www.whathifi.com/yamaha/s3000/review
I've noticed people on AK get caught up too much in brand loyalty, so that almost anything from Brand 'X' is going to be "jaw-dropping". I like Yamaha, one of my fave tuners was a CT-7000 and I also liked the M-1000U I had. But it's good to keep things in perspective.
Sure, I like Yamaha but more high-end HiFi folks than not are actually biased against brands like Yamaha due to their success in selling inexpensive equipment in big box stores.
Also, I don't think What HiFi is particularly credible for my ears as I rarely agree with them on anything other than tha A-S2000 (at the time of their first review). Also, this review seems to be predicated on the price of the amplifier and not the sound of it. I shared my impressions after comparing the A-S3000 to McIntosh amplifiers in its price range. While it would be sacrilege to suggest that the McIntosh is overpriced, I personally found more of what I was looking for in the Yamaha.
I think that Yamaha and ATC have a house sound and that sound--what's on the recording an little/no coloration is what I prefer. Just like What HiFi doesn't get my ideal sound, some amplifier and speaker brands don't get me either. That's fine but I need to know what gear sounds like for myself and I enjoy sharing my impressions with people who are looking for similar qualities. The Austrailian HiFi review of this amplifier was profoundly positive and actually involved test and listening. More importantly, the Australian HiFi review supports what I hear from the amplifier day-to-day in my listening room.