New Yamaha integrated amps

I saw those the other day.  Very nice indeed.

"I'd like to see what's different on these."

One thing that is different, at least with the 1200 and 2200, they each now have a toroidal transformer instead of an EI.

"I bet the older models will have some sweet deals." 

I am hoping for a blow out price on an A-S1100.

"A used A-S2100 just went for $1200 here...super deal." 

Wow, no joke there.

Bill

I'm not convinced the move to toroidal transformers is a good one. The best attribute of the current crop of Yamaha integrateds is the bass extension. It's my suspicion that some of that is attributable to the EI transformers. Of all the amps I've owned, those with EI transformers have consistently produced superior bass. It could be a meaningless correlation but the move to a toroid alone is not enough to warrant one of these new models over the outgoing series at closeout pricing. It's not as though the current models have a high noise floor, especially not in any practical/audible sense. 

" I'm not convinced the move to toroidal transformers is a good one. The best attribute of the current crop of Yamaha integrateds is the bass extension. It's my suspicion that some of that is attributable to the EI transformers."

You may have something here.  Maybe that is why Luxman still uses EI transformers in their integrated amps.  With that said, the 3000 series has always had a toroidal and from much of what I have read, bass drive capabilities is not lacking.

Bill

Looks like better S/N ratios as well. Yamaha says they have improved the wiring and feet for better vibration absorption. Question: will changing transformers increase power output? I have 6 ohm speakers and according to the specs, for 6 ohms its 135 wpc.

"Question: will changing transformers increase power output?"

Not necessarily.  Transformers, power caps, output transistors, all contribute to power rating.  Of course amp design topology also.

"feet for better vibration absorption."

The feet on all these beastly Yamaha analog integrated amps, from the older A-S1000(which I have) to A-S3000 are all solid chunks of metal.  The top two models(2200, 3200) now have chrome plated brass feet.

Bill