You guys are THE reason my home theater is as good as it is! Been you watching all for years and im beyond grateful you guys have given such good info for free! THANK YOU
Nikolaos Sliman I really wanted the A-S1100, you’ve got a nice amp! I had to finically scale it down to the A-S801 because I upgraded my speakers at the same time as well. I got the 801 per Genes review video back in 2015, I love it!
@@nathanjones4039 i had the 801 and was very happy with it but stepped up to the as1100 and it was a huge improvement and have no interest to trade the as1100 away its a keeper for life
Wait until Black Friday and get 2 7-channel Monoliths for about the same price as the 11 channel. Or a 7 and a 5 channel. Then put each amp on separate 20 amp circuits. Awesome!
Hi, why not do a demonstration on setting the 'Bridge Tied Load' jumpered configuration for the two front channels, as little is understood in the instruction manual how to configure them.
In my opinion, Yamaha pro audio and high end home audio amplifiers ranks right up there with ATI and Adcom pertaining to class AB. They've always been very good quality. I've been a Yamaha guy since the early 80's. Their pro audio P-Series, the P2500S and P3500S class AB are one of the best out there in it's class.
I'm a Sony and Pioneer A/V receiver men i been buying them for years. But now I'm going to try some thing different and purchase me a Yamaha A/V receiver with the separate Yamaha app you have convinced me🙂
love your videos Gene! It is because of your review I bought a Monolith 200wpc 7 ch amp to power my system Polk l sim flagship speakers front and back! That amp is beyond fantastic!
Hi gene I just bought two of them man the weight of them I thought you were joking nearly put my back out they look fabulous in titanium the build quality is fabulous , would like to touch on the comment you made about bridging the left and right chanels wouldn't that leave the centre chanel at 150wpc I would have thought keeping lcrs at the same power would be more beneficial the same as keeping LCR the same speaker.
A separate power amplifier will always outperform a reciever. I have a 5 channel carver av705x at 125 watts per channel all channels driven. Let me tell you this thing can drive my Infinity interlude system to concert or movie volumes and not break a sweat. Stays cool all day long
I saw you mention somewhere different brands of amplifiers that are a little more cost effective for a lower budget system but can’t find them for the life of me. As much as I would love to spend a couple grand on an amplifier I just don’t think I should right now. What would be “tier B” worthy verses Yamaha or Marantz as “tier A”? I’m fine with just a 5.2 or 7.2 system rather than a ton of channels.
Hi Audioholics! Great video and super product. I am currently using a Denon 4500 with B&W 603 floor standers and HTM6 center. While the overall sound quality is excellent (after Audessy calibration) but I have a feeling that the amp section of 4500 needs some more power as for quite a few blurays I have to increase the master volume to at least -20db to -18db. Despite the input level is already at its highest @ +10db. If I add this power amp with my setup, am I going to feel any difference in terms of sound quality and overall power and how efficiently this will drive my B&W speakers in comparison to my Denon 4500. Thanks much.
Don't go by volume level as it can be very source dependent. You still have a lot left on the VC (at least +18dB) to make it louder. If it sounds clear when you crank it up, then you're probably OK. Otherwise try getting a good 200wpc 2CH amp to take some strain off the receiver internal amp section.
@@Audioholics Thanks much :-) Your answer cleared up my doubts and saved some hard earned money as well :-) The sound is pretty clear even if I crank up the volume to -15 to -12db. But I always thought, that will harm the 4500.
Hello I have a question for you I have a pair of klipch rf7 speakers I have a chance on picking up a yamaha mx 2 any idea how good it is ? Thanks in advanced
@@scottlowell493 I agree - I have an Emotiva XPA-7 Gen 3 as well, 200W all channels driven. One of my main reasons was racking and mounting it, 50+ lbs is already heavy for me racking it myself. I am very happy the way the amp sounds and with 2 channels driven, I get 300W x 2 - stereo music.
@@scottlowell493 yes their older Gen2 amps did provide good power. Haven't tested Gen3 with SMPS power supply so it remains to be seen, especially since some of their newer models are rated with only 1 or 2CH driven.
Hi Gene, I have watched this great episode of yours many many times before I bought this unit few days back. This is now connected to a Marantz AV7706 11 channel pre-pro, and a pair of Buchardt S400 MKII (4 ohms load) speakers. Right now I am using this for two channel music listening. The problem is both of it's (Yamaha MX A5200) fans at the bottom turns on briefly for 2 seconds when I push the power on button, and then fans never turns back on again. The unit gets very hot (not warm, rather HOT) on the top, specially on the right and left top side. What could be the issue? My house does not have any ground connection (not sure if this has anything to do). Any tips/advice from you would be a tremendous help for me. Thanks a lot in advance.
Great reviews look forward to more content. Looking for monster subs what is your recommendation out of 1.PSA S7201 2.JTR 4000ULF 3.Monolith M215 4.SVS PB16 Will use for home theatre mostly and kids will use for music in the basement. Looking for the boomy, deep, rumble sound thanks?
Home Cinema Got the rxa 2070 with a primare a32 running my mains and iv been long wanting to go back to separates, 150 across 5 channels is a big attraction with the option of driving an extra 2 without an extra amp is very very appealing, and the two channel pre amp of the yamaha is sooooo good the stand alone Cxa 5200 could only be better.
Thanks for doing this. I have a Denon 7200WA receiver. Been looking to get an external amp. Will my Denon 7200WA produce enough voltage from the pre-outs to adequately drive the Yamaha amp? I've noticed on some of the Emotiva amps that 2 volts are need to drive them to full rated power. Not sure my Denon 7200WA swings that kind of voltage out of the preamp section.
Is there any brand amplifier who have the option to take the signal xlr connection input on the back of the amp and have an outlet 1/4” TRS or xlr to add another amplifier? Instead of been limited to only one amplifier with reducing wattage with all channel been used.
I switched my impedance switch in my Yamaha a2080 settings to 6 ohms. Im running 6 ohms Q Acoustics speakers. Are you saying i should switch it back to 8 ohms?
Hey Gene! Please help! After watching this video a few weeks ago, I went to the Monoprice website looking for the 11 channel Monoprice amp that mentioned. When I found the amp I noticed that it had one review with 3 out 5 stars. Reading the comments the reviewer mentioned that he had previously owned a Denon receiver connecting his speakers; had switched to a Marantz Preamp and had hoped that attaching the Monoprice amp would provide better performance(loudness) than his previous setup. What struck me, and the prompted this post, is that Monoprice responded to the review(er) and a suggested that the problem was not with the Amplifier, stating that their amps all provide the same gain across their amplifier, and that the issue of his setup not being as loud as before, had more to do with his Marantz, than the Amp. This made me curious because I have two Marantz 8805's and while I have enjoyed their performance, I noticed that there is a significant difference in loudness when I connect the same amplifier(s) to the analog outs of either my Oppo 105 or 205. On the Audioholichs website, it mentioned that the issue may have to do with the output voltage of the Marantz" preamplifier , and that the gains should match the amplifier. The forum also made mentioned that the output voltage gains in the preamps could be modified to better mate with the amplifiers. The information was over my head, but I wondered if it explained my Oppo's seem to play louder, and more effortlessly than my Marantz. Could you please expound upon this topic and try to explain what might be happening with Oppos and what Monoprice was suggesting to the customer. Thank you, and I apologize for the novel.
Volume is relative. As long as there's enough gain left on the master volume, don't worry about how loud it is when switching from different amplifiers. The monolith has a pretty standard gain structure of 28dB and reaches full power with 1.6Vrms input. The Marantz AV8805 should have no problem driving that amp to clipping. All you need to do it turn the volume higher.
@@Audioholics Thank you, I really appreciate it. Is there a standard voltage, or should I ask why isn't there a standard pre out voltage. I had a Pioneer Elite receiver SC-71 and the rca preamp outs were to weak to drive the Crowns XLR 2502 amplifier I purchased, and I had to buy a converter to boost the signal of the receiver so that would allow me to use the amplifier. This made no sense to me think that any component offering preamp outputs on its products would not have the voltage gain to drive whatever amplifier you attach to it. How do you determine if a preamp, or receiver has the ability to drive separate amplifiers, and is there a voltage that one should look for in either product to ensure a good match?
Gene, have you done a review of the RX A 3080? Just curious on what the power is on all channels driven? I would like to expand to 7.2.4 but need another external amp. I was debating on a 2 channel or maybe going for a 5 channel like the Outlaw 5000.
No I haven't, but the power output should be comparable to what I measured with the RX-Z7. I would probably just get a 3CH amp for your LCR's and use the internal amps for the rest of the channels. Outlaw Model 5000 isn't much of a power increase, you'd probably want to consider a good 3CH amp from Monoprice, or Parasound.
Audioholics thanks for the quick response and advice. I was curious if the outlaw would be much more power or not. Love the videos and honest opinions. Thanks again!
Thanks for your video. I hope you can do the review soon. I am getting the yamaha cxa5200 and mxa 5200 about 2 months time. I really wish you can test on how well do they performance in music as well as the movie? Another thing I am not sure in your video. Is the mxa5200 a class ab amp?
@@Audioholics Thanks for the reply. This is my first time to go for separate and I also want to know which xlr cables to buy. I have 2 options in my mind. 1. Van-damme starquad balanced cable 1m (£15 a single cable). 2. Chord shawline xlr 1m (£250 a pair which recommended by the hifi shop) Can you let me know which is better option to go with the yamaha combo please?
I haven't tested the Gen3 amps from Emotiva but the measurements I've seen on them from Stereophile and THX have been less than flattering. IMO, the best amps Emotiva ever made were the XPR's but those are long gone and Emotiva doesn't even service them anymore, sadly.
@@Audioholics how are your xpr's holding up? Did they need to be serviced already? I was considering buying xpa-1L. Monos paired with the balanced outs on the Yamaha 3080? Would you recommend looking elsewhere? I was also considering the parasound A 23+
Question for you, if you had an electrician give you a dedicated plug with a higher amperage. Say 20 or 30 amps. Will a receiver or preamp/amplifier configuration be able to better utilize that power. I hear you mention in this video and other videos of your traditional 15 amp plug not being able to adequately power most 7 to 11+ channel recievers. Just curious because as I build my hometheatre over time I'm planning to get some electrical done as well.
It depends on how big the power supply and fuse rating is on the amplifier. The old Emotiva XPR Series amps benefited from a 20A line as did the old 10CH Denon POA amp. The Yamaha is fine on a dedicated 15A line or shared with other low energy equipment like source devices.
@@Audioholics thanks for the info, right now I'm running a Yamaha RX-A1000 and a Klipsch sw110 200w rms 450w peak sub. Original owners of home is running entire basement off a 20amp fuse 🤔. So when I upgrade want to isolate theatre room and give it the adequate power it needs. Planning on getting something like the 5200 series from Yamaha. Plus some hefty svs subs. This will be when budgets allow of course, one epic day lol
Hi everyone, if i have to choose between this amplifier (Yamaha MX-A5200) and the PSB CWA-1 amplifier to drive 2 PSB CWS8 subwoofer. They are both rated at 4 ohms. Do the Yamaha can drive both subs equal or better than the CWA-1? Thanks for all advice!
Gene, are you going to do a review of the CX and the MX working together? I was leaning toward the CX before I bought the Denon 8500 and would like to see what you think of the CX's performance.
@@Audioholics So, I don't need to purchase XLR cable ? Besides, I checked other review, no one mentioned that. Is that possible only you cx got this issue ?
It might get tiresome but we really enjoy your Reviews. Is it worth purchasing one of those power amplifies and using a Marantz SR 8012 as a pre-pro using the unbalanced output would it give you a better performance and separation
QUESTION. If not too much trouble. What receiver and amp should I get with my POLK speakers (csi a6, rti a6, rti a3, fti a6, psw125 and 4 ceiling speakers for atmos??? Looking for 11.1 ch AND my room is basement and only 2 seats for me and wife. Also should i bother getting a 2nd sub? For only 2 people? Thanks.
Most of their products are not within the reach of mere mortals and they don't really pursue online magazines for reviews so we kinda just pass them over I suppose.
“Beware of customer complaint” I bought 2 yamaha MX A5000, six month apart, they sound superb but boths smoked after few months of use. So I recomend caution to buy the new version to check if yamaha fix this recurrent problem.
That's very unusual. I've had an MX-A5000 in my rack for over 1 year without incident. Did you have the impedance switch on the default high position or low?
Nice video as always.I have had 6 Yamaha flagship AVR for the last 25 years and never had a problem with any of them, I have gone to the Marantz SR 8012 and hopefully it’s as reliable.
Top Shelf Innovations hi yes the Marantz sounds great with music and movies my wife noticed the sound difference straight way. I got a new RXA 2080 family room and still like the Yamaha
@@Mappi75 hi! Have you connected all pre-amp channels from your 8012 to the 5200 ? Or you are using the 5200 to only power your front LR and center? I have a marantz 7013 running B&W new 603 floor standers and HTM6 center in a 5.2.2 setup. I am planning to add a three channel power amp to it, so that I can drive only my front stage and rest channels by 7013. I am very much interested in this Yamaha 5200 beauty but am not sure how much audio power and quality impact it will bring on top of my 7013.
@@Mappi75 thanks much for your detailed reply. So currently you are using the marantz AV8805 with the Yamaha 5200 or with the Nad M27 ? Sorry, am a little confused.
@@Mappi75 aah lovely. But as you had first hand experience with the 8012 driving the 5200, what do you think about the sound quality if I do the same with my 7013 ? The reason for me to choose the Yamaha 5200 is, I just want to run the front LCR with the 5200 having bridged connection for the LR. Rest channels with the 7013. Will this be a nice combo ? Or I should go for any other 3 channel power amp.
It's an impractical test and I already showed the max capabilities with up to 7CH driven. You never run into a situation where ALL channels will be driven to full power simultaneously.Test tones are far more strenuous than actual program material.
I get your point, but I'm looking into at 5.4.2 speaker system from the KEF In wall THX series, where all the 4 subwoofers are passive, so running all 11 channels is a possibility. There are a lot of different ways I could combine with a reciever (soundprocessor) like for instance a Denon 3800h, where even running to of the channels on the Denon might be less benefitial than running all channels on the Yahama... not sure what the best combo could be. Perhaps just a 4 channel amplifier for the subwoffers and a more powerful reciever for all of the other speakers? @@Audioholics
@alexcandar this amp will easily drive 11 speakers to reference levels in large rooms. I used it for years with great success. You should not use it to power subwoofers, though. Get powered subs or passive subs with rackmount amps. Tell me your budget and room size and I can give you some recommendations if you like.
@@Audioholics Thinking between 4.000- 6.000 USD for the reciever/amp setup. The KEF Ci3160RLb-THX In wall subwoofers simple looks great stacked right below The KEF Ci5160RLAM-THX, (Times 4), so it's a visual requirement having passive subs. So that's why my idea was a "cheap Denon" as sound processor, and the Yamaha for driving all 11 speakers (including the four subs). My other idea was using a Marantz MM7055 amp (about 1200 USD) for the subs, and using the rest of the budget for a powerfull reciever. Not sure what would give the "best bang for tha buck" 😄
gosh...amazon has a big typo in their listing for that amp. It says 0.6% THD, which makes me cringe. Then you showed the specs as .06%. Massively different!!
Hi! In my county I am getting the Emotiva XPA-3 Gen-3 and the Yamaha MX-A5200 within my budget. My current setup : Denon 4500 with B&W 603's floor standers and HTM6 Center. Which one would you suggest to power my front three channels ? 1) Emotova XPA-3 Gen 3 --three channel amp OR 2) Yamaha MX-A5200 with bridge connection for the front two channels and bi-amping the center. Looking forward for your suggestion. Cheers, Partha
120V,60 Hz is used in North America, where 240V, 50 Hz is used in Europe, Australia,NZ. Forgotten about Asia. It relates to the voltage at the Wall plug.This was edited from 110 to 120V
anyone can help me here..I have yamaha avr rx 475 5.1 model... Problem is i am getting subwoofer pop sound whenever the signal is interrupted for example when u change input or just stop any playback on the avr
Hey Gene! Awesome review, really like that you opened it up. You mentioned Outlaw Audio. Do you mind answering two questions please? First, what is your opinion on the 2200 monoblock amp? Meaning noise and true watts. Lastly, is it safe to say that the model 5000 is the best bang for your buck 5 channel amp out right now?
Haven't looked at the 2200 but the Model 5000 is a very solid piece for the price. IMO, the best value in multi-ch amps right now are from Monoprice and Outlaw Audio.
Wish Yamaha was giving that same attention to their AVRs' stereo performance too. There are millions of people who are using AVRs as their Stereo systems. But, Yamaha AVRs are full of bloatware (Surround AI, Music Enhancer, Musicast etc.) and they do cost a lot. - So what they've done ? They just cut down the "quality" of amplifiers in the AVRs in order to compensate the sale price. Things are going so south with Yamaha nowadays. They really have to catch-up, cause rivals are killing in terms of Stereo Performance in their AVRs. Even their "fancy named" Aventage AVR series sound like shit in Stereo. Just try a Stereo test with a Yamaha AVR vs (ex. Denon/Marantz AVRs) and hear it for yourself. Unfortunately, you won't believe your ears... Sorry, but this is a fact !
Boorock70 just buy Yamaha AVR with preouts, then buy 2 channel amp. OR BUY THE INTEGRATED AMP. A SURROUND SOUND unit isn’t designed to run HiFi 2 channel stereo. There is a 2 channel direct mode.... but it’s just okay.
@@Z22-m5o Think so ? You sure haven't experienced any Denon (or Marantz) AVR yet... Do it and hear what Yamaha is missing in Stereo Mode (Pure Direct etc.) PS: I'm a Yamaha fan & own one !
@@Boorock70 Yes I had Marantz before I purchased my Yamaha 3060 I like them both but I prefer th manual EQ on the Yamaha . Properly calibrated they both sound good. Denon runs to hot you shouldn't have to buy a fan to keep them cool!
WWAAAAAIT!! Did i just hear Gene say that the ATI amplifies were as good as any class AB amplifier can get???!!!!!! Caaaant believe i just heard him say that! Imma have to re hear that, cause i can't believe he possibly thinks such a thing! Bzzzt....
