Main trade-off
Yamaha A-S701
Its USB-shaped DC OUT socket supplies accessory power, so it cannot take computer audio.
Head-to-head
Yamaha A-S701 vs A-S801: USB without another box?
The short answer
Choose A-S801 if a supported computer needs a direct USB audio connection and there is no separate DAC you want to keep. Keep a working A-S701 when its wired sources already cover the job, or choose it new if its complete-system price is lower and USB is unnecessary. Both take MM records and optical TV audio. Neither adds HDMI ARC, and both need care when switching out of a reduced loudness setting.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
USB earns its place when the desk and record system share a crowded surface
If a computer and an MM turntable share the same speakers, A-S801 can take USB from the computer and phono from the turntable without a separate computer DAC. That removes one proposed box from the installation, which matters when the desk is also the record-playing surface. A-S701 needs another supported computer-audio route. Reverse the choice if a working external DAC is already staying in the system, or the computer supplies a usable optical or analog output. Compare the complete connection cost before paying for a second way to do the same job.
What this is based on
Computer audio plus MM records and limited surface space crossed with the exact USB and phono inputs. A-S801 pp4 and 13, A-S701 family p4. No audible DAC advantage is claimed.
Main trade-off
Yamaha A-S801
USB adds computer compatibility and driver checks without adding HDMI ARC or network streaming.
Yamaha A-S701
- Choose it for
- Keep an A-S701 whose existing DAC, CD player and MM turntable already cover the room.
- Choose a lower current complete-system price when direct computer USB adds no useful job.
- Main trade-off
- Its USB-shaped DC OUT socket supplies accessory power, so it cannot take computer audio.
Yamaha A-S801
- Choose it for
- Connect a supported computer directly by USB without buying a separate DAC.
- Keep computer, optical TV and MM turntable connections on the same amplifier.
- Main trade-off
- USB adds computer compatibility and driver checks without adding HDMI ARC or network streaming.
About this comparison
Yamaha A-S701 vs A-S801 for records, computer audio and TV. See when USB removes a separate DAC and which everyday handoffs stay unchanged.
These close Yamaha integrated amplifiers suit the same wired stereo system. The buying decision is whether a direct computer input replaces equipment the household would otherwise need, or adds an unused connection.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
My working A-S701 already connects every source
Keeping A-S701 avoids replacing the amplifier for an unused USB input. A new computer requirement would change that decision.
- Yamaha A-S701
- Better fit
- Yamaha A-S801
- Good
My computer needs USB audio and I want no separate DAC
A-S801 provides the Type B USB audio input. Confirm current computer and driver support first.
- Yamaha A-S701
- Caution
- Yamaha A-S801
- Better fit
I need the TV remote to control volume through ARC
Neither amplifier has HDMI ARC. The A-S801 USB upgrade does not address this requirement.
- Yamaha A-S701
- Not suitable
- Yamaha A-S801
- Not suitable
Different people change loudness and direct modes
Both require lowering volume before a direct-mode change that bypasses loudness attenuation.
- Yamaha A-S701
- Caution
- Yamaha A-S801
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
USB earns its place when the desk and record system share a crowded surface
If a computer and an MM turntable share the same speakers, A-S801 can take USB from the computer and phono from the turntable without a separate computer DAC. That removes one proposed box from the installation, which matters when the desk is also the record-playing surface. A-S701 needs another supported computer-audio route. Reverse the choice if a working external DAC is already staying in the system, or the computer supplies a usable optical or analog output. Compare the complete connection cost before paying for a second way to do the same job.
How we reached this conclusion
Computer audio plus MM records and limited surface space crossed with the exact USB and phono inputs. A-S801 pp4 and 13, A-S701 family p4. No audible DAC advantage is claimed.
Replacing A-S701 will not settle an argument over the TV volume remote
A household can use either amplifier for a TV with compatible optical output while keeping the turntable connected. Moving to A-S801 does not add HDMI ARC, so it does not create an ARC-linked TV volume routine. If finding the amplifier remote is the reason for replacing a working A-S701, this particular upgrade leaves the problem in place. Keep it if that separate control is acceptable. Look at an ARC-equipped alternative if linked TV control is the requirement, and choose A-S801 here only when its computer connection solves another real need.
How we reached this conclusion
A shared television, separate amplifier control and an already connected turntable crossed with both complete connector inventories. TV output format must be supported PCM.
The person who takes over tomorrow needs to know how tonight was made quieter
Both models let one listener reduce the level with the loudness control, then leave that setting for the next person. Their manuals warn that enabling Pure Direct or CD Direct after this attenuation can cause a sudden volume increase. The household needs the same lower-volume-before-switching habit on either amplifier. Buying A-S801 does not automate it. If this familiar control routine already works and no computer input is missing, keeping A-S701 is reasonable. If USB is needed, choose A-S801 while preserving that handoff rule instead of assuming the newer number changes it.
How we reached this conclusion
Different listeners sharing the controls across evening and daytime sessions crossed with both manuals p12. This is an operating-state warning, not a claim about noise reaching another room.
Choice A
Yamaha, A-S701BL
Yamaha A-S701
Keep an A-S701 whose existing DAC, CD player and MM turntable already cover the room.
- Best matched use
- Keep an A-S701 whose existing DAC, CD player and MM turntable already cover the room.
Checked facts
- Computer connection: No USB audio input. DC OUT supplies accessory power.
- TV and records together: One optical input, one coaxial input and MM phono.
- Quiet-listening controls: Variable loudness. Pure Direct and CD Direct bypass its setting.
- Headphone privacy check: Headphone jack and SPEAKERS OFF. Automatic sub muting is unverified.
Choice B
Yamaha, A-S801BL
Yamaha A-S801
Connect a supported computer directly by USB without buying a separate DAC.
- Best matched use
- Connect a supported computer directly by USB without buying a separate DAC.
Checked facts
- Computer connection: Type B USB DAC input, plus separate accessory-power DC OUT.
- TV and records together: One optical input, one coaxial input and MM phono.
- Quiet-listening controls: The same loudness/direct-mode restriction.
- Headphone privacy check: Headphone jack and SPEAKERS OFF. Automatic sub muting is unverified.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Yamaha A-S701 | Yamaha A-S801 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer connection | No USB audio input. DC OUT supplies accessory power. | Type B USB DAC input, plus separate accessory-power DC OUT. | A-S801 can replace a separate computer DAC, provided the computer and driver are supported. |
| TV and records together | One optical input, one coaxial input and MM phono. | One optical input, one coaxial input and MM phono. | A TV and MM turntable do not require the USB upgrade. Both still lack an ARC control route. |
| Quiet-listening controls | Variable loudness. Pure Direct and CD Direct bypass its setting. | The same loudness/direct-mode restriction. | Lower volume before engaging a direct mode after loudness attenuation. A-S801 does not remove that handoff. |
| Headphone privacy check | Headphone jack and SPEAKERS OFF. Automatic sub muting is unverified. | Headphone jack and SPEAKERS OFF. Automatic sub muting is unverified. | Check the speaker selector and actual connected subwoofer before treating either system as silent outside the headphones. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Yamaha A-S701
- Add the DAC, cable and any power supply to the total if computer audio is still missing.
If you choose Yamaha A-S801
- An already working external DAC can make the extra USB connection redundant.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
The existing wired setup is complete and USB would sit unused
Choose Yamaha A-S701. Keep A-S701, or choose it if its current complete-system price is lower.
Direct computer USB replaces a DAC that would otherwise need buying
Choose Yamaha A-S801. A-S801 integrates the missing connection, subject to current driver compatibility.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
An integrated USB DAC can remove a separate box, while leaving the TV remote and low-volume handoff unchanged.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No measured sound-quality or loudness winner.
- A USB DAC does not add network streaming or HDMI control.
- Automatic headphone muting of every output is not established in these manuals.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current stereo amplifiers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha A-S701 |
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| Yamaha A-S801 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Yamaha A-S701
Keep an A-S701 whose existing DAC, CD player and MM turntable already cover the room.
Choose a lower current complete-system price when direct computer USB adds no useful job.
See price & reviews on AmazonYamaha A-S801
Connect a supported computer directly by USB without buying a separate DAC.
Keep computer, optical TV and MM turntable connections on the same amplifier.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.