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Summary:
I bought it last month in Singapore at SGD900.00 and after 50hrs break-in period, I have made comparison to my old Marantz PM7000, this Yamaha A-S700 is a clear winner for VERY smooth, open, transparent and natural sound.

I have paired it with B&W DM601 S3 and Marantz CD6002, they were perfectly match system. I listened to audiophile cd on pure direct mode (CD direct mode sounds a bit bright), the musical instruments such as gultar, piano, drum, bass,violin including vocal sounds VERY NATURAL, PRECISE, CRISP & CLEAR. Even I listened to 70' english pop such as Abba, Bee Gees, Bread & Stylistics, they have slightly more analog sounds, when listening to fast songs (Example: Abba's song - Voulez Vous or does your mother know), the channel separation and bass extension on Yamaha is better as compared to Marantz PM7000 (Marantz's bass sound is quite dry, no extension, the overall music sounds quite congested)

Although Yamaha A-S700 has less dynamic power as compared to other brands' amplifier, But its dynamic power is still GOOD ENOUGH for playing pop music, classical, jazz, country, audiophile music,english oldies, 70' & 80' disco music & etc.... NOT FOR HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK OR LOUDNESS WAR MUSIC.

If you want the "Natural sound " only, Yamaha A-S700 is 100% strongly recommened !!