Flexible inputs, plenty of power, movies DSPs, those two extra front effect channels!

Not-so-user-friendtly remote, though functional.

After reading many great reviews on the A-1, I started shopping around for an integrated A/V amp with “movie-bias.” I auditioned a few different potential brands such as Harman Kordon and Yamaha. I listened to a few different models specifically among these two brands, ended up with the DSP-A2. The A-1 is also very awesome, but when you factor in price and performance, the A-2 is the winner.

The DSP modes (especially for movies) are great, and it really helps when you use them with two front effect channels. The extra speakers add realism to environment sound effects to many movies I’d watched. Comparing DD and DTS performance on a few DTS DVDs that I own, I have to say DTS has a slight edge over DD. One glitch I found is with Dragon Heart DVD (zone 1) is a drop of sound (for a split second) a period before and after layer switch. (It may be DVD-player related.)

My A-2 is paired with Boston Acoustics THX speakers (with an exception of a Yamaha YST-SW300 sub), and the A-2 hasn’t disappointed. It still runs cool after watching two movies in a row. Recently the release of Matrix DVD has given me another impression of the A-2 and the Boston speakers. The scene where Neo blasts the machine gun into the building to save Morphius, the A-2 reproduces all the little details of falling clips and shattering glass with no distortion. (This scene is comparable to “The Lost World” DTS-LD when the camper is about to fall into the canyon after the dinosaur attack. Everything is falling apart, and the glass is cracking in the scene. I auditioned the Bostons with this scene through the A-1 at the showroom.)

Lastly, the remote. Yes it isn’t exactly user-friendly. It takes time to learn, but it gets the job done most of the time. In short, the A-2 is a great integrated A/V amp (a very capable one at that), and it’s also good for two channel music - though it also depends on your speakers. If your budget stretches to the A-2 level, I think you won’t be disappointed.

Awesome

I've had my A2 for about a month now and I know how good the A1 is. However, this newer unit fits my budget for the new HT system more so than the A1. After burning the unit in for a week or so, I gave it a serious audition. Listening to music in stereo, this unit produces better soundstage than my previous NAD 316AV receiver. The midrange (sax & trumpets, including vocals) is richer, while bass is more defined though limited because of the speakers. (Please keep in mind that my old NAD doesn't have the digital input whatsoever, but now I'm using the optical inputs for CD & DVD.) Unfortunately I have never auditioned the A1 in stereo in a similar set up. Overall I'm quite happy with its music performance.
For movies, the A2 is connected to Bose AM-7 (front & center) and AM-3 (rear) - all at "A" speakers. That's one noticable different from the A1. The A2 has "B" speakers connection while the A1 (in this region - Thailand) doesn't! I'm not a big fan of Bose but these speakers were purchased by my dad - who's a big fan of Bose. Moving from Prologic (with NAD) to this DD (Yamaha), watching movies at home will never be the same again for me! DD 5.1 along with DD enhanced are incredible! I've audition HK AVR 75 and I was disturbed by the excess treble it produces - a rather common problem for many AV amps. Entering some of the A2's preset DSP modes and I was even more impressed. Each mode is set to bring out the best of its category such as adventure, sci-fi, etc... Wachting Ronin again with the A2 was a blast, Contact was also more exciting compared to the Prologic show I watched a while back.

I'd made some changes to my speakers setup last week 'cuz I got really fed up with (especially) the AM-3 (rear speakers). These tiny things are too small and the surround sounds are too point-specific. Here's what I did, the small AM-3 cubes are off the system! The AM-1 (2-cube units) are moved to the rear channel since they can be positioned to fire in different directions. The KEFs (previously connected to "B") are moved to A, now connected FROM the AM-10 subwoofer. The AM-10 center stays where it was. Now movies sounds a LOT better 'cuz the rear channels are now more diffused. The KEFs also provides more midrange (though not as good as used alone) for movies as well as bass for music. These speakers won't be an issue much longer as I have my eyes set on the B&W 600 series!

Lastly, here are some of the compenents mentioned in the review:

Yamaha DSP-A2
Marantz CD-63SE MkII
Sharp DV-880 DVD player
Sony Toslink cables for above units
KEF Q10 speakers on 24" stands
Bose AM-7 & AM-3 speakers
Kimber Cable (for KEFs) an entry-level one (forgot the model)

To start off, I DO NOT own this amp...I own the DSP-A1. I'd thought I'd pass some info onto anyone thinking about the DSP-A2.
Here is the difference between the DSP-A1 and the DSP-A2. I have been hearing that the DSP-A2 is a newer and better unit...hhmm I wonder.

DSP-A2:
- 7 channel amp
- 100x5, 25x2 watts(RMS)
- Has DTS, Dolby Digital, Pro-logic (ick)
- Non-universal/non-learning remote (but does have macro function)
- 6 ch external input
- RF demodulator
- 36 surround programs, 19 cinema DSP, 14 Hi-Fi DSP, DD, DTS
- 5 digital inputs (1 coax, 4 opt)
- OSD
- 20 bit DA converter
- 6 13/16(H) x 17 1/4 (w) x 18 13/16 (d) ...a little shorter.

DSP-A1:
- 7 channel
- 110x5, 35x2 (RMS)
- Learning remote
- Has DTS, DD, Pro-logic
- 6 channel external input
- RF Demod
- 42 surround programs, 21 cinema DSP, 18 Hi-Fi DSP, 6 Dolby AC-3, 6 Prologic, 6 concert, 3 church, 3 rock, 4 concert, 2 jazz, 2 tv theater, 4 movie theater.
- 6 video inputs, 5 audio, 6 s-video, lots of opt
- OSD
- 20 bit DA; 96/24
- LFE programming
- 7 1/2 (H) x 17 1/8 (w) x 18 3/4 (d)

There are many more diffences, but this is what it is in a nutshell. Anyway, personally, the DSP-A1 is still the big brother...and the A2 is a younger brother no one really new, until now.

And I have noticed price differences as well...the A2 is about $600--$800 less. If the A2 was out last summer, I probably would have bought it..but oh well, too late...I'm very attached to the A1.

ps. I am getting this information from a Japanese catalog containing Yamaha Home Theater products. So US models may vary slightly. As far as looks, it looks identical!!!

Very Good A2!!!

What's the difference this and the V2095. From what little specs are on Yahama's site, these two products looks the same. I mean, besides that the V2095 is a receiver and not just an amp. The power ratings and features seems to be identical. I think the A2 is cheaper ($400 US less) because it lacks a tunner (but who listens the radio anyway). Which begs the question of why would one buy one over the other? I've heard the V2095 and it sounds wonderful. Not as nice as the A1, but for a thousand dollars less, I can live with it without complaining. Now, if the A2 is the same without V2095 but without the tuner, that's great - I want it. Like I said, who listens to the radio anyway. I'm either DVD's or CD's. My rating is based upon the V2095.

when i traveled back to Hong Kong, i saw this unit. I compared A2 with A1, and found that A2 has very similar features and also good quality as A1. In my point of view, the A2 is better than A1, for price and performance.

I use to own a Onkyo DS TX838. this was also an DD decoder but doesn't have a DTS decoder. I was very happy with it, but decided dat i wanted to switch to DTS. I purchased the A2 because of the very little difference between the A1 and the A2. And i must say, that the Onkyo was a very good amplifier. but the Yamaha DSP A2 kicks it's ass. The sound is much more natural. And it is an much more grown up amp. And there about the same price. the yamaha in fact is cheaper. but it doesn't have an tuner. But i like this, because there is no internal interfearing now.The A2 has enough power for any kind of movie or cd. The stereo is very spatial, and very clear. Watching movies brings will also never be the same.
Channel seperation is very good, wheter your watching a Dolby surround, DD or DTS encoded film. I think this is a very good alrounder. an can be applied to most any kind of home theater.
this is best amp in it's category. And probably the best price falue amp you can buy today.

I bought DSP-A2 two mounths ago, I had a Denon PMA-1060 an old Amp, but a very good quality Stereo Amp.I don't talk about technical feature because this are easy to see on Yamaha Guide.
Different between DSP-A1 and A2 are to impute on Internal Circuit (more sofisticated on A1), little POWER (about 40W more on A1), DSP mode available (about 10 more on A1) and ....weight 21 Kg for A1 vs. 19 Kg on A2.....Yes! good quality costruction you can see and...feel (muscle need to bring it!) when installed.
At beginning I listen HK AVR75 and Yamaha RX-795, in my country are not so cheaper, about $1000. I didn't want lose Stereo quality of my Denon, and I was very worry.
I knew quality of DSp-A2 for my documentation, I read a lot of paper about it!
At the end I decide for DSP-A2!! Probaibly my best Choice!!
Final Choice depend definitely to Own taste, Usually Yamaha SOUND is WARM while HK for me is a little too High colored.
Furthermore Speakers are important complement to considerer; After listen Them I have put a 'B&W 600 series II' system conncet with my DSP-A2, I raccomended this one for clean and details sound.
Final consideration are relative to 'Dolby Digital' mode and 'Stereo' Mode.
On HT system DSP-A2 is sure the best choice, sound is very clean, with no lose of details, and power too.
Dolby Digital:
A movie with this system is an experience to do!! Airplane will fly from right to Left, Front to rear around you ...through your head! ..incredible!!!
Stereo:
Sound is excellent, even if some CD sound is too WARM for my taste, but this is probabily character of Yamaha sound.
All DSP mode are interesting to try, but personaly I prefer use it only with Dolby Digital INPUT, with good Speaker CD in stereo mode is the best.
Best result is with 7 channel, but also with Five channel You'll be 'IN the Sound'.
Excellent Sound thet DSP-A2 produce with a good Speaker consent to don't buy a SubWoofer, this is my opinion....
Remeber that once installed, DSP-A2 need a setting for your room; operation is enough easy to do, manual is important complement; no more set you need after this.
Remote control is probabily the best at this moment on market, full of feauters,
some over your imagination, but very easy to use, and important function are under your finger!!
Input connection are how the best you looking for, DSP-A1 offer something more but in DSP-A2 there is all that you need.
I raccomended to use good cable for optical connect, this increase a little the performance, and S-Video connect for TV link.
Only one thing .... rear panel, plug for Speakers cable could be more solid...but this is a only a my personal opinion.

At last, If you can..buy IT!!! Dsp-A2 is Quality Sound, Solid costruction, and Yamaha experience....and all for a reasonable price.
Don't lose it!! .. but remember this..a good Amp give a good sound if you connect good component!

features, amplification, clarity, Home Thearter Usage

not any, might be on music

I purchased this unit one year ago mainly used it for home theater. I had the gold version which it look real classy.

Anyway, for home theater use, this is an excellent integrated amplifier that it produce very strong bass and very detail high. The channel separation is very good. I watch quute a few dvds include Eraser, 5th element, Air Force One, Matrix, and etc. I have AR 312HO, AR CS25HO and AR 308HO with no subwoofer and I set all channel with bass. In 5th element, the exposion scene at end totally blow me array. My whole floor is shaking with volume level set to only -40dB which is about 10 o'clock position. In Air Force One, I was even more amaze with jet flying from back to forth and right to left. With those thundering jet engine sound, I felt the jet is fly just above my head. That kind of give me idea on how good id bass response of A2. I further test it with my friend bookshelf speaker. What we find is the A2 in music can produce bass we never heard before when his speaker is drive by NAD 304. By the way, he has PSB 400. But I have to say A2 in music might not satisfy with people who so use in separate. I listen to alot of separate and yes you will find difference in music. Given that, I will also said at the same time A2 will be equal or outperform many recevier and integrated amp.

With price and performance consideration, I rate A2 as high as 5. Although, nothing is perfect, A2 is near perfect for its intended usage, home theater.

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compare to Denon 5600, 3600, Onkyo 939, yamaha 2095