Yamaha A-U671 Stereo Amplifier with USB DAC Function

Q: What is the maximum resolution that this amplifier can play?
A: The Yamaha A-U671 Stereo Amplifier with USB DAC Function can play DSD 5.6 MHz and PCM 384 kHz with high-grade USB DAC functionality.

Q: What type of DAC does this amplifier use?
A: This amplifier utilizes the ESS SABRE32 DAC (ES9010K2M) from the U.S. company, ESS Technology.

Q: How many speaker binding posts does this amplifier have?
A: The A-U671 has five-way speaker binding posts (stereo).

Q: Does this amplifier have an analog audio input?
A: Yes, it has an analog audio input (stereo) and a single subwoofer output.

Q: What is the power output of this amplifier?
A: The power output of the A-U671 is 70 W + 70 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD).

Q: Can this amplifier handle 5 ohm bookshelf speakers?
A: According to a customer review, it handled a pair of bookshelf speakers nominally rated at 4 ohms without any issues.

Q: Is there a phono input on this amplifier?
A: Yes, there is a phono input on this amplifier.

Q: Can this amplifier be connected to a turntable?
A: Yes, it can be connected to a turntable but you'll need to ground the turntable to the amp chassis as there is no dedicated phono ground lug.

Q: Is the remote control made of aluminum or plastic?
A: The remote control is made of plastic.

Q: Does the DAC work with Linux?
A: There is no information provided by Yamaha regarding Linux compatibility.

Q: Will this amplifier drive KEF LS50 speakers?
A: According to a customer review, it drives a pair of KEF Q-100 bookshelf speakers and a small powered sub with no issues.

Q: Does this amplifier work with 220v power?
A: No, the U.S. model has a standard 110 volt plug.

Q: Is there a significant difference in sound quality when using the Pure Direct mode?
A: According to Yamaha, the Pure Direct mode improves audio quality by bypassing certain circuitry. However, a customer review stated that they noticed no difference when compared to playback without it.

Q: What are the pros and cons of this amplifier?
A: Pros include very clean and natural sounding playback, powerful class D amp, capable of driving a wide range of bookshelf speakers to realistic volumes, rock solid firmware/software, bass and treble control knobs, size (small enough to allow for more placement options than a full-size component), and subwoofer pre-out. Cons include limited connection possibilities (only USB and RCA inputs), pricey relative to some full-size amps with more features, power, and connection options.

Q: How does this amplifier compare to the NAD D 3020 integrated amplifier?
A: According to a customer review, this amplifier sounds better than the NAD D 3020 with nice, warm, punchy, clear, detailed sound. The Yamaha A-U671 has more oomph and punchier bass compared to the NAD D 3020's thin, brittle, sterile sound.