Skip to main content

Yamaha unveils its stylish new audiophile-level amplifier and CD player

Yamaha proved today it has no intention of ceding its place as one of the stalwart creators of gorgeous works of audiophile art. In a move that speaks to a small, but potentially expanding portion of the music-loving public, the company revealed today its new A-S2100 integrated amplifier and CD-S2100 CD player, each of which brings hi-fi sound steeped in brushed aluminum and piano-glossed glory.

A-S2100 image A-S2100

Bringing back the old school VU meters (thanks for that) is just one of the many touches that will likely beckon audio hounds to the A-S2100’s table. Beneath the enticing aesthetic of its chic frame, the amplifier hides a heap of heavy-hitting components to get the blood pumping.

Recommended Videos

The unit includes MOSFET transistor circuitry that utilizes Yamaha’s Floating and Balanced design to reduce voltage fluctuation and ground noise. It also ditches toroidal transformers for a customized EI transformer with four large capacity carbon sheath capacitors for high velocity power control – basically, you should be able to crank this thing at varying power levels on demand, with little to no distortion. Other highlights include a centralized power supply and power amp blocks on each end for “superior two-channel stereo reproduction.”

Power output and other details for the amp have yet to be disclosed. But, does it really matter? Just look at those VU meters!

CD-S2100

CD-S2100 image editThe CD-S2100 is there to cover all of your CD and Super Audio CD (SACD) needs – provided you still have said needs. Still, even in the age of the FLAC file, there’s something to be said for a sterling spin of a well-produced disc of audio hardware. In order to offer superlative reproduction of your digital library, the S2100 shares the same circuitry of Yamaha’s flagship CD-S3000, designed for hi-fi extraction of your sound source. That includes the hallowed 32-bit ES9016 DAC from ESS, including a USB input for superior digital to analog conversion from computer sources – because, FLAC.

Pricing for both the A-S2100 and the CD-S2100 is fairly steep, running at $4,000 and $3,500 respectively. Both of the new units come in either silver or classic black, and will be available at authorized Yamaha dealers this month.

Topics
Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
Get your hands on the Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth speaker while it’s only $30
A person holding the Anker Soundcore Boom 2.

The weather is getting warmer, which means we’re all going to be outdoors a lot more. And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate spring and summer than investing in an outdoor-friendly Bluetooth speaker! This week, the incredible Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth Speaker is on sale for $30, which is a $15 markdown from its usual $45 price. 

Why you should buy the Anker Soundcore 2 

Read more
YouTube starts using AI to make ads annoyingly difficult to avoid
YouTube app in iOS app gallery.

YouTube is relying on AI in its latest crusade against seekers of an ad-free video-watching experience. The company recently announced plans to use AI models to make ads more persuasive by strategically placing them within the video.

At its Brandcast 2025 event in New York, YouTube revealed it will deploy Google's Gemini AI to analyze videos to optimize placement of ads. The AI will be used to identify key moments or "Peak Points" in the video where viewers are most likely to be engaged and too invested to stop watching it in order to avoid the ad.

Read more
Qobuz Connect launches with Denon, Marantz, and more than 50 other hi-fi brands
Qobuz Connect.

Fans of Qobuz, the France-based subscription music service that specializes in lossless, hi-res audio, now have a new way of streaming their favorite tracks to their favorite devices. Qobuz Connect has been added to the company's iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows apps, letting them control compatible streaming speakers and components from a big list of hi-fi brands.

Most folks will recognize names like Denon and Marantz -- every device made by these brands that work with the HEOS streaming software are now Qobuz Connect compatible -- but the list also includes niche hi-fi players, such as Rotel, Nagra, HiFi Rose, Lindemann, Wiim, and Volumio. Here's the entire list.

Read more