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Yamaha A-S301 vs Rotel A12 MKII
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Yamaha A-S301

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Yamaha A-S301
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Rotel A12 MKII

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Rotel A12 MKII
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Yamaha A-S301 Yamaha A-S301
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Rotel A12 MKII Rotel A12 MKII
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Yamaha A-S301
See at AMAZON
Rotel A12 MKII
See at AMAZON
Yamaha A-S301 vs Rotel A12 MKII Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing A-S301 and A12 MKII, two Integrated Amplifiers from Yamaha and Rotel. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Yamaha A-S301 and Rotel A12 MKII first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Yamaha A-S301 Key Specs

  • 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 19.80 lbs / 9.00 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-15/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 15-3/8inch

Rotel A12 MKII Key Specs

  • 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 19.70 lbs / 8.95 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-11/16inch x 17inch x 14-7/8inch

What size room are the Yamaha A-S301 and Rotel A12 MKII Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment Yamaha A-S301 Rotel A12 MKII
Near-field Average Average
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room Bad Bad

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Yamaha A-S301 and Rotel A12 MKII compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S301 over Rotel A12 MKII
MSRP Price(*) 350USD vs 1,100USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.019% vs 0.03% Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs 6 vs 4 More options for connecting Analog sources

Reasons to choose Rotel A12 MKII over Yamaha A-S301
Signal to Noise Ratio 100 dB vs 99 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
Max Bit Depth 32-bit vs 24-bit Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media
Base Surface Area 1633.0cm2/ 253.1inch2 vs 1700.9cm2/ 263.6inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 94mm vs 151mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Yamaha A-S301 and Rotel A12 MKII differs from each other.

Yamaha A-S301 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
Rotel A12 MKII Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices)
    • USB-A rear (Charging only)
    • USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)
Yamaha A-S301 Back View
Yamaha A-S301 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Rotel A12 MKII Back View
Rotel A12 MKII Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S301?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A-S301:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • Remote control (RAS13)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Owners manual (En/ Fr)
  • Warranty information (US/CA)
  • On-line product registration information
  • Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note
  • What's in the Box of Rotel A12 MKII?

    Here are the items that come with the A12 MKII:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 58-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control (RR-AX1400)
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • 5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable
  • Quick Installation Guide
  • Warranty/Registration Card
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Addendum For Roon Test
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