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Yamaha A-S801 vs NAD C 388
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Yamaha A-S801

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Yamaha A-S801
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NAD C 388

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

NAD C 388
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Yamaha A-S801 Yamaha A-S801
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NAD C 388 NAD C 388
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Yamaha A-S801
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NAD C 388
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Yamaha A-S801 vs NAD C 388 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing A-S801 and C 388, two Integrated Amplifiers from Yamaha and NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Yamaha A-S801 and NAD C 388 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Yamaha A-S801 Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Weight: 26.70 lbs / 12.14 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-3/16inch

NAD C 388 Key Specs

  • 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 24.70 lbs / 11.23 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-3/4inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-5/8inch

What size room are the Yamaha A-S801 and NAD C 388 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-S801 NAD C 388
Near-field Poor Are you nuts?
Small Room Poor Bad
Mid-size Room Good Poor
Large Room Good Good
Very Large Room Average Good

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Yamaha A-S801 and NAD C 388 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-S801 over NAD C 388
MSRP Price(*) 900USD vs 1,499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio 99 dB vs 95 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs 6 vs 2 More options for connecting Analog sources
Base Surface Area 1792.2cm2/ 277.8inch2 vs 1840.1cm2/ 285.2inch2 takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose NAD C 388 over Yamaha A-S801
Watts into 8-ohms 150 watts vs 100 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.009% vs 0.019% Less Harmonic Distortion
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
Height 121mm vs 153mm 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-S801 and NAD C 388 differs from each other.

Yamaha A-S801 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(connect to your computer for playback)
    • USB-A(charging only)
NAD C 388 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • Phono Input
  • 2 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-A(Service Only)
Yamaha A-S801 Back View
Yamaha A-S801 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
NAD C 388 Back View
NAD C 388 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S801?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A-S801:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (RAS15)
  • 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 NAD C 388?

    Here are the items that come with the C 388:
  • Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • Remote control (SR 9)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Warranty Information
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