Yamaha A-S801 vs NAD C 388 BluOS-2i Detailed Comparison

Yamaha A-S801 vs NAD C 388 BluOS-2i

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Yamaha A-S801

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 388 BluOS-2i

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Yamaha A-S801

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NAD C 388 BluOS-2i

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Yamaha A-S801

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NAD C 388 BluOS-2i

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Yamaha A-S801 vs NAD C 388 BluOS-2i Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Yamaha A-S801 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker whereas the C 388 BluOS-2i is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Yamaha A-S801 and NAD C 388 BluOS-2i 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 BluOS-2i Key Specs

150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

Bluetooth v4.0

Weight: 24.75 lbs / 11.25 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 BluOS-2i 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 BluOS-2i
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 BluOS-2i 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 BluOS-2i

MSRP Price(*)	900USD vs 2,049USD	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
USB Input	Yes vs ---	Connect Sources via USB
Base Surface Area	1792.2cm²/ 277.8inch² vs 1840.1cm²/ 285.2inch²	takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose NAD C 388 BluOS-2i 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
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
Optical Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Apple AirPlay	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Roon	Ready vs No	Roon Compatibility
BluOS	Yes vs No	Compatible with BluOS Wireless Ecosystem
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 BluOS-2i 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 BluOS-2i Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
Ethernet Port

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 BluOS-2i 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 BluOS-2i?

Here are the items that come with the C 388 BluOS-2i:

Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

MDC BluOS 2i module (pre-installed)

2 Antennas

Remote control (SR 9)

2 AA batteries

USB/WiFi dongle

Antenna

41-inch USB extension cable

Quick Setup Guide

Mounting Instructions

Warranty Information