New setup

" Interesting when I started my research Yamaha was the first that come up Yamaha A S3000. After reading the specs and reviews I decided to remove the Yamaha.  I will test the Yamaha."

Believe me, the published specs for the upper tier analog-only Yamaha A-S integrateds is definitely on the conservative side.  These amps are dead quiet, even with the high sensitivity Klipsch speakers and punch way above their given power numbers.  I have used many 200w/ch@8ohms stereo amps(Acurus, B&K, Anthem, Sunfire, NAD) and believe me my Yamaha's 90w/ch holds it's own up against them.

Bill

That Yamaha A-S3000 is at the very top of my wish list.

Bill

Good tips and now I need to contact a dealer. 

In my younger days as an audiophile I much enjoyed Yamaha separates. 

No one can tell you the outcome of comparison of these if they have not used them in comparison. Preferences determine nothing in terms of results. I'm afraid you will simply have to conduct adequate research of resources on them and try to hear... 

I tend to agree with greg that any of them would likely be an upgrade. However, again, only comparison would tell if/how much. If you want more flexibility to manage the sound and typically higher sound quality at price point, look for separate pre/amp. If you are doing a lot of video I can see an integrated, but if primarily two channel, I would push for separates. It may take a bit more cash, but the rewards can be much higher sonically. There is a HUGE spectrum of performance, and separates usually gets you much further along. 

Enjoy your quest! 

HI Douglas,

Yes I do a lot of both indeed Video and music.