Yamaha A-S501
The Yamaha A-S501 delivers clean, muscular power with a warmly detailed presentation, expressive midrange, and convincing three-dimensional imaging. Audio Appraisal highlights its punch, headroom, and effortless speaker control, while the onboard DAC, MM phono stage, Pure Direct mode, and broad analogue connectivity make this a remarkably versatile integrated amplifier.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
92/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Powerful, clean and composed delivery with substantial punch and headroom, even at demanding volumes.
Detailed, engaging sound with an appealing slightly forward midrange and coherent three-dimensional imaging.
Versatile feature set includes a well-regarded onboard DAC, MM phono stage, digital inputs, subwoofer output, and support for two speaker pairs.
Cons
Bass can lack ultimate grip and rhythmic precision, with low-end notes occasionally blurring together.
Digital connectivity is limited to one optical and one coaxial input, with no USB input for direct computer connection.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviews describe a big, clean and engaging presentation with strong detail, a slightly forward but appealing midrange, and substantial power reserves. Its stereo image is coherent and layered, while bass control and low-level weight receive modest reservations in one review.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
Stereo Index hears exceptional clarity and an authentic, richly rendered recording, while Audio Appraisal reports impressive detail even at low levels. The built-in DAC is also described as warm yet detailed, and Joe N Tell found the sound clean and comfortable for extended listening.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
Audio Appraisal particularly praises the beautiful, slightly forward midrange, finding vocals highly involving, and calls the overall sound big, bold and instantly likeable. Its softer low-level presentation can lack some bass weight, though the variable loudness control helps address that concern.
Dynamics
92/100
Audio Appraisal reports more punch, power and headroom than the preceding model, with an effortless ability to play loudly without sounding strained. Stereo Index likewise praises its handling of wide dynamic swings, although it notes that buyers needing extreme output may prefer a higher-powered alternative.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Audio Appraisal finds an excellent, coherent three-dimensional image with effective separation of complex layers. Headphone listening remains coherent but produces a smaller stage than the speaker outputs.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
Stereo Index finds the chassis and materials immediately solid and regards the amplifier as made for durability. Audio Appraisal also reports a substantial, rigid enclosure with no flex, though Joe N Tell notes that the attractive front-panel knobs are plastic rather than metal.
Features Connectivity
92/100
The A-S501 offers four analogue inputs, MM phono input, optical and coaxial digital inputs, a subwoofer output, and provision for two speaker pairs. It also includes a headphone output, tone controls with Pure Direct bypass, and a built-in DAC; Audio Appraisal’s only notable limitation is that digital connectivity is limited to one optical and one coaxial input.
Value for Money
88/100
Across its roughly $379-$650 street-price range, reviewers consider the asking price justified by the amplifier’s analogue performance, phono stage and onboard DAC. Audio Appraisal finds no cause for complaint at the price, while Stereo Index calls it worth the money; neither review makes a direct comparison with competing amplifiers in this segment.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Minimum RMS Output Power (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz)
- 85 W + 85 W (0.019% THD)
- High Dynamic Power/Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms)
- 130 / 150 / 185 / 220 W
- Frequency Response
- 10 Hz -100 kHz +/- 1.0 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (CD to Sp Out, 20 Hz-20 kHz)
- 0.019% (50 W / 8 ohms)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CD)
- 99 dB (input shorted, 200 mV)
- Damping Factor
- 240
- Digital Input
- Yes (optical / coaxial)
- Audio In / Out
- 8 / 2
- Subwoofer Out
- Yes
- Pure Direct
- Yes
- ToP-ART
- Yes
- DC out
- Yes
- Standby Power Consumption
- 0.5 W
- Power Management (Auto Power Standby)
- Yes
- Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 17-1/8" x 6" x 15-1/4"
- Weight
- 22.7 lbs.
Manufacturer's Description — Yamaha
A-S501 Integrated Amplifier
Impressive high quality sound with a wide range of features and an elegant appearance. An integrated amplifier with the advantage of digital inputs.
- 85 W x 2-ch (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Digital audio inputs for TV and Blu-ray Disc™ player
- Pure Direct mode for greater sound purity
- ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) and high quality parts
- I/O (input to output) direct symmetrical design
- ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) Base
- Custom-made power transformer / 12,000 µF block capacitors / extruded aluminum heat sinks
- Gold-plated speaker terminals and RCA terminals
- Simple yet sophisticated design (aluminum front panel)
- Continuously Variable Loudness Control
High sound quality circuit design based on the ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) concept
ToP-ART Design and ART Base Ensure Optimum Sound When processing and transmission of the audio signal is simple and direct there is less chance of it being affected by noise and distortion. Yamaha’s amplifier design technology called ToP-ART features an I/O (input to output) Direct Symmetrical Design, with left and right channels organised in a straight, symmetrical layout for highest signal purity. In addition, the ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough) Base bottom chassis and a solid centre bar provide high-rigidity support and vibration damping. These Yamaha design innovations contribute to this amplifiers’ rich audio reproduction with abundant musicality.
High Quality Parts for Outstanding Audio Performance
Custom-made power transformer, custom-made block capacitors, two direct signal path speaker relays, one-point grounding system, aluminium-extruded heat sinks and other top-quality parts effortlessly handle demanding audio signal conditions. The quality of each individual part, as well as how they work together, basically determines the sound quality of any component. Yamaha uses only very high quality parts, carefully selected and tested.
Created by Yamaha's Rich Experience and Tradition, and High Technological Expertise
Yamaha, with a long history of over 125 years as a musical instrument maker, also has a high reputation for HiFi components. The A-S501 is created by taking advantage of this rich experience and high technological expertise. Based on the concept of “Natural Sound”, for reproducing all music as it really sounds, and built with scrupulous care from circuit design to basic sound production, even though an entry model it reproduces high sound quality and musically rich sound.
Pure Direct Mode for Greater Sound Purity
The Pure Direct mode causes the music signals to travel the shortest possible circuit route, bypassing the buffer amp and the tone, loudness and balance controls to virtually eliminate any signal degradation for the purest sound quality.
Continuously Variable Loudness Control
The A-S501 also feature a new analogue loudness control on the front panel that uses electronic volume for higher sound quality, which lets you adjust the loudness effect as desired. Separate from the overall volume, this controls the balance of the low- and high- frequency sounds, providing full tonal range at any volume level, compensating for the natural loss in the human ear of high and low frequencies at soft levels.
Gold-plated Terminals
Gold-plated terminals ensure a high quality connection that prevents signal loss. The A-S501 have Gold-plated speaker terminals and RCA (CD, Phono) and coaxial terminals.
Digital Audio Input for TV and/or Blu-ray Player
The A-S501 is equipped for digital audio input with both optical and coaxial terminals. The optical is for receiving audio from a TV, and the coaxial for receiving audio from a Blu-ray player. The audio stays in the digital domain, giving you pure, pristine dynamic sound for all your entertainment sources, from sports and other programmes to movies and concerts.
Connection for YBA-11 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter
With the YBA-11, you’ll be able to stream music wirelessly from a Bluetooth capable mobile phone or a PC to the Network receiver. Thanks to the digital connection and aptX® audio coding algorithm, you’ll enjoy wireless music streaming with optimum sound quality. You can also conveniently power the YBA-11 via the DC-out connection on the rear panel of the amplifier.
Speaker A, B or A+B Selection and Speaker Terminals for Two Systems
You can connect two separate speaker systems in different rooms and switch between them, or have them both playing at the same time. There are four terminals, so by just pushing a button, you can switch speakers to match the sound source.
Subwoofer Terminal
A terminal for connecting a subwoofer is provided, allowing you to increase the bass output of your system for a more powerful sound with better overall sound quality.
Phono MM Terminal
You can connect a turntable with an MM phono cartridge to play vinyl records. This lets you enjoy not only CDs, but also analogue record sound from an amp with the latest digital/analogue technology.
Simple yet Sophisticated Design
With a beautifully simple and unique design inherited directly from Yamaha’s HiFi audio components, this amplifier also boast an easy-to-operate button layout. The aluminium front panel has a richly textured silver hairline finish.
Remote Control with Clean, Simple Design
The clean, simple design of the remote control provides easy-to-understand one-hand operation. The easy-to-use design makes it simple to adjust song volume and order. The unit has a sophisticated looking hairline finish that matches the design of the amplifiers. You can also use the remote to control a Yamaha CD player.
Rotary Encoder Input Selector with LEDs
The rotary encoder makes it quick and easy to select input sources. The luxury hairline finish material offers a nice tactile feeling. LEDs clearly show which source is selected, so you can easily switch sources even in a dark room.
Auto Power Standby Function
The amplifier has a power management function that detects when it hasn't been used for a long time (about 8 hours) even though the power is on, and automatically shifts it into standby mode. So even if you forget to turn it off, power consumption will be minimised.
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Authorized dealers for Yamaha A-S501
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 138 Quaiduson — online and in-store — Lille, Hauts-de-France, France (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sound Design — online and in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
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