Yamaha A-S501 silver

The Yamaha A-S501 is an integrated amplifier that combines superior build quality with an impressive range of features. With a minimum RMS output power of 85 W + 85 W and high dynamic power per channel of up to 220 W, this amplifier promises to deliver powerful, high-quality sound.

Its design is robust and retro, giving it an undeniable visual appeal. The Yamaha A-S501 is well-finished and gives the impression of a product that will last for years. The controls operate with a sharp precision that is hard to match at this price point, including a simple and pleasant-to-use remote control. Additionally, the amplifier has a useful range of features, including a plethora of line-level inputs (five in total), a moving magnet phono stage, a headphone output, and a pair of digital inputs.

The Yamaha A-S501 is also equipped with optical and coaxial connections, both capable of supporting 24-bit/192kHz music streams, thus offering superior flexibility for listening to high-quality music. A particularly notable feature is the adjustable volume control, which is designed to compensate for changes in hearing sensitivity at the frequency extremes when volume levels change. This control has proven effective and is worth trying out.

In terms of performance, the Yamaha A-S501 is a robust and more muscular device than its predecessor, with a robust and tonally more even sound presentation. It can also go quite loud, as suggested by its 85 W per channel output power, and it has driven a range of speakers well during testing.

The Yamaha amplifier demonstrates a remarkable ability to unveil details in music, offering a clean and clear presentation with plenty of weight to the bass lines. Moreover, it has good detail resolution and an impressive sense of scale, with an ability to populate the image with well-defined instruments.

In summary, the Yamaha A-S501 is a capable, very well-built amplifier packed with useful features. Its shift to a more balanced sound is welcome, even if it lacks a bit of enthusiasm and calm compared to the best in its class. However, with its solid construction, retro design, and myriad of features, it is sure to turn heads and leave a lasting impression on those looking for a quality amplifier at an affordable price.

• Build Quality: The Yamaha A-S501 is built with a focus on durability and quality. Its robust and retro design inspires confidence in its longevity.
• Precision Controls: The controls on the A-S501 operate with crisp precision, providing a smooth and satisfying user experience. This includes a remote control that is simple and enjoyable to use.
• Optical and Coaxial Connections: Both types of connections on the Yamaha A-S501 are capable of supporting high-resolution music streams up to 24-bit/192kHz, offering superior flexibility for listening to high-quality music.
• Adjustable Volume Control: A unique feature of the A-S501 is its adjustable volume control, designed to compensate for changes in hearing sensitivity at the frequency extremes when volume levels change.
• Sound Performance: The Yamaha A-S501 delivers a robust and more muscular sound performance compared to its predecessor. It has an impressive ability to reveal details in music, offering a clean and clear sonic presentation with good detail resolution and an impressive sense of scale.

• Power
  • Maximum (4 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7% THD): 120 W + 120 W
  • Rated (8 ohms, 40 Hz—20 kHz, 0.2% THD): 85 W + 85 W
  • Dynamic per channel (8/6/4/2 ohms): 130 W/150 W/185 W/220 W
• Custom transformer
• 12,000uF capacitor
• Extruded aluminum heat sink

Measurements

• Damping factor: 240
• 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)

Expanded Connectivity System

• Digital audio input for TV or Blu-ray Player
• Connector for YBA-11 Bluetooth adapter
• Preamplified output for subwoofer
• A, B or A+B speaker configuration and terminals for two systems
• MM Phono connector

Elegant and Eco-Friendly

• Simple yet sophisticated aesthetics (aluminum front panel)
• Switch and rotary knobs with LED
• Practical and streamlined remote control
• Adjustable AUTO auto power off

Connectivity

• 1x Toslink optical S/PDIF digital input
• 1x Toslink coaxial S/PDIF digital input
• 1x phono input compatible with turntables (MM cartridge)
• 6x RCA stereo inputs
• 2x RCA stereo line outputs
• 1x RCA mono pre-out output
• 1x front headphone output (6.35 mm jack)

General

• Power consumption: 0.5 W in standby
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 151 x 387 mm
• Net weight: 10.3 kg