About The Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Integrated Amplifier
Based on the concept of "Natural Sound", for reproducing all music as it really sounds, and built with scrupulous care the A-S501 reproduces high sound quality and musically rich sound.
The Yamaha A-S501 is a dynamic, high current stereo amplifier with low impedance drive capability and perfect for those wanting to listen to quality 2 Channel audio from a multitude of sources, including digital. Yes, this stereo amp has digital inputs! You can plug your computer, TV, or other digital output directly into this amp without the need for a separate DAC because it has one built right inside which eliminates more wires and mess. Power output is rated at a continuous, full-bandwidth 85 Watts per channel with very low distortion specs.
The A-S501 offers an excellent balance of power and dynamics, so your music sounds fast and bold without sounding bloated or distorted. In addition to its adequate power output, it employs a symmetrical circuit layout from inputs to outputs, along with an anti-resonance chassis. This keeps distortion and interference to a minimum, for sound that's clean and clear. Engage Pure Direct listening mode to bypass tone and loudness controls, for an even purer signal.
A Closer Look
High Current Amplifier: The Yamaha A-S501 features a dynamic, high current stereo amplifier with low impedance drive capability. The amp is rated at 85 watts x 2-channels, measured from 20-20 kHz into 8Ω with 0.019% THD (100 watts x 2-channels, measured from 20-20 kHz into 6Ω with 0.038% THD).
High Quality Parts: 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.
Sophisticated Front-Panel 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. The control knobs are also of the same luxurious construction as used on our top-end models. 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
ToP-ART Design and ART Base Ensure Optimum Sound
Yamaha, with a long history of over 125 years as a musical instrument maker, also has a high reputation for HiFi components. Yamaha's A-S501 integrated amplifier takes 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, the A-S501 reproduces high sound quality and musically rich sound.The Yamaha AS-501 integrated stereo amplifier employs proprietary Yamaha technologies for optimum performance and sound reproductions.
ToP-ART Design: 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.
ART (Anti-Resonance and Tough): 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.
Connect A TV, Blu-ray Player & Subwoofer
Music sources aren't the only listening options with the A-S501. Optical and coaxial digital audio inputs let you enjoy your video devices as well as the usual analogue components - CD player, Record player etc. Connect your TV or Blu-ray player to the digital inputs, and enjoy movie sound through your stereo speakers. You can even add a powered subwoofer via the dedicated subwoofer output. It's a cost-effective way to build an excellent stereo system in your room that offers dynamic sound and a wide stereo image.
Other Features
Pure Direct Mode: 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.
Variable Loudness Control: The A-S501 also feature a new analog 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.
Tone Controls: The integrated amplifier features independent bass (20Hz) and treble (20kHz) controls so you can increase or decrease the low and high frequency response (+/-10dB). You can also adjust the output balance of the left and right speakers.
Simple Remote Control: 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 remote has a sophisticated looking hairline finish that matches the design of the amplifiers. You can also use the remote to control a Yamaha CD/SACD player.
Auto Power Standby: 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.
Headphone Output: The A-S501 integrated amplifier is equipped with a front-panel 1/4" headphone output for connecting a pair of headphones (sold separately). The headphone output and speaker outputs will work simultaneously; you will need to rotate the speaker selector switch on the front-panel to the Off position to turn off the sound from your connected speakers.
Our Take On The Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier
The current range of Yamaha integrated amplifiers are designed as descendants of the famous A-S2000 with Yamaha's strong commitment to quality craftsmanship being just some of the benefits. Further more, it is clear that they are taking advantage of the lessons learned in the professional space - Yamaha build some of the best digital mixing desks money can buy! The Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amphas been designed with the music listener in mind. However, the sound is just one part of the puzzle so-to-speak. You will find the traditional knobs - but in a retro kind of style - to control volume, bass, treble and balance. The brushed aluminium retro styling ensures they will match Yamaha's CD/Blu-ray players for a system that looks as good as it sounds. It features binding post terminals for its A & B speaker outputs. You can use the A & B speaker outputs to power two pair of speakers, or bi-wire a single pair of compatible speakers. The terminals are not 5-way binding posts because a plastic collar prevents their use with spade lugs and they are too far apart for dual banana plugs.Weighing an impressive 10.3 kg, the A-S501 has plenty of the necessaries to power a wide-range of speakers. However, it is its digital inputs and subwoofer output - as well as the very nice build quality - that are the real standouts.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Stereo Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC
- Power Output: 2 x 85 Watts into 8 Ohms (20-20kHz) at 0.019% THD;
- 2 x 120 Watts into 4 Ohms (1kHz) at 0.7%
- Low Impedance Drive: 4 Ohm capability allows use with a wider range of speakers
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz-100 kHz +/-1.0 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.019%
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 99dB (CD)
- ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology): Combines a symmetrical circuit layout along with anti-resonance construction for high-quality sound with minimal distortion
- Pure Direct Mode: Allows music signals to travel the shortest possible route through the unit's circuitry for cleaner sound
Connectivity & Other Features
- Digital Inputs: Includes optical and coaxial digital audio inputs
- Line Level Inputs: 5 pair x RCA audio inputs for Tuner, CD player, Set Top Box etc
- Line Level Outputs: 2 pair x RCA recording outputs
- Phono Input: Includes MM (moving magnet) phono input for connecting a record player
- Subwoofer Output: Line out subwoofer jack on rear panel.
- Speakers: 2 pair binding-post speaker connectors with front-panel A/B switching
- Headphone Jack: Full size (6.5mm) on front panel
- Remote Control: Included
- Power Management (Auto Power Standby): Yes
- Power Input: 220 - 240V 50Hz
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5 Watt
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 151 x 387mm
- Nett Weight: 10.3 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.