Yamaha A-S500 Review & Sound Test

The Yamaha A-S500 may be a little long in the tooth but it still packs a punch and gives todays modern amps a run for their money!
Phono Comparison - Marantz PM6007 Vs Yamaha A-S500 • Amplifier Phono Compar...
Time Stamps
Intro 0:03
Front Panel 3:34
Back Panel 6:07
Sound Test 8:21
Bench Marks 13:34
Final Thoughts 15:48
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[@rotorfix]

You’re spot on the money. The 500 does sound better than the 501, without question.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

it is alright for the money

[@JaccoSW]

I got mine for a mere €50 because the previous owner spraypainted the silver model in black. I have cleaned most of it off but have yet to try them with a pair of good speakers. Looking forward to it though!

[@miseryandwhisky]

Thanks for the video, excellent work. Might be a daft question, but I can’t tell - can I plug my turntable directly into the A-S500, or do I need a preamp in between them? Thanks!

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

The a500 has a phono stage built in so no need for an external one.

[@miseryandwhisky]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK thanks :) I’m new to the audiophile world, so learning something new every day. Great channel, mate.

[@mastergivenn]

I think the circuitery in the 501 is exatly the same. What it changes it’s the amount of working hours. I say this because I own a Yamaha my self and it took at least 100 hours, most probably 200, to have it sound at its best. Regards.

[@Holychickendestroyer]

I’ve got a 501 since 2017 and it has gotten better with time. Every review I’ve found that compares the 500 to the 501 says the 501 is by more “muscular” and better sounding. Absolutely the same amp except for the Apple input replaced for a DAC. Should you consider the fact that this older amp had a very extended “burnt in” period of time while the 501 you bought didn’t?

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

I've looked at the internal components of both and while they share a lot of similarities there are also a lot of differences. Obviously the 501 has the DAC integration at the back of the unit but most of the boards look completely different. However, I will concede that the 501 was not given sufficient time to run in.

[@RanTausi]

Nice video and good sound demo, hhh you ripped the guy off honestly 90 queeds is good and you could live with that !

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

I guess £90 is good for that amp but I failed to mention that the remote control didn't work either so I had to order a new one.

[@IrmanSarajlija]

About 10 Years ago i bought Sonus Faber Toy Tower and Atoll IN 100 Amplifier( cost about 1000 Euros)..Then after a couple of months i wanted a Network Reciver and bought Yamaha R-N 500( Cost about 300 or 350 Euros)..I made a blind Test and There was no difference in sound between those 2...So my question ..Can you really hear the difference between Amplifier

[@berkut6313]

Would be interesting to compare it to the beefier A-S700 from the same era (now replaced by the 701)

[@bikdav]

I remember the 500. Admittedly, I like the newer 501 better.

[@tomaslee8320]

Sounds great , not bad for the money.

[@gianlucabassi8853]

Great...not bad...

[@ramblinginmeath4950]

I have stumbled across an AS500 - and I am considering taking a chance on it --- bit of old school hihi and as I have a Yamaha K720 tape deck - plan to build up a Yamaha HiFi rack old school - and very usable IMO - Regards from Ireland, Paul

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

IMO the A-S500 I own, sounded better than the newer Marantz PM6007. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emS6kIyto8-XrLc

[@chotafallen8390]

Do you think a good one for 150€ is a good price? I have a Marantz PM 78 and search another older good amp from the early 90s to max end of 90s Good sounding with Wharfedale bookshels speakers

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Yes that's about the going rate for those amps with the remote included.

[@paulbryden4006]

Sounds great to me and I've seen one at around 100 so need get rid my old tangent think this is the ansewer

[@yardleylfc]

I would buy the new integrated marrantz.

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Interesting. If you bought an external DAC and partnered it with the S500, you'd have a better sounding system than the Marantz for cheaper. Just curious why you would choose the Marantz, is it for convenience?

[@handokosetiawan2803]

Compare it with PM6007 on the next video, bro.

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

Will do soon

[@avivintagestereo6005]

How would you consider it vs ax590 old machine?

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

I've not heard the AX590 to compare it sorry.

[@scrunts666]

Nearly bought one of these today but then I looked at my wall of amps and told myself to not be such a pratt.

[@banjo-tony]

Should've considered the A-S301, that has a DAC.

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

While I can see that as a cheap option you would be sacrificing sound quality. The A-S500 is a better amp. The 301 is around £350 in the UK. If you buy a used s500 for around £150 and say a topping e50 DAC for £200, you have a far better sounding set up than the 301 for the same price

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@UTILITARIANTVUKI would be cautious about recommending a topping. In my experience, although the topping has better details, it has a far inferior power supply than the Yamaha dac-amp all-in-one.

[@disobedientreason3576]

The real Thd wich is ... 0.01 real or theory.

[@kosiekoos9408]

I can see why Fosi dont send a unit. The farts🤣

[@gianlucabassi8853]

This amp is very poor sounding

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/online-hearing-test-b

[@Panslapper]

@@UTILITARIANTVUK 😂