Yamaha A-S501 Integrated Amplifier Review - A Modern Classic!

This is my review of the Yamaha A-S501 Integrated Amplifier.
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[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Please keep the comments civil. Comments that add to the discussion are welcome. Comments with links will be deleted.

[@bmultimate1One]

Thanks so much for the video . I got the Yamaha AS701 integrated amplifier and the Yamaha CD-S303 which I'm using with the new generation Klipsch Reference R800F floorstanding speakers and the Klipsch Reference R-121SW subwoofer . I'm very happy with the unit . It's sound very clear . powerful and detailed . My only regret is that I wasn't able to get it in silver . However , the black doesn't look bad and it's relatively heavy , feels solid as a rock which is an indication of an outstanding build quality .

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

I love how they brought back the vintage look to it

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I do too!

[@DannerPlace]

Great review. I wish you'd explained Loudness. Which is: With Loudness flat, turn up main volume to the highest level you will listen, after that, adjust listening volume using the Loudness control (not adjusting the main volume at all). This works really well at keeping the bass solid at lower listening levels.

[@wungabunga]

Does one use the pre amp section, or something like that?

[@dm95422]

My audio retailer did not have the A-S501 in stock, so I settled with it's younger brother, the R-S300. No regrets whatsoever. Great stereo separation & it's built like a tank.

[@bikdav]

@wtf66611: I have the R-S300 also. I also acquired a used R-S700. You’re right about the build and sound. Both are very good.

[@ChilledMatt]

I have been using this amp as my main for about 5 years now. It has performed fantastically well with a wide variety of loudspeakers. Wharfedale Emeralds, kef q350, Cambridge minx 2.1, and currently with Linn Helix ls150. Despite not receiving the best reviews on the Web I have found the Linn speakers to be mind blowing! My hifi has never sounded so good and I have been playing with stuff for 40+ years now. After 5 years the 501 is now next in line in my upgrade path but I think I will need to drop serious money to better it.

[@martinmerino3272]

Congrats! I have the A-S801 and I’m extremely happy with it. Love the loudness and tone controls as well as the aesthetics of the vintage style silver amp.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Thanks. I really like the Yamaha A-S1200, but that price tag…

[@Ustaleone]

​@@TheBoomerConsumerBuy the 1100. Small difference in quality and big difference in price.

[@m.moreira3969]

My amp right there! Just love the loudness control. Why the top models (as1200 and up) don’t come with it, is beyond me!

[@Rick-or2kq]

Old Yamaha man from the 70's owned a CA1010 integrated amp back then, then marriage, children etc. now getting back into HI-Fi well of course fell back on my go to Yamaha and this was my choice, good power at a good price, and Yamaha as always been known for their clean sounding amps and receivers, so it is on it's way can't wait.

[@wungabunga]

Did it compare well with your old amp?

[@aifilmschool]

Have the 301 and it sounds amazing. Full, sharp and warm. Wholesome. The only thing I don't like, but it's a conscious choice is the motorised knob. It feels a bit slow when adjusting the volume from the remote.

[@dmunz7015]

The only thing I have an issue with this amp, plugging in your headphones automatically defaults your speaker settings to off. I did learn that by using the volume control knob on the amp you can set your mute volume. Turn the volume down to where you want the mute to be when selected, then increase the volume via the remote-control. This programs the remote to return the volume to its most recent lowest setting when mute is selected. I turn my amp on without any volume and then use the 'remote' to increase it, and when I select the mute on the remote, no sound.

[@robulon]

Just bought one of these second hand for £200/$250, can't wait for it to arrive and get it set it up! Thanks for the review

[@edwinrumbaoa4507]

I have the same model. I also did my research. I feel I made the right choice. Congratulations!

[@hotwater8473]

Great review, this is on my radar for my next integrated amp. Using an old teac receiver atm so this should be a huge upgrade. Have some canton ergo 700dc and I know my current amp is the weak link.

[@maheeinfy13]

I had a-s501 which i liked a lot Just now getting into big leagues with Yamaha Audio A-S3200BL Integrated Amplifier (Black) from amazon which goes on sale often. Hoping this will be my end game

[@landonpraught9170]

This so cool I love this stuff great video

[@robertwilson214]

I just have the as301 connected to mission speakers on Atacama stands.The partnering gives a lovely rich sound lalthough I listen to digital.None of that tiring harsh sound a lot of hifi produces.Full bass and mids with smooth but detailed treble.(UK)

[@freakyRunner]

I have the 701 version in black and i love it. Great warm Sound and great Power for every nead Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@DougMen1]

The 501, and its cheaper sibling, the 301, are both great sounding affordable amps. I haven't heard any of them in person, but, from what I've heard on YT, I prefer the 301 to the similarly priced NAD 316BEE, Denon PMA 600NE, and Cambridge AXA35, although I like the Cambridge 85W AXR85 receiver a lot too. If I were in the market for something in the $400-600 range, I would choose the Yamaha 301 or 501, or the Cambridge AXR85 or 100. I like them as much or more than many more expensive amps.

[@patricaomas8750]

A lot of people don't like tape but think that pre cassettes with good tape and recorder are much better than doing it yourself.

[@jonb5331]

I plan on purchasing this to go with my Klipsch KG4. Do you think this will be a good fit for my speakers?

[@ronaldweed6103]

Great Review thank you.

[@MRoccoPhotography]

Very nice video congratulations. I have a Question: I like both the amplifier Nad 316Bee and Yamaha AS-501 and I am interested on buying one of them. More than asking the differences can you tell me why I should choose one Nad and why I should choose Yamaha. Thank you for your reply.

[@TheProgrn]

I bought this amp in 2019 and I love it. My only regret is getting it in black. Silver is the way to go.

[@bsnf-5]

If had a lot of money I would go for this, to suit my PS5 and TV setup. For now I have to put up with my low-budget Logitech pc speakers. Still better than television built-in speakers tho.

[@kresimirmarinic7159]

Hello, do you recommend to combine with q acustics 3030i?

[@nyccrcsx]

Good review! Should I hookup my Bluetooth though analog or digital for best sound quality?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I would try analog

[@jianboo]

Thanks for the review. I want to ask did you said CAN or CAN'T change input via remote?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Can

[@renejolicoeur6289]

For the price you can't go wrong. I owned the B2 C2amp preamp for 39 years .Sold it to some one to take well care of it.I also like the rotel A11.lot more money.

[@abelfonseca]

Great review. This is an awesome amp. I has an identical 501 for 2 years. Served me well, brought me countless hours of bliss and fun, thought there was nothing better. After a long inner debate, I pulled the trigger on a refurbished as2100. Wow! Its on a whole different level. I sold my 501, but it will always have a special place in my heart. For the price, they are very very hard to beat.

[@ricardomartin3388]

What speakers did you use with the yamaha as501?

[@abelfonseca]

@@ricardomartin3388 klipsch RP8000M

[@ricardomartin3388]

@@abelfonseca ok. I use Dali Oberon 3, good sound too. But that as2100 should be great.

[@peterwishnia8453]

@@abelfonseca hey mate I have the same speakers so you think the Yamaha is a good match for not being too bright for the klipsch? I like to listen loud and my onkyo amplifier can be a bit brash a lot of the time

[@briansmith5046]

Yeah I have this amp ! Superb piece of kit ok it's a budget amp but as you said in excellent video this amp will serve you for years

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Dreamer5211]

Thanks for the great review !! Super helpful and informative . Long time Yamaha fan , my main amp is the ' old ' DSP-A1/G - 25 years young and still rocking movies and music. Looking for a smaller ? bedroom friendly amp , I may have just found it !! O__ btw , to my knowledge none of the Yamaha amps or receivers have complete mute , they are all set to negative 20db !! Just a Yamaha thing !! , Dreamer 

[@patriciourrutia5332]

Great review! How do you Think this amp works with the marantz speakers hd 770?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Absolutely

[@ronaldweed6103]

Sorry what were your headphones 🎧 name?

[@musclecarfan74]

I have the A-S801 in silver

[@PSM-IPADZ_OX]

Thanks for the review, yeah there’s love for YAMAHA and it’s glorious past …. And this model captures the simplicity and classic look of a power / integrated amplifiers of yesteryears. Unfortunately YAMAHA done us a great disfavour by using plastic for the knobs which is a great shame. A few dollars more would have given us some aluminium ones that will make this package great. Perhaps YAMAHA wants to upsell so their choice of plastic was purely commercial…. sigh !

[@mykandrew]

He said TV set. I love it!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I guess my age is showing a bit :)

[@SacreDro]

Did you compared it with the Marantz PM6007? Was looking at this, Marantz and a NAD C338.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Sorry, no experience with the Marantz, the NAD 338 I think is a bit more analytical in the upper mids

[@SacreDro]

@@TheBoomerConsumer What about with your old NAD?

[@SacreDro]

Have you compared it with other amplifiers?

[@dylanktravis]

I have the Triangle Br03 with an old 80w denon receiver. Do you think this would be a worthwhile upgrade? My only issue with current setup is I get ear fatigue easily

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

It’s worth a shot, just make sure that if you do purchase a new amp, the seller has a good return policy.

[@wayneobass9774]

Thank you for the useful hands-on review. Much better than other reviewers where all we see is someone's talking head.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I appreciate that!

[@wayofthesamurai90]

Can you tell me if you can hear the motor turning when adjusting the volume with the remote controle. Ik just bought te 701 and wonder if mine is faulty

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

No I dont

[@themooseface]

i have 4 ohm speakers, wouldnt i want to set the impedance to match?

[@bikdav]

I left mine at 8 ohms and have had no problems. I’m told it’s a UL testing thing.

[@hap1n355]

Does anybody have any suggestions on a good DAC for this receiver?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I use the Topping DX3 Pro+ with mine, sounds excellent.

[@mr.purple1549]

One set of speakers at a time- 4ohm, 4-8ohm, 8ohm. All at the HIGH setting?? Thanks for the nice review.

[@Rick-or2kq]

Manual states Speakers A or B 6 ohm or higher, HIGH, 4 ohms or higher LOW Speakers A and B 8 ohms or higher LOW Bi wiring 6 ohms or higher HIGH/ 4 ohms or higher LOW. Hope this helps?

[@crisjr6478]

This amp backs off power on the low setting so it doesn't overheat with 4ohm load. Never had an issue running it on high setting. It has plenty of power use it all.

[@crisjr6478]

Leave it on high and pretend that button isn't even there.

[@mikehimes4833]

If you use the subwoofer output that is set at 90hz u want the crossover set all the way up on the subwoofer crossover control not at 80

[@robertdavis5714]

I went with A-S1200 (V.U. Meter freak) about 53 lbs. It is the best Integrated Amp I have ever owned, it does have 1 strange aspect, it hates vintage old speakers, like Celeston Ditto 66 or Cerwin Vega AT-12 speakers sound horrible.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

That’s interesting. I wonder what could cause this?

[@PeterSz73]

I can't seem to find anywhere what class of amplification this amp has. Is it Class A/B?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Yes

[@arianbardez7149]

Can I connect 4-ohms 150rms/each Speakers ?

[@tonybarnhill4814]

Yes

[@bobo-si3kw]

What do you think, get the 301, or the 501? it will be for a small room.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

If budget permits the 501

[@bobo-si3kw]

Is the only difference the watts 60 vs 80?

[@birdlegs846]

good video! I like that silver! I'm thinking of buying the as501 but at 9:30 into your video I don't like the way that binding post moves, I wonder if the binding posts moves on all the Yamaha units like that?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

From what I have seen and read, yes but it certainly not a show stopper.

[@user-wy8sm2hv9m]

Подскажите,as 501 или rs 700?)

[@Dr_Bob_W]

Is it true that the remote-control sensor is a litte bit illuminated? Someone told me that. He says, just a little bit so that you only can see it in the dark. Is that correct?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Mine doesn’t illuminate at all, however the power led illuminates slightly when in standby mode.

[@Dr_Bob_W]

@@TheBoomerConsumer thank you

[@robert90321]

Da się te gałki prostokątne wyciągnąć i wymienić na okrągłe?

[@gerasimger15]

They probably won't fit

[@iamyourlord1]

Hello! Do you think the Yamaha A-S501 would run the Wharfedale Diamonds 12.4? (8 ohms, 89dbs, 200watt)

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Absolutely

[@iamyourlord1]

Thanks!

[@vandal1028]

Silly question.... since this amp is integrated a pre-amp is not necessary, correct?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Correct

[@pierreleguyader8405]

Do you think it could drive Eltax PWR 1959 ?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Yes, they are very sensitive speakers at 96db

[@johningham4219]

Vincent sv looks very similar have you heard it

[@tomblack5115]

Hi. Will this amp work with Jamo s803 ?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Yes

[@lindsethnittisju797]

What is the diffrence in sound between 701 and 501

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

They are basically the same sound

[@andreassouth1523]

@@TheBoomerConsumer I have the 701 for music (and i am very happy). I want to buy 501 for the tv room.But i can't listen the amp before.I don't like bright sounding amps.You believe they have the same sound signature (upper mids and highs)??

[@iancatchpole5223]

Yamaha never skimp on transformers the heart of a amp, have AX 498 and av 592 in Tandom for years ..also a Cambridge audio azure 550a, which sounds really dead in comparison. .. Yes I have a 5.1 system Splitting the signal to feed two amps and a active sub Fed from the AV yamaha 's Sub output work real fine.

[@chuckmatses6803]

Wait, where's my tuner dial? That's where all the fun is.

[@marioplus321]

👍

[@tigerbalm666]

Wut does integrated even mean?

[@tigerbalm666]

I has a Pioneer SX-737 and knobs are metal ..plus the glow from the bulbs are by far more cool than the bland, sterile design of Yamaha!

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

It’s an ok amp but no bottom end no matter what you do