Yamaha A-S501 Review | | | | Simple & Sweet

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[@philchapman1463]

I sold Yamaha amp years ago when the yamaha introduced the loudness control, it was introduced to enhance bass naturally. All other amps would have a "loudness" button you would press at low volume to bump up the bass (a bass boost). So Yamaha came up with the idea of rolling off the mids and highs instead. Its work like this, you crank up the volume and get a nice bass tone going and then you use the loudness control to roll back the mids and highs thus bringing down the amp to a lower listen level but allowing the amp to drive the bass with full current going to it, thus no artificial boost but yet a strong bass response. Its quite a brilliant idea and works well when you understand what it does and how to teak it. It's great with klipsch speakers that can be a bit forward in it projection of sound. The loudness control helps tame that. This also help with speakers that have low bass output because you drive a lot of current to the bass.

[@CurtOntheRadio]

Thanks for the explanation. I've had AS500 for about 10 years and never heard a good explanation for the Loudness before. I'm very happy with it.

[@roberteye7352]

Geez, I commented on a couple other posts but forgot to thank you for the great review! I especially liked the measurements of the tone control and loudness effects. A very nice touch.

[@gnd144]

This is a refreshing review. Most creators are reviewing Headphones/mini amps/dacs lately, or so it seems. Nice review Joe.

[@dm95422]

I have the R-S300 and the sound is just as awesome as the 501. Great stereo separation. Beefy power, and handles larger floor speakers with ease...and built like a tank just like the 501.

[@abxaudiophiles]

Well done brother! I knew you would be impressed by the A series from Yamaha. When you said that this was your new favorite integrated amplifier it made me smile! I remember when I first heard the a - S501 I had the same experience. And I love the loudness knob, it literally just lets you fine tune and really get into the vibe!

[@jamesk7433]

Yeah I used to have a older powerhouse kenwood amp with a loudness knob, and it made a difference. It's basically midrange EQ. IMO a concaved EQ pattern is essential for a good sound system.

[@timschutte6924]

Absolutely, especially at low to medium high volume levels. It allows you to retain nice full rich sound at somewhat of moderate volume levels.

[@polyreviews2558]

Sick video Joe! That thing is just so beautiful.

[@ibrahimalnuaimi346]

Good review, I have got one now because of your presentation. Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@salvadorramirez4115]

I love my S2100 and Yamaha in general. Great review!

[@m.moreira3969]

Thanks! Your review and Stereopolice's review of the 301 helped me a lot when deciding for an amp, got the 501 and im so happy with it!

[@joentell]

Glad it helped!

[@m.moreira3969]

@@joentell Sure did, the amp pairs up perfectly with my Wharfedale Linton Heritage: the precision and clarity of the 501 gives some balance to the warm tone of the Lintons. Maybe I’m wrong but I guess an amp from Marantz (one of the options I considered) would provide a too warm, even slightly muffled sound when paired with those speakers.

[@osvijazz]

Another great review!!! Btw, love VU meters too!!! 🎵🎵🎵

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

Great review!! Thank you!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Nice technical details! Thanks

[@Quantum.W3bb]

what a really nice guy, very effective at explaining his thoughts without waffling, many rates

[@joentell]

Hey, thanks Luc!!!

[@6058jeremysmith]

I love your down to earth reviews....

[@joentell]

Thanks! That's a big compliment. 🙏

[@shrpnl]

Thank you for the great review. I really enjoy watching your videos. Do you think that the 501 would be a good fit for the Klipsch Rp-600m?

[@joentell]

Thanks. I think they're a great pairing actually.

[@shuckylad]

I had the as-301 for a while, great product that just did everything nice. I have moved onwards and upwards since tho I wouldn’t hesitate to pick another up just well, because. I’d recommend any of this series of amps to anyone.

[@RAMtrails]

Wow dude. I LOVE the salt and pepper analogy. Great review

[@nomecognome6787]

Thank you! A really great & real review! Which foor standing speakers (1.000$ ) would you suggest for A-s501?

[@regorsanera2052]

jo nice review. I got the as 801 paired with the klipsch rp 160m and they are amazing combination. Glad you liked them. Some folks turn their audiophile ears away with the brand. And oh just subscribed.. noypi brad.

[@lr5081]

Same combo but with this model AS501.Im pretty happy with it.

[@sydryan9589]

Looking forward to the review on those Elacs!

[@amazoidal]

Yes, Joe, do the new Elacs. I have two pairs of the B6.2s when they were on sale at 2018 Black Friday for $75.00 each. I doubt that will happen with these.

[@jazzman1626]

I didn’t know there was an 801. I have the 701 which looks like this 501 except it also has a “CD Direct” button next to the “Pure Direct” button. It’s a great amp and I got the CD 301 to go with it. Another cool feature is when using the remote control to adjust the volume, the volume knob turns. If you press the mute button, the volume knob turns down and another press of mute, turns the volume to where it was before the mute.

[@kennethwilliams4874]

Thank you so much for the graphs actually showing the frequency effects of the controls. How I wish more reviewers of audio equipment would do this; it is so much more reliable than just one person's subjective opinion on how a piece of equipment sounds. Kudos.

[@joentell]

It helps me to understand and verify that what I'm saying is true

[@kennethwilliams4874]

@@joentell And I also noticed how, in the title of this vid, you put I I I I, as a tribute to the four rectangular controls on the front of the amp. Yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself to have caught that.

[@joentell]

@@kennethwilliams4874 That's awesome! I just remembered I did that. Thanks

[@Nanooky]

Finally someone said it. The loudness dial scoops the mids. I love this feature. I usually keep it around -3. Sounds great.

[@kennethwilliams4874]

Same with me Nanooky, I keep it at -2 and bump up the bass +2, that's the sweet spot for this amp for me.@@Nanooky

[@Rick-or2kq]

I have been a fan Yamaha since the 70's have owned Pioneer, B&O, Dynaco and keep coming back to Yamaha for their clean sound and clean look, I have this amp and love it hooked to a pair of Klipsch RP600 M's, like being there. On the loudness control the way I understand it is it boost bass and treble at higher volumes because the louder you go your ears start to trim them so you get a flatter sound by boosting the bass and treble it helps to elimanate that.

[@ramustechnologies8634]

Already bought speakers based on your reviews.....keep it going

[@vernontorgerson9049]

Great review!

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

Looks great =) .. cool lighting effects.. haha Cinematography

[@darrensauceda8152]

I have this amp love it . Never had the volume more than halfway. This thing is a BEAST with Klipsch R28F TOWERS.

[@broadhurst5000]

I own the silver faced AS-2100 (with VU meters) and it's an absolute beast. Super sturdy, classic design, beautiful sound and all round impressive piece of amplifier engineering... you'll love it.

[@joentell]

Oh don't tell me. 😉 I'm envious!!!!

[@broadhurst5000]

@@joentell check out the series of reviews by this guy (stereopolice) kzbin.info/www/bejne/robIZJyClpxgl9U - pretty much what convinced me to go ahead

[@MrJatzeq]

As 1100 sound same ...different is on as 3000 this is higher level

[@markwilson0077]

Nice review! I'm actually very curious about the Yamaha line stereo equipment. Looking for a true stereo set up, that will beat my current Marantz receiver. Any suggestions for a Yamaha stereo that I can put an external amp on ?

[@xray111xxx]

The fact you thought knobs were metal but instead plastic speaks of the quality of the 501. I have been recommending Yamaha for years. I don't see that changing anytime soon. Unlike Onkyo and Pioneer Elite and others that have cheapened their electronics. Yamaha is holding honest here. Even the higher end Yamaha Integrateds are getting much deserved praise.

[@taeheeyoon6020]

Hey, Joe! I finally got my Denton 85th speakers and it's gorgeus like yours! I have Denton 80th and I loved that warm and laidback sound but sometimes I wanted some more bass and a bit of highs, so I chose 85th and problem solved! Thanks again for your honest review and kind answers!!

[@joentell]

Do you like them as much as I do?

[@taeheeyoon6020]

Yes, I do. I love the way they look and the way they sound. They maintain the overall warm retro sound but also have more oomph and some highs than 80th. That's what I wanted!

[@philipcooper8297]

Loudness feature is there so you may boost the bass and treble at very low volume. Quiet yet full and rich sounding performance.

[@shaneball3493]

Thank you Joe, this was a real no fluff, honest answers review that I appreciated.

[@KevinSutton214]

Great review. Parsley and Thyme are herbs. Ketchup and mustard are condiments, LOL. Thank you. You convinced me to buy this amp

[@777Rollin777]

Hi JOENTELL, i enjoy watching your reviews. I like you style! How does this compare to the SVS 150W amplifier “Prime Wireless Soundbase”? I saw you have it in your collection, so I thought I would ask.

[@joentell]

This has a dedicated remote and I like the way this looks better. If you want streaming capabilities, the SVS Soundbase does that well. I use a Chromecast Audio so I don't really need those features. The SVS seemed very strong.

[@RoyFJ65]

Pure direct is what I use with my Yamaha amps from the CX-1/MX-1 amp to the R-N602 with my NS-1000M speakers. Nice review btw.

[@eddybabe7963]

Great review fella thanks. Can this amp power 2 pairs of speakers at the same time?

[@russelhaxby6194]

Outstanding. Thanks. I have this amp. It is used almost exclusively to listen to cd's. Pure direct mode is on all the time except for quiet night time listening, when the loudness control is used. Speakers are old Klipsch KG4's. They are efficient speakers, and the Yamaha never really gets off idle. This was not my intended use when I bought this amp, but the combination sounds great. Glad to hear that it works with Wharfedales.

[@danconnor3089]

I'm getting a set of Wharfdale 240's (4Ohm). The owner recommende buying this amp to drive the speakers because they are power hungry. I also read on another forum, its better to bi-wire the Whafedales for a better sound. I see on the back of the 501, you can only bi-wire 8Ohm speakers. Have you tried the bi-wiring option?

[@joentell]

I'm not a big believer in bi-wiring

[@russelhaxby6194]

@@danconnor3089 You should be ale to bi-wire those speakers with the A & B connections. You just can't run 2 pairs of 4 ohm speakers at once. Or you could get a pair of cables with 2 connectors at the amp end and 4 at the speaker end. Blue Jeans sells Canare 4S11 set up like that, and there are others.

[@danconnor3089]

@@russelhaxby6194 This is the perfect answer. Thanks for clearing that up. I will look into getting those cables locally. I live in Europe.

[@daveverdonschot7956]

Have one of these... Very nice. Do not like to use the loudness though... Don't like the sound when it's not at max. Do have to sets of speakers hooked up. In one room, with a set of bookshelf wharfedale's, i ad a bit of treble... In the other (Polk audio bookshelf speakers), just "pure direct". Realy happy with it👍

[@danielk8926]

That amp reminds me of some classic 70s gear. I need to pick. One up. Sounds like I will be saving pennies.

[@tapemaster8252]

I’ve owned this amp for over 2 years now and I love it, my speakers are Definitive Technology Bp6 and don’t need a sub, although I use one when I watch movies, the audio snobs think it’s junk, real audiophile stuff is an everyday people’s life savings, so whatever, great review, you got a new sub on this one !

[@drwatson32bit]

I don't think of myself as an audio snob, but did find it to be junk ; )

[@tapemaster8252]

drwatson32bit what’s in your setup?

[@drwatson32bit]

@@tapemaster8252 I have DCM TimeFrame 600s, which are 90db / 1watt efficient, iirc, and the Yamaha seemed to struggle with them, very weak in the low end, even with loudness and bass controls adjusted. I returned the Yamaha and went back to the drawing board and decided to get separates- in my case Emotiva pt100 preamp and a restored vintage mosfet Hafler DH220 power amp. Later, added a Schiit Loki tone control between them. I guess it's possible that I had a defective unit, as it sure feels like I'm one of two people ever who disliked it : )

[@tapemaster8252]

@@drwatson32bit well ok , that makes sense, those type of speakers need that type of setup, better would be monoblock amps but regardless you got the desired result, at least you didn't get stuck with it, losing money etc, I get why you don't like it, everything has it's purpose and you found it!

[@andreassouth1523]

Looking to buy 501 with q acoustics 3030i.Also have 701 with wharfedale 225s and iam very happy.I can not audition before the 501...Some say the 501 is a bit bright. Do you agree with that?

[@canadanova]

Hi Great review. Can we play two pairs of speakers at the same time, but not bywiring? Thanks

[@Fearinator]

I LOVE that loudness Controll on my RX797 and RX397 (the older model) :)

[@cnhhnc]

Have older version. Clean detailed sound, not as warm as my 50 watts x 2 analog NAD which is a better match for my Elac Debut B6.2. The NAD tames the Elac's tweeter and has a bit more kick on the low end.

[@dmtraptorjesus]

I've wanted one of these forever. One day...

[@thomaswachter7782]

I just got the A-S301 factory refurbished for way under new list at accessories 4 less. It's basically like a brand new unit. They still have a few. Only black though.

[@drwatson32bit]

I had one for a couple of weeks and found it entirely too thin sounding. Sent it back and bought a restored vintage Hafler DH220 + new Emotiva PT100 for the same price. I'd keep looking, these are nothing to daydream about.

[@Dreamer5211]

Hi , Thanks for the review , I might have fallen off the fence !! BTW -- activating the mute attenuates the volume -20db . My main is the DSP-A1/G and before that was the 3090 and the 2070 , long time Yamaha fan !!

[@tbrown6559]

Thanks for the nice review. I think the loudness control mainly acts as a dynamic range compressor, so good detail, especially more quiet passages, are still audible even at low volumes, but would sound too compressed at higher volume levels. Thus when listening at loud volumes, much better to have loudness set flat (off). Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@kloug2006]

Loudness compensation control doesn't compress the dynamic range. It only apply an EQ curve where the bass and treble are boosted at approximately 60/40 ratio.

[@Nanooky]

I find it to basically scoop mids, which I find very useful.

[@michaelbauers8800]

I always like to say I have a lot of amp power, but in reality, the 60 watt model is close to only being 3 dB less loud than the 100 watt model, so the budget model probably works for most people. I would love the VU meters, and the metal knobs from the past though...but that costs money obviously. ( Ok, the VU meters are still on the higher models, but isn't the entry price over 2k for that lovely looking feature?)

[@jsl1214]

Being a drummer I have always liked a v curve with my EQ I turn the bass ex 30hz to the max and the next say 120hz all the way down. Then lower the mids while raising the treble to the max. I could always hear the drums better and the cymbals. But to each his own. Great review!

[@Nanooky]

That;s what that loudness dial basically does. I couldn't be without it now.

[@colossusrageblack]

I got mine used for $240 from a local guy, best gear I've ever owned.

[@joentell]

That's a deal!!!

[@drgjs]

Congratulations!

[@earlismarks7108]

Truly a blessing right there...

[@ewigerschuler3982]

Sure you did, bud.

[@zokonjazokonja]

I just bought one for 220$, looks like new, and I got it in original box. Can't wait to test it.

[@andreassouth1523]

Nice review.I have A-S 701 and i'm very happy!What about yamaha with elac dbr combination. How is the mids and highs?Because i can not tolerate sharp/shrill highs.I like sweet mids and highs.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Love that you're reviewing stuff like Yamaha, most audiophiles would turn their nose up at anything Yamaha

[@timschutte6924]

I love Yamaha equipment, very good medium/high value and quality for stereo equipment. Most working class people caint afford Macintosh equipment

[@olaniyi570]

@@timschutte6924 i had mcintosh before my yamaha and i like my yamaha much better.

[@lr5081]

Very reliable brand ,just bought this amp earlier on in the year to replace an old avr I had for over 20 years,still works but needs the left channel replaced.but been playing this amp and love listening to it with Rp 160 klipschs.

[@ratscoot]

@@timschutte6924 Macintosh may sound very good but I found the build quality substandard for such ultra expensive equipment. I mean if you look at the wiring on some of their amps it looks like a spaghetti bowl.

[@chasefreedom5178]

A recovered audiophile myself, there are egos out their. Ego causes some to attack and lash out at any brand that receives a good review. You can recognize them by the comment sections. The order doesn't matter but will include ridiculing a individual for purchasing other than what this self appointed authority deems worthy. What were you thinking. Then a quick rundown of real hifi gear that graces their sound room! Having been involved in the audio world there are few brands more consistent than Yamaha. Let the opinionated tweekers validate themselves, ignore the jabs that will surely be dished out and listen to what you enjoy. In the end if so happy why waste time attacking brands to which you have no interest....Marketing.....

[@Holychickendestroyer]

Love to see how the 501 compares to the 701. Great review. Thanks.

[@MrJatzeq]

701 sound bit better

[@marcinswitaj8232]

Joe, have you tested the Yamaha A-S501 with Elac DBR62? If so, does it sound well with these speakers? I bought these Elac's after your review :) Thanks.

[@CragonThe]

I always liked yamaha A-series amps and I'm still using a 1986 A-420 in the kitchen. Only thing I had to fix this far was a faulty volume control. So while I was at it I replaced it with a motorised pot and remote control-board.

[@dominadorlarano]

Can I use my tube pream with my A S501. How?

[@jianboo]

Hi, would you recommend the yamaha as801 and wharfedale denton combination? What would be the pros and cons? Also are you around the axpona area? I only attended once and unfortunately its cancelled this year.

[@user-gz5fw3yn9f]

Hi. Thanks for video. What is better Yamaha A-S501 or Denon PMA-800NE ?

[@benh745]

What were your thoughts about the 501 paired with the Elac Reference? I was looking at that exact combo!

[@arianbardez7149]

Hi Joe - Very interesting review. But I can't afford the Yamaha as-501, so is the Yamaha as-301 good enough ?

[@jimbird4649]

Great job it's now in my list with the Denon pma-800ne. Any thoughts on the Denon?

[@joentell]

Haven't tested it myself

[@musclecarfan74]

I have the A-S801 and have been using it since 2016. I am using a Technics 1200, and my speakers are vintage Cerwin Vega RE-38 monsters

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

I have a sl1200MK2, wharfedale diamond 12.2 bookshelf speakers and a powered sub. I think I'll go with the 501 or 701

[@Pirxel]

Hey Joe, (super karaoke fan here too!), looking for an amp and I'm very tempted by this Yamaha line, I wanted something that can really handle well my KEF Q100 (8ohms), but I'm not sure if I should get the 501 or if the 301 (which is cheaper, so I could get it faster) would do the trick already. I was aiming for at least 80W per channel and that means the 501, does this makes sense or would it be overkill for my bookshelf speakers? Thanks!

[@LarsonChristopher]

Awesome amp, great sound.

[@dilipnova6675]

Nice review thx

[@ritrambo]

Liked the review, would love to see some comparisons at the same price point. Also is it more on the warmer end or opposite?

[@joentell]

Neutral to my ears

[@gregoneil3523]

Looks so much like my A960 amp, just with fewer controls. Just to say that I always bypass the tone controls, I can hear the difference. Also clean, not necessarily warm as with some other amps. Always found Yamaha products to be genuine in their claims, power is no exception. 5 watts is loud enough to immerse yourself in, 20 watts and I'll go deaf. Speakers are B&W DM6

[@theadventuresofsteviev4047]

Genial video! echo de menos el control de Loudness en el modelo A-S1100, no entiendo por qué lo omitieron en este modelo, si supuestamente es un modelo superior.

[@HanifBarnwell]

Best value in this line up is the Yamaha r-n803 - highly recommend

[@randywarren6925]

Question, do you still have the Yamaha 501 amp, if so how is it holding up? Any regrets after two years? New subscriber and I dig your channel.🤓😎😇

[@joentell]

Still working!

[@olaniyi570]

I have the AS-1100 with the VU meters. Similar power no Dac but very musical.

[@stevenholt5484]

Thanks for keeping it real, Joe. The AS501 is fine gear, anyone should be proud to own it.

[@TWiiZA]

Got an open box black A-S501 a year ago for $380 to drive my RP-8000F. I mostly use the CMA400i or SDAC-B because they happen to be part of my living room headphones setup(s). I can't make comparisons because this my first serious speakers setup. All I can say is that they fill my living room with joy. The short story is: never cared about speakers >> was hunting for Focal Clear >> heard the RP-600M >> YAAS! >> went for the biggest sibling I can afford: RP-8000F >> need future-ish proof and best bang for the buck amp: A-S501 Now These speakers are efficient and don't need an 80W/Ch Amp, but I was/still eyeballing the Magnepan LRS, but they are always in back-order. Not sure if I would like them though.

[@troywalt4834]

What do you think rp600m and the yamaha amp or klipsch the fives? I don't have the space for the rp8000f sadly otherwise would have buy them in a heartbeat

[@brydon10]

Was your mic distorting in this video a bit? It sounded different. Thanks for the review as always man.

[@joentell]

Read my pinned comment

[@brydon10]

I don't see a pinned comment. But no worries.

[@randall96]

Love my AS-500. Only got mine last year for £150. Really pushes decent sound at solid volume. I don't think there's any difference in actual amplification between AS-500 vs AS-501 is there? I may be wrong.

[@steviesteve750]

Any thoughts on the internal components? Circuit topography? How does it compare to others in the price range. I think key features of this amp are the high power output, high damping factor so insensitive to varying speaker loads, etc etc.

[@JohnBog]

Joe, what are your thoughts on the quality of sound coming from a Yamaha A-S501 vs the V6A AVR - this is in the context of music playback in 'pure direct' mode. Your informed opinion would be appreciated.

[@cb2000a]

I used to have a Yamaha natural sound amp (with power meters)...sounded great but had a relay issue.

[@thomaswachter7782]

I have the A-S301. It arrived this morning. It seems quite neutral to me. I've been listening through my RB-42's and they pair up very well. I've been listening with pure direct on. I'm sure there may be situations where the tone controls will help, and it will be handy. It's really solid.

[@joentell]

I agree. It sounds neutral to me as well. Of course, messing with the tone controls and loudness changes things. In my room, I really like what it did with the RB42's. I had the loudness set about 2 notches. It made the speakers sound way bigger than they are.

[@thomaswachter7782]

@@joentellThank you for your great reviews.

[@hadebui]

It looks like a well built integrated amplifier with a nice vintage look

[@anotherbrickinthewall1700]

Hi Joe, I saved my pennies and did spring for the A-S1100 that has the vu meters.

[@joentell]

😍😍😍

[@cb2000a]

The meters make you cool! ...

[@fredbrunetti7256]

I love my 501 sounds great I have my turntable through a tube phono pre amp sounds great

[@andreassouth1523]

Looking to buy 501 with q acoustics 3030i. Also have 701 with wharfedale 225s and iam very happy. I can not audition before the 501...Some say the 501 is a bit bright. Do you agree with that?

[@anupaychitte4889]

Very nice video. May you suggest me an amplifier with Cristal clear sound with music detailing which is suitable for 6 ohm speakers

[@billd9667]

Symmetric topology = twin amps (one for each channel) that only share the power supply. Otherwise, each channel is independent.

[@joentell]

Thank you for that!

[@ProffAndy]

Each channel is independent, just like any half decent stereo amplifier.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

If the power supply is shared, each channel is NOT independent.

[@billd9667]

@@NeverTalkToCops1 If the power supply has independent coils within the same form transformer, it can be independent - as long as the filter caps are. It's just power. Now, I have owned amps with separate coils that were truly discrete, but you will rarely see that these days even in the most expensive single chassis solutions for the aforementioned reason. It's not necessary. Don't let your eyes fool you. Look closer. Find an image of the inside of the Naim Uniti Star for a clear picture of what I mean. It has many leads coming from the one transformer. The channels may come from the same unit, but they are different, yet better balanced because of the design.

[@hushpuppykl]

Nice review! Wait till you get your hands on the new Yamaha 5000 series pre and power. It’s amazing. Was lucky enough to listen it it. Pretty pricey though 😬

[@HanifBarnwell]

The specifications look buck wild

[@edgarmendoza1390]

thanks to your honest review. any idea the comparison between this yamaha a-s501 vs marantz pm 6007 its almost the same price.. thanks appreciate your comments

[@hornet224]

Nice T-shirt!

[@DuragVince-]

Thanks for the review. Anything within the same price range or less you would consider better than this amp? Thanks

[@joentell]

I'm not an amp expert. I'm sure something less expensive might measure better, but I like the total package of this amp including its looks

[@taeheeyoon6020]

Hi, Joe! I think all Yamaha A-S series looks cool and sounds great! Anyway how's your Denton 85th going? Does it sound better after some period of time? Any impressions change? Cause I'm still keeping my eyes on 85th..

[@joentell]

I don't think they changed in sound. They sounded good when I reviewed them and still sound great. I love the way they look also.

[@taeheeyoon6020]

That's great. Thanks, Joe!

[@nyccrcsx]

Should use the Impedance switch to low when using my Wharfdale Dentons 80th ? And what part on the back of the reciever is the dac part ? I’m so confused about that !

[@dineshruwankumara34]

Can this amplifier be equipped with 4 speakers for both the a and b main lines? Do you get the best soundtrack experience when filming? Like looking at a surround av receiver? Or less? please reply... how is the movie sound in this amplifier..?

[@myfavoritecolorisclear]

I only have the modest Yamaha r-s202bl receiver. Using it to power a pair of old yorkville bookshelf monitors. Sounds decent to me.

[@joentell]

I've heard good things about that amp

[@myfavoritecolorisclear]

@@joentell 130 bucks on amazon too. I dont see anyone making videos on it either.

[@PeterMilanovski]

The loudness control is definitely a bonus, it's missing the meters though and that kinda kill's it a bit. I have had plenty amplifiers with the direct switch but it makes the music sound lifeless. This amplifier really needs large 15" three way speakers to really shine, bookshelf speakers just won't do it justice! Just take a look at vintage hifi adds and you will always see them used with large speakers, there's a good reason why and when you try it, you will understand why, bookshelf speakers are the real reason why subwoofers exist! If this amplifier had the meters, then I would have been happy even if it's output power was only 20W RMS per channel! In which case the larger speakers would be able to take full advantage of..

[@kennethwilliams4874]

"Bookshelf speakers are the real reason why subwoofers exist". Thank you Peter, no one could have put that better. You get large, high quality towers, you need no subs.

[@jianboo]

Great review, I do appreciate showing us the frequency response of each tone controls. Do you have a video of how to measure the sound in graph? If yes,, please send them over here. Thanks and more support our own Filipino kababayan.

[@mzondi1970]

Bought this about Septemeber to replace another Yamaha. I like this and I have it on Elac b6.2. I need to do speaker placement so bad. I feel I am leaving a lot of great sound on the table with the way they are placed now. I am making a spare bedroom into a listening room so as of now the two speakers are on each side of the amp almost touching the amp

[@mzondi1970]

Update April 2020. Got the speakers where I want them and starting to do some room treatment. Amp sounds great. Have not tested the phone stage yet and a bit disappointed it does not have a separate sub out. What I mean if you hook a sub up its like at full range. Getting ready to order some better crossover components for the Elacs. I like their sound and don't want to go through the hassle of speaker shopping again. I hope that the new pieces will add to their all ready great sound.

[@user-el2zj3pw5r]

Hi, remote controller does not have bass or treble? Only manually can be done via amp controls only?

[@theax40]

Back in the 80's, my parents had an entire Yamaha component stereo system, in brushed aluminum just like this. Looked exactly the same. It's the coolest look.

[@cb2000a]

@Jason Reyes I had one!

[@wa2368]

Vintage Yams are nothing like the new Yamaha AS series. A-S series has fat mids and smoooottthhh highs, some of the most pleasant analog like amps i've heard. Very forgiving even if you have crappy recordings. Best bang for the buck.

[@quicktoevil]

@@wa2368 recently sold my CA 2010. Thinking the new Yamaha's will disappoint. $800 and plastic knobs doesn't compute.

[@andreassouth1523]

@@wa2368So it's not bright at all?Looking to buy 501 with q acoustics 3030i.Also have 701 with wharfedale 225s and iam very happy.I can not audition before the 501...

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

Thepre out is a nice feature as are the rone controls. Someone needs to make a small simple FM tuner module to go with these delightful simple amps.

[@UpgradingAsUsual]

Great review as always! But you know what review everyone is waiting for......

[@joentell]

I do!

[@sumeursault]

Isn't the A+B "bi-wire" function for running two sets of speakers simultaneously (the impedance restrictions on the rear panel would suggest this)?

[@nickdrums7707]

Kabayan thanks for the info and video. Just wondering kabayan if this thing can hook up my Yamaha EQ550?