Yamaha A-S501 Amplifier

Yamaha A-S501 is an integrated stereo amplifier for a home two-channel audio system. It accepts both analogue and digital sources, allowing a turntable, CD player, television or Blu-ray player to be used within the same system.

Pure Direct mode can be selected when additional tone adjustment is not required. Continuously variable loudness control helps adapt the tonal balance when listening at lower volume levels.

Who This Amplifier Is For

Source control and speaker amplification are combined in a single enclosure, so a separate power amplifier is not required for the main stereo speaker pair. This makes the A-S501 a practical foundation for a system built around several different audio sources.

The stated RMS output power is 85 W × 2, while the maximum output power is 120 W × 2. The load, frequency range and distortion limit used for these figures are not provided. Power ratings should therefore be compared with those of other amplifiers only when the measurement conditions are the same.

Audio Circuit Design

ToP-ART-Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology-uses a direct symmetrical signal path from input to output. The amplifier is also built on an ART base.

The power supply section includes a custom-made transformer and 12,000 µF block capacitors. Extruded aluminium heat sinks disperse heat. These are specific elements of this model’s power-supply and cooling construction.

Connecting Analogue and Digital Sources

A television or Blu-ray player can be connected to a digital audio input. The digital connections include a gold-plated coaxial input, intended for a source equipped with a corresponding coaxial digital output.

A CD player can be connected to the dedicated analogue RCA input. A separate phono input is provided for a turntable. The CD and phono RCA connections are gold-plated.

Speakers connect to the gold-plated speaker terminals. For wireless connectivity, a Yamaha YBA-11 adapter can be attached. Bluetooth is not built into the amplifier itself.

Controls and Initial Setup

Select Pure Direct mode when you do not need additional tone adjustment. During the initial setup, it is worth comparing normal playback with Pure Direct and choosing the presentation that suits your listening.

The continuously variable loudness control adapts the tonal balance for listening at lower levels. Begin by setting a comfortable overall volume, then adjust the loudness control in small steps while assessing the result from your usual listening position.

The automatic standby function can place the amplifier in standby when it is not being used. This is useful in a system where the connected sources are switched on separately.

Placement and Enclosure

Place the amplifier on a stable, level surface. Do not cover its cooling areas or squeeze the enclosure into a confined, unventilated shelf. The extruded aluminium heat sinks require airflow to disperse heat effectively.

The front panel is made from aluminium. Do not place other heat-producing equipment on top of the amplifier.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

Can I use a turntable and a television with the same amplifier?

Yes. A phono RCA input is provided for a turntable, while a television can be connected through a suitable digital audio output.

When should I use the coaxial digital input?

Use it when the source has a compatible coaxial digital output. An analogue CD signal can instead be carried through the separate RCA connection.

Does the amplifier have built-in Bluetooth?

No. Wireless connectivity requires a separately connected Yamaha YBA-11 adapter.

How should I interpret the stated output power?

85 W × 2 is identified as RMS power, while 120 W × 2 is identified as maximum power. Because the measurement conditions are not provided, these figures cannot be compared directly with the power ratings of other amplifiers.

When is the loudness control useful?

It is useful when you frequently listen at low volume and want to adapt the tonal balance to a lower listening level.

Why must I leave space around the amplifier?

The extruded aluminium heat sinks need airflow to disperse heat, so the enclosure should not be placed in a tight, unventilated shelf.