I got the 501 two weeks ago. It's the first Yamaha I've owned. Previously I had a Marantz pm6004,6,7 in that order, also amps from Rotel, NAD, Cambridge Audio and Onkyo but was never really happy with them. This Yamaha is the one! It so smooth. Detailed high end but absolutely no harshness. Bass that lets you hear every bass note individually. The unit just sounds perfectly balanced. Love it.

I have had one for about 2 years and went Yamah because I had Yamaha back in the 70's and I don't think you can beat the build quality and natural sound of a Yamaha component, they are clean. It is hooked up a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 240's 4 ohms speakers, at 4 ohms it puts out about 128 watts per channel.

I have had the AS301 for a few years now. I think I paid $349 and it is well worth the money. Yamaha utilizes quality components. I think Yamaha’s are tuned for excellent reproduction of music. I don’t use the “Loudness Knob”. I would suggest that a “midrange” knob be designed in instead. This way you can adjust the Bass, Treble and Midrange. Most of the time I use “pure direct” unless the album was one that was poorly recorded. I think many older pop and rock albums were recorded to play on “AM” radio and therefore need EQ. Albums from the late 60s onwards were recorded to play on FM radio and seldom need EQ. I also have a Yamaha R-202 which I use in my office. It also is a great value for the price.

@java2architect

Ай бұрын

Can you please kindly confirm when you say "album poorly recorded" you are referring to the Phono Stage and not the CD stage of your 301? I would really ike to buy for my Vinyls. Thanks again!

“Yes you, first timer keep listening” just got a stereo system and looking to revamp. Have a feeling this will be a helpful channel. Thanks for the welcome!

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for joining me on this journey!

I just bought one refurbished by Yamaha for $399 and paired it with a Yamaha CD-S303 and ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2s. Couldn't be happier with this set up so far. Sometimes I prefer the simplicity of Pure Direct and other times I like to play with the tone controls. I plan on running my TV and Blu Ray player through it also.

@MrJatzeq

Жыл бұрын

Bought 2nd hand denon dcd 2000na for a 1/4 price. Your s 303 is not even nearby.......

@marcc482

Жыл бұрын

Nice... I got a Yamaha A-S500 used (did not want the built in dac), then a Marantz UD5007 and Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2... great combo and great value too !!!

I had an A550 as my first amp back in the late 70's and it was a great unit, well abused at many parties.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Weren't they all back then lol

I have the A-S801 with the CD-S1000 with some KEF Q350s and absolutely love it. Great review!

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

That is an awesome setup!

I have one in my mancave rig. Love the 70's vintage look. Surprisingly neutral and smooth.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Not bad at all, right? I also dig the vintage look as well.

Kicking myself for missing out on a 2 year old, pristine conditioned 801 a couple days back. Someone was selling for 450 🤦🏻‍♂️

@02honeydew

Жыл бұрын

Are you sure it wasn't a 701 in black because I bought one for that same price lol

I have two yamaha amplifier ax-350 and ax-470 for years and never had any issues with them and i will continue to buy any yamaha amplifier

Still have my 501’s. Great amp

I went for the yamaha r-n803d and paired it up with a pair of dali oberon 5 speakers, it's a solid amp/streamer and definitely went under the hifi world radar,

Still using my 1974 Yamaha CA-1000. Yes, it's been rebuilt but any audio gear of that vintage would most likely need a rebuild.

The SMSL AO300 has got the Yamaha A series beat in sound. I'd compare them before buying. The Yamaha is a class AB and the SMSL is a class D at 85 watts at 8 ohms. The SMSL goes new online for under 300 dollars too.

I have the Yamaha R-S202 receiver but it is not connected to my main system. I have it connected to one of my desktop computers via an Asus soundcard that cost me $200. Speakers are the Klipsch RP-150M. The sound is quite impressive 🙂

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

That is a nice setup!

Love the Cure shirt!

Yamaha manufacturas great amplifiers so it's worthwhile. Thank you for another great video

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Thank you my friend

Yamaha A-S501 user review (black): I had the A-S501 for about a year. In general it is a good amplifier for the money. The good: -It is very reliable. All features work flawlessly. -It never gets warm. -It goes very loud with not too much distortion. -Tonally it is very balanced. Comfortable sound with good tonality. -It looks really good. The bad: -It has a bad timing, it is not engaging and usually sounds boring. -The DAC is only OK. Dragonfly black will outperform it easily. -When you use tone control and switch off the pure direct mode it reduces the clarity of the sound and believe me there is no spare clarity that you can give up on with this amp. This made the tone control pointless to me. -From the listening position it is very difficult to see what is the volume level. Comperation to yamaha a-s1200: -The a-s1200 is on a whole different level. Even 2 levels above. Wait, make it 3 levels above. The clarity, bass control, speed and timing are incomparable. Does it makes the a-s501 a bad amp? No, it is still good for the money. You just have to remember that it is an entry level device and you will get what you payed for and maybe even a bit more.

@Goldern

Жыл бұрын

Now I’m scared, $500 for entry-level amplifier seems quite high. Seen that the A-S501 has a very good headphone amplification dethroning $160 headphone amplifiers and planning to pair it with an KEF Q350, hoping that they pair well together as it’s a $1000 combo.

@igaldins

Жыл бұрын

@@Goldern It is a good start. You will not be disappointed.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

I would love to take a swing at the 1200

@steviesteve750

Жыл бұрын

Interesting thoughts. I've ordered one to compare to a Denon PMA-600ne which I think is brilliant for the money, and is good at the things you mention as poor for the yamaha. It has a great sense of dynamics, musical excitement etc, and the DAC is perfectly acceptable. suspect I'll be returning the yamaha and keeping the Denon.

@ilmatanela1816

Жыл бұрын

​@@steviesteve750may I ask what was your decision?

I have the AS501 (Black) and after two years I am now looking at their Receiver RN6500 for about 800 bucks, this new purchase is because I simply cannot find a separate Tuner anywhere to hook up to the AS501, well for less than 400 bucks anyway !

You can even hook up your TV Set to it as well 😊 good video

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Hahahahaha I love it. You got me back!!!

I love amplifiers. I have a Cambridge CXA-81 and love it. Love to hear your take on this versus a 2-channel Emotiva amp. BassX I think. Like to learn more about the Yamaha compares to it. 👍🏻. Keep up the good work.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott! Yes the Yamaha's are nice for the price for sure!

I have the same amp I use it for my cd’s only and my cd play is Denon 900 ne with Paradigm founders 40 B bookshelf and it sure does the job and I use pure direct.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

I had an amazing experience with it.

@williammay8413

Жыл бұрын

Mike I think you are doing a very good job on your videos ….. keep up the great work and I enjoy your honesty in them.

At the minute I’m thinking either Yamaha A-S501 or the Marantz PM6007 for use with Project Debut Carbon Evo and eventually the matching CD player for each amp I keep changing my mind between the two, both the same price it’s hard to choose

@mykandrew

7 ай бұрын

I’d go Yamaha.

@EmberTheFoxyFox

7 ай бұрын

@@mykandrew Thanks, I'm leaning more that direction now

No review on sound quality?

I have the Yamaha r-n803d paired with Monitor Audio Silver 300, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo with a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 and a vintage Technics MASH CD player from the nineties. The RN803 was the UK equivalent of $700 2 years ago and offered amazing value for money with DAB, FM, Wifi, Bluetooth, YPAO. I think the sound is highly impressive for the money. Have you ever compared the AS501 to this? I also wondered if it is worth upgrading my CD player and would be interested in your opinion. The reproduction from the CD player seems great currently either using the internal DAC or the DAC on the Yamaha. Thank you!

Have you tested the Yamaha R-S202? I’m thinking to get it to play my records with an AudioTechnica LP-60X and a pair of Yamaha NS-90 speakers. I’m kinda tight on budget and I’ve seen that this amp is a very good option without breaking my wallet. Cheers bro.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Hey Marteen, I have never personally tested it but it seems like a good option for what you are trying to accomplish. The LP-60x comes with a phono preamp built in which is great because the RS202 doesnt have a Phono stage. It should power the Yamaha speakers just fine. For a bidget build this works really good!

Just found your channel. I'm a 100% vinyl guy. I'm also a vintage guy I have a Pioneer PL-50 turntable circa 1975 with an moving magnet cartridge how will this work? I listen thru headphones maybe someday I'll get speakers. Like your channel thanks man ! !

I've had the 501 for a few years now, and like it a lot. Did you hook the 501 up to the Wharfedale Lintons? If so, how did it sound?

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

It was nice. The Lintons, in my experience play nice with all of my amps.

How does it compare to Yamaha R-303? TY.

Hello! Thanks for the video! How can i Connect an Yamaha As 501 to a TV via HDMI Arc? Now i have an AV reciver and I can connect it very easily via HDMI Arc but I want to buy a better amplifier but don’t know how to connect it to my Lg tv. Thanks

I just got my first ever turntable and am looking at the yamaha as-301 for phono can I pug in powered speakers to the AS-301 or do I need to purchase passive speakers

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

Do the Dew, baby!

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Always

I am most definitely interested in bi-wiring.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

You and me both!

hello Will the power of the amplifier be enough to work with the Eltax PRW 1959? thank you

Can you hook an equalizer up to it??

Have you used this amp with the tektons? I have the 501 and am shopping for Tekton lore.

I do have one thing that I hope you could shed some light on and this is using a Graphical Equalizer with the amp. In my case I use a sony Seq 711 with my Yamaha as 801. Raspberry streamer to a Schit Dac >> equalizer >> to the amp. I enjoy the use of it but just wanted some expert advise if in fact there's degradation to the quality of sound. I just wanted to some visual flare to the minimalistic look of the Yamaha.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Don you feel the equalizer add's a soinc benefit to your system or are you just using it for aesthetics? I think the best practice is to have the shortest signal chain possible from your source to your speakers. Reduces uneccesary coloration, noise, and it's just less to worry about. However a graphic EQ could be fun because it would allow you to really tune the frequency response way more accurately than just using a Bass, Treble, and loudness knob. Let me know your thoughts.

@bngs1983

Жыл бұрын

@@mykandrew hey Mike it does benefit the sound significantly and the visual aesthetics are a bonus. I initially used it only for my CD player but then went on to use my raspberry streamer and I like it that way.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

@@bngs1983 I was considering one too for amplifiers that dont have tone control. Higher end products scoff at eq because they like the boring flat response. I like a little spice in my life which is why I am a huge proponent of tone controls.

@bngs1983

Жыл бұрын

Same I agree! I also just wanted to share the raspberry pi and the hifi combo you did earlier this year is exactly what I built last year. When I saw your video I told myself, “great minds think alike” lol. But in all honesty I think the hifi digi 2 pro and the raspberry make a good combo.

I have the klipsch rp 600m speaker and want to pair them with this AS-501. Would be connecting via optical cord to my living room TV. Would the sound quality be good if I stream music off the tidal app? Or any different from streaming music from a bluetooth streamer like the Wiim mini. I'm new to this stuff.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Here's what I would do. Go optical from your WiiM mini to your Yamaha. Then go analog out (RCA Cables) from your TV to the Yamaha. Don't use Bluetooth. You will sacrifice a lot in quality and if you are listening to music I would give that preference over the TV. TV via RCA will be just fine. If you're serious about Home Theater we can talk about other receivers that may suit your needs better. However for a solid two channel setup like you have, thats the route I would take. Now, let me know if your TV doesn't have the red and white RCA outputs and I will guide you from there.

@Rudyshotcha

Жыл бұрын

@@mykandrew My tv does not have RCA outputs but I do have a digital to analog converter. But since Bluetooth takes such a hit on quality, should I just use tidal app on the tv? And not use the Wiim mini?

Hi. Do this amp have rca line out so it can be used as a pre amp?

How would you compare the sound with the Denon PMA 600ne?

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

I have not tested the Denon yet. However this amp is solid.

please let us see the more product details on video.

Hi , Thanks for your review , is this amp a good match with the Klipsch RP-500M II `s ? Thanks , take care , D

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

I actually just received the RP-200M II's in for review and this amp powers them quite well. The Loudness Knob comes in handy if people want to tone down the midrange, however I felt it did quite well. I will be releasing the video on the 200's soon.

To me, Japanese components are good for AV (we have a Yamaha receiver in our family room). But, when I want to listen to music, I will always go British.

I have a pair of B&W 603 S3 and I would be curious if this amp, the Yamaha AS501 match with my speakers!?

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

The 603 S3 will do just fine with this amp. 👌

@papcsongor6563

Жыл бұрын

@@mykandrew great because I am almost on my way to buy this. Some people told me not to buy this and instead buy Rotel 11 Tribute or an older one, Nakamichi Amplifier 1.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

@Pap Csongor I would go one step further and buy the AS801 if you have the budget. A bit more power. However, I feel this one will be perfect for you. If you are buying online, I would encourage you to use my link in the description it helps out the channel since Crutchfield does give me a little kick back. It would be greatly appreciated!

@papcsongor6563

Жыл бұрын

​@@mykandrew so far four persons told me that Rotel A11 Tribute would be a better option for B&W because there are a collaboration between these two brands. Now I am a little bit confused about my option!

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

@Pap Csongor I don't understand their logic. Have they tried it? I have tried B & W speakers with my A-S501 and they sounded great. Rotel is good. It just doesn't have the value the Yamaha brings to the table.

Hey Mike, great review! Do you think the A-S701 is worth paying the difference compared to the A-S501? The 701 is here in Germany 150€ more

@MrJatzeq

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Worth it. Its my dilemma now too .... 701 or 1100...from 501

@crisjr6478

Жыл бұрын

@@MrJatzeq just save and get the 1100. You will end up doing it eventually.

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

@computeraudiophile9590

Жыл бұрын

Yamaha i Q Acoustics su dobra kombinacija, oboje imaju "otvoren ton" (nije taman kao NAD). 3030i je dinamičnija kutija od predhdnika (3020i ), i to je benefit za ovo pojačalo. Moja preporuka je da se poveže sa WireWorld kablovima ( može i polovnim, zbog cene novih ), jer se sa Yamahom slaže odlično. Polovan WW Oasis 7 je odličan zvučnički kabl, a WW Solstice 7 kao interkonekt. Lično imam kombinaciju WW - Yamaha, i to je prava sinergija. Nadam se da je ovo malo pomoglo.

@krunobrzi666

Жыл бұрын

@@computeraudiophile9590 Za A-S301 bi vrijedilo isto... pedpostavljam... samo što je slabije?

@computeraudiophile9590

Жыл бұрын

@@krunobrzi666 Ista priča, A-S 301 je vrlo dobro pojačalo, i zaslužuje WW kablove. Oni su poznati po širokom "soundstage"-u i dubokom i "mesnatom" basu. Takođe sam primetio da su dosta detaljni u prikazu muzičke slike generalno. Preporuka od modela Solstice pa na gore (WW Luna model je malo oštrija i najjeftinija u tom lancu, ostali kao Solstice i Oasis su bolje rešenje). Imam takođe i Audioquest Diamondback i Chord C-line interkonekte, ali sa WireWorldom Yamaha radi najbolje.

When this model fails its always due to the power transformer, same for the 201. Its an expensive part.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

That's unfortunate. Mine is still running strong, however for the price point, a replacement or upgrade if it ever goes out won't be too taxing.

Can you hook an AV Receiver to it? I have a 11 channel surround sound system and would like to purchase this amp for my two front speakers

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

This one doesnt work like that. If your AVR has pre outs I would get something like the Fiera4 by Starke if you need to power extra speakers. Go to shop.starkesound.com they have amazing deals going. If you only need two channels check out the two channel amp by Audiophonics. Superb quality.

@moretwocome21

Жыл бұрын

@Mike On Audio Crap!! Spoke to someone at Crutchfield who said it would work using the two line out rca position one connection. After he broke it down how I would do it, I felt comfortable in buying it. 😌 I wish I would have seen this message before purchasing. Thank you though

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

@@moretwocome21 theoretically it would work and will work the way the guy described. It's just not conventional when pairing it with an AVR.

@moretwocome21

Жыл бұрын

@Mike On Audio Thank you for the quick response, Mike! I get it on Saturday and will let you know how it goes. Thank you!👍🏾 Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! Subscribed!!

I have already come out as bi-wire, but I am curious about you. ;~} Seriously though, I am using the AS-701 to bi-wire a pair of 4 ohm speakers, and up until a couple of days ago I was following the instructions and using the low impedance setting. Stereo Police seems to think that this is to protect the amp, and Audioholics & Zero Fidelity seem to think it's to appease the lawyers. I believe two things can be true at the same time. If you do make a bi-wire video I would love to hear your opinion on this topic in general, but more specifically about this: my amp idles between 26 and 27 watts; in the low setting I listen at 31-33 watts/60-70db, and in the high setting I listen at 45-50 watts/75-80db. The power consumption, and thus the heat produced, did increase significantly, but at 50 watts I am at half the stated 100 watt capability at 8 ohms, and even less than the unstated 4 ohms. Because of the marked improvement in sound I want to leave it in high, but worried I'll ruin my amp. Outside of my hearing & heat are there any other factors I should consider while making this decision? Thanks.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Ralphie, I am so sorry for the late reply. I will get into bi-wiring here in the near future. November is going to be a lot of holiday shopping videos, but in December it will pick back up with how to's and such. I haven't gotten a chance to measure the amp, perhaps the guys on ASR have already? Or Audioholics might have as well. I would hate to send you off to other creators but if they have measurements this could answer the latter part of your comment and where the sweet spot is for this amp before distortion kicks in. I usually don't have to crank it too loud so I have never had a problem. To be honest at any given time with the type of listening I do I probably only use 20 watts. You don't need a lot of wattage to get loud. As far as bi-wiring I still have a few engineers to discuss this with however my findings will be through, unbias and hopefully positive.

Does anyone knows if the Yamaha A-S501 will work well with Polk Rti10 speakers (8 Ohms)? I don't listen to music loud or even close to be loud. My Harman Kardon HK 3490 died last week after 12 years and now I need a new receiver/amplifier. TIA.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

That would work just fine. The A-S501 is a very capable amplifier.

"I'm constantly dropping golden eggs" 🤦🏿‍♀

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Nice lol

You and those sniffles bro. You ever use nasal spray? Nice video. This amp looks great.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

I have the worst allergies on the planet lol and I think it's also a nervous tick. Im still a bit shy in front of the camera. One video I had to litersñly cut the audio from the sniffles lol

@HeavyBeats24

Жыл бұрын

@@mykandrew I love it brother. Keep up the good work!

Bi-wiring. Please

@Brian-ii6sd

4 ай бұрын

Buy-wiring

No don’t buy one. I had my AS-701 for just over a year before it went wrong. The left channel completely died and the speaker switch(Made of plastic) fell off!! Buy the Denon PMA6000 instead.

@mykandrew

Жыл бұрын

Denon is a great option as well, more so for Home Theater. They dropped the ball in the two channel world. My A-S501 has been a workhorse for two years now. I'm sorry you had trouble with yours. Perhaps you super human strength was too much for that little knob. For the price though, I didn't expect aluminum.

Listen lads, dont ever pass up on oldschool stuff. I got a Yamaha AVC 30U 100 watts per channel into 8Ω and its a monster. Ive used it for years doing gigs and parties. I paid 20uk pounds for it a few years ago and its used daily. Sound quality is awesome compared to al old Rotel i used before. Buy oldschool gear, built to last!. I cant even turn it higher than 10 and its goes upto 60 as im scared it will pop my speakers. It runs 2 subs too for pure ass bass.

@andisadler2897

10 ай бұрын

@@receptionsuckshere what a totally crazxy comment. Why is oldschool stuff still going strong after 40 years?+ cause its made better with better parts. Dont talk daft. Todays stuff got cheap chinese parts in, oldschool stuff has quality capacitors like Black Gate capacitors which you cannot get anymore. The Rolls Royce of capacitor. So i totally disagree!