Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #5625 in Receiver or Amplifier
- Color: Black
- Brand: Yamaha
- Model: A-S500BL
- Dimensions: 6.00" h x
17.13" w x
15.25" l,
22.70 pounds
Features
- 120W x 2 (max), 85W x 2 (RMS) high power output
- Continuously Variable Loudness Control
- Extra-stable with dual aluminum-extruded heat sinks and center bar construction
- Built-in port for compatible Yamaha iPod docks (sold separately)
- Auto Power Off
Yamaha A-S500BL Integrated Stereo Home Theater Amplifier (Black)
Product Description
The Yamaha A-S500BL Integrated Amplifier offers clear sound in the Yamaha A-S2000 tradition, with 85 watts per channel of pure, clean power, ToP-ART stability, Continuously Variable Loudness Control, automatic power management, and a built-in port for supported Yamaha iPod docks (sold separately).
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful.
Lives up to the great reviews
By schuds
In my opinion, good quality 2-channel sound is the best option if you enjoy music. I sought to put together an entry-level "audiophile" 2.1 system. My source is an iMac running lossless files through a NuForce uDAC2. I've owned and enjoyed the sound of a variety of UK manufactured/designed speakers in the past. The Brits are still fond of 2-channel... they've been smart enough not to bite on the hype and expense of surround. Because of this, I used a number of UK audio review sites to wade through the available 2-channel integrated amps and bookshelf-sized speakers. I took my chances and, based on WhatHiFi's calling it the best amp under $800, I purchased the Yamaha A-S500 to pair with my Monitor Audio BR2 speakers and Jamo sub. I was impressed the first time I listened three weeks ago and am still impressed every evening when I sit down to listen. I listen to jazz and wide range of artists from Union Station to Wilco to Radiohead. The sound exceeds any I've dreamed of. It is strikingly clear and natural. I've never touched the bass/treble controls; no need to; flat sounds spectacular. Bass is natural. When listening to the Keith Jarrett Trio, Jack DeJohnette's cymbals are replicated to perfection. I don't agree with some other reviews that are concerned about the A-S500 build quality. I think the build quality is very good with the slight exception of the "plasticy" control knobs. I can live with the knobs, they aren't a deal breaker. I can't recommend the Yamaha A-S500 enough. It has changed how I listen to my music collection.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
Good performer but knobs make it look/feel cheap
By Karen Tolleshaug
Let me first say, I like the simple, retro, understated look of the A-S500. Photos on the web make it look solid, sturdy, well made, etc.I did read reviews re: plastic knobs. So upon opening the box the first thing I checked were the knobs. I can't fault their movement characteristics (the way volume knob rotates or selector knobs click) but the plastic material used for the knobs makes the unit both appear and especially feel cheap. This is not the type of plastic that comes pretty close to simulating metal (like my Harman Kardon A/V receiver), these knobs don't even try to pretend to be anything but plastic.A few other 'design' features disappoint as well. The power button is a small square; hard to see, and feels cheap. And, the sound that occurs when the A-S500 is turned on (that typical internal click sound that occurs 2-3 seconds after pressing power button)is very loud and "clunky" sounding. Also, LED lights on face are tiny, too tiny IMO. Very little effort spent designing remote either.Now the good. Enabling the Pure Direct feature (bypasses tonal and loudness controls; prevents amp from altering audio signal) yields the best quality output. With Pure Direct enabled, there is a noticeable increase in sound stage, roundness to the sound and more clarity. If like me, your music source is your computer's media player that includes a volume control and EQ for adjusting tone, you'll want to enable Pure Direct and ignore the front dials.With my speakers, I did not find the sound to be on the bright side as others mentioned. Not at all. Compared to my Harman Kardon receiver, the A-S500 cleaned up and brought out more lows and lower mid-range. That's where I saw the biggest difference - resulting in a fuller sound :-).In my opinion, the A-S500 is lacking in fit and finish, even for its low price, but shines in sound quality, especially with Pure Direct enabled.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful.Super Amp
By James W. Galbraith
I read the review of the Yamaha A-S500 amplifier in Gramophone magazine. He said that the reader shouldn't be fooled by the comparatively low price of the machine. In fact, he said that it performed well beyond many more expensive amps. I purchased it and it performs wonderfully well. At 85 watts a channel continuous it will drive almost anything you have for a speaker system. It's controls, although unspectacular in appearance more than do the job. I have it set on the direct cd setting and it makes you think concert hall. If you get something more expensive don't expect it outperform this amp. 5 stars all the way. It has a dock for apple products. Go for it.At $399.95 you can't go wrong.
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