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Yamaha A-S500 Stereo integrated amplifier

Item # 022AS500

Do you always have to spend a fortune to get high-fidelity sound?

Do you always have to spend a fortune to get high-fidelity sound?

7 questions - 47 answers

Item # 022AS500

About the Yamaha A-S500

Jim Richardson
Do you always have to spend a fortune to get high-fidelity sound? Listen to this solidly built integrated amplifier, and you'll agree that the answer is a definite no.

Do you always have to spend a fortune to get high-fidelity sound? Listen to this solidly built integrated amplifier, and you'll agree that the answer is a definite no.

To keep the sound clean, Yamaha keeps the signal path short and well organized inside a sturdy, vibration-resistant housing. A high-current design and high-grade internal components mean you'll have plenty of sonic muscle for dynamic musical peaks. Pure Direct mode lets you bypass the tone, balance, and loudness controls for the purest possible sound.

Because our ears' sensitivity to high and low frequencies is diminished at low volume levels, Yamaha includes a continuously variable loudness control that lets you experience rich, full sound at any volume setting.

The A-S500 offers enough inputs to connect six audio components, including a turntable. Two sets of main speaker outputs let you connect an additional pair of speakers. And the included remote gives you easy control of the amplifier and the other Yamaha audio components in your system.

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Product highlights:

  • 85 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.019% THD
  • 4-ohm capability allows use with a wide range of speakers
  • ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) for high-quality sound
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB (CD/DVD Direct Amp mode), 88 dB (phono)
  • 6 RCA audio inputs, including MM (moving magnet) phono input
  • port for YID-W10 and YDS-12 iPod® docks
  • subwoofer output
  • continuously variable loudness control
  • Pure Direct mode bypasses balance and tone control circuits for cleaner sound
  • headphone jack
  • front-panel switching for 2 pairs of speakers
  • binding-post speaker connectors
  • remote control
  • 17-1/8"W x 5-15/16"H x 15-3/8"D
  • weight: 22.7 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # AS500BL

What's in the box:

  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • Wireless remote control (RAS5)
  • 2 "AA" batteries
  • Owner's manual (En/ Fr)
  • Warranty information
  • On-line product registration information

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More details on the Yamaha A-S500

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Performance Specs
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) 85
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) 100
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) Not given
Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
THD 0.019%
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms
Amplifier Class AB
Signal to Noise Ratio 100
DAC Bit Depth N/A
DAC Sample Rate N/A
Features
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) No
Wi-Fi N/A
Built-in Radio Tuner None
Room Correction ---
High-res Audio Playback
From Network No
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) No
From Computer (USB-B) No
Bluetooth
Version Info N
Receiver Mode No
Transmitter Mode No
AAC Playback No
aptX Playback No
aptX-HD Playback No
LDAC Playback No
Connections
RCA Line-level Inputs ---
XLR Line-level Inputs ---
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs No
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input No
HDMI Inputs ---
Stereo Preamp Outputs ---
Subwoofer Outputs 1
Recording Output Yes
HDMI Output ---
Home Theater Bypass No
Pre-out/Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4"
Removable Power Cord ---
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay 2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (inches) 17-1/8
Height (inches) 5-15/16
Depth (inches) 15-3/8
Weight (pounds) 22.7
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
The Yamaha A-S500 replaces these items:

Product Research

Features
Controls
Connections

Features

ToP-ART/High Current Amplification: Yamaha uses the ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) design concept, which combines the latest and best technologies, parts, and circuit designs, to maximize sound quality. High Current Amplification uses superior quality components from input to output to achieve high current power with low impedance.

Stereo Amplifier: The Yamaha A-S500 features a dynamic, powerful stereo amplifier with low impedance drive capability. The amp is rated at 85 watts x 2-channels, measured from 20-20 kHz into 8-ohms with 0.019% THD (100 watts x 2-channels, measured from 20-20 kHz into 6-ohms with 0.038% THD).

Dual Heat Sinks: The Yamaha integrated amplifier employs dual aluminum-extruded heat sinks to ensure effective heat dissipation and help achieve crisp, clean sound.

Aluminum Front-Panel:  The Yamaha A-S500 integrated amplifier features an elegant aluminum front-panel to resist vibration.

Controls

Bass and Treble: The stereo amplifier features independent bass (20 Hz) and treble (20 kHz) controls so you can increase or decrease the low and high frequency response (+/-10dB).

Balance: You can adjust the output balance of the left and right speakers.

Loudness: The A-S500 features a continuously variable loudness control (0 to -30 dB), so you can retain a full tonal range at any volume level; thus compensating for the human ear's loss of sensitivity to high and low frequency ranges at low volume.

Pure Direct: The Pure Direct switch is used to best reproduce the sound of any source by bypassing bass, treble, loudness, and balance circuits.

Speaker Selector: The Speaker Selector switch allows you to select only A speakers, only B speakers, A and B speakers simultaneously, or no speakers; so you can control which speakers are playing.

Impedance Switch: The amplifier features a rear-panel impedance switch to match the impedance level of the speakers connected. Choose High or Low:

  • High: Select High if using one set (A or B) of speakers with impedance of 6-ohm or higher; when bi-wiring the impedance of the speaker must also be 6-ohms or higher.
  • Low: Select Low if using one set (A or B) of speakers with the impedance of 4-ohm to 6-ohm; if using two sets (A and B) of speakers simultaneously, the impedance of each speaker must be at least 8-ohms; when bi-wiring the impedance of the speaker must also be 4-ohms to 6-ohms.

Record Out Selector: The A-S500 features a record output selector switch which is independent of the input source selector; this allows you to record the selected output source while listening to another input source. The unit's volume control does not affect the fixed record level output.

Remote Control: The included IR remote (RAS5) controls this unit and select Yamaha AM/FM tuners, CD players, and iPods (when the optional YDS-12 iPod dock is added).

Connections

Analog Inputs/Outputs: The Yamaha A-S500 integrated stereo amplifier is equipped with six analog stereo (RCA) inputs for connecting external audio sources such as a CD player, AM/FM tuner, Turntable, and/or cassette deck. There are also two pair of RCA outputs for recording through the amplifier.

Note: The unit's Phono input also features a ground terminal and is designed to connect a turntable with an MM cartridge.

Speaker Outputs: The Yamaha stereo amplifier features binding post terminals for its A & B speaker outputs. You can use the A & B speaker outputs to power two pair of speakers, or bi-wire a single pair of compatible speakers. The terminals are not 5-way binding posts because a plastic collar prevents their use with spade lugs and they are too far apart for dual banana plugs.

Headphone Output: The A-S500 integrated amplifier is equipped with a front-panel 1/4" headphone output for connecting a pair of headphones (sold separately). The headphone output and speaker outputs will work simultaneously; you will need to rotate the speaker selector switch on the front-panel to the Off position to turn off the sound from your connected speakers.

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Customer Q&A

7 questions already asked

Q
I need more power for my DCM's. I currently have a Yamaha 2040 stereo reciever but i have to turn it up to -20 and lower db's for the DCM's to move. Would purchasing this amp help? Also, how would i hook this amp to the speakers and then to the stereo receiver?? Thanks.
chuck  Oct 11, 2015
2 answers
A
If I understand your situation correctly, I use a Niles ABS-1 Signal-Activated Amplifier A-B Switch, where I am sharing a set of tower speakers between a Yamaha home theater receiver and my Yamaha amplifier for music.
james  Oct 11, 2015
A
Hi, Are you running a 2 channel only stereo set up? Your 2040 is rated at 140watts per channel, the As500 is rated at 85 watts. Many factors but I would say the integrated Amp would only offer a slight/ marginal increase in power as its a clean high current integrared amp. If you are looking to use your receiver as a pre Amp/ radio tuner, I would suggest getting a true dedicated Amp such as Adcom, ParaSound, Anthem, Krell, NAD or Acurus. My sure your Yamaha 2040 has pre-amp outputs first otherwise you will need a new pre-amp as well. Happy Listening, Peter
peter e  Oct 11, 2015
Q
would I be able to run a preamp through this?
padraig  Jun 07, 2015
6 answers
A
Yes, you could put a preamp in front of this. Although I wouldn't do it for music, I might if I were going to use this in a home theater setup.
howard  Mar 18, 2016
A
Do not know. Sorry!
timothy  Jun 08, 2015
A
Yes, you could just use one of the other line inputs that doesn't have a preamp stage if you don't want to use the built in phono preamp.
matthew  Jun 08, 2015
A
I ran run through it at one time, but it didn't make that much of a difference.
jennifer  Jun 07, 2015
A
No. The preamp stage is built in.
jon  Jun 07, 2015
A
Absolutely!
glenn  Jun 07, 2015
Q
Hey there fellow music lovers! I've had this AS-500 for a while now and really love it, but I do have one question. Does anyone know if the sub out is fixed at a certain frequency or if it's just a mono line out, and if it's a fixed point would it affect the full range signal going to the speakers? Thanks in advance for your time and info! Happy jamming!!!!
josh  Jan 31, 2015
4 answers
A
the subwoofer out is not fixed its variable.
scott  Apr 11, 2015
A
Hi Josh, I believe the sub-out is just a mono line out and in order to dial in a specific hz range you need to make adjustments directly from the powered sub. Most subs have a cross-over you can set to determine the range/hz you want your sub to produce. This type of set up will not effect your main speakers abilty to produce full range. I recommend using the source direct mode on this integrared amp.
peter e  Feb 02, 2015
A
To be honest with you I really don't know. My Poke sub is adjustable on the back and I'm happy with what I hear.
alan  Feb 02, 2015
A
Josh G. Logic would dictate that "Sub" out would be a fixed between sub frequencies I.E. 20 to 80 hz if there is indeed a passive crossover network built into the amp. Just check it yourself by plugging in a full range speaker and see how it sounds if a full range of frequencies then it has no passive crossover. Subwoofers are by nature center to back in your array, sub frequencies are "Omni" directional. You gain nothing by hooking a full range speaker to your array using sub out. Best to use it as Subwoofer. The A-S500 in my experience has the ability to drive bass signals extremely well.
daniel  Feb 02, 2015
Q
I have a total of 7 speakers, 4 speakers in the den area and 2 speakers over the kitchen area in the ceiling and 1 speaker in the ceiling of the outdoor kitchen and would like to know if this Yamaha A-S500 would be able to do the job for just playing music and nothing more? Thanks for you advice. Ready to buy.
brian  Jan 08, 2015
6 answers
A
its a ok amp not enough power for me. for general listening it will be ok. I got aold school sansui amp from the 70s lots of power to me the new amps don't cut it
stanley  Jan 10, 2015
A
That won't work, Brian. The AS-500 has capacity for 2 pair ... "A" & "B" speakers ( total of 4). There's probably a solution by pairing up another set of speakers to one of the existing pair, but that would be too complex for my limited technical understanding. Try asking someone in the Audio field. Good luck. Hope you can make it happen.
tom m  Jan 09, 2015
A
This is a good unit. I use it for my deck and pool. It has hook-ups for A & B speakers 2 of each not sure if that's enough for 3 different rooms and if you are trying to turn one room on while another is off. If you need more than four speakers you can always add a speaker selector to your unit.
robert  Jan 08, 2015
A
Brain, The A-S500 is a very clean and sufficiently powerful amp. Tons of guts without any unneeded features. However, this model would not be applicable for 7 speakers, only 4. Glenn
glenn  Jan 08, 2015
A
The amp has plenty of power for your speakers, but has connections for only two pairs of speakers. I suggest you contact Crutchfield customer service for advice concerning connections for all your speakers.
harold  Jan 08, 2015
A
Not with all those speakers. It's a stereo (2 speakers) amplifier.
jon  Jan 08, 2015
Q
Is it possible to connect a graphic equalizer to this unit????
robert  May 19, 2014
8 answers
A
Have yet to hook them up. I bought them during the winter months and now since warmer weather has arrived, I am involved with my work. I hope to install them soon.
paul d  May 20, 2014
A
Good question, Robert. I hoped to connect an EQ to mine and was disappointed to find that I couldn't. There are plenty of input and output choices but no tape monitor which is evidently necessary to connect an equalizer. If you find a way, I'd love to hear it!
carl  May 20, 2014
A
Yes it is possible. However, in my case I run all my components through the EQ which kind of renders the input selector switch on the amp useless because my EQ only has one output (it's pretty old). Basically, I'm only using the "Line 1" input on the amp. So to fix this I have a RCA selector switch in front of the EQ to toggle between my components. BTW the amp sounds fantastic. I replaced a thirty year old pioneer with this and I love it! Hope this helps.
paul  May 20, 2014
A
I am sorry but I don't have any experience with graphic equalizers, so I can not answer. But, If there is something more specific that i can look at to help answer this questions please let me know. Doug
douglas  May 20, 2014
A
I don't see why not.
bryce  May 20, 2014
A
yes you can connect eq. to most amps either on a loop or twixt sorce and amp.
joseph a  May 19, 2014
A
I have no idea. I use it as is. Works beautifully!
timothy  May 19, 2014
A
absolutely! just place it between the A-S500 and your speakers and all will be fine. the A-S500 has bass and treble adjustments that you may find handle the equalizing issue.
kenneth b  May 19, 2014
Q
Can an mp3 device be plugged in to the amp? Where/how?
mistere  Apr 29, 2014
20 answers
A
Yes, just get a mp3 to rca adapter cord. I have one and use it al the time. Mine is plugged into the auxiliary input .
jeff  May 19, 2014
A
"Yes you can! (another option aside purchasing the docking port) by purchasing an RCA "Y" adapter (RCA L/R plug on one side and the speaker Pin connection like your ear buds have) much cheaper than the docing port, only a few bucks if purchased locally. just plug the RCA connections in any Line "IN" Input in the back, plug the Pin connection into the Ear Bud port of your MP3 player, select that Input on the amp and listen away! I use this hook up myslef on my Ipod and it works perfectly. Hope this helps."
mark  Apr 30, 2014
A
"Yes you can! by purchasing an RCA "Y" adapter (RCA L/R plug on one side and the speaker Pin connection like your ear buds have) just plug the RCA connections in any Line "IN" Input in the back, plug the Pin connection into the Ear Bud port of your MP3 player, select that Input on the amp and listen away! I use this hook up myslef on my Ipod and it works perfectly. Hope this helps."
mark  Apr 30, 2014
A
Yes you can! by purchasing an RCS "Y" adapter (RCA L/R plug on one side and the speaker Pin connection like your ear buds have) just plug the RCA connections in any Line "IN" Input in the back, plug the Pin connection into the Ear Bud port of your MP3 player, select that Input on the amp and listen away! I use this hook up myslef on my Ipod and it works perfectly. Hope this helps.
mark  Apr 30, 2014
A
I hook my ipod through the Line input with a 1/8th to stereo RCA cable. Works great. Plug the cable into the headphone jack on the ipod.
glenn  Apr 30, 2014
A
Where to insert the mini to RCA cable? This cable has 2 ends. The end that has the 2 terminals - one red, one white - goes into the back of the Yamaha into one of the inputs which has a corresponding knob in the front. For the mp3 device you do not need an expensive cable.
hong  Apr 30, 2014
A
First of all let me say that I enjoyed the sound quality from the Yamaha AS500. I did not connect an mp3 device such as an iPjone or iPod directly into one of the (RCA) inputs. What I did was I connected the iPhone to the audioengine d1 dac (which provided a better sound) and from there to the Yamaha amp. You might want to try to connect from the mp3 device through a mini to RCA cable (which Crutchfield stocks ) into the Yamaha input. I think it should work. But please turn the volume control down first. If the sound quality is good, great! Good luck! Watch the volume control.
hong  Apr 30, 2014
A
Yes by using a Metra Mini-to-RCA Cable available at Crutchfield or many other audio suppliers. Just plug it into one of the open audio inputs on the back of the amp. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120A35RCA6/Metra-Mini-to-RCA-Cable.html
mark  Apr 30, 2014
A
The mini plug plugs into your MP3 player and the RCA plugs go into the back of the amp. I plug it into the AUX input but you could use any except the phono input.
jerry  Apr 29, 2014
A
Thanks
mistere  Apr 29, 2014
A
Thanks
mistere  Apr 29, 2014
A
Thank you.
mistere  Apr 29, 2014
A
Thanks
mistere  Apr 29, 2014
A
Thanks - I'll have to see what a docking port is and see if I can get one to fit.
mistere  Apr 29, 2014
A
Not into the amp per se. there is an optional ipod dock, or you can just get an RCA to mini plug wire and use the aux connection on the back panel. that's what I do. but, I don't think this method give you remote control of the ipod.
jon  Apr 29, 2014
A
The amp has a docking port. I have a separate dock I use with my iphone to listen to Pandora etc. You would need to get a dock with a matching connection to the amp. It is a fairly standard type so I would assume you can find one for your MP3 device. Best to check that out before hand.
keith  Apr 29, 2014
A
No,but it has a dock jack for playing tunes from an i/phone /ipod.
harold  Apr 29, 2014
A
Yes, I play an mp3 player through mine quite often. One way is to order a mini plug to RCA cable from Crutchfield. If you do a search in the Crutchfield website, you will find several options. I use a DAC (digital to analog converter) to improve the sound, but it's not necessary.
jerry  Apr 29, 2014
A
Yes, but only with a docking station. Glenn
glenn  Apr 29, 2014
A
No, you need to buy a stand alone mp3 holder. I bought Yamaha's (model# YDS-12) to use with my IPod and it works great. It plugs in and it's ready to go. Hope this helps.
william j  Apr 29, 2014
Q
Can I get this unit in Silver?
don  Jan 09, 2014
1 answer
A
I only see this one listed in black. However you can see the silver stereo amps we carry here: http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/amplifier_silver.html?showAll=N&nvpair=FFCategory%7c%5brank10400%5dReceivers+%26+Amplifiers
jeff  Jan 09, 2014 (Staff)
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