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Yamaha R-S500 Stereo receiver

Item # 022RS500

Yamaha's R-S500 stereo receiver was designed with the music listener in mind.

Yamaha's R-S500 stereo receiver was designed with the music listener in mind.

18 questions - 49 answers

Item # 022RS500

Shop all Yamaha Stereo Receivers

About the Yamaha R-S500

Yamaha's R-S500 stereo receiver was designed with the music listener in mind. It offers inputs for a CD player, a turntable, a tape deck and more. You'll find knobs to control volume, bass, treble, and balance. The R-S500 has a continuously variable loudness control, so you can hear all the detail in your favorite music at even the lowest volume. There's also a Pure Direct mode for your CD player so the music comes through with clarity rarely heard on a standard stereo.

Yamaha's R-S500 stereo receiver was designed with the music listener in mind. It offers inputs for a CD player, a turntable, a tape deck and more. You'll find knobs to control volume, bass, treble, and balance. The R-S500 has a continuously variable loudness control, so you can hear all the detail in your favorite music at even the lowest volume. There's also a Pure Direct mode for your CD player so the music comes through with clarity rarely heard on a standard stereo.

Second zone capability means that you can listen to all of your favorite tunes in another room. There's also a line-level output so you can add a powered sub to bring out the deep bass that most home speakers can't reproduce.

Product highlights:

  • 75 watts x 2 (stereo) into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.04% THD
  • 4-ohm capability allows use with a wide range of speakers
  • 40 AM/FM presets
  • 6 stereo RCA inputs (including phono)
  • 1 mono RCA output for powered subwoofer
  • rec out selector
  • rotary bass and treble controls
  • continuously variable loudness control
  • Pure Direct mode bypasses tone, balance, and loudness controls for cleaner sound
  • multibrand remote control
  • headphone jack
  • front-panel and remote switching for two pairs of main speakers
  • binding post speaker connectors
  • sleep timer
  • 17-1/8" W x 6" H x 15-1/4" D
  • weight: 22.5 lbs
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # R-S500BL

What's in the box:

  • Black stereo receiver
  • Wireless remote control (RAX25)
  • 2 "AAA" batteries
  • AM loop antenna
  • FM wire antenna (with push-on "F" connector)
  • Owner's manual
  • Warranty information
  • On-line product registration information

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More details on the Yamaha R-S500

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Performance Specs
Stereo RMS Power (watts) 75
THD in Stereo 0.04 %
Frequency Bandwidth (stereo) 20-20k Hz
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms
Amplifier Class ---
FM Sensitivity Not Given
Signal To Noise Ratio 100dB
Phono Signal to Noise Ratio 87dB
DAC Bit Depth ---
DAC Sample Rate ---
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
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay 2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
Total Number of Zones 2
Inputs & Outputs
USB Type-A Ports No
USB Type-B Ports No
Ethernet Wired Network Port ---
Phono Input 1
HDMI Inputs 0
Total Audio Inputs 6
Optical Digital Audio Inputs 0
Coaxial Digital Audio Inputs 0
Headphone Output 1/4"
Stereo Preamp Output ---
Subwoofer Output ---
Recording Output Yes
Speaker Output Pairs 2
Speaker Connectors Posts
Removable Power Cord No
Other Info
Alexa-compatible No
Google Assistant-compatible No
Built-in Radio Tuner None
Built-in Wi-Fi ---
On-Screen Display No
Width (inches) 17-1/8
Height (inches) 6
Depth (inches) 15-3/8
Weight (pounds) 22.5
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
The Yamaha R-S500 replaces these items:

Product Research

Audio Features
Remote Control

Audio 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.

High-Quality Power Amplifier: With 75 watts of power per channel (at 8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.04% THD), the R-S500 delivers solid, reliable audio performance even when driving both A and B speakers at the same time.

Wide Frequency Response: The receiver's wide frequency response, 10Hz to 50kHz, allows you to enjoy the full fidelity of any source with two channel analog outputs.

Dual Zone Capability: The R-S500 allows you to play two different sources in two zones. The receiver has a pair of stereo preamp outputs for Zone 2. A separate amplifier or stereo receiver with a pair of speakers, or a powered speaker system is required for zone 2.

Loudness: The amount of loudness compensation is adjustable, using a rotary knob on the front panel.

Pure Direct: The Pure Direct feature bypasses the bass, treble, balance, and loudness controls for the best sound from any source.

Record Out Selector: Front panel rotary knobs let you listen to one source, while feeding a different source to the Tape and Line 1 outputs for recording.

Speaker Terminals: All of the receiver's speaker terminals are binding posts. They 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.

Bi-Wire: Compatible speakers can be bi-wired using the A and B speaker terminals simultaneously (they are wired in parallel).

Impedance Switch: The R-S500 has an impedance switch, allowing operation with two pair of 6 ohm speakers.

Phono: The RCA phono input is designed for moving magnet (MM) turntable cartridges. If you have a moving coil (MC) cartridge a phono preamp is necessary.

Subwoofer Output: The stereo receiver is equipped with a mono-subwoofer output for connecting a powered sub.

Headphone Jack: The receiver has a standard 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel for private listening. When headphones are plugged in, the receiver's speaker output is not muted, so remember to turn the A and B speakers off.

Max Volume Adjustment: Use this feature to set the maximum volume level; used to avoid turning the volume too loud by mistake. You can set the Max Volume from -30 dB to +15 dB in 5 dB steps, or to +16.5 dB (full volume range is -89.5 dB to +16.5 dB).

Initial Volume Setting: Use this feature to specify the volume level when the power is turned on; choose between Off (same as the volume when the unit was turned off), Mute, and -89.5 dB to + 16.5 dB in 0.5 dB increments.

Power Management: The power (main room and Zone 2) can be set to turn off after a specific amount of time without any adjustments being made; options include 4, 8, or 12 hours.

Sleep Timer: The sleep timer turns the receiver off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Remote Control

RAX25 Remote Control: The remote control can operate the receiver as well as other remote control capable components from Yamaha and other manufacturers. The remote is pre-programmed with control signals for other brand TVs, VCRs, DVD player/recorders, Blu-ray disc players, DVRs, cable boxes, and satellite receivers, along with Yamaha CD player/recorders, MD player/recorders, tape decks, and LD players.

Remote Jack: The receiver a mini-jack input and output for use with other compatible components.

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Customer Q&A

18 questions already asked

Q
Does the r-s500 have enough power to drive 4 8ohm speakers in an average size living room?
thomas  Jul 09, 2017
4 answers
A
In my opinion, yes. It will depend on the size of the speakers though. I run 2 Polk TSI100s and 2 Polk TL2B satellites from my Yamaha R-S500. I also have a 10-inch powered Polk sub to hit the lows. My family room is fairly large (maybe, 20ft. x 20ft.) and this setup does not disappoint.
joshua  Jul 10, 2017
A
Yes, most definitely. Our living room is 16x17 and we also have 4 speakers at the sound is great!
jean  Jul 09, 2017
A
Yes. The 500 is a great unit. The sound is clean and appears to have more than enough power to fill the room. I'm paired to klipsch speakers and powered sub. I've never once thought I needed more power. I think you'll be impressed.
steve  Jul 09, 2017
A
It's plenty & enough for much more than that. Rule for live performance is 1 watt per person. 75 watts is plenty in any deck, but this one is especially clean.
ryan j.  Jul 09, 2017
Q
I have 2 pairs of 8 ohm speakers that I want to use simultaneously. From the manual it seems like Impedance should always be set to Low correct? But when turning either A or B off and just using one pair at a time, should I change it back to High? Does it matter?
philip  May 14, 2017
3 answers
A
Hello Philip, After reading your question I said hmmm and worried. You see my setup is basically the same. The Yamaha r-s500 and 4 Polk Tsi 100's. I stopped worrying (i think) with this thought. The system has been running for a year with that setup. It is rare for me to run only 2 speakers but so far there have been no problems. I know it's not a definitive answer but that is my experience.
francis  May 26, 2017
A
You are correct that your impedance setting should be "Low" if you run both pairs of speakers. But even if you are running only one pair, you should just let the impedance switch stay on "Low". It makes little or no difference sonically (at anything like a sane volume level, that is) and eliminates the need of constant fiddling around. Set it on "Low" and forget it. Happy listening! Tony
tony  May 16, 2017
A
What I get from the manual is to have it switched to low when you're running all four speakers. And if you're only using one pair, A or B, switch back to high. I'm not an expert, but that's what I get. Not sure what difference it makes, but I would go with manufacturers recommendations.
scott  May 15, 2017
Q
Can I run my TV through This Yamaha R-S500BL and if so how do you hook it up?
ron  Apr 19, 2017
5 answers
A
yes easy if u have hd
mark  Jun 28, 2017
A
One of the reasons I bought this receiver was because it was just a receiver with solid spec's. It does not have a plethora of connection options. That having been said, my TV had a 3.5mm audio out just like an ipod or smart phone. I used a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to go from the TV to the AUX input on the receiver. 'Works great. The only short coming is that your TV remote may not control the volume on your receiver. Mine does not. Your TV may have any number of audio-out connections. Most of them should work the same way. You just need the correct cable to make the connection.
john  Apr 20, 2017
A
Yes you can. Just plug cable into any open space. audio video or what ever if you are using direct tv just use out put from box to the receiver.. Same with cable.
gary  Apr 20, 2017
A
I have been running Tv's through rca compatible stereos since 1978. Assuming you have a left and right. Handel volume out from the tv, you can run it to any of the three line-in inputs. This is for sound only, not an optical input or hdmi for picture scenario.
eric r  Apr 19, 2017
A
My R-S500 manual does not include suffix BL If there is a difference for that suffix you will have to determine it. The receiver is strictly a analog stereo output device (no surround). Inputs are all RCA plugs. If your TV has 2 audio output RCA type plugs (or 1 monaural plug) you could use the VCR or tape input on the S 500 for a TV audio input (no video input) & I believe you may also use the phono input with its preamp turned down (see instructions for Loudness control settings)
jack  Apr 19, 2017
Q
Could you recommend a reasonable cost receiver for 2 channel acoustic 100 watt speakers and hdmi tv and dvd player? I was looking at the Yamaha rs 500 but after much reading discovered it is for music only. I don't have or need home theater. We are retired so our budget is very limited. Your advice would be much appreciated.
alan  Dec 05, 2016
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing the different models available I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
kenneth  Dec 06, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Can I connect a dvd player to the rs 500? I know I am unable to hook up hdtv but if my hdtv connects to the dvd player will we be able to hear our dvd's through the speakers connected to the rs 500?
alan  Dec 05, 2016
3 answers
A
For full multi channel theatrical sound output, no. For stereo you probably can hook up the DVD's2 front channels via RCA plugs/cables from the DVD's 2 front channels. There are no digital HDMI or DVI provisions on the RS500
jack  Dec 06, 2016
A
You sure can; a dvd player is exactly what I have hooked up to the Yamaha R-S500, and it works great! And yes, I also have speakers hooked up: it's all sweet :-)
karen j.  Dec 06, 2016
A
Certain that should work. If the sound is not clean and clear, you might try the "pure direct" feature (button top right front panel) of rs 500. Best regards, Kirk
kirk s  Dec 06, 2016
Q
How is the am-fm with the supplied wires, I live in a very populated area?
mark  Sep 26, 2016
7 answers
A
Mark, I purchased the RS500 about 1 1/2 years ago. We live in a hollow with lots of trees and do just fine with the supplied FM antennae. Can't say much about the AM reception as we never use it. I'm not an audiophile but I've been satisfied so far with it's performance. Ric
melitta k  Oct 02, 2016
A
Had to purchase fm antenna for good reception. Am reception ok with supplied antenna set up about 6 ft away
kevin  Sep 28, 2016
A
seems fine to me but I do not live in a populated area gets the stations I want to receive
charles  Sep 27, 2016
A
I have been very pleased with my Yamaha and find that the FM works well with the wires supplied. However, I live in a very rural area and I'm not sure if this info can be of help. I would think that in a populated area there would be a lot of FM signals. Plenty of signals means plenty of choices to me.
fred  Sep 27, 2016
A
I live in a highly populated area as well; it is a suburb of a major city, but not right in the downtown with high rises. I have had no problems with the am-fm reception at all; at times I can even pick up some stations that are an hour and a half drive away. I do use the supplied wire/antenna, and extend it vertically up the bookcase where the receiver sits -- this is a necessity for my location -- and it works great! Good luck!
karen j.  Sep 27, 2016
A
Mark: I live in San Antonio in a quiet neighborhood and like listening to the news and talk radio on AM. We have one of the strongest AM stations in the country but this receiver's AM reception is AWFUL. I have tried several antennas but nothing helps: it stinks. FM reception and sound quality is infinitely better than AM, but that's not saying much. I ended up buying a small Sony shortwave radio to listen to AM because this Yamaha was a tremendous disappointment. The Yamaha does a fine job with CDs, but with a turntable? Forget it. I recommend this only for a CD player. If you want to listen to AM/FM or albums, this is not the receiver to buy. Truth be told, I would not buy THIS receiver again.
david j  Sep 27, 2016
A
Not the best. Lots of static. We live in the city. We do not use the radio feature.
catherine  Sep 27, 2016
Q
"Mail/E-mail manual Yamaha RS 50?"
neil  Feb 15, 2016
1 answer
A
We don't carry the Yamaha RS 50, but you can view the owner's manual for this RS-500 model on our website by clicking the "Details" tab where you'll see a blue link to "Download the owner's manual" at the top. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159
david  Feb 17, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Does this unit have a USB socket?
robert  Jan 26, 2016
1 answer
A
No, I'm sorry it does not. You will find this information on the details tab on the product page under inputs/outputs.
kenneth  Jan 26, 2016 (Staff)
Q
can a smart tv be connected to this unit so the sound can be played thru the stereo?
doubleo  Dec 28, 2015
3 answers
A
Unfortunately do not know
kevin  Jan 03, 2016
A
I only play my TV through the AV Receiver by connecting the cable feed thru the HDMI-4 slot. There are drawbacks, all sound controls are thru the AV, not the TV. All other components are also thru the AV, so playing DVDs is also through the AV. This negates all advantages of the TV controlling those components, but the sound is well worth it. Never a problem understanding speech.
daniel  Dec 29, 2015
A
Yes I am sure it can If a non smart tv can be connected as iur's is I am sure a smart tv can as well No problem
charles  Dec 29, 2015
Q
How do I connect speakers to this-- can I use spade lugs or banana plugs?
karl  Dec 16, 2015
2 answers
A
Either one. I use banana plugs. They really increase the sound.
tom  Jul 03, 2017
A
All of the receiver's speaker terminals are binding posts. They 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. Single banana plugs should work fine though.
jeff  Dec 18, 2015 (Staff)
Q
i have sound dynamics speakers 300ti-- rated at 4 ohms, which setting do i use-- high or low?
karl  Dec 16, 2015
1 answer
A
For 4-ohm speakers the manual states you would want to use the Low setting.
jeff  Dec 18, 2015 (Staff)
Q
What do I need to use this receiver to listen to my iPod?
cleaette  Dec 06, 2015
2 answers
A
Just use the front jacks
gary  Apr 20, 2017
A
You need a 3.5 mm (Mini jack) to 2 RCA splitter. I run my computer music through one also.
ken  Dec 06, 2015
Q
Can anyone tell me how much power this receiver puts out to the headphone jack? Does it suffice to power 80 ohm headphones?
royce  Feb 28, 2015
2 answers
A
They crank out all of the volume that I can handle. Not sure of the impedance on my phones but they are not small
gary  Mar 02, 2015
A
I have never used head phones with it. Do these require more power than normal? Yamaha normally does things right. I have had 2 through the years.
daniel s  Mar 02, 2015
Q
It looks like if you use only one pair of 8 ohm speakers, you can set the switch to either high or low position. Which is correct or preferred? I'm only using a pair of Fluance 8 ohms and a sub. No speakers for a second zone.
trombenik  Dec 29, 2014
3 answers
A
The switch is used for impedance matching. When using a single pair of 8 Ohm speakers the switch should be set to High. You could run the unit safely in the Low position however the over all volume output to your speakers will be reduced.
david  Aug 06, 2015
A
Thanks
trombenik  Dec 29, 2014
A
I would use the High setting if using one set of 8 ohm speakers. I have noticed better bass/treble sensitivity and sound reproduction.
steven  Dec 29, 2014
Q
At the 4ohm level, what kind of power does this put out? Would this be an upgrade over an old Kenwood unit? It was rated at 100wpc back in the late 80's but I'm sure it's degraded over time.
paul  Nov 09, 2014
3 answers
A
I wouldn't not so much the power but the heat that will be generated will have its affects.
walter  Nov 21, 2014
A
It puts out all of the volume I need. I'm running it through a pair of mid eighties model Polk Audio speakers.
gary  Nov 11, 2014
A
I have this receiver and have been extremely satisfied. I like the fact it has a loudness knob. I would recommend it it is a very nice receiver. Kenny
kenneth  Nov 10, 2014
Q
Has Yamaha fixed the delay problems between "zones" with their latest group of receivers? My two year old version has several milliseconds of delay (sound processing) between the main speaker outs and the "zone 2" signals. Not a problem if zone 2 is far away, but I'm using to drive speakers in an adjacent room. and when you stand or walk between the rooms it is horrible. Even happens with "pure direct" turned on... Thanks in advance...
jack  Jul 24, 2014
6 answers
A
Unfortunately for you I am only running 1 set of speakers at this time. Can understand your wanting to know. that would be annoying. Hope you get an answer that is more informative to you.
jeff  Aug 18, 2014
A
I am sorry I cannot help, because I have never tried to do what Chip is doing- altho' I have thought to do so. I am driving only only two 50-year-old, Janszen Z-600 speakers and obtaining beautiful sound from old 33 rpm records, and CDs, DVds,, and FM radio. I would have thought Yamaha would help you; they inundate me almost every day with e-mail.
raymond f  Jul 29, 2014
A
I have not noticed a delay. My speakers are in one room though.
john  Jul 28, 2014
A
Sorry I can't help Chip. The receiver is at my Father-in law's and he doesn't use the zone 2. He's been thrilled with the unit, and listens to everything, including Sirius/XM. Good luck.
kevin  Jul 28, 2014
A
I don't know. I have never used that function.
charles e  Jul 28, 2014
A
Chip I have all of my equipment in the same room. I will say I love the receiver and I looked extensively before I bought it. Kenny
kenneth  Jul 28, 2014
Q
Can I run Speaker pairs A&B simultaneously if one pair is rated at 8ohm and the other at 6ohm without damaging it? I know it is within spec if I run A OR B, but when both are selected, this goes against what is recommended in the manual (manual says both should be 8ohm). I figure I can do it if I keep the volume not too high and keep the receiver well ventilated. Anyone run a setup like this?
thomas  Apr 23, 2014
1 answer
A
I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: It is recommended to only use 8 ohm speakers when running both A&B speakers. Theoretically it could work at low volumes with 6 ohms speakers but we can't really recommend it. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
greg  Apr 25, 2014 (Staff)
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