After I Buy Yamaha A S500BL Integrated Theater Amplifier
The Yamaha A-S500 has restored my joy in listening. I started out building my own Dynakit stereo equipment in the '60s but had tried to "modernize" the last few years. Two different consumer-grade AV receivers had left me feeling frustrated listening to music. The digital conveniences were great (such as switching all the HDMI sources, etc.), but the audio sections were just plain anemic. The highs were missing in action and the lows had no guts (unless I used a good quality powered sub I have - and even then, there was a hole between the super-lows and the mid-bass). In addition, there were no loudness controls on either AV receiver, making low volume listening rather lackluster. I had even tried replacing my large, '70s vintage floor-standing speakers thinking that they might be aging or out of date. WRONG! All along, the problem was with the low-current power supplies and digital over-processing in the AV receivers. Swapping the A-S500 for the most recent AV receiver brought the excitement of hi-fi listening back into my living room. Even my (slightly) aging ears can hear the highs again and the lows will "tickle your innards." Clarity is back and I now remember what dynamic range is. The response throughout the frequency range is smooth without coloration. It's hard to explain how pleased I am with the A-S500.
Get your Yamaha A S500BL Integrated Theater Amplifier Now!
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.
BalasHapusAt $399.95 you can't go wrong.
I don't usually write reviews for the sole purpose of correcting another reviewer, but this is a GREAT amp! There is nothing flimsy about this near-prefect jewel. Just poke around Google and you'll see what I mean! ;)
BalasHapus
BalasHapusThe Yamaha A-S500 has restored my joy in listening. I started out building my own Dynakit stereo equipment in the '60s but had tried to "modernize" the last few years. Two different consumer-grade AV receivers had left me feeling frustrated listening to music. The digital conveniences were great (such as switching all the HDMI sources, etc.), but the audio sections were just plain anemic. The highs were missing in action and the lows had no guts (unless I used a good quality powered sub I have - and even then, there was a hole between the super-lows and the mid-bass). In addition, there were no loudness controls on either AV receiver, making low volume listening rather lackluster. I had even tried replacing my large, '70s vintage floor-standing speakers thinking that they might be aging or out of date. WRONG! All along, the problem was with the low-current power supplies and digital over-processing in the AV receivers. Swapping the A-S500 for the most recent AV receiver brought the excitement of hi-fi listening back into my living room. Even my (slightly) aging ears can hear the highs again and the lows will "tickle your innards." Clarity is back and I now remember what dynamic range is. The response throughout the frequency range is smooth without coloration. It's hard to explain how pleased I am with the A-S500.
BalasHapusIn 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.
BalasHapusThe best sound I've ever heard anywhere close to this price! I just replaced a 8 year old Yamaha upper line surround sound for this and the difference is night and day. If all you need is high end stereo sound at a reasonable price than here you go.
BalasHapusAll the great reviews that have been written about this amp are true. The plastic knobs look great but deletes some of the build quality, not a deal breaker.
BalasHapusI've had many integrated amps in this price range (Pioneer Elite AR35, Cambridge Azur 350A, and a Marantz 1402 AVR. After listening to and comparing to the Cambridge (which I still owned at the time) I was blow away out much more natural the music sounded.
BalasHapusWhile the A-S500 has it's minimal Bass and Tone knobs, you don't need to touch them. Just leave it on "Pure Direct" and you have yourself an amp that if was sold by Levinson, Pass, or SImaudio you would not be able to tell the difference.
I run these components through it
IMac with a DAC through it: 5 Stars
VPI Scout Turntabe: 5 Stars
Rega Apollo CD player: 5 Stars
I have not tried the iPod hook up. The only decent Amp I've heard that can plug and play an iPod are the higher end Pioneer Elite AVR's, which we use for our home theatre.
I try out a lot of audio gear just to try it, and flip the gear and buy new stuff. This is the only one I have wanted to keep.
The plastic knobs are lame, but I don't use them and they look like brushed aluminum any way.
Buy this amp if you're newb audiophile or on a budget...or just want to set up an incredible 2 Channel System. And Bi-Wire your speakers, if speakers allow.