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Yamaha A-S501 vs Yamaha A-S801
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Yamaha A-S501

Integrated Amplifier | 85 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Yamaha A-S501
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Yamaha A-S801

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Yamaha A-S801
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Yamaha A-S501 Yamaha A-S501
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Yamaha A-S801 Yamaha A-S801
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Yamaha A-S501
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Yamaha A-S801
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Yamaha A-S501 vs Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing A-S501 and A-S801, two Integrated Amplifiers by Yamaha. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Yamaha A-S501 and Yamaha A-S801 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Yamaha A-S501 Key Specs

  • 85 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 22.70 lbs / 10.32 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/8inch x 15-7/16inch

Yamaha A-S801 Key Specs

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Weight: 26.70 lbs / 12.14 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-3/16inch

What size room are the Yamaha A-S501 and Yamaha A-S801 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment Yamaha A-S501 Yamaha A-S801
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Poor
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Good
Very Large Room Poor Average

A-S501 and A-S801 are members of Yamaha's A-S series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Yamaha A-S Series History
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC
Yamaha A-S801
100 watts4-ohmsYes
Yamaha A-S301
  
60 watts4-ohmsYes
Yamaha A-S501
85 watts4-ohmsYes
Yamaha A-S701
  
100 watts4-ohmsYes
Yamaha A-S1200
  
90 watts4-ohmsNo
Yamaha A-S2200
  
90 watts4-ohmsNo
Yamaha A-S3200
  
100 watts4-ohmsNo

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Yamaha A-S501 and Yamaha A-S801 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S501 over Yamaha A-S801
MSRP Price(*) 550USD vs 900USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Base Surface Area 1709.6cm2/ 265.0inch2 vs 1792.2cm2/ 277.8inch2 takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S801 over Yamaha A-S501
Watts into 8-ohms 100 watts vs 85 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 6-ohms 120 watts vs 100 watts Delivers higher power into 6-ohms speakers
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
Max Bit Depth 32-bit vs 24-bit Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Yamaha A-S501 and Yamaha A-S801 differs from each other.

Yamaha A-S501 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
Yamaha A-S801 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB-B(connect to your computer for playback)
    • USB-A(charging only)
Yamaha A-S501 Back View
Yamaha A-S501 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Outputs
  • Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Yamaha A-S801 Back View
Yamaha A-S801 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S501?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A-S501:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • Remote control (RAS13)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Owners manual (En/ Fr)
  • Warranty information (US/CA)
  • On-line product registration information
  • Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note
  • What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S801?

    Here are the items that come with the A-S801:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (RAS15)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Owners manual (En/ Fr)
  • Warranty information (US/CA)
  • On-line product registration information
  • Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note
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