The Professional's Source
800.606.6969 / 212.444.6615
Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver
- Price: $349.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # YARS500BL
- Mfr# R-S500BL
Product Highlights
- 2 x 75W High Power Output
- Total Performance Anti-Resonance Tech.
- 40-Station AM/FM Tuning
- Subwoofer Out
- Multi-Zone Compatibility
- Highest Quality Parts
- Rec Out Selector
- Elite Class Stereo Receiver
- iPod Dock Connection
With its continued excellence in sound reproduction, Yamaha has once again created a versatile stereo receiver for the music lover in you. The R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver offers superb functionality and dual-room capability that will be hard to match at this price point. Yamaha's features include continuously variable loudness control, Pure Direct along with Yamaha iPod dock connection, Sirius Radio Ready, 40-station AM/FM and Zone 2 control gives an assurance of total music enjoyment. Most of the receiver's audio processing is handled automatically, with little intervention on your part. However, it is so advanced; its discrete output reproduces music with unmatched sonic clarity and dynamic power.
In a nutshell, the R-S700 is a 2 x 75W stereo receiver capable of delivering breathtaking stereo sound. It features a ton of input jacks, a subwoofer out, individual treble, bass, and balance controls, Remote Interactive (RI) port, A/B speaker switching, banana plug speaker posts, and an AM/FM tuner. Because of the high efficiency of its design, this powerful receiver produces exceptional sound quality, and clarity in every audible detail.
Advanced Features
- 75W x 2 high power output
- 40-station AM/FM random access preset tuning
- Speaker A, B or A+B selection
- Pure Direct for short and direct signal path
- Subwoofer Out
- Rec Out selector
- Power management (Auto power off)
- Preset remote control
- With a subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can greatly expand your choice of high quality radio programs
- This receiver makes it easy for someone in another room to listen to the music and even control playback
Zone Control
- 12V Trigger Out (Control Out)
- The 12V trigger output can be used to automatically power on the components in Zone 2 when the main power is turned on. Output is a high 100mA, so relay operation is possible
- Remote (IR) 2 In/Out and Remote 2 In
- These terminals let you connect an IR signal receiver for wireless remote control between the Main Zone and Zone 2
- Speaker A/B and A+B Selection
- Enjoy music in a second room. Just connect a second pair of speakers to the Speaker B terminals and you can listen to either pair or both of them at the same time
- The Look and Texture of Quality
- Offers the look and feel of the top-class A-S2000, with elegant aluminum front panel and silky touch volume/selector knobs. You can feel Yamaha's commitment to quality when you touch the knobs
- ToP-ART Sound Quality Design
- ToP-ART (Total Performance Anti-Resonance Technology) design uses a symmetrical layout for accurate sound field reproduction and the ART Base to eliminate effects from external vibration
- Pure Direct
- Music signals travel the shortest possible route, bypassing the buffer amp and tone loudness and balance controls to virtually eliminate any signal degradation for the purest sound quality
- New Speaker Terminals
- These high grade speaker terminals have silver plating for best connection and outstanding durability. The pitch between jacks is wider for easier insertion
- Highest Quality Parts
- The quality of each individual part, as well as how they work together, basically determines the sound quality of any component. Yamaha uses only very high quality parts, carefully selected and tested
- Continuously Variable Loudness Control
- Our ears lose sensitivity to high and low frequencies at low volume levels. This control lets you turn down the volume while maintaining the optimum frequency response
- Special Power Supply for Clear iPod Sound
- The iPod dock has an independent power supply to prevent operating or charging current from the iPod from flowing into the amp ground signal. This ensures optimum iPod sound quality
- Balanced System for Minimal Noise
- An unbalanced interface is subject to common mode voltage noise, so Yamaha uses a balanced system to receive the iPod signal. This makes a significant contribution to reducing noise in the system for higher sound quality
- New Remote Controls
- The R-S500 preset remote control is designed to make it easy to operate the receiver's many functions
| Amplifier | |
|---|---|
| Surround RMS Power | 75W x 2 @ 8 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.04% THD |
| No. of Channels | 2 |
| Impedance | 8, 6, 4, 2 ohms (105/125/150/178W) |
| Maximum Output Power | 105W |
| Power Bandwidth | 0.06% THD, 37.5W, 8 ohms->10Hz to 50kHz |
| Damping Factor | 1kHz, 8 ohms->150 or more |
| Maximum Output Power | 1kHz, 10%, 8 ohms-> 115W |
| Input Sensitivity |
Phono: 35mV/47 kohms CD: 200mV/47 kohms |
| Max Input Signal | Phono: (1kHz, 0.003% THD) 60mV or more CD: (1kHz, 0.5% THD) 2.2V or more |
| Output Level |
CD, (Input, 1kHZ, 200mV) REC: 200mV/1.0 kohms CD, (Input, 1kHz, 200mV, 8 ohms) Phones: 410mV, 470 ohms |
| Freq. Response (Rec/Repro) | CD, (10Hz to 100kHz) 0+/-1.0 db |
| Equalization | Phono: 0+/-0.5 db |
| THD |
CD, etc. to Speakers (20Hz to 20kHz, 50W, 8 ohms)->0.015% or less |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | CD, (200mV) 100 db or more |
| Residual Noise | 30 |
| Channel Selection | CD, (5.1 kohms input shortened, 1/10kHz)->65/50 db or more |
| Tone Control |
BASS Boost/Cut (50Hz) +/- 10 db Turnover Frequency->350Hz TREBLE Boost/Cut (20KHz) +/- 10 db Turnover Frequency->3.5kHz Continuous Loudness Control Attenuation (1kHz) -30 db Gain tracking error (0-99 db)-> 0.5 db or less |
| AM/FM Tuner |
FM: 87.5 to 107.9 MHz AM: 530 to 1710 kHz 40-Station Preset Tuning Sirius Satellite Radio Ready |
| Other Ports |
Subwoofer Out Pre-Out / Main-In Coupler Zone 2 Output IR Ports In x 1/ Out x 1 +12V Trigger Output FM Antenna x 1 AM Antenna x 1 Dock Jack x 1 CD Jack x 1 Phono x 1 Tape Jack x 1 GND Terminal x 1 Sirius Tuner x 1 |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Power Requirements | AC 120V, 60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 190W |
| Power Consumption (idle) | 0.5W or less |
| Maximum Power Draw | 380W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 17.1 x 6 x 15.3" (435 x 151 x 387mm) |
| Weight | 22.5 lb. (10.2kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 16 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to set up (15)
- Great sound quality (10)
- Good power output (8)
- Good remote control (5)
- Simple controls (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic systems (7)
- Smaller rooms / apartments (5)
- Replacement (4)
- Large rooms (3)
- Multiple rooms / whole house (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Audiophile (6), Tech savvy (6), Enthusiast (4), Practical (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
- Primary use:
- Personal (5)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-16
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good price
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- No digital inputs
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Larger Rooms
- Multiple Rooms / Whole House
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
Great receiver when paired with the matching natural sound speakers. Sound quality is really good for the price. I bought this to install in a customers whole house audio system. We are both very happy with this system. I will be using it more.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Yamaha Real Sound In-ceiling speakers
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Energy Efficient
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I purchased this receiver as a gift for my father. He has a great collection of 78 rpm records and enjoys listening to them.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
- Recommended:
- Audio-Technica AT-240 USB turntable
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is to replace my beloved Sansui 800 circa 1969. I thought I would lose some of the analog "warmth" to which I was accustomed, but no. Excellent sound with a mix of old Marantz and new Polk speakers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
- The Finish Is Beautiful
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I love it! Call me old school but this is how music should sound! I have floor speakers (Pioneer 12" woofer 4 way) This amp makes those speakers sound better than ever. I was planning on new speakers after another pay check but no need!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- Confusing / Bad Remote Control
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Larger Rooms
- Multiple Rooms / Whole House
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I purchased the R-S500 to replace my 30 year old Yamaha receiver that finally died. It was easy to set up and I found the iPod connection easy to make and easy to control.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Energy Efficient
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Multiple Rooms / Whole House
- Smaller Rooms
- Use W Older Components
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I would buy it again in a heartbeat!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Energy Efficient
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- No con that i can disern
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Great for old style stero
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This unit is powering a pair of Sony 200W speaker towers. I use it as a old style stereo. 1 pair of speakers and no sub anything.
The clarity even at highest vol. is amazing!
When I first got it going I wa splaying with it and kept cranking the vol. up. To my suprise it only seemed to get so loud and then level off.
Found out how wrong I was when I went outside and the music was still CLEAR.
Overall I would definately reccomend to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
The sound produced is amazingly spacious, airy and clean, with unusual channel separation. It did take a while to learn the loudness control, which is different in operation from the Yamaha receiver I had in the '80s and 90s. And the sound is a little bass-light and bright for my taste. FM is very sensitive but required a directional antenna to cope with multipath. All the switchable inputs one could ask for, and including a real phono input. A great basic 2-channel receiver with exceptional sound quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Replacement
- Upgrade
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
Superb sound. I have been a Yamaha customer since 1979. Have numerous components wired into the receiver and no problem with Bluray, phono, dvd player and tape deck.Excellent costruction and hope to get same length of use out of it that my earlier versions had.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound Quality
- Versatile inputs
Cons
- Confusing / Bad Remote Control
Best Uses
- Classical music
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This receiver replaced a 38-year-old (twice rehabbed) Pioneer unit. Our musical diet is almost completely classical, from CDs and LPs (occasionally radio), and the receiver is driving very inefficient 5-ohm speakers.
Strengths: Excellent, clear, detailed, full-spectrum sound--it continues to surprise me how much this receiver improves the system. Very versatile with lots of auxiliary "line" inputs (my Droid and old portable cassette recorder play nicely with the headphone output routed to a "line" input). Basic setup and operation are straightforward.
Weaknesses: The volume control reads out in apparently arbitrary decibels (-90 to +15)--I have no idea what "0 dB" is, and the manual doesn't say. Maybe a watt isn't what it used to be, but the sound from the speakers is not as loud as it was from my old 50 watt-per-channel Pioneer. While basic setup and operation are easy, other functions require the remote, which is complex enough to fly a 747. The Loudness function is awkward to use.
Overall: Excellent sound, excellent value. If you have inefficient speakers and play loud rock, though, this isn't the unit for you.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Replacement
- Upgrade
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This R-S500 is a replacement for a 43 year old receiver. Love the channel presets and remote (as compared to the old manual operation). I was a bit confused about the loudness control as my old unit had a simple button marked loudness that gave the low end a boost a low volume levels. The continuous loudness control seemed to just lower the overall volume but I finally realized I needed to compensate buy increasing the volume after setting it. Once understood it works nicely.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Replacement
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is a replacement for 3 separate pieces (power amp, preamp, receiver) of tube gear over 4 decades old. Like the clean power & sound and basic connectivity. Would have liked to have had digital audio inputs and per source volume preferences. Loudness control less than intuitive and doesn't work like the same control on older stereo equipment.
Typical solid Yamaha build (have several of their pro audio pieces) and would recommend this to someone else.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Larger Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This receiver replaces 3 separate tube pieces from back in the 1960's. Tubes started going bad and I figured it was time to get something new. Unbelievable how clean and clear the sound is. Plenty of connectivity, though I wish it had optical digital audio inputs. Lots of power which is nice with my Klipsch Chorus speakers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Astonishing clarity
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Hefty feel of quality
- Low Power Consumption
- Quality Construction
- Wide range of imputs
Cons
- Does no Time Travel
Best Uses
- Experience REAL stereo
- Replacement
- Upgrade
- Wireless connect to PC
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is the 2nd Yamaha receiver I've owned. The first was back in the 80's. Once it finally died I made do with lesser products. I-pod computer speakers playing files from the PC etc .
I determined to own a REAL receiver again .
So I turned to Yamaha. I am completely blown away by this receiver. Clarity thru all ranges from Bass to treble.
I would recommend this item to all poeple looking for quality and good price
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio test amp
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is my fourth Yamaha amplifier, and it was purchased on a special trip to a major city at an incredible bargain. This amp is used to test out home studio recordings put to CD for sound quality, and with this you hear every detail. The first Yamaha amplifier sadly has ceased to work, but the other two are still being used daily in home theatre applications. The R-S500 has classic good looks and performance that makes it easy to smile. Whether you are connecting good headphones or good speakers, this is one amp you will appreciate.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I needed a AM FM receiver for my vintage KLH speakers and this receiver's it. Easy to use and it delivers great sound. Just what I wanted.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Displaying reviews 1-16
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 16 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to set up (15)
- Great sound quality (10)
- Good power output (8)
- Good remote control (5)
- Simple controls (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic systems (7)
- Smaller rooms / apartments (5)
- Replacement (4)
- Large rooms (3)
- Multiple rooms / whole house (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Audiophile (6), Tech savvy (6), Enthusiast (4), Practical (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
- Primary use:
- Personal (5)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-16
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good price
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- No digital inputs
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Larger Rooms
- Multiple Rooms / Whole House
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
Great receiver when paired with the matching natural sound speakers. Sound quality is really good for the price. I bought this to install in a customers whole house audio system. We are both very happy with this system. I will be using it more.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Yamaha Real Sound In-ceiling speakers
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Energy Efficient
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I purchased this receiver as a gift for my father. He has a great collection of 78 rpm records and enjoys listening to them.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
- Recommended:
- Audio-Technica AT-240 USB turntable
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is to replace my beloved Sansui 800 circa 1969. I thought I would lose some of the analog "warmth" to which I was accustomed, but no. Excellent sound with a mix of old Marantz and new Polk speakers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
- The Finish Is Beautiful
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I love it! Call me old school but this is how music should sound! I have floor speakers (Pioneer 12" woofer 4 way) This amp makes those speakers sound better than ever. I was planning on new speakers after another pay check but no need!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- Confusing / Bad Remote Control
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Larger Rooms
- Multiple Rooms / Whole House
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I purchased the R-S500 to replace my 30 year old Yamaha receiver that finally died. It was easy to set up and I found the iPod connection easy to make and easy to control.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Energy Efficient
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Multiple Rooms / Whole House
- Smaller Rooms
- Use W Older Components
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I would buy it again in a heartbeat!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Energy Efficient
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
- No con that i can disern
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
- Great for old style stero
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This unit is powering a pair of Sony 200W speaker towers. I use it as a old style stereo. 1 pair of speakers and no sub anything.
The clarity even at highest vol. is amazing!
When I first got it going I wa splaying with it and kept cranking the vol. up. To my suprise it only seemed to get so loud and then level off.
Found out how wrong I was when I went outside and the music was still CLEAR.
Overall I would definately reccomend to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Good Remote Control
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
The sound produced is amazingly spacious, airy and clean, with unusual channel separation. It did take a while to learn the loudness control, which is different in operation from the Yamaha receiver I had in the '80s and 90s. And the sound is a little bass-light and bright for my taste. FM is very sensitive but required a directional antenna to cope with multipath. All the switchable inputs one could ask for, and including a real phono input. A great basic 2-channel receiver with exceptional sound quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Replacement
- Upgrade
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
Superb sound. I have been a Yamaha customer since 1979. Have numerous components wired into the receiver and no problem with Bluray, phono, dvd player and tape deck.Excellent costruction and hope to get same length of use out of it that my earlier versions had.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound Quality
- Versatile inputs
Cons
- Confusing / Bad Remote Control
Best Uses
- Classical music
- Smaller Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This receiver replaced a 38-year-old (twice rehabbed) Pioneer unit. Our musical diet is almost completely classical, from CDs and LPs (occasionally radio), and the receiver is driving very inefficient 5-ohm speakers.
Strengths: Excellent, clear, detailed, full-spectrum sound--it continues to surprise me how much this receiver improves the system. Very versatile with lots of auxiliary "line" inputs (my Droid and old portable cassette recorder play nicely with the headphone output routed to a "line" input). Basic setup and operation are straightforward.
Weaknesses: The volume control reads out in apparently arbitrary decibels (-90 to +15)--I have no idea what "0 dB" is, and the manual doesn't say. Maybe a watt isn't what it used to be, but the sound from the speakers is not as loud as it was from my old 50 watt-per-channel Pioneer. While basic setup and operation are easy, other functions require the remote, which is complex enough to fly a 747. The Loudness function is awkward to use.
Overall: Excellent sound, excellent value. If you have inefficient speakers and play loud rock, though, this isn't the unit for you.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Replacement
- Upgrade
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This R-S500 is a replacement for a 43 year old receiver. Love the channel presets and remote (as compared to the old manual operation). I was a bit confused about the loudness control as my old unit had a simple button marked loudness that gave the low end a boost a low volume levels. The continuous loudness control seemed to just lower the overall volume but I finally realized I needed to compensate buy increasing the volume after setting it. Once understood it works nicely.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Replacement
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is a replacement for 3 separate pieces (power amp, preamp, receiver) of tube gear over 4 decades old. Like the clean power & sound and basic connectivity. Would have liked to have had digital audio inputs and per source volume preferences. Loudness control less than intuitive and doesn't work like the same control on older stereo equipment.
Typical solid Yamaha build (have several of their pro audio pieces) and would recommend this to someone else.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Good Remote Control
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Larger Rooms
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This receiver replaces 3 separate tube pieces from back in the 1960's. Tubes started going bad and I figured it was time to get something new. Unbelievable how clean and clear the sound is. Plenty of connectivity, though I wish it had optical digital audio inputs. Lots of power which is nice with my Klipsch Chorus speakers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Astonishing clarity
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Hefty feel of quality
- Low Power Consumption
- Quality Construction
- Wide range of imputs
Cons
- Does no Time Travel
Best Uses
- Experience REAL stereo
- Replacement
- Upgrade
- Wireless connect to PC
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is the 2nd Yamaha receiver I've owned. The first was back in the 80's. Once it finally died I made do with lesser products. I-pod computer speakers playing files from the PC etc .
I determined to own a REAL receiver again .
So I turned to Yamaha. I am completely blown away by this receiver. Clarity thru all ranges from Bass to treble.
I would recommend this item to all poeple looking for quality and good price
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy To Use
- Quality Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio test amp
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
This is my fourth Yamaha amplifier, and it was purchased on a special trip to a major city at an incredible bargain. This amp is used to test out home studio recordings put to CD for sound quality, and with this you hear every detail. The first Yamaha amplifier sadly has ceased to work, but the other two are still being used daily in home theatre applications. The R-S500 has classic good looks and performance that makes it easy to smile. Whether you are connecting good headphones or good speakers, this is one amp you will appreciate.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
REVIEWED AT
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
Comments about Yamaha R-S500 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver:
I needed a AM FM receiver for my vintage KLH speakers and this receiver's it. Easy to use and it delivers great sound. Just what I wanted.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Displaying reviews 1-16
Cables
Show more >
- Price: $11.95
Universal Remote Control
Show more >
- Price: $59.99
- Add to cart for lower price
Ipod Dock
- Price: $59.95
Power Conditioners
Show more >
- Price: $19.99
- Limited supply at this price
Wireless Devices
- Price: $99.00
WHY SHOP AT B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don't turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you'll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We've made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
