Not so happy with my new Integrated amp, Yamaha A-S501

So you have the built in phono preamp turned off, right?

 

The switch is on phono out

 

In this photo, you have the input set on PHONO. That's only right if your Audio Technica's built in pre amp is disconnected.

 

And I thought the show was over...nope!

 

You should be good then. You could also try switching it to line and connecting it to the Yamaha with Line 1/2/3 and see if that sounds better or worse to you. It might also have more gain than the phono preamp in the Yamaha if your head is really stuck on the volume knob position.

 

OK, never mind. Didn't realize you had a switch option on the Audio Technica. I'm sure the Yamaha pre-amp is better.

 

it's off, if I turn the line out it will cause distortion.

Thanks Josh, it's playing good now, something set off that hum earlier, not sure what it was.

 

I can't stand a whiner.

 

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but Yamaha has a VERY useless loudness control, make sure that stupid thing is dialed onto full at all times, anything less than full and the sound turns to mush.

 

I would add some Rothwell In-Line Attenuators to your phono input -

Attenuators »

 

Being highly regarded in someone else's opinion means not a lot of you think it sucks in your set up. It's a popular amp right enough, but the older AS700 was the better (IMO).

 

Don't sweat the small stuff.

I bought a new optical cable the other day for the hell of it and while it's well constructed, it's also an outright PITA to plug it in to my amp. You're not alone!

 

Cut the guy some slack....

 

Are you sure? We have a Panasonic plasma of the same vintage and it has optical out. It's a tiny little jack so you may have missed it.

 

But I am sure there are people that would swear they hear a 'night and day' difference with metal knobs.

 

That should be stacked at the top of the hardware thread!

 

Yes, i found that out. Why on earth did they add this useless feature. Also the direct play does nothing. I should have taken my time with my purchase.
This amp was meant to last me into my retirement years, not sure if that's going to happen.
Next up is a new turntable.
I'm having second thoughts about Audio Technica TT. Granted my TT is from 2003 but it's starting to act up. The pre amp is not functioning right, some of the parts are starting to weaken.
I want something better then this TT. Recommendations are welcomed, something under $700.

 

You keep talking about the internal pre amp not functioning right, but if you are using the phono input you are not using it. Before you say that the loudness dial doesn't work you should read up on what it is meant to do. Hint: it isn't to make music louder. Also, if you think pure direct makes music sound worse then you are too accustomed to boosting bass and treble. Pure direct sounds great if you own decent speakers.

And given your impatience and general lack of knowledge, I simply cannot in good conscience recommend anything other than a fully automatic turntable. No offense intended, but if you can't figure out how to connect an optical cable the last thing you want to be dealing with is anti skate, etc. Stick with audio technica.

 

Isaac, the amp has a phono input, the Audio Technica has a pre amp, the TT has a little switch, it's set on Phono off. That's how you're suppose to have it on.

 

Issac thanks for your help but I don't need any recommendations from you. Have a nice day.

 

I found it Ash, mine was hidden under a panal in the back of the TV. thanks mate

 

I understand fully how these things are supposed to work. There are two settings - line and phono. If you have it connected to the phono input you are supposed to set it to phono. If you have it connected to an aux input you set it to line. It isn't rocket science.

 

Take a look at the new Fluance turntables, U-Turn Orbit and Pro-ject options

 

For a product close to $600 they had to use plastic nobs, I know it has nothing to do with the sound but seriously.

 

Not sure about current marantz, but the PM7001 integrated I used to have had metal knobs.