Yamaha As500 Owners Manual

							Integrated Amplifier
OWNER’S MANUAL
AB 
						

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1 To assure the finest performance, please read this manual carefully. Keep it in a safe place for future reference.
2 Install this sound system in a well ventilated, cool, dry,  clean place - away from direct sunlight, heat sources, 
vibration, dust, moisture, and/or cold. For proper 
ventilation, allow the following minimum clearances 
around this unit.
Top: 30 cm (11-3/4 in)
Rear: 20 cm (7-7/8 in)
Sides: 20 cm (7-7/8 in)
3 Locate this unit away from other electrical appliances,  motors, or transformers to avoid humming sounds.
4 Do not expose this unit to sudden temperature changes  from cold to hot, and do not locate this unit in an 
environment with high humidity (i.e. a room with a 
humidifier) to prevent condensation inside this unit, 
which may cause an electrical shock, fire, damage to this 
unit, and/or personal injury.
5 Avoid installing this unit where foreign object may fall  onto this unit and/or this unit may be exposed to liquid 
dripping or splashing. On the top of this unit, do not 
place:– Other components, as they may cause damage and/or  discoloration on the surface of this unit.
– Burning objects (i.e. candles), as they may cause fire,  damage to this unit, and/or personal injury.
– Containers with liquid in them, as they may fall and  liquid may cause electrical shock to the user and/or 
damage to this unit.
6 Do not cover this unit with a newspaper, tablecloth,  curtain, etc. in order not to obstruct heat radiation. If the 
temperature inside this unit rises, it may cause fire, 
damage to this unit, and/or personal injury.
7 Do not plug in this unit to a wall outlet until all  connections are complete.
8 Do not operate this unit upside-down. It may overheat,  possibly causing damage.
9 Do not use force on switches, knobs and/or cords.
10 When disconnecting the power cable from the wall outlet,  grasp the plug; do not pull the cable.
11 Do not clean this unit with chemical solvents; this might  damage the finish. Use a clean, dry cloth.
12 Only voltage specified on this unit must be used. Using  this unit with a higher voltage than specified is dangerous 
and may cause fire, damage to this unit, and/or personal 
injury. Yamaha will not be held responsible for any 
damage resulting from use of this unit with a voltage 
other than specified.
13 To prevent damage by lightning, keep the power cable  and outdoor antennas disconnected from a wall outlet or 
this unit during a lightning storm. 
14 Do not attempt to modify or fix this unit. Contact  qualified Yamaha service personnel when any service is 
needed. The cabinet should never be opened for any 
reasons.
15 When not planning to use this unit for long periods of  time (i.e. vacation), disconnect the AC power plug from 
the wall outlet.
16 Be sure to read the “TROUBLESHOOTING” section on  common operating errors before concluding that this unit 
is faulty. 17 Before moving this unit, press  
A to turn off this unit, and 
then disconnect the AC power plug from the wall outlet.
18 Condensation will form when the surrounding  temperature changes suddenly. Disconnect the power 
cable from the outlet, then leave this unit alone.
19 When using this unit for a long time, this unit may  become warm. Turn the power off, then leave this unit 
alone for cooling.
20 Install this unit near the AC outlet and where the AC  power plug can be reached easily.
21 The batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such  as sunshine, fire or the like. When you dispose of 
batteries, follow your regional regulations.
22 Excessive sound pressure from earphones and  headphones can cause hearing loss.
A-S500 only
This label is required to be attached to a product of which the 
temperature of the top cover may be hot during operation.
For U.K. customers
If the socket outlets in the home are not suitable for the 
plug supplied with this appliance, it should be cut off and 
an appropriate 3 pin plug fitted. For details, refer to the 
instructions described below.
The plug severed from the mains lead must be destroyed, as a 
plug with bared flexible cord is hazardous if engaged in a live 
socket outlet.
Special Instructions for U.K. Model
CAUTION: READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING YOUR UNIT.
As long as this unit is connected to the AC wall outlet, it is not 
disconnected from the AC power source even if you turn off this 
unit by 
A or set it to the standby mode by A button on the remote 
control. In this state, this unit is designed to consume a very small 
quantity of power.
WARNINGTO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO 
NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Note
IMPORTANTTHE WIRES IN MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE:
Blue: NEUTRAL
Brown: LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may 
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the 
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the 
terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. 
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the 
terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Make sure that neither core is connected to the earth terminal of the 
three pin plug. 
						

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PREPARATION
INTRODUCTION
OPERATION
ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION
USEFUL FEATURES ............................................ 1
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ................................. 1
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS ......................... 2
Front panel and Remote control ................................ 2
About the remote control ........................................... 3
Rear panel .................................................................. 4
CONNECTIONS .................................................... 5Connecting speakers and source components............ 5
Connecting the power cable....................................... 7
PLAYING AND RECORDING .............................8Playing a source ......................................................... 8
Adjusting the tonal quality ........................................ 8
Recording a source .................................................... 9
PLAYING BACK TUNES FROM  YOUR iPhone/iPod ...........................................10
Using a Universal Dock for iPod ............................. 11
Using a Wireless System for iPod ........................... 12
TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................13
SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................17
■ About this manual
•y indicates a tip for your operation.
• Some operations can be performed by using either the buttons on the main unit or on the remote control. In cases  when the button names differ between the main unit and the remote control, the names of the buttons on the remote 
control are given in parentheses.
• This manual is printed prior to production. Design and specifications are subject to change in part as a result of  improvements, etc. In case of differences between the manual and the product, the product has priority.
INTRODUCTION
This unit allows you to:
◆ Improve sound quality by using the Pure Direct (p. 8) 
function
◆ Play back music from your iPhone/iPod (optional Yamaha 
product required; p. 10) 
◆ Select the recording source independently of the listening 
source (A-S500 only; p. 9) ◆
Control other Yamaha components using this unit’s 
remote control (p. 3)
◆ Boost bass sounds by connecting a subwoofer (p. 5) 
◆ Save power by using POWER MANAGEMENT switch 
(p. 7)
Please check that you received all of the following parts:
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
PREPARATION
OPERATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
USEFUL FEATURES
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Remote controlBatteries (× 2) 
(AA, R6, UM-3) 
						

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1A (POWER)
Front panel: A  switch
Turns on and off the power of this unit.
On position: Pushed inward
Off position: Released outward
Remote control:  A button
When this unit is turned on: turns this unit on or sets it to 
standby mode.
This unit consumes a small amount of power even when turned 
off or when in standby mode.
2 POWER on indicator
Lights up as follows:
Brightly lit: Power is on
Dimly lit: Standby mode
Off: Power is off
y
The POWER on indicator remains brightly lit while an iPhone/
iPod is being charged, even if this unit is in standby mode.
3 Infrared signal transmitter
Sends signals to the main unit.
4 Remote control sensor
Receives signals from the remote control.
5 INPUT selector and indicators
Select the input source you want to listen to. The input 
source indicators light up when the corresponding input 
sources are selected.
y
The input source names correspond to the names of the 
connection jacks on the rear panel.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
Front panel  and Remote control
(A-S500)
Note 
						

							CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
6PHONES jack
Connect headphones for private listening. If you do not 
want sound to be heard from the speakers, set the 
SPEAKERS selector to OFF.
7 SPEAKERS selector
Turn on or off the speaker set connected to the 
SPEAKERS A and/or B terminals on the rear panel each 
time the corresponding SPEAKERS selector is set to A, B 
or A+B.
8 REC OUT selector (A-S500 only)
Select a source for recording independently of the INPUT 
selector setting, allowing you to record the selected source 
while listening to another source (see page 9).
9 BASS control
Increases or decreases the low frequency response (see 
page 9).
0 TREBLE control
Increases or decreases the high frequency response (see 
page 9).
A BALANCE control
Adjusts the sound output balance of the left and right 
speakers (see page 9).
B LOUDNESS control
Retains a full tonal range at any volume level (see page 9).
C PURE DIRECT switch and indicator
Reproduces any input source in the purest sound possible. 
The indicator above it lights up when this function is 
turned on (see page 8). D
VOLUME control
VOLUME +/–
Control the sound output level.
This does not affect the REC level for recording.
MUTE button (Remote control only)
Decreases the current volume by about 20 dB.
y
• The INPUT indicator for the current input source blinks while  the output is muted.
• The mute is released when MUTE button is pressed again, or  when the volume is adjusted by rotating the VOLUME control 
on the front panel or by pressing the VOLUME +/– buttons on 
the remote control.
E iPhone/iPod control buttons
Control an iPhone/iPod that is connected using an optional 
Yamaha Universal Dock for iPod (see page 11) or 
Wireless System for iPod (see page 12).
F Yamaha tuner control buttons
Control various functions of a Yamaha tuner.
Even when using a Yamaha tuner, certain components and 
features may not be available. Refer to your component’s owner’s 
manual for more information.
G Yamaha CD player control buttons
Control various functions of a Yamaha CD player.
Even when using a Yamaha CD player, certain components and 
features may not be available. Refer to your component’s owner’s 
manual for more information.
■ Installing batteries in the remote control
Make sure that the polarities are correct. See the illustration 
inside the battery compartment.
■Using the remote control
The remote control transmits a directional infrared beam.
Be sure to aim the remote control directly at the remote 
control sensor on the front panel of this unit during 
operation.
The area between the remote control and this unit must be clear of 
large obstacles.
Note
Note
About the remote control
Note
AA, R6, UM-3 batteries
Note
Within 6m 
(20 ft) 
						

							CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
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1CD input jacks
Used to connect a CD player (see page 5).
2 PHONO jacks and GND terminal
Used to connect a turntable that uses an MM cartridge, 
and to ground the terminal (see page 5).
3 Audio input/output jacks 
Used to connect external components, such as a tuner, etc 
(see page 5).
4 DOCK jack
Used to connect an optional Yamaha Universal Dock for 
iPod or Wireless System for iPod (see page 10).
5 SUBWOOFER OUT jack
Used to connect a subwoofer with built-in amplifier (see 
page 5). 
y
The SUBWOOFER OUT jack attenuates signals over 
90 Hz.
6 POWER MANAGEMENT switch
Enables or disables the automatic power down function 
(see page 7).
7 SPEAKERS A/B terminals
Used to connect one or two speaker sets (see page 5).
8 VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch
(Taiwan and Central/South America models 
only)
The VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch must be set to your 
local main voltage before plugging the power cable into 
the wall outlet (see page 7).
9 IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch
See IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch on this page. 0
Power cable
Connect the power cable into the wall outlet (see page 7).
■ IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch
Do not change the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch 
while the power of this unit is turned on, as doing so may 
damage the unit.
If the unit fails to turn on, the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR 
switch may not be fully slid to either position. If this is the 
case, remove the power cable and slide the switch all the 
way to either position.
Select the switch position (LOW or HIGH) according to 
the impedance of the speakers in your system.
Rear panel
(Taiwan and Central/South America models)
CAUTION
Switch 
position Impedance level
HIGH • If you use one set (A or B), the impedance of 
each speaker must be 6 
Ω or higher.
• If you use two sets (A and B) simultaneously,  the impedance of each speaker must be 12 
Ω 
or higher.
• If you make bi-wire connections, the  impedance of each speaker must be 6 
Ω or 
higher. See page 6 for details.
LOW • If you use one set (A or B), the impedance of 
each speaker must be 4 
Ω or higher.
• If you use two sets (A and B) simultaneously,  the impedance of each speaker must be 8 
Ω or 
higher.
• If you make bi-wire connections, the  impedance of each speaker must be 4 
Ω or 
higher. See page 6 for details. 
						

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PREPARATION
PREPARATION
• Do not connect this unit or other components to the main power until all connections between components are 
complete.
• All connections must be correct: L (left) to L, R (right) to R, “+” to “+” and “–” to “–”. If the connections are faulty,  no sound will be heard from the speakers, and if the polarity  of the speaker connections is incorrect, the sound will be 
unnatural and lack bass. Refer to the owner’s manual for each of your components.
• Use RCA cables for audio components (except for speaker connections and DOCK jack connections).
y
• The PHONO jacks are designed for connecting a turntable with an MM cartridge.
• Connect your turntable to the GND terminal to reduce noise in the signal. However, for some turntables, you may hear less nois e 
without the GND connection.
CONNECTIONS
Connecting speakers and source components
CAUTION
Turntable
Tuner Subwoofer
CD player DVD player, 
etc.
Tape deck, etc.
GND
Speakers A
Speakers B
Audio 
out
Audio 
out
Audio 
out Audio 
in
CD recorder, 
etc. DOCK jack 
connections 
(see page 10)
Audio  out Audio 
out Audio 
out
Audio 
in 
						

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CONNECTIONS
• The IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch must be set to the appropriate position before connecting speaker sets. See page 4 for details.
• Do not let the bare speaker wires touch each other or any metal part of this unit. This could damage this unit and/or the  speakers.
• Do not connect this unit or other components to the ma in power until all connections between components are 
complete.
1Remove approximately 10 mm (3/8 in) of 
insulation from the end of each speaker 
cable and twist the exposed wires of the 
cable together to prevent short circuits.
2Connect the speaker cable.
1 Unscrew the knob.
2 Insert one bare wire into the hole in the side 
of each terminal.
3 Tighten the knob to secure the wire.
■ Connecting via banana plug 
(Except for Asia, U.K. and Europe 
models)
Tighten the knob and then insert the banana plug into the 
end of the corresponding terminal.
■Bi-wire connection
Bi-wire connection separates the woofer from the 
combined midrange and tweeter section. A bi-wire 
compatible speaker has four binding post terminals. These 
two sets of terminals allow the speaker to be split into two 
independent sections. With these connections, the mid and 
high frequency drivers are connected to one set of 
terminals and the low frequency driver to another set of 
terminals.
Connect the other speaker to the other set of terminals in 
the same way.
When making bi-wire connections, set the IMPEDANCE 
SELECTOR switch to HIGH or LOW depending on the 
impedance of your speakers: 
6 Ω  or higher: HIGH
4  Ω  or higher: LOW
See page 4 for more information about the IMPEDANCE 
SELECTOR switch.
When making bi-wire connections, remove the shorting bridges 
or cables on the speaker.
yTo use the bi-wire connections, switch the SPEAKERS selector 
to the A+B position.
CAUTION
10 mm (3/8 in)
Red: positive (+)
Black: negative (–)
Banana plug
CAUTION
Note
This unit
Speaker 
						

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CONNECTIONS
PREPARATION
■POWER MANAGEMENT switch
Enables or disables the automatic power down function.
When the automatic power down function is enabled, this 
unit will automatically switch to standby mode if no 
operations are performed for 8 hours.
■VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch
(Taiwan and Central/South America 
models only)
The VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch on the rear panel of 
this unit must be set for your local main voltage BEFORE 
plugging the power cable into the wall outlet.
Improper setting of the VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch 
may cause damage to this unit and create a potential fire 
hazard.
Select the switch position (left or right) according to your 
local voltage using a straight slot screwdriver. Voltages 
are AC 110-120/220-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
■Connecting the power cable
Plug the power cable into the wall outlet after all other 
connections are complete. 
Connecting the power cable
To the wall outlet with 
the power cable
VOLTAGE 
SELECTOR
POWER 
MANAGEMENT
(Taiwan and Central/South America models) 
						

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OPERATION
1Rotate the VOLUME control on the front 
panel to the extreme counterclockwise 
position.
2Press A switch on the front panel inward to 
turn on this unit.
3Rotate the INPUT selector on the front panel 
(or press one of the INPUT selector buttons 
on the remote control) to select the input 
source you want to listen to.
The indicator for the selected input source lights up.
4Rotate the SPEAKERS selector on the front 
panel to select SPEAKERS A, B or A+B.
• Set the SPEAKERS selector to the A+B position when two sets  of speakers are connected using bi-wire connections, or when 
using two sets of speakers simultaneously (A and B).
• If you do not want sound to be heard from the speakers while 
listening with headphones, set the SPEAKERS selector to OFF.
5Play the selected input source.
6Rotate the VOLUME control on the front 
panel (or press VOLUME +/– buttons on the 
remote control) to adjust the sound output 
level.
y
You can adjust the tonal quality by using the BASS, TREBLE, 
BALANCE and LOUDNESS controls, or the PURE DIRECT 
switch on the front panel.
7When finished listening, press A  switch on 
the front panel outward to turn off this unit.
y
If  A button on the remote control is pressed while the  A switch on 
the front panel is in the on position, this unit enters standby mode. 
Press  A button again to turn this unit on.
■ Using the PURE DIRECT switch
Routes input signals from your  audio sources. As a result, 
the input signals bypass the BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE 
and LOUDNESS controls, thus  eliminating any alterations 
to the audio signals to produce more direct and high-grade 
sound from all input sources.
The BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE and LOUDNESS controls do 
not function while the PURE DIRECT switch is turned on.
PLAYING AND RECORDING
Playing a source
Notes
SPEAKERS VOLUME
INPUT
A
INPUT
VOLUME
Adjusting the tonal quality
Note
VOLUME
LOUDNESS
TREBLE
BASS BALANCE
PURE 
DIRECT