Why usually a stereo amplifier costs more than a stereo receiver with much more options and similar spec?

Right now, Amazon has the RS500 for about $200 less than the AS501. Given the similar model designations, you might think the "RS" designator is the receiver version of this integrated. However, dig into the specs, and you'll see it's not the case. This unit has higher RMS power (85 W vs 75W), lower distortion (0.019 vs 0.04), and specs like peak power, SNR, and freq response are not provided for the receiver (presumably because they're not worth noting). You also need to look at how power is calculated. Manufacturers are notorious for cheating AV receiver specs by reporting power over very narrow bandwidths (sometimes just a single freq!) whereas the power for this integrated unit is over the entire usable bandwidth. So, in short, the specs are not identical.

Do these amps have a quality headphone amplifier that would be able to properly drive headphones with a somewhat high impedance? Ex. Sennheiser HD 650

The headphone jack is connected through a voltage divider to the output of the power amp and its impedance is about 450 ohms. This guarantees that HD650 will have a bump in the vicinity of 100 Hz, the headphones’ resonance frequency, which will be hard to correct with the amplifier’s bass control. For headphones, I have a separate DAC/Amp pair (Topping D30 and JDS Atom).

Does the Yamaha A-S501 have a pre-amp out? If not, can one of its two recorder-outputs be used in lieu of a pre-amp out?

The above answers are somewhat confusing, here's a straight forward answer : IF the external amp is a 'power amplifier', the answer is NO, you cannot use the rec out output as a preamplifier. Power amps always output at the rated power, say 300 watts rms. You will blow yr speakers. Examples of power amps would be the Crown XLS and the Benchmark AHB2. They have no controls, and you need a true preamp to use them. Not this unit. Now, if the external amp is a 'variable amplifier', the answer is YES, you can use the rec out as a makeshift preamplifier. Variable amps always have a volume knob, or control, which, of course, controls the power of the amp. A good example of this would be the Topping LA90, one of the best made. Keep in mind that if you decide to use the rec out output, you will bypass the tone controls and volume of the integrated amp. And yes, the phono input and selector switch will work just fine, no worries. Finally, the AS501 is a splendid unit, why use an external amp at all? If you need more power, simply buy the 701 or 801 and sell that external amp! Anyway, hope this helps.

Are the knobs plastic or metal?

All knobs are plastic. I own this unit.

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🎶 Elevate your sound game with Yamaha’s sleek power and pristine clarity!

DUAL SPEAKER CONTROL - Supports Speaker A, B, or A+B configurations to customize your home audio setup effortlessly.
POWERFUL STEREO OUTPUT - 85 watts per channel delivers crystal-clear sound with ultra-low distortion (0.019% THD) for immersive listening.
SLEEK DURABLE DESIGN - Elegant silver finish with air-cooled chassis blends style and performance for your modern living space.
VERSATILE ANALOG INPUTS - Includes gold-plated analog inputs and dedicated phono input for audiophile-grade vinyl playback.
SEAMLESS DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY - Gold-plated coaxial and Toslink optical inputs ensure pristine digital audio transmission with zero signal loss.

The Yamaha A-S501SL is a high-performance integrated stereo amplifier delivering 85 watts per channel with ultra-low distortion. Featuring gold-plated digital coaxial and optical inputs alongside versatile analog and phono connections, it supports multiple speaker configurations for a tailored home audio experience. Its stylish silver design and Hi-Res Audio compatibility make it the perfect centerpiece for audiophiles seeking both power and elegance.

Specifications

Brand	Yamaha
Manufacturer	Yamaha Electronics
Model number	A-S501SL
Colour	silver
Number of Memory Sticks	1
Special Feature	Hi Res Audio
Specific Product Use	home audio systems, home theaters
Speaker Surround Sound Channel Configuration	2
Item Weight	10 kg 300 g
Product Dimensions	43.5 x 38.74 x 15.24 cm; 10.3 kg
Batteries	2 AAA batteries required. (included)
Item model number	A-S501SL
Item Height	6 Inches
Item Width	15.25 Inches
Cooling type	Air cooled
Frequency Range	20 Hz - 20,000 kHz
Channels	Stereo
Audio Input Line	auxiliary
Connectivity Technology	Coaxial, Optical
Speaker Output Jack	Wired
Output Wattage	85 Watts
Power Source	AC
Compatible Device	Smartphone, Tablet, MP3 Player, Desktop, Television, Projector, Laptop
Included Components	Amplifier, Remote Control, Power Cord
Battery Charge Time (in hours)	20 Hours
Are batteries included?	Yes
Optical input	1
Maximum Speaker Output Power	85 Watts

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Yamaha A-S501SL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier (Silver)

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