Hello...
I have been reading a few threads about Yamaha amplifiers of late, and being a Harbeth owner I have decided to give one a try. As many will have read, Harbeth advocates the use of a well-powered, competently designed amplifier with the features you need.
My main setup is... Harbeth SHL5+, a Jadis Orchestra Ref SE (40wpc), Chord Qutest DAC, Apple Mac Mini. It's a lovely system, I enjoy it daily. I have owned the Jadis for 6 years and it has always delivered a beautiful, engaging sound – and preferred it (albeit differences are quite small IMO) to other amps I owned, including Naim various up to 282/250, Devialet 140, Croft 7r/25r, Sugden, Luxman, and I few more I have lost track of. They were all great designs, but Jadis delivered something different – in particular, a more open mid-range alongside extended and delicate high frequencies. Like I said, subtle differences, but enough for the Jadis to be a long-term keeper.
Occasionally, I would like tone controls for when I'm listening early and late so I don't disturb others, and also like the idea of a loudness function for lower-level listening. I couldn't resist the temptation to try a Yamaha integrated. I found an A-S501 online. 85 wpc. Looks smart in silver, has tone controls, loudness, and a remote. Will it be any good? I'm sure it will. Will it have me packing the Jadis? Hmm... I doubt it, but I have to give it a try and put my money where my mouth is. I'm certainly intrigued.
Has anyone else taken a similar path, and what have your experiences been?
I have been reading a few threads about Yamaha amplifiers of late, and being a Harbeth owner I have decided to give one a try. As many will have read, Harbeth advocates the use of a well-powered, competently designed amplifier with the features you need.
My main setup is... Harbeth SHL5+, a Jadis Orchestra Ref SE (40wpc), Chord Qutest DAC, Apple Mac Mini. It's a lovely system, I enjoy it daily. I have owned the Jadis for 6 years and it has always delivered a beautiful, engaging sound – and preferred it (albeit differences are quite small IMO) to other amps I owned, including Naim various up to 282/250, Devialet 140, Croft 7r/25r, Sugden, Luxman, and I few more I have lost track of. They were all great designs, but Jadis delivered something different – in particular, a more open mid-range alongside extended and delicate high frequencies. Like I said, subtle differences, but enough for the Jadis to be a long-term keeper.
Occasionally, I would like tone controls for when I'm listening early and late so I don't disturb others, and also like the idea of a loudness function for lower-level listening. I couldn't resist the temptation to try a Yamaha integrated. I found an A-S501 online. 85 wpc. Looks smart in silver, has tone controls, loudness, and a remote. Will it be any good? I'm sure it will. Will it have me packing the Jadis? Hmm... I doubt it, but I have to give it a try and put my money where my mouth is. I'm certainly intrigued.
Has anyone else taken a similar path, and what have your experiences been?