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Yamaha Natural Sound Integrated Amplifier A-S501, subwoofer out not working

Soutrik Das

New Member
I just purchased a used but pristine Yamaha A-S501. I paired this with brand new Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II bookshelf speakers and my Technics SL1950 Turntable. Digital music is through my Sharp XL-HF102B, which allows me to connect via Spotify/Bluetooth and also the built-in CD Player and Tuner.
I am blown away by the combined performance of the Yamaha and the Klipsch speakers. I only have one issue, which I am hoping the experts on this platform may help me resolve. I am trying to connect the subwoofer out on the Yamaha A-S501 with a passive subwoofer (Samsung PS-FW1-2) and am not getting any signal on the subwoofer when I use the dedicated subwoofer out, via RCA jack on the amp and bare wire (clips) on the sub.
My first thought was to check if the subwoofer is ok. I tested it by connecting the Speaker B output on the amp via banana jacks to the bare (clip) connection on the sub. It gave perfect sound.
Why isn't the subwoofer out working? Is it a fault with the amp? Can I resolve it myself or should I take it to a professional? Full disclosure, I am not the greatest of experts in electronic fixing, I can just about solder adequately. Also, I am a bit reluctant to open up this beautiful amp and tinker inside (don't wish to ruin it).
Do I need to ditch this cheap sub and splurge on a more expensive (perhaps powered?) version?
I would be really grateful for any suggestions/fixes.
Thanks all, in advance.
 
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Do I need to ditch this cheap sub and splurge on a more expensive (perhaps powered?) version?
Yes, the sub out on your unit is only providing a signal, not the power your subwoofer needs. Another option would be a sub amp.
 
I am looking at Klipsch powered subwoofers, to match with my speakers. One is the new Klipsch Reference R-120SW and the other is a used Klipsch R-12SW. What do you think of these? Or perhaps you can suggest another one? I would like to keep the cost down, if possible.
 
If you are partial to Klipsch I think either that you listed would work well. Any brand powered sub would work if you find one cheaper. Good luck and happy listening!
 
If you are partial to Klipsch I think either that you listed would work well. Any brand powered sub would work if you find one cheaper. Good luck and happy listening!
Thanks - just bought the Klipsch Reference R-120SW from Crutchfield. Just a question, my amplifier (Yamaha A-S501) has a single RCA subwoofer out. The Klipsch Reference R-120SW has two RCA ins, (L/LFE + R). So, would I need a 'subwoofer cable' i.e. a single RCA to single RCA (to the L/LFE jack on the sub) i.e. single RCA to single RCA or single RCA to 2 RCA (L+R)? I would really appreciate advice.
 
Thanks - just bought the Klipsch Reference R-120SW from Crutchfield. Just a question, my amplifier (Yamaha A-S501) has a single RCA subwoofer out. The Klipsch Reference R-120SW has two RCA ins, (L/LFE + R). So, would I need a 'subwoofer cable' i.e. a single RCA to single RCA (to the L/LFE jack on the sub) i.e. single RCA to single RCA or single RCA to 2 RCA (L+R)? I would really appreciate advice.
You only need to hook to the lfe port. Only one connection on each end needed Honestly any decent RCA cable pair will also work, you can just use only one wire, or buy a dedicated subwoofer cable
 
You only need to hook to the lfe port. Only one connection on each end needed Honestly any decent RCA cable pair will also work, you can just use only one wire, or buy a dedicated subwoofer cable
Thanks! I have a few audio RCA cables floating around - will try with them first.
 
I just purchased a used but pristine Yamaha A-S501....I would be really grateful for any suggestions/fixes.
Thanks all, in advance.

Sounds like your question has been answered also for future reference here is the OEM user/owners manual

 
You only need to hook to the lfe port. Only one connection on each end needed Honestly any decent RCA cable pair will also work, you can just use only one wire, or buy a dedicated subwoofer cable
Quick update, received the Klipsch Reference R-120SW and test fired it once, using a mono audio RCA cable to connect the pre out on the Yamaha -S501 and the L/LFE in on the sub (both RCA). The bass literally blew me apart.
I was wondering if I will get better sound by using Y cable (split at the subwoofer end) so I connect both L and R on the subwoofer.
Any thoughts, anyone?
 
I have a new issue that I am requesting advice on.
I connected the Klipsch RP 600 MII bookshelf speakers and the Klipsch R120 SW to my Yamaha A-S501. Everything worked beautifully and I got rich, deep sound like never before. I played this on different types of music to test the capability as well as burn in the new speakers.
However, just this evening, the Yamaha A-S501 shut off. All its doing now is a blinking light at the power button. No other functions are active.
I checked the manual and went through all the probable causes listed under 'blinking lights' (see snapshot). Nothing works. Speaker wires aren't shorted, speakers are brand new (not malfunctioning). amp volume button was firmly in the less than 1/2 position, and there was no discernible heat coming off the amp.
I waited 30 minutes and restarted. Nothing.
2 hours later, its still showing blinking lights. I have disconnected everything, waited and then restarted.
All I get are the blinking lights, no action.
I would be very grateful for advice/help to find and fix the issue.
Thanks in advance.
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Have you accidentally put the Yamaha into MUTE mode? Or turned the speaker switch to the off position to listen to headphones?
 
Have you accidentally put the Yamaha into MUTE mode? Or turned the speaker switch to the off position to listen to headphones?
Not at all. In fact I only used the remote once, simply to test that its working. I have been using the knobs and dials. I checked, its not muted.
 
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