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Marantz Stereo 70s vs Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier

Buy the Marantz Stereo 70s if you want one box that streams music, switches HDMI sources and drives two rooms. Buy the Yamaha A-S501 if you mainly play vinyl and CDs and want a sturdier, simpler analog amp. The Marantz is the more connected machine; the Yamaha has the stronger amp section and a built-in phono stage, and owners of both praise their sound, though the Marantz draws complaints about its app and setup.

  • Choose the Marantz Stereo 70s if you want built-in Wi-Fi streaming, six HDMI inputs and a second zone from a single receiver.
  • Choose the Yamaha A-S501 if you listen mostly to records and CDs and want a heavier analog amplifier with a phono input.

Prices

  • Marantz Stereo 70s: $1,200.00 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier: $579.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier is $621.00 cheaper than the Marantz Stereo 70s at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Marantz
Marantz Stereo 70s Network Stereo Receiver

Marantz Stereo 70s

Marantz Stereo 70s Network Stereo Receiver

$1,200.00at AmazonChecked 20 h ago
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Pros
  • Streams over Wi-Fi and Ethernet without extra boxes
  • Six HDMI inputs make it a TV and console hub
  • Second zone and four speaker terminals
  • Headphone jack and analog line out
Cons
  • No phono input for a turntable
  • No optical or coaxial digital inputs
  • Control app and setup draw criticism from owners
  • Lighter build than the Yamaha
Yamaha
Yamaha A-S501BL

Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier

Yamaha A-S501BL

$579.00at eBayChecked 20 h ago
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Pros
  • Stronger 85 W per channel RMS output
  • Built-in MM phono stage
  • Optical digital input for a TV or disc player
  • Heavier chassis and 99 dB signal-to-noise ratio
Cons
  • No network streaming or Wi-Fi
  • No HDMI switching
  • Bluetooth needs a separate adapter
  • Single zone only

What separates them

Marantz Stereo 70sYamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier
Amplifier power75 W per channel, Class A/B85 W per channel RMS (120 W max), Class A/B
StreamingBuilt-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet, Bluetooth, network streamingNo network streaming; Bluetooth only through an optional YBA-11 adapter
HDMI6 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output with ARCNo HDMI
Phono inputNo dedicated phono stageMM phono input for turntables
Digital inputsHDMI only; no optical or coaxial1 optical digital input
Multi-roomMulti-zone support with 4 speaker terminalsSingle zone, 2 pairs of speaker terminals
Build and weight8.4 kg, 14.7 in deep22.7 lbs (about 10.3 kg), deeper chassis
InputsHDMI, network, analog line out6 RCA inputs including phono, 1 optical

Price history

  • Marantz Stereo 70s: lowest $1,141.00 on Nov 10 at PremiumHIFI.
  • Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier: lowest $649.95 on Nov 10 at Nordstrom.

Prices at every store

Marantz Stereo 70s

  • PremiumHIFINew

    In stockShips from Latvia · duties may apply

    $1,141.00+ $280.00 shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit PremiumHIFI
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknown

    $649.37+ $210.00 shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,200.00Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Electronics Expo (Authorized Dealer)Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $649.95Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $649.95Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $649.95Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by stha-9609 (100% positive, 57 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $579.00Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMarantz Stereo 70sYamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier
Headphone JackYes1/4"
Weight8.4 kg22.7 lbs.
Total Wattage75 Watts—
Number Of Channels2—
Amplifier ClassClass A/B—
HDMI6 HDMI inputs—
BluetoothYes—
Connection TypeHDMI—
NetworkingWi-Fi, Ethernet—
Wi-FiYes—
Media Content SourceNetwork streaming—
Depth14.7 in—
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMarantz Stereo 70sYamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier
Height10.9 cm—
Width44.2 cm—
Audio OutputsSpeaker terminals—
HDMI Outputs1—
Multi-Zone SupportYes—
Number Of Outputs1 (HDMI)—
Output Channel Quantity2—
Output TypesHDMI—
Speaker Outputs4—
Coaxial Digital Output

What reviewers say

Marantz Stereo 70s

Owners of Marantz's slim stereo receivers generally praise the sound and the HDMI convenience, and the Stereo 70s follows that pattern. Common complaints center on power headroom and on the price relative to simpler stereo amps.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe a warm, detailed stereo sound that suits music listening.
  • HDMI inputsPraisedSix HDMI inputs and ARC are called out as the reason to pick it over a plain stereo amp.
  • PowerMixedSome say 75 watts per channel is enough for normal speakers, others want more headroom.
  • SetupMixedThe network and speaker setup is workable but takes some menu time.

Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Amplifier

Owners and reviewers consistently rate the A-S501 highly for its clean, powerful sound and its generous input set at the price. The phono stage and digital inputs are singled out as genuinely useful rather than token. Complaints center on its size and on the lack of built-in wireless streaming.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe a clean, neutral sound with enough power to drive demanding speakers.
  • Phono stagePraisedTurntable users say the built-in MM input sounds good and saves buying a separate preamp.
  • Digital inputsPraisedReviewers like the optical input for TV and Blu-ray use and the built-in DAC.
  • SizeCriticisedBuyers note it is large and heavy and needs a deep shelf.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a turntable?
The Yamaha A-S501. It has a built-in MM phono stage, so a moving-magnet turntable plugs straight in. The Marantz has no phono input and needs a separate phono preamp.
Which is better for a TV?
The Marantz Stereo 70s. Six HDMI inputs with ARC let it switch a TV, console and streamer and pass audio back from the TV. The Yamaha has one optical input and no HDMI.
Which has more power?
The Yamaha, at 85 W per channel RMS against 75 W for the Marantz. Both are Class A/B designs, and the gap matters mainly with hard-to-drive speakers.
Is the Marantz worth stepping up to over the Yamaha?
Only if you need streaming and HDMI. Those are the features you are paying for. If you play records and discs, the Yamaha covers it with a better amp section.
Which lasts longer?
Both are well-built, but the Yamaha's heavier chassis and simpler circuitry give it an edge for long-term reliability. The Marantz adds a streaming module and app support that can age faster.
Can I add Bluetooth to the Yamaha?
Yes, through the optional Yamaha YBA-11 adapter. The Marantz has Bluetooth built in.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best stereo receivers and integrated amplifiers
No
—
Line OutYes (Analog Fixed Level Out)—
Multi-Channel OutputYes (2.2)—
Max power output—120W x 2 (max)
RMS power output—85W x 2 (RMS)
Digital audio inputs—Digital audio inputs for TV or Blu-ray Player
Bluetooth adapter—Connection for YBA-11 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter
Power standby—Auto Power Standby
RCA inputs—6 RCA audio inputs, including MM (moving magnet…
Signal-to-noise ratio—99 dB (CD)
Dimensions—17-1/8"W x 6"H x 15-1/4"D
Optical digital inputs—1