Yamaha 101M

Extra-rare 1982 amplifier - but ampli-fire would be more like it !

The 101M is however not that rare. In its home/audiophile version it is (there seems however to have been more than a thousand made), sure, but in its professional PA version it isn't : Yamaha sold many PC-5002M worldwide and, yes... PC-5002M = 101M !

Both version are (conservatively) rated at 2x 500W (8 Ohm) and 2x 750W (4 Ohm), have a switchable subsonic filter (7Hz / 12dB/octave), 125dB of S/N ratio, 0,03% THD throughout the 10Hz...100Khz frequency response, fourty output transistors and 61kg in toto.

The 101M was (barely) distributed in Japan and Germany (and elsewhere ?) while the PC-5002M was, previsibly, distributed everywhere.

The planned 101C companion preamp to the 101M didn't go beyond a pre-production sample.

It is likely Yamaha sensed the 101M wouldn't sell as a high-powered (and high-priced) audiophile amplifier and decided to turn it into a pro beast, the 101C being scrapped along the way.


Be sure to read this Audiokarma thread (pages 3, 7 and 8) for all about the 101M, including nudies !

2009 : As I never could catch the original japanese catalog, the color images republished here come from a 1983 Stereo Sound (JP) Best Product section, the b/w from a 1982 Audio Accessory (JP) issue showing all the goodies of the october 1982 Japan Audio Fair.

2011 : now more sources at hand - stay tuned !
In the meantime, real 101Ms here and here.