Amp/Preamp Asylum

Yamaha AX-497 budget integrated, is it any good?

38.112.169.125

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Thread: Display Email Next ] [ Amp/Preamp Asylum ]

Yashu

(A)

I know yamaha used to have a good reputation in hifi/midfi, but what about now a days... I see they have an integrated amp, the AX-497, and I was wondering if it would be worth trying out.
Do you think it would be musical, or cold and sterile?
Does the Yamaha of today still have the quality they used to have? (like with the CX-1 and MX-1)?

Follow Ups:

Re: Yamaha AX-497 budget integrated, is it any good? - cga 14:50:54 04/19/07 (0)
I don't know why, but several years ago I started buying some of the 80s era Yamaha amps/receivers. I must have owned and worked on at least a dozen, including the R-5, R-8, R-9, R-100, and also several of Yamaha's at the time innovative pseudo-AV receivers. In my opinion the most musical of the Yamaha specimens I owned were the R-9 and R-5. The R-5, in particular, can be had for a song on eBay, etc. It's "only" 50w/channel but surprisingly sweet sounding. Yes, all the Yamahas I had were bright, regardless of the speakers I used. But I like that.
If you get one, however, make sure your soldering skills are good, because the R-x lines are notorious for bad solder joints. But, for the money--usually $50-$100--these receivers sound great.
Re: Yamaha AX-497 budget integrated, is it any good? - Leopard2A6 13:43:47 04/19/07 (0)
Currently, my main amp is Yamaha MX-1. I use it with Acurus RL11 preamp for CD music and with McIntosh C-15 preamp for LPs. I also have two Yamaha RX-770 receivers. For years, I have enjoyed RX-770 receiver tremendously. I paid $500.00(ea) for RX-770 back in 1995. Since I have acquired 4 Ohm load speakers, I added MX-1 to drive my tower speakers. I also use TX-930 FM/AM tuner. In general, I am a big fan of Yamaha. I had some AX series amps before.
In my humble opinion, Yamaha's MX, M, or RX series are superior to AX series. For lack of better word, they are much more musical.
AX series are quite good, but again they are slightly less musical and lack bass authority.
Some describe Yamaha's sound as "Cold", "Sterile", or "Bright".
I think with right speakers, they sound really musical. Also, speakers cable makes some remarkable difference in midrange region. Don't spend fortune on the cables, but maybe get some used Audioquest type 4 with locking banana.
This is just my opinion!
I had AX-596 (older model but higher in hierarchy) several years ago. - carcass93 11:26:27 04/19/07 (2)
I don't know what you'd be comparing it to. Mine was eventually replaced with combination of used Proceed PRE and PS Audio HCA-2, and there's really no comparison - there's no single aspect to the sound that Yamaha wasn't inferior at. Of course, cost is also incomparable - I was able to sell mine for only as little as $250 (bought for $350 new on closeout).
Of two sections - pre and amp - amp was better of two. Frankly, I wouldn't bother unless your goal is to spend as little as possible (and even then there may be better options).
- You are probably right. - Yashu 13:09:48 04/19/07 (1)
  I was not comparing it to anything really... mostly just curious. I know the "Natural Sound" yamaha stuff used to be pretty good, but I have not heard one in years.
  All the midfi guys are carrying an integrated amp these days... Sony, Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon... H/K is the only one that doesn't have one in the midfi group.
  - Re: You are probably right. - ThomDP 13:26:27 04/19/07 (0)
    The last HK integrated that was available in the US was the highly acclaimed HK620 in the mid 90's. Since, HK has offered various two channel integrated amps, some critically acclaimed, to the European market only.
    Dennis
Re: Yamaha AX-497 budget integrated, is it any good? - thermalbum 11:09:49 04/19/07 (1)
I had the RX 777 rcvr which had the 100 watt amp. I found it overly bright and harsh with a pair of Paradigm Studio 60 speakers. Other speakers may not have that problem. However, it proved to be 100% reliable. I sold it to a co-worker a few years ago and he is very happy with its performance. I am not sure what speakers he uses.
On the other hand I have a RX 397 rcvr with PSB Alpha B1s in my workshop an it is not bright at all.
- Re: Yamaha AX-497 budget integrated, is it any good? - Yamahaluver 22:29:20 04/19/07 (0)
  They are very good stereo amp if you want want natural sound with good dynamics, however, do audition them thoroughly with speaker of your choice before buying them.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

K&K Audio / Lundahl Transformers

[ K&K Audio / Lundahl Transformers Forum ]

You can not post to an archived thread.