Proton 550

[Squishman]

Would a Proton 550 be an upgrade from my Yamaha RX-396 in my 2-channel room?

 

[TLS Guy]

Would a Proton 550 be an upgrade from my Yamaha RX-396 in my 2-channel room? View attachment 80148

I don't know fer certain, but I suspect it would be a really lateral move. There is nothing wrong with your Yamaha. My view is if gear is working well and doing the job: - leave it alone!

 

[Squishman]

It is a sweet looking unit. I'd lose the remote capability though. I'd prefer an integrated amp over a receiver.

 

[TLS Guy]

It is a sweet looking unit. I'd lose the remote capability though. I'd prefer an integrated amp over a receiver.

Why would a receiver be a downgrade? In terms of SQ there will be zero difference.

 

[Squishman]

Why would a receiver be a downgrade? In terms of SQ there will be zero difference.

Not in terms of a downgrade. I like the sleek look of this Proton and vintage NAD integrated amps. I don't need a radio on it.

 

[TLS Guy]

Not in terms of a downgrade. I like the sleek look of this Proton and vintage NAD integrated amps. I don't need a radio on it.

Whatever you do, stay away from NAD. NAD stands for Not Always Dependable. I can assure they rightfully earned that moniker.

 

[Squishman]

Whatever you do, stay away from NAD. NAD stands for Not Always Dependable. I can assure they rightfully earned that moniker.

Roger that!

 

[Squishman]

Whatever you do, stay away from NAD. NAD stands for Not Always Dependable. I can assure they rightfully earned that moniker.

Or "need another design"?

 

[m. zillch]

I used to sell the twin.

They were good and had lots of headroom which only means for people who like to brag theirs plays louder before audible distress compared to others of the same steady-state wattage rating, they win.

 

[Squishman]

What I heard was the older units with the square power button are the ones to go for. And to stay away from the round power button units as those are newer when the quality started to suck.

 

[m. zillch]

Other than in looks I don't worry about the buttons. Their reliability seemed generally good to me but I have no idea what happens in year 10, 15, 20 . . . .[and these things are now long in the tooth, first made in the 80's]

If your existing Yamaha seems to have no audible distress at the levels you use it at and you don't hear hiss, I don't think there are any good reasons to swap it unless it lacks a feature you want (or breaks).

 

[Squishman]

Other than in looks I don't worry about the buttons. Their reliability seemed generally good to me but I have no idea what happens in year 10, 15, 20 . . . .

If your existing Yamaha seems to have no audible distress at the levels you use it at and you don't hear hiss, I don't think there are any good reason to swap it unless it lacks a feature you want (or breaks).

I have no complaints about the yamaha.