Yep, pretty old indeed.
I wouldn't say everything made by Yamaha is great... as I think the new RX-V line (more so the crappy new displays they use on everything except the 4 top of the line models) is a step backwards.
But, aside from features and recent decisions, Yamaha gear will pretty much keep on going.
This was my first piece of Yamaha "gathering":
A BNIB Yamaha HTR-5730. It was actually a HTIB that came with a 5.1 speaker package. I do not remember the nomenclature of the HTIB model number.
Well built, compact receiver. Ended up selling the 5.1 speakers and bought some BIC's to replace them (see, not great HTIB speakers, but the sub was decent, and it got sold last.) Had fair enough quantity of inputs at the time, and was powerful enough to drive my old BIC-American's pretty painlessly (but they were the most efficient driving speakers I've ever owned).
Recap, $300 and sold the speakers for $80 IIRC. Not too bad really.
Then, I sold/traded it for a Onkyo TX-DS787. Expensive when new, but I was getting it used. A bit of cosmetic damage, but nothing horrid. It was definitely a bigger powerhouse, but the analog section was horrid. I've been around the block with receivers, and that by far is still the worst I've listened to analog wise. Maybe it was my particular unit, or something happened inside of it, but it was awful. I've had older Pioneers (still have an SX-626), a somewhat odd and rare RCA Dimensia Pre/Pro matching set, my current Yamaha DSP-A1000, an old Sony Dolby Pro Logic receiver that spit out 60wpc stereo, an older Onkyo that was two channel only, and my P2201 with a Adcom pre-amp (returned it because one channel was bad, but the good channel was kick-arse). Out of all (maybe except the Adcom, but it's ruled out) of them, the 787 was pretty disappointing.
I drifted awhile out in audio ocean (it's near the Red Sea
), and eventually I came across my now beloved DSP-A1000. Yes, it's not a modern 5.1 receiver and yes, it has no digital input, but it was 50 pounds of monster receiver bliss. When I saw it at the pawn shop, and then picked her up, I knew that this was not an ordinary piece of amplification. I saw the $60 price tag and was surprised, UNTIL I learned that something was wrong with the pre-amp.
When the volume knob was turned up all the way, there was barely any audible sound from the speakers. You're thinking low noise floor, but no. It was hooked up to a working CD player, and the tired old girl just whispered at maximum volume.
At this point, most people would probably run away from "this old piece of junk". I took a risk and bought the thing anyway
.
I took her home to my place, got her dru--- wait what?
I did take her home to my workstation, and cleaned the outside of her up as much as possible. Sure enough, she was a beauty. I did the cosmetic equivalent of taking a 3XXL large flannel shirt and stretch pants off of Emma Watson
But, still, the problem with audio. As you can see, I paid for more than $60 in time, but only $10 for pot-cleaner!
Then it really began. I had an vintage Yamaha from the early 90's. What can I get that will function WELL and match the system?
Didn't have to look to hard or far for that answer. $15 later at another shop, I walked out with a TX-950, a CDV-1200K, and KX-W952 (tuner, LD player, and Tape Deck). ALL mint, and all worked PERFECTLY. (well, the Tape Deck is missing one knob......)
But not all have ended up so well. My CDX-900U was a great CD spinner, but I have reason to believe the laser is on it's way out. It's a great sounding unit, when it doesn't skip randomly. Built fairly heavily, but age has taken it's toll on this one. The old Magnavox CDB-460 (which I got in pretty sad shape for $10 and is now in Seth=L's hands again) did not do this, and it was a bit more beat on. However, it stands more testament to the excellent design of the Magnavox as a unit (and the transport in the 460, 560, and 650 were all amazing). But, because it was a Magnavox, the 460 and 560 have a tendency to kill the display.
And, I don't just buy Yamaha. For instance, my SACD player is a Sony. The SCD-CE595 is an excellent 5-disc CD/SACD player. Many people have reviewed it, and I find that 5 discs are more than enough to gobble at once. If you are a one disc a time person, go find an old Magnavox CDB-650. A lot cheaper, and more reliable.
My first (and only standalone DVD player) is a Sony. Cheap, slim, and regarded probably as crap nowadays..... still works. I bought it on a whim to take the load off my then dying PS2's disc tray to play DVD's. $75 bucks later, it's still not a bad spinner. In fact, besides the computer, this little crap box can read even the most badly damaged discs, no problems. Discs that would skip on the SACD player, the Magnavox, the Yamaha, even my PC on occasion, would play decent on this thin little box.
I have a mid to late 90's Mitsubishi VHS deck. One of the best VHS decks I've seen operate and playback a VHS tape... next to the JVC SVHS deck.
And, I also still have a awesome vintage Pioneer SX-626 that is built like a small tank.
So, in reality, it's mainly luck of the draw for me. I had one part, then I had four, now I look for more
But, if someone dangled a nice piece of gear, such as a Denon AVP-A1HDCI, no doubt I would take it. I would take it and use it like a dish towel.
But, also, why I like Yamaha, is that I think that they understand music as well. They used to be (and still are as far as I know) Japan's leading piano manufacturer (not so much electric, think Stienway and the likeness).
And, they make some awesome motorcycles to ride. I know, because I've ridden quite a few
(DT-1, DT-50, Seca 600, FZR-400 (race bike), FZR-600, and, who can forget the XS-650?)
All in all, I know they know how to make music and reproduce it. They have been in the business for a while and I'm pretty sure they aren't going anywhere.
//RANT
