- yamaha rx z1
- yamaha dsp-e492 plus m50 (pre-power)
rx-z1
just google it and you wont be disappointed after reviewing its features,, its a powerful hometheater amp with almost everything about good qaulity sound.yes optical options are there,, which i always compare to rca inputs. plus loads of surround modes which i never use except a couple of basic ones.
remote control learner plus regular remote, so you get 2 remotes with amp.
so i connected a $950 poineer cd player and pair of klipsch speakers , loaded a softrock cd,, cranked up some volume ,, the output was nice but something was missing, the lower treble band wasnt too loud, high end treble was there..( all controls off- tone defeat mode)
midband was clear.
took the volume to -16 dB that's the max recomended volume for me playing music through a cd player. i felt music is dry.
connected another setup
yamaha dsp e 492 processor pre amp plus m50 power amp
this is a basic setup, no additional gimmicks. only a few surround modes (major ones and speakers output controls, but it has pre in - out same as top of line yamaha integrated amps. plus 6 line inputs for sacd or dolby digital.
the power amp is just 100watts refrence power ampof mid 80's. nothing else.
bottom line when played same speakers, same cd, from same cd player, music was much sweeter , clear, and had more musical truth. the owner of rx z1 was present there and heard first hand and remarked the sound is musical!
now that's the difference, why you need to hear amplifiers before you buy them, the bigger expensive , isnt always the right one, the % of THD plays impt role but isnt the only creteria.
final test is what you hear on dead flat tone controls tells you the difference between amps .
integrated vs pre - power..
the later pre power setup has more musical details though it may be less priced for being basic.