Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Melbourne

Summary:
After reading about the Yamaha MX-1 amps, I bought two to use as "monoblocks" to run with B&W 802's. By bi-amping the two channels of each amp to the bi-wired connection of each speaker I figured that there would be ample power. I was not dissappointed! In fact I was delighted at the power/performance of these wonderfully built units. Tireless, neutral and beautifully understated. I now also use a Yamaha RX-V2500 as a pre-amp for these (in Direct mode) and as a HT systems for the other channels for movies. Best of both worlds.

I recently saw and heard the new Yamaha MDX-1 and was also very impressed, but at $A8,000, I guess I should have been. The older MX-1's are one of the best value amps on the market - if you see one for sale Buy It!

Strengths:
Amazing value.
Effortless power.
Solid build.
Clean understated appearance.
Neutral sound.

Weaknesses:
Very heavy.

Similar Products Used:
MX-1000
M-80
RX-V 2500

Price Paid:  $720.00 from ebay

Summary:
Purchased this amp used from ebay. Can't believe how happy I am with this amp. In fact I am in the market for a second one!

Used to have an Accuphase integrated, used it to drive large full range speakers. Though the sound was extremely accurate, I always felt something was missing. When I switched to the MX-1, I finally found it, the bass. The lower end Accuphase integrated simply doesn't have the power or the current to properly drive full range speakers.

I have always used many Krell and Rotel amps in the past. After my first Rotel, RB-1080, I'll never purchase another Rotel again. Bloated bottom end, rolled off high end. The Yamaha MX-1 is totally neutral compared to the Rotel with more power to spare. Compared to the Krell, the Krell does have a better bottom end. Then again, we are talking about spending thousands of dollars more. For the price, you just can't get better than this.

Strengths:
Power, power, and power. Non fatiguing, neutral.

Weaknesses:
At this price, are you kidding me?

Perhaps the weight is one issue. I never expected it to be this heavy. Then again, I like my audio gear to have weight, a sign of quality and power.

Similar Products Used:
Various Accuphase, Krell, Rotel amps.

Price Paid:  $800.00 from In Daytona back in M

Summary:
I have been a proud owner of a Yamaha MX600/U since 1991. It is essentially the same as the MX-1 but has the LED output levels, something I kind of like. I was going to sell it (the wife wanted me too!)and went to a lot of effort to prepare online documentation for ebay. I don't think I have the heart to get rid of it. To this day it is best audio equipment I have ever owned. Even after 13 years of age the sound continues to be smooth and powerful...made in Japan!. I've got Paradigm Reference Studio/60's hooked up to it and the sound quality is phenominal. Distortion on this baby is nill. I also have a 1991 Yamaha TX-530 Tuner hooked up. It continues to be an excellent tuner. Even the original remote control still works!

Screw the wife, I'm keeping all of it! Maybe I'll get rid of her.

Anyway, if you have a chance to buy the CX,MX600/U or the TX-530, don't hesitate.
I'm curious if the CX-1 and MX-1 are still manufactured in Japan.

Strengths:
Everything! Outstanding equipment for 13 years and going strong.

Weaknesses:
Absolutely nothing.

Price Paid:  $0.00 from insurance company re

Summary:
My insurance company choose this AMP as a replacement AMP for Carver 55 that was stolen. I was concerned, but when it was delivered...WOW! I have literally coupled this AMP with over 6 different sets of speakers, just to see how it would perform. Everything from Bose 901s (yes I know...ok! shoot I was young) to B&W's which I now own. Old ADCOM GTP-500 pre-amp that has a lab setting that by-passes the capacitors. Pioneer elite transport...man this is a good marriage of components. I turned a small bedroom into a stereo room. Many times I fall a sleep in this room listening to everything for R&B to classical.

Strengths:
ROCK SOLID construction. There is NO speaker load this baby can't handle. It has never gone above operating temperature. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE!

Weaknesses:
Don't drop it on our foot!

Price Paid:  $700.00 from ebay

Summary:
This amp looks good, feels as solid as a rock and sounds altogether incredibly powerful and smooth. Normally you would expect to spend a lot of money for such a tonal quality. Thank's Yamaha for giving us this beast at an unbelievable low price! It's a real bargain.

If you are searching for a power amp at a reasonable price, try to catch this one. I guess, you will not be disappointed.

I am using this unit with a KLIMO Merlin tube preamp (excellent german product, comparable e.g. to Conrad Johnson PV12) which seems to be a lucky marriage.
With my SONY XA-50ES - just waiting for my new Musical Fidelity A3/24 upsampling DAC :=) - and JAMO D 870 (concert 11) the soundstage is so wide, natural and dynamic that I'm always sorry when forced to switch the power knob off.

Strengths:
Solid state at it's best. Powerful, smooth and natural sound in Class A.

Weaknesses:
None