Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I'm very happy with this. When buying - I compared this side by side with a Nad (Nad 320?). The NAD won in terms of absolute sonic performance, but the Yamaha won in terms of flexability. A powerful amp - will drive practically any speaker without a problem, with bags of power to handle those difficult bass passages. Chop out the tone controls with the direct button - for instant improvements in clarity.

Strengths:
Power, flexibility, ability to record from one source whilst listening to another. Ideal for a good hifi system - and flexible enough to deliver power with DVD's etc.

Weaknesses:
Not as refined in terms of pure audiophile quality :)

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Local hifi-store

Summary:
It offers you a great deal of power and can handle variety of music. I bought it second-hand 2 years ago and it was really a bargain (200 euros)
This amplifier works great with any small speakers (my Amphion argon), altought it could still deliver more power for these speakers. Sound is not perfect, it is too hard, well too hard for classical music but good with jazzlike music and great for machine made music.

Strengths:
Power, value for money and great basic looks!

Weaknesses:
Limited connections.

Similar Products Used:
none.

Summary:
Well, I must inform you that I have pleased myself with a new stereoset which is more audiophile and it blows the Yamaha away. I'm talking about Marantz PM17mkll. OK you cannot compare these amplifiers, but now I really enjoy music. In short the Yamaha is not bat for just listening, but if you really want to enjoy buy Musical Fidelity or Arcam or like myself Marantz Premium.

Strengths:
Low price great power

Weaknesses:
Not stable in high and low

Similar Products Used:
HK, NAD, Dennon

Summary:
I have this amp for nearly five years now and I'm still pleased with it, because it can handle a lot.
Over the years I've learned how to get along wiht this amp.
It's verry important which type of music is being played by what volume.
I agree it has that "Yam" sound, but realy with the right speakers(Dali suite 2.5) you'll get the best out of your Yamaha.
With neutral speakers you could think of Bi-wiring connection, if you have MBquart don't even think about it and I suggest you immediately buy other speakers!

Strengths:
It's got a lot of power in it and sounds normaly good.

Weaknesses:
When you are listening to verry loud music the Yamaha tear the bass and treble from its context especialy when using speakers with a metal dome tweeter.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz pm7000, sony ES

Summary:
I've used this amp for nearly 2 years now. Its power is very impressive for this range of product. I also like the design, which is simple. However, it really has the "Yam" sound : aggressive, especially in the lows and highs. Its musicality is definitely not a standard. I would recommand it for modern music (especially techno, hard rock, rap) but not for classical music nor jazz. It'll be at its best with neutral speakers. I had "Audio Reference" (French manufacturer, low quality) which went well. Now i got a really wonderful pair of Leedh speakers (really amazing), which shows all the weaknesses of the Yamaha 590. As soon as I can afford it, i will change my amp for a much better one(but certainly more expensive).

Strengths:
Power

Weaknesses:
Spectrum