Price Paid:  $184.00 from BEKO

Summary:
I have to continue the last review, because there is something to add. I had removed the cover of CDX-496 and came into following conclusion. This unit is so simple, that its sound for such a low price deserves 4 stars ( it is not Yamaha CDX-993 and must not be compared with my cd player Denon DCD-860). The quality of assembly is not bad for such a low price.
The sound of CDX-496 is not bad to, but really far from best units. The midrange is good one, clean, detailed, soft. The bass is deep, a little softer, than should be, not so dynamic. Highs are not bad, but not so airy. In any case CDX-496 can be used for example as a cd player for second system.

Strengths:
low price, appearance, clean midrange

Weaknesses:
bass is not so sturdy, high not so airy

Similar Products Used:
CDP-XE370

Price Paid:  $184.00 from BEKO

Summary:
I have used the CD player CDX-496 for 1 month and now can say some words about it. The transport of this cd player is a noisy one. The single thing i liked was the solid appearance of unit. The CDX-496 looks like a cd player for 400$, but sound of player costs not more than 100$. The midrange is clean one, but vocals sometimes may sound a little younger than sould be. The bass is deep but not dynamic at all, highs are not natural. The CDX-496 produces the music in a strange, not attractive way, it hides all emotions. Details are there, but the presentation of them is not impressive at all. The strangest thing is the writting on the front panel of CDX-496 Natural Sound. All companies are trying to reach it, but Yamaha has it already, sounds like a nonsense... I have compared this player with simple cd player Sony CDP-XE370, which costs about 150$ but sounds at least twice better than Yamaha. If somebody needs a cd player it's better to buy something from Marantz, Denon or Sony, but never from Yamaha.

Strengths:
The solid look

Weaknesses:
The sound

Similar Products Used:
Marantz CD-67mk2, Denon DCD-860, Sony CDP-XE-370

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Seemed ordinary at first, though I found it benifitted from run in time. after a while it appeared to loose some of the hazyness/muddyness that seemed to mask the sound. It sounds pretty weighty and focused; quite a pleasing sound but not altogether neutral, though I wouldnt say thats really a weakness. Sound and detail opens up with the right interconnect.

Probably damn cheap these days..

Strengths:
For price - even/appealing/inoffensive sound, features, reliable.

Weaknesses:
non neutral sound characteristics, depending on how "hi-fi" you like things..

Similar Products Used:
nad, denon

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Seemed ordinary at first, though I found it benifitted from run in time. after a while it appeared to loose some of the hazyness/muddyness that seemed to mask the sound. It sounds pretty weighty and focused; quite a pleasing sound but not altogether neutral, though I wouldnt say thats really a weakness. Sound and detail opens up with the right interconnect.

Probably damn cheap these days..

Strengths:
For price - even/appealing/inoffensive sound, features, reliable.

Weaknesses:
non neutral sound characteristics, depending on how "hi-fi" you like things..

Similar Products Used:
nad, denon

Price Paid:  $300.00

Summary:
I bought the CDX-493 after What HiFi gave it a glowing review in their 1999 'products of the year' issue, at the same time as I acquired a Denon receiver and B&W601 speakers. The sound was disappointing: imagery, especially with orchestral or other complex works, was abysmal; bass was quite extended but still the sound lacked 'bounce' and rhythym; high treble was dull and lifeless. As imagery was bad when listening to radio I figured perhaps the receiver was the main culprit. Upgrading to a Cambridge Audio pre/power amp combination improved matters, but the sound was still not at all realistic or enjoyable. Then I came across a HiFi Choice review of the Yamaha that was mildly damning, saying that one reviewer thought it sounded more like FM radio than a CD player. Time for the Yamaha to go I thought. However, Richer Sounds were advertising the Cambridge Audio S700 Isimagic DAC, and after the positive experience of their amps I liked the idea of keeping the Yamaha as transport but shunning its electronics. The DAC cost me the equivalent of $100 (list price = $220), and wow was it worth it! Fantastic soundstage and atmosphere; very musical. So it was the Yamaha, specifically its DAC, that was the main problem. My advice: avoid Yamaha CD players, and treat What HiFi reviews with circumspection too!!

Strengths:
Reliability

Weaknesses:
Sound quality