I bought this amp while in the military over 10 years ago. This amp is a brute, pure and simple. You can't even find amps anymore that pump out the pure watts like this baby. I've never had any problems whatsoever with it. The only drawback is it's heavy weight (I wouldn't put it on a shelf in a cheap stereo cabinet). I also bought a Yamaha pre-amp at the same time as this amp. I had to have the output transistors replaced about 5 years ago since they were starting to pick up a lot of 60 cycle hum from the chassis thru the volume knob. Anyway, back to the amp. If you can get your hands on one, do it - but you'll never see mine for sale!!!

Excellent sound,good value,Indestructible!

None

I have owned this amp since '87 when I first got into hi-fi and never had any regrets about purchasing it.Excellent sound,bulletproof constuction,just a stellar performer!For those who don't know the details...260 watts per channel,0.003% THD,128 db signal to noise ratio,auto class A operation up to 30 watts,3 sets of speaker outputs.I have driven everything from Polks to Klipsch and am now running 4 Cerwin Vegas(4 ohm each)and this amp doesn't even break a sweat.I've had outdoor parties where it was sitting in the hot sun and being played for 12 hours straight without even phasing it-thats how tough this thing is.I've replaced some of my other components over the years,some due to upgrading,some due to malfunction, but that is just not the case with this product.If you can find one used I suggest you pick it up ASAP.Hats off to Yamaha for a job well done.

Awesome power and clarity

It broke after on 12 years of abuse. Ha Ha

I received this as a gift about 2 months ago from a freind. I had just purchased a Yamaha RXV-793 receiver at the same time. I installed the receiver and amp at the same time, so I really had no appreciation of it's power untill it broke. The amp was in the shop for a week and I was forced to use the internal amp in the receiver. What a huge disapointment. The internal amp could not reproduce the sound clarity that the amp could. After spending $142.00 to get it fix. I am happy to say it was worth every penny. My only problem now is finding replacement speaker(s) for the ones I blew the day I got it back!(I think my neighbors hate me)This amp retailed back in the 80's for about $1000.00. I would pay that today if I had to. If you can find one buy it. But mine will never be for sale.

A massive 280 Watts per channel, strong build.

Resin (?) problems caused distortion.

I echo all the other reviewers. These amps are well worth buying if you can find one. I also have an M-85 to go along with my M-80. I purchased the M-80 new for $480 in 1987. 10 years later, it started intermittently causing distortion, kind of a scratchy noise. Took it to the shop and was told of "resin" problems with this unit. $120 later I was out the door and have not had any problem since. I picked up my M-85 for $150 used and a C-80 for $50. Now I have 2 C-80's sitting in a closet. My Yamaha and Carver amps are now connected to a Yamaha 2095 receiver, bypassing the internal amps. I couldn't be happier with this system.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha M85, Carver TFM-24