audiophiles.... yamaha mx-1000

[SteveB]

local used audiophile store has a Yamaha mx-1000 I can get for $700.  Works fine although one side of the display is slightly dimmer than the other. What do you think of these amps?  Is that a decent price? Would a re-cap be in order?  what modern high current amps with around 200 watt per channel into 8 but can handle swings into 2 ohm territory are out there for decent prices? 

I've been running my old Infinity Kappa 8.1s off a QSC power amp ... works decent but the fan noise is ridiculous.  The Kappas are wildly inefficient and power hungry, they need good amplification to hit potential.

 

[JohnnyB]

I did a little looking around audiophile forums and used audio equipment sites. An MX-1000 went for $499 on eBay in 2012 (plus $117 shipping), but I also saw them listed for $1K, so the one you saw seems reasonable. From the audiophile discussion sites it seems to be a highly regarded, good-sounding amp with loads of current and power.

As for a recap, I don't know the MX-1000's years of production, and the need for a recap seems to vary from amp to amp and how it was used. I have a 32-year old Perreaux anchoring my LP system and it shows no signs of needing anything. Of course YMMV. Since this is offered from an audio shop, maybe they could test the caps?



 

[SteveB]

Yeah, I'll see if they did any maintenance on the amp.  They do seem to be highly regarded.  I looked up the manual online.. you have to like the fact that they give a dynamic power rating at 1 ohm (1000 watts), so shouldn't be a problem with the Kappas.  At least I have the Kappa 8's and not the 9's.

Plus you have to like the trippy displays.

 

[JohnnyB]

18 hours ago, SteveB said:

They do seem to be highly regarded.  I looked up the manual online. You have to like the fact that they give a dynamic power rating at 1 ohm (1000 watts), so shouldn't be a problem with the Kappas.  

They apparently have a reputation for a lot of quality power and current with excellent sound. High power into very low impedance requires a pretty massive power supply. You bet better sound because the amp keeps the voltage output constant in the face of a fluctuating impedance.

Plus you have to like the trippy displays.

 

The trippy displays are cool, but so are the other features:

• Ability to connect up to up to 3 prs of speakers simultaneously, which is only possible with a high current, very stable amp.
• Output level controls, which  can be used to fine tune L-R balance, and can serve as a mute control, where you can keep the amp on all the time while killing the output. It can also be used to lower output to protect speakers with a low power handling capacity.

It's evidently an audiophile level amp, but with those handy Pro Audio features.

[SteveB]

Infinities like the Yamaha.  Plenty of power although I can still get it to self-protect if I really wail on it.   Great soundstage and presence though.... I can pick out individual vocal harmonies and midrange instruments much better now.  I canceled out my tone adjustments on the preamp because it works so well with everything flat.

[killerteddybear]

I've used a Yamaha integrated amp (A700?) for 30 years now. Love it.
You'll enjoy the MX-1000.