the amp is preety frigen good

there are none

this is one deadly power amp becouse it has a lot of clean power and doesn't distort at high volume levels

good amp, enough power to blow your neighbours away

Not enough bass with pure direct switch on if you are listning realy loud music so you must pump the bass switch to get really power bass

im usig this amp for 4 years now and the only problem are the input connectors because they are too close to each other but this don't efect the sound so every one must buy one and the party begins!

A very good add-on unit that only has a few shortcomings. No indicator on the volume control, nor does the display show a relative db. number, it just says volume up or down. Hard to tell the setting. Secondly, the unit must be powered up on the faceplate, the remote doesn't activate; rather cheap for a Yamaha. Unlike another reviewer who doesn't use it for stereo, one of those listeners who still separates his home theater from audio listening, I use this unit anytime I have the stereo on. Power is good at 60 watts x3 for the center and rears. The dual sub output is great, and use both a Kenwood Servo and a Paradigm PS-1200 to great effect on all sources, CD-DVD-FM-Video(TV). Note:The Kenwood was a great starter sub, but a M&K150 beckons. Overall a good unit with value for the money. Would rate a 5 star save for the before mentioned traits.

There are a couple of mistakes in the previous review. The THD is 0.04%, not .004%. Also all the pre-amp functions are by-passes with the 6-channel variable input, with the 6-channel fixed input only the master volume control is active.

At first glance this seems a large piece of kit, but closer inspection shows that there's a lot of air space within the case. Not surprising considering the power it pumps out.
At all times the bass remains rich, the mid-range warm and natural, and the treble sharp without being harsh. Bass, treble and loudness controls are present, and there's enough scope to alter the sound to suite any type of music.

A quick push of the "Pure Direct" switch bypasses the bass and treble controls for pure sound, and a special "CD Direct" switch sends the CD input around a couple of amplifier circuits to reduce noise and let you hear CD's without any sonic alterations. You may not use these functions often, but they're there!

The AX-492 has inputs aplenty too; two tape inputs (both with recording output), tuner, CD, phono and auxiliary are provided. Both the input selector and volume control are motorised when you use the remote control - a remote which can also perform arbitrary functions with other Yamaha components.

Overall, a lovely piece of equipment which I picked up for £210 about a month ago. Highly recommended.

Firstly i've got a problem : the picture in the header is not AX-492 it's an DSP-E492 and this modells are very different, otherway some reviews era about DSP...
About the AX: A very good amplifier in a big box whit good price. The bass response is marvelous, and is't got power. Whit good cables it can be a good friend. I love it.

If you have a good stereo system and want to add surround capability, this is one of the few products that will allow this without the expense of seperates. As far as I know, only Adcom makes a similar unit. I have not heard it, but am sure it is good, though much more expensive than the Yamaha. The new Vantas 3-Channel Amp/Processor is really a different product catagory. It only adds DD and can't be upgraded to DVD Audio or DSD for example. Now on to the Yamaha.
PROS:
>Great flexability- It has TWO 6-Channel inputs. One is meant for fixed outputs and the other for variable. But even its variable input bypasses everything but the volume control. It has 3 audio inputs with tape loop and 3 A/V inputs with VCR loop. It also has pre-outs for all 6 channels including dual (though not stereo) subs, and for some reason dual center channels.

>Good amplifier section- The specs tell the story: 60 wpc, all channels driven, full-bandwidth, into 8 ohms @ .004% THD. Compare it to typical DD receivers, which all channels driven are usually at 1 khz and around .8% THD. In my system I'm sure it is even better, as it never "sees" bass below 80 hz. It isn't as good as my stereo amp ofcourse, but for home theater it is more than just good enough.

>Execellent Pro-Logic processor. It is a digital domain processor (analog inputs only) and has a decent ADC.

CONS:
>No S-Video- In my system this isn't important because my only S-Video source is DVD and even if it did have S-Video hook-ups, I would still run the DVD directly to my TV. I expect all of my future video source will be component-video, but if you have multiple S-Video sources this is off-putting to say the least.

>Terrible DSP modes- Despite Yamaha's reputation for DSP, these are useless. Why have a mode called "Mono-Movie" with no center channel? A digital out would be appreciated, as my digital Pre/Pro has execellent DSPs and the Yamaha's ADC is pretty good.

>Background hiss- This isn't a big deal. You can only hear it if you ear is within a foot or so of the tweeter and fortunately, doesn't increase with volume. Still, I've heard much quieter products.

>Power can not be turned on/off via remote- This is intended to be plugged into your pre-amp, but at 200 watts, not many can handle it. Also, why would I want to power this up when I am listening to stereo? Minor complaint.

>No tone controls- This is only a problem if you are using it as your lone pre-amp (and want tone controls). I rate this as a minor complaint too. You could always add an EQ if you really want tone controls.


>Limited remote- It only controls Yamaha products and not even TVs or DVD players. I have the Marantz RC2000 Mk. II so this was a non-issue to me.

As you can see this product has some faults, but its strengths out-weigh these in my opinion. If your like me, almost all DD receivers are not good enough on music. This lets you have a great music system AND a great surround system. I got mine for only $250 in Feb. '98. Its amp section is quite decent and its upgrade potential is outstanding. I give it a 5 on price, and a 4 on sound. It is good where it counts the most.

Superior high-volume dynamics, plenty of subtlety and transparency, sleek design.

No volume indicator, remote power-on/off is operational only if the unit is on standby mode.

Initially, I felt this amplifier had quite a lot in common with the Pioneer A-605R in terms of power, but the AX-492 delivered a more upfront feel especially when you activate the "CD Direct" switch that instantaneously bypass the tone and input controls resulting to the purest sound possible. It pumps out an easier and more relaxed character when called upon to deliver at high volumes. The bass especially creates a lot of tunefulness, depth and propulsive timing. No wonder this amplifier generates a lot of excellent reviews from audiophiles around the globe. The Yamaha AX-492 is the best choice in value and in performance among its class!

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer A-605R