The 493 does the job as expected from a budget type cd player (made in Malaysia). It has a distracting humming sound and encounters difficulty reading some CDs. Good thing it has a digital out for bypass to external DAC. Ironically this unit gat a 5 star rating from What-Hifi mag. I'd advise you get a Marantz instead.

Clear & powerful across the upper freq.Bass is rather weak.
Not bad for the price.

Have had this CDP for the past 6 months and I must say that I am quite pleased with it. Especially so considering the price and it's cool understated looks.
The features are pretty good. There is a well thought out remote that is easy to use, display dimmer (but display can't be turned off), a "peak" search before recording onto tape or MD.

The sound generated as compared to other CDPs in the SAME PRICE RANGE is relatively good. The sound is quite detailed, engaging and it is not lush nor overly bright, (generally the case with budget CDPs). Soundstage and imaging is not perfect when conpared to more expensive CDPs. Most importantly, it does not cause fatigue when listening for long period of time.

There is also a digital out which is very useful when you want to do recording to MD abd it serves as an upgrade option. (Ability to add an external DAC).

And I did not hear any hum. :-)

5 speakers for its price range.

A very well built machine with lots of nice features, and attention to build detail. The transport is very solid. The sound is somewhat mix and match, generally working well with everything but not wringing the extra ounce which you know should be there. It is limited in its deep bass extension and has somewhat forward upper midrange. It's strongest source is well recorded Jazz combo and Electronic music. Can be a little flat with bad recordings and tinny with overly equalized mid range pieces. Decent for the price.

Price - a budget model.

Poor sound quality

Someone earlier stated that this CD player received 5 stars from What Hi-Fi. They might of been listening to a different CD player. There is a lot of background noise (humming etc.) and the sound is harsh and congested. Overall I would say im very disappointed. It was a gift so I didn't get to listen to it before purchasing. I have only had it a couple of months and im now looking at buying a new CD player or DAC.

Very confident player within its class.Reproduces across all frequencies in a relaxed yet purposeful style.
Never been sold before on Yamahas so called natural sound but this did it for me.
Try it with a dynamic and equally good value amplifier such as Cambridge A3i, QED Qnect 2 interconnects and easy-going speakers such as Tannoy 3 and you have a capable system that won't scare such giants as LINN, Celestion etc but will keep your bank manager off your back.