Based largely on reviews which I had seen on the Internet (including oneson this page), I purchased this tuner. It was a long time coming, but was
worth the wait. The two antenna inputs are a great feature. I can listen to
strong local stations through a regular antenna (CBC Radio Two and CKUA sound
great), and pick up otherwise-unavailable stations via the TV cable through the
other input. The "blend" setting makes the otherwise-unlistenable Spokane NPR
station sound pretty decent (weak signal delivered via cable). Highly recom-
mended.
Now the bad news: Yamaha has discontinued it! I don't know what will replace
it.

The TX-950 might put off many high enders with its many automatic features and lack of analog meters, but if they will give it a listen it proves itself capable of producing very high quality sound (CD like if you will) from even weak stations. As other reviewers have noted the option of two antenna inputs is very useful for for a local stations input and a highly directional second input. Like CD's it can produce music with absolutly not back ground noise unless you place your ear right up to the speaker. No other tuner on the market (one reviewer says this one is no longer available) offers so much performance and so many features at this low of a price. Give it a 5+.

Ahhh Yamaha quality is back. For a time there, Yamaha was going a little cheap...and didn't want to buy anything more from them....sort of like RCA. ANyway, I'm glad I got this...it is very nice and has plenty of features for any enthusiast. THe quality and design is very well done. It almost resembles the T-80 (mated with C-80 and M-60) I had in the mid 80's. Which was excellent with all the bells and whistles. ANyhow, this is a great pairing with my DSP-A1...a match made in heaven (aka my home theater). Paid $299

Talked to Yamaha today. 950 not discontinued, only behind on production due to the sales of the dsp1A.
Ordered mine, said would take a month to deliver. So
pleased with the dsp 1a am trusting it and these
reviews.

I purchased this tuner based on numerous recommendations on the net.I am extremly satisfied.

On really good broadcasts (e.g. CBC Radio 2) the sound quality is exceptional.
You can clearly hear the resonance and decay in Piano notes, guitar strings
being plucked - you get the picture :). I have heard subtle background
sounds (pages being turned in an orchestra, etc.) that I would only expect
to hear from well recorded CD or LP.

The soundstage is wide (extends wider than my speakers) and the depth is good
(not quite as good as I get off CD, but excellent just the same).

I have one antenna connection connected to cable and the other to an indoor
antenna. Local stations with strong signal sound better (with stronger signal)
off the air. The fine tune feature is excellent.

Features I would have liked in it - a means to dim the display, a detatchable
power cord and balanced outputs - as you can see I don't have too many
complaints :).

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for good FM.

Associated equipment:
Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Pre-amp
Pass Lab Aleph 5 Amp
B&W CDM-7SE speakers
All cables and interconnects D.H. Labs.

The good news, this is one of the best tuners money can buy, the reception and the sound quality are better than most tuners costing 2 or 3 times as much. The bad news is that yamaha has discontinued it. I got one of the last available units, and it wasn't easy to find. I got a brand new one for $260, shipped. Yamaha is supposed to come out with a replacement that matches their flagship integrated amp, the DSP A-1. It's supposed to be available in late 2000. I would highly recomend the TX-950 to anyone, if you can track one down go ahead and buy it, you won't be disapointed.

sleek space saving design, very functional light.

Does not meet the eye as well built,tunning knob is too light,

I just bought this tuner from a friend because it looked good but, when I tested it on my system, I honestly thought I had selected CD on the pre amp by mistake. For some reason this tuner brings out the best in FM. And as many have said ," BELEIVE THE HYPE", this tuner does wonders to music. I have held on to it for one month now but have since put it up for sale on ebay.

This is one of the finest tuners available regardless of price. It uses a remote, and has many automatic features with memories for many stations.
This tuner was recently reviewed by Audio Critic #24 who raved about it, and compared to the Accuphase T-109 selling for $3000. The Yamaha sells for $429 and includes a pretty good AM tuner as well as that great FM.

Pretty Good for DX

Wimpy tuning knob, currently overpriced.

I've owned this tuner and the Yamaha TX-1000 Tuner. I got rid of the TX-950 and kept the TX-1000 and will tell you why:
I was looking for the ultimate DX tuner and was trying different ones. I had both the TX-950, and the TX-1000 and the TX-1000 won no contest. Here's the scoop. The TX-950 is pretty decent, does a good job at DX, has good fidelity. BUT.. I just have to say, The TX-1000 does it better in all respects. The TX-1000 is a heavier duty rugged no expense spared top of the line tuner. In essence the TX-950 is a newer cost cutting version of the TX-1000, in a wimpier lightweight version. The tuning knob on the 1000 for example is bigger, has a weighted flywheel and actually "spins". Unlike the 950's tuning knob which is a small hollow cheapo plastic thing with no flywheel.(cost cut)
The TX-1000 display Is Red and Amber and looks rich. The amber only 950 was a cost cut. I've DX'd these 2 side by side -- and the TX-1000 digs the weak ones out better every time. Never an exception. The TX-1000 has better quality IF filtering components. The stereo seperation on the TX-1000 is a wider 68dB vs 60dB on the 950 (circuitry cost cut), and you can hear the difference. As for eBay-- If you keep track.. you'll notice many sellers of the 950's were buyers several months earlier. (the wimpy K-Mart knob musta got to them)... however their adds will naturally claim it to be the best of all time. nonsense.
SUMMARY:The TX-950 is on a bandwagon runaway hype right now, and overpriced/overhyped. A realistic value is $300.
If anything, the TX-1000 deserves this hype. It's earned it, but its a rarer model thus less reviews.
Rick.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha TX-1000

excellent tuner

Paul is correct: This tuner is way overpriced on the used market. Sorry, but it's just NOT a high-end tuner. For example, a Sony 555ES tuner matches it in every way for about $200 used.

I had a chance to audition this unit recently, in a good system in direct comparison with a Sony 555ES tuner, and the Yamaha had no advantages over the Sony. The Sony ES is available for a fraction of the Yamaha's cost on the used market. And, the entry-level Parasound (1600?) is a better unit than the Sony, for only around $300 NEW WITH WARRANTY. Paul is right: There are many better values in new (and used, analog) tuners. The ridiculous resale value of this tuner smells like a fad to me, too.
My own system involves a dedicated analog 1970's tuner ($80 at auction) which I have permanently tuned to my favorite station, plus a used Sony ES tuner ($170!) for more casual station surfing. I really like the look and feel of the vintage tuners, and it seems like their ultra-wide IF bands have musical benefits. Of course, only a few FM stations broadcast true high fidelity these days anyway. So, with my two-tuner setup I get the best of both worlds this way: Gorgeous sound on my station of choice, and preset/remote convenience for all the rest. All for less than the cost of a single used Yamaha 950... I dunno, am I missing something???

Similar Products Used:

parasound, sony ES, mitsubishi (analog 1970's), McIntosh - a wide range