Yamaha Rx-397 & 497 - please comment

[manishk13]

Hi

I have a 5.1 HT in my main HT room. For my living and bedroom areas, I am looking for a mid-range amplifier as I primarily listen to music (all sorts) and dont feel the need for HT on these 2 secondary areas.

Based on reviews on net as well as India What H-fi, I have selected Yamaha Rx-397/497, as it seems to have good reviews, has a built in FM radio, has 2 speaker outputs (switchable) so, seems to satisfy my criteria.

Can someone comment if this is a good choice and how much should I expect to pay in Bangalore and from where should I source it?

Also, ideas on which 50-75 watt bookshelf speakers to match (Whargedale 9.0?) would be helpful

Thanks
Manish

 

[pannags]

Hi Manish,

Yamaha India site leads you to 2 dealers in Bangalore, who are exclusive Yamaha dealers. What is interesting for me was that, the Indiranagar chap even offered a ready setup which could be auditioned any day of the week. My past experience is that dealers expect a day or two advance notice to have a stereo receiver setup.

Just FYI, the 497 with a pair of Yamaha floor-standers (forgot the exact model) was offered to me at 38k. I still haven't finalised my decision.

ciao,
Pannags

 

[goose]

Have the RX-797 mated to Wharf 9.2s, loving it! Quite powerful and well built.

 

[afj]

there are quite a few other amplifiers out there - marantz, nad, onkyo etc. personally im not a yamaha fan. little muddy and not so detailed for my liking. whats your budget

 

[subhash]

hi manish

i had the AX-497 not the RX
its a very good integrated amp,it cud drive even tower spkrs with ease
had bought it new in blr for 19K (regret selling it cud have used in another room)
Yamaha AX-497 Stereo integrated amplifier at Crutchfield.com

u cud also try the tannoy BS/towers with it ,it sounds great

 

[pannags]

I am narrowed down on the RX-497 (if I do decide on a stereo amp and not an AVR). The auditions are due though. Wonder if it makes sense to buy Yamaha speakers to pair the amp as the prices in India seem to be very competitive for Yamaha