Yamaha AX-596 Amplifier

If you have been following my string of reviews, you will see that I have been on the steady upgrade process for my Home Theater. I am currently using the Yamaha RXV-1 as my receiver. I got a great deal on this receiver, but after several months of use I had one complaint. Music !! This actually seems to be a very common problem among even top of the line home theater receivers. One advantage I had, the RXV-1 will also serve as a preamp. Since I had no complaints about movie sound, I decided I needed a solid two channel amp to drive my two Klipsch main speakers, hopefully filling the room during two channel music playback.

I considered many options, but I quickly discovered two facts, stores that carry power amps are few and far between (not a BestBuy or Circuit City item); and also, stores are reluctant to sell a power amp unless it is packaged with the preamp. It seems they often order these items in sets and often get stuck with the preamps left over.

Enough preliminary chatter, I actually only auditioned two other models, a Harmon Kardon and a B&K. Both of these units cost considerably more. Truth be told, I didn't even hear the Yamaha AX-596 before I ordered it. At $400 (about half the $$$ of the other two) it was a gift from my wife. After two months, I have no complaints.

The AX-596 is an integrated stereo amp, this means it does not need to be hooked to a preamp - you could plug a CD player directly into the unit and get the same result. It actually has multiple inputs for six components (I only use the Main preamp ins). It is rated at 100W/channel, but power ratings on amps are much more conservative than their receiver counterparts. This unit rocks. If you read my review of my Klipsch main speakers, I found them surprisingly dull and lacking mids. Not Anymore !!! Two channel music fills the room, the house and the neighborhood !! It remains crystal clear and precise at any volume I am willing to tolerate. I can finally achieve volume levels without distortion that I wouldn't even dare to endure. With respect to build quality, it is typical Yamaha. The unit is a tank, solid and instills confidence in reliability. I have found very few reviews on the AX-596, but I have heard no complaints.

Some additional benefits, as I mentioned....it is an integrated amp. Since I suffer from upgrade-itis, I can easily move this amp anywhere in the house and use the Zone II out from my receiver and enjoy fabulous two channel music in another room. The unit also comes with a simple, sleek remote which controls volume and input. The AX-596 also functions as a regular power amp when using the main inputs (This means I have never even opened the remote, the volume of my receiver adjusts the power of the amp). Last, the look of the unit is simple and refined. It blends seemlessly into any stack of audio equipment.

My final comment... for the money, this is a great choice. It is a very flexible unit and has plenty of power for all but the most extreme cases. It marks a great value for someone just making the jump into seperates.