yamaha cr-2020

[Jim]

Sorry search this forum wont work on either my tablet (ics) Or phone using the latest.

I am interested in this yamaha not only for its performance but also it is a looker. Never heard one so would L ike your views . I have Tannoy monitior gold speakers in custom made cabinets and stream my music through Jriver.

I like the what the Tannoys do so wondered if an amp of roughly the same period may be worth while.
It was top of the range after the 3020.
Thanks Jim.

 

[ToTo Man]

I've run my Tannoy Monitor Golds exclusively with Yamaha amplification of vintage and modern eras, including a CR-1000, CR-2020, CR-2040, A-S1000, A-S2000 (you get the picture I like Yamaha! ), and have never been anything less than delighted. There are subtle sonic differences between each unit, but the Yamaha 'house sound' so to speak is one of neutrality and transparency, i.e. they are very open, fluid and easy to listen to. Some may equate this to sounding flat or boring, but I of course don't! The CR-2020 is indeed a stunner to look at, but it also has the performance to back it up. Do note however that due to its age it will most likely require some servicing on the power amp boards before being relied upon as a daily workhorse.

 

[Zombie]

Audiokarma is the place (their Yamaha vintage section) for advice and the troublesome output relays are available on eBay kraut

 

[Jim]

Thanks totoman.



The only yamaha audio I had was
a cassette deck. It was near the budget end of the range but it was getting very good reviews. Could not believe it sounded so much better than my cd player. Know what you mean about the sound but it just sounds right somehow.

Jim.

 

[PigletsDad]

Also possible that the tuner might need realignment by now - if so, an expert with the right specialist gear will need to have a look at it.

 

[hermit]

FWIW I use Yamaha C4/M4 amps from 1980 with Tannoy Berkeleys and also find the Yamaha house sound very agreeable through the big Tannoys.

 

[Jim]

FWIW I use Yamaha C4/M4 amps from 1980 with Tannoy Berkeleys and also find the Yamaha house sound very agreeable through the big Tannoys.[/QUOTE


How does the house sound compare to other makes? I have heard before about Yamaha's style Of presentation.

Thanks Jim.

 

[hermit]

FWIW I use Yamaha C4/M4 amps from 1980 with Tannoy Berkeleys and also find the Yamaha house sound very agreeable through the big Tannoys.[/QUOTE


How does the house sound compare to other makes? I have heard before about Yamaha's style Of presentation.

Thanks Jim.

I've only had the Tannoys for about 9 months Jim and only heard them with two amps so my thoughts are probably of very limited value.

My main amp when I bought the Tannoys was a vintage Kenwood 500 integrated. It needed a bit of fettling so I bought the Yamahas as backup amps. Vintage kit being vintage kit, the Yamahas needed work too so I've been rotating the amps between visits to my tech. As a result I've not yet had the chance to do a proper back to back comparison of both amps fully working and fettled. Right now I'm using the Kenwood as the C4 needs a noisy phono selector switch fixed.

I think on balance I slightly prefer the presentation of the Yamahas to the Kenwood. I would characterize both amps as predominantly neutral, powerful, detailed but not forward or brightly lit. I think the Yamahas may be a little faster and dig a little deeper than the Kenwood. I also think that the Yamahas may be a little more open sounding. On the other hand, the midrange of the Kenwood may be a touch sweeter and more lucid. They both have their strengths and I expect I will continue to rotate as both please me greatly.

I think Richard (ToTo Man) nailed it with his description: "the Yamaha 'house sound' so to speak is one of neutrality and transparency, i.e. they are very open, fluid and easy to listen to."

 

[Have Fun]

House Sound is very very similar across the range
I use a CA600 amp & have a CR400 - more features the higher you go but sound is similar & very natural
Trio in comparison is bass heavy
A while back we had a sound test recording - yamaha beat the other amps by a short hair

 

[Jim]

Has anyone compared the Yamaha CR-2020 with the Marantz 2070? They both look gorgeous.I shouldn't have any combatabilty problems with my monitor golds being only 30 watts? If anyone could let me know their thoughts on these two and preference to either it would be appreciated.