Yamaha CX-1/MX-1 Amplifier

Yamaha's approach is defined as the purest of its products: no compromises, no external embellishments, and everything to achieve perhaps the purest sound possible. A feature of this ideology is to keep signal processing as simple and direct as possible, using the highest quality electronic components. Yamaha delivers on this promise in its ToP-ART series with the CX-1 preamplifier. The sleekly contoured front panel features only a power button and two large knobs - a precision volume control with a dB scale, and a switch for seven signal sources. Under the trademark "Yamaha" cover are non-operational controls and switches, among which, of course, there is a "Pure Direct" mode switch and a headphone jack. For high quality sound, Yamaha has applied amplifier stages using purely capacitive negative feedback and buffer amplifiers to all inputs. As a special feature, it is possible to switch three cassette decks and connect either MM or MC cartridges. In addition to the head type switch, on the rear panel of the amplifier there is a quite rare load switch for the MC head. The corrector circuit contains high precision correction circuits (0,2 dB), has a high overload capacity (150mV for MM and 6mV for MC heads) and the "Subsonic" filter with a steepness of -18dB/oct. All input and output connectors are gold-plated. Three mains outlets on the rear panel allow you to connect a load of up to 200 W total power. The remote control allows you to switch between the amplifier and also the cassette recorder, tuner and CD player. To control the power amplifier, which, unlike other components, does not have a remote control receiver, it must be connected with a special cable to the CX-1 included in the kit. Externally, the MX-1 power amplifier is designed in the same manner as the preamp: an ascetic front panel with a large power button and a minimum of indication. Two separate power transformers and high capacity filter capacitors (two of 36,000 uF and two of 33,000 uF) along with high power output transistors allow the amplifier to operate with low impedance loads. The use of a linear damping circuit of the amplifier allowed a noticeable reduction in the frequency dependence of this parameter and, as a result, improved the intelligibility of all sounds and the frequency response. The symmetrical design has reduced the dispersion of parameters on the channels, reduced the background and noise. Not only the connectors are gold plated, but also the PCB conductors. The input level controls on the rear panel allow you to limit the output power of the amplifier to the desired level. The result is a very good set for the audiophile, with a natural, clean sound and plenty of output power. Listening to various tests showed a good timbre of sound, especially low frequencies, which is explained by a good margin of power supply power.