I had been a MARANTZ 2265B, which has a number of quirks with its 36 years. "Instead of expensive repair a new amplifier with excellent recommendations," I decided. The Yamaha makes a good first impression. That was about it. The sound is underground, compared with the old device. Positives: it separates nicely. Sonically: with off tone controls totally anemic. Treble and bass are strange inharmonious, the middle I'm looking for in vain. Tone control experiments only distort the Unnatural. Trying to get something reasonable on the basis of added loudness control, led to disappointment: the volume goes dramatically, the heights are dull, to finally get a few centers, but unfortunately tinny-hollow. I know cheap mini hi-fi equipment with more balanced sound. No, I have not connected phase twisted the boxes. Yes, I tested the sound with good headphones: same result. The plastic buttons: That would be basically the same. But the feel is not only cheap to, but are also processed cheaply. The remote control of volume work by motor. Or does not work - because a plastic degree of volume knob is not properly removed, rubs on the front panel and thus slows down the controller. If Yamaha already dabbles on the visible parts, like this will be only in the invisible? I have the device returned and will repair the old Marantz. This will cost about as much as the Yamaha. but then I have at least back-fidelity sound, the worthy of the name, full, natural and exciting.