View Full Version : yamaha b-2 amp
im thinking of getting one to drive my ns1000's has anyone heard one of these monsters?
other amp recommendations welcome up to £1000,please take into consideration the speakers when making suggestions chaps :)
StanleyB
08-12-2017, 10:05
The NS-1000M sounds fantastic with V-FET and MOSFET amps. The B-2 is a VFET amp, and a very good one at that.
I have the NS-1000M and I have been driving it with a V-FET power amp for close to a decade now. I tried other amps using valves or bipolar transistors, but they never sounded anywhere as good as my V-FET amp. The depth of the bass, soundstage, and clarity with V-FET is my type of sound. I would go for that Yamaha myself if I was looking for a new amp to drive my NS-1000M.
jandl100
08-12-2017, 10:07
Nope, not heard. Seriously sexy, though!
Mid 70s - will have needed TLC and a thorough service.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/yamaha-B-2.html
... "it IS one of the best amplifiers of all time "
The NS1000M speakers started 1974, so same period as the amp.
Whether or not they were designed to work together I have no idea, but I wouldn't be surprised.
Go on, get it, you know you want to. ;)
:stalks:
http://www.audio-mania.com.ar/productos/Amplificadores/yamahab2/yamahab2.jpg
thanks stanley,im very tempted but its unknown Territory for me,hence my caution
Nope, not heard. Seriously sexy, though!
Mid 70s - will have needed TLC and a thorough service.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/yamaha-B-2.html
... "it IS one of the best amplifiers of all time "
The NS1000M speakers started 1974, so same period as the amp.
Whether or not they were designed to work together I have no idea, but I wouldn't be surprised.
Go on, get it, you know you want to. ;)
:stalks:
http://www.audio-mania.com.ar/productos/Amplificadores/yamahab2/yamahab2.jpg
ive read the vintage knob page a few times lol
its a 220v apparently,will that be ok on our mains?
walpurgis
08-12-2017, 10:21
Bear in mind that VFET amps like these and the Sonys are a gamble. As far as I'm aware, VFET's are now unobtainable, so if it goes 'pop', you've had it!
yes thats a major concern.sometimes in life though you have to say,oh wtf :)
Bigman80
08-12-2017, 10:26
ive read the vintage knob page a few times lol
its a 220v apparently,will that be ok on our mains?It entirely depends on the amp itself. I needed a bucking transformer for the Sony as the UK voltage was too high in my area for the tolerance of the Capacitors inside. Personally, I'd suggest being prepared for extra spend to ensure it is made safe.
This is from experience.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Digital Do Main started making them for their own amps over in japan i believe.
StanleyB
08-12-2017, 10:44
Bear in mind that VFET amps like these and the Sonys are a gamble. As far as I'm aware, VFET's are now unobtainable, so if it goes 'pop', you've had it!
The trick is not to play the amp at full blast.
it wont be anywhere near that level due to room and neighbours etc.
Beobloke
08-12-2017, 12:58
Bear in mind that VFET amps like these and the Sonys are a gamble. As far as I'm aware, VFET's are now unobtainable, so if it goes 'pop', you've had it!
It's also worth checking that any VFET amplifier you buy actually has VFETs in it!
For those who don't know, I have an amplifier that looks exactly like the Yamaha B-2 pictured that I bought unseen for a very low price. Unfortunately, on investigation, it turned out to have had its VFET output stages removed and replaced (not very well) by some MOSFET output modules. I was rather gutted but, actually, when the installation was tidied up and made safe and properly working, and the meters re-connected and calibrated, it sounded really nice. So much so that I still use it in the lounge today. And it's probably going to be the most reliable 'Yamaha B-2' out there!
As an aside, my good friend Tim helped me with the restoration effort and took a good deal of hilarity from the whole experience. Luckily I was able to retaliate in kind when he bought a Sony VFET amplifier a few months back to find it had been subjected to exactly the same treatment! Who is this mystery VFET/MOSFET bodger, I wonder....?
i was hoping you'd see this thread adam,if i buy it you can guess where its going to be checked over :)
a very kind chap on pfm has kindly let me borrow one to hear in my system,i pick it up on sunday.happy days!
Has it got the right transistors in it? ;)
Beobloke
08-12-2017, 15:12
i was hoping you'd see this thread adam,if i buy it you can guess where its going to be checked over :)
Prepare for some ribbing in that case. He still maintains that VFET actually stands for "Very Fragile; Expect Trouble"
:D
montesquieu
08-12-2017, 21:35
I'd be cautious. I haven't tried the Yamaha SIT amps but I did try a couple of Sony ones, with assorted Tannoys. Sounded ok for the money, but well behind a decent valve amp in my view.
I don't doubt that there is potential to do some cool things with SITs, as some well documented DIY projects as well as a recent Nelson Pass project demonstrated.
However I doubt very much whether many of these old jap amps that have suddenly become desirable out of rarity value really deserve their new found cult status. Some might, but in my experience, disappointment is rather more likely.
Beobloke
08-12-2017, 23:41
I wouldn’t be cautious at all. I have three Yamaha power amplifiers and they are all superb (even the one that isn’t what it’s supposed to be!). I still have yet to hear a VFET unit myself but various pairs of ears that I trust say they are even better than the standard FET designs. As a result I’d have no hesitation in grabbing one for a good price. But not too good a price, obviously - just in case!
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If it's half as good as the power amp section of my yamaha integrated you have nothing to worry about.
Yamaha make/made excellent power amps. Get one now before everyone wants one.
Bigman80
09-12-2017, 11:33
Go for it, Jamie. It's a fine amplifier and will of course attract the anti-jap amp brigade but as we both know, they make good stuff. It can only add to experience and I suspect may end up being in your system for quite some time.
The fets are a concern but there are ways around it but it'll never be the same
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i pick the one ive been lent up tomorrow morning,if it knocks me sideways im buying! lol
Go for it, Jamie. It's a fine amplifier and will of course attract the anti-jap amp brigade
That's all part of the fun of ownership. Anyway if you think that's bad tell people you use a Linn amp and see what happens...
Bigman80
09-12-2017, 12:19
That's all part of the fun of ownership. Anyway if you think that's bad tell people you use a Linn amp and see what happens...[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
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wee tee cee
09-12-2017, 12:21
Lad across the street from me worked in the Linn factory in Eaglesham-just outside Glasgow.
Gave me a factory tour one day in the early 90s.
They had a set up with an lp12, loads of power amps hung on the walls and a big fuck off pair of speakers.
That system was rather tasty sounding-to say the least.......worth a couple of bob no doubt!
well upon reflection i think im going to pass on getting a b-2,most advice is to avoid v-fets.
walpurgis
12-12-2017, 18:50
well upon reflection i think im going to pass on getting a b-2,most advice is to avoid v-fets.
Here you are mate. Cheer yourself up with this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THRESHOLD-S-200-STASIS-CLASS-A-AB-POWER-AMPLIFIER-MINT/222737514899?hash=item33dc30c193:g:-TIAAOSws6ZaHxDy
Bigman80
12-12-2017, 19:03
Yep, that should do it for you Jamie.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Here you are mate. Cheer yourself up with this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THRESHOLD-S-200-STASIS-CLASS-A-AB-POWER-AMPLIFIER-MINT/222737514899?hash=item33dc30c193:g:-TIAAOSws6ZaHxDy
im already looking at that geoff lol.
as well as this one :eyebrows:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nelson-Pass-Nakamichi-Stasis-PA7ii-Stereo-amplifire-225w-per-channel/272976824742?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
walpurgis
12-12-2017, 19:28
Ah. :D
montesquieu
13-12-2017, 00:32
Jerry's selling a later Pass amp in the classifieds. Though I'm trying to get him to loan it to me as I'm curious about it.
montesquieu
13-12-2017, 00:34
Here you are mate. Cheer yourself up with this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THRESHOLD-S-200-STASIS-CLASS-A-AB-POWER-AMPLIFIER-MINT/222737514899?hash=item33dc30c193:g:-TIAAOSws6ZaHxDy
Doubles as a toaster? :sofa:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TfYAAOSwiHpaH~KB/s-l1600.jpg
Mikeandvan
13-12-2017, 01:04
im already looking at that geoff lol.
as well as this one :eyebrows:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nelson-Pass-Nakamichi-Stasis-PA7ii-Stereo-amplifire-225w-per-channel/272976824742?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
I saw that Threshold, but thought the sellers description was somewhat bare, not exactly reassuring. And that Nak would likely sell for £500 in auction with no reserve.
Beobloke
13-12-2017, 09:06
well upon reflection i think im going to pass on getting a b-2,most advice is to avoid v-fets.
Advice from where?
Advice from where?
Internet and Tim
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