5.0 out of 5 stars Great bluetooth amplifier with a tuner thrown in

f. · 31 December 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Looking for an inexpensive Bluetooth amp I found there was little choice having rejected the myriad little "unbranded" boxes that seem to be low on reliability and connectivity . A little more than I wanted to pay the Yamaha has exceeded my expectations. Yes it's big and heavy but it has great functionality, the sound is good and Bluetooth just works. I'm very impressed. There are four line inputs, a line output and the option to run two speaker sets. There is no subwoofer output and (except Bluetooth) no digital/optical. Controls and display are excellent with smooth & quiet operation, treble and bass control and fine adjustment of volume. The excellent (but busy) remote seems to cover all the functionality available on the front panel. The supplied wire antenna was adequate for reliable DAB reception even though hidden in a small cupboard. Only one small niggle: there is a delay when you cycle between radio stations. If you set up only a handful of your favourites this shouldn't be a problem but it could be irritating if you wanted to frequently switch between stations. For me the tuner was a bonus on top of a great (big) amp. The apparent and relatively high build quality gives confidence that this will last.

5.0 out of 5 stars Big, good looking, powerful amp. Lovely!

O. · 18 August 2017

This is a beast of an amp. Big and powerful. I'd forgotten what a good separate was like having had so many compacts in the last 20 years. The Bluetooth is fast as reliable. The sound is big and powerful especially as I'm putting through my 200 watt speakers. I use this is in my gym and like it loud. Bluetoothing spotify always comes up quieter than a CD would so I have my volume on about 60/100. That's loud enough for me. For the DAB radio about half way is good enough. I listen to hard rock and metal and the bass setting is just too deep for me so I've lowered it on the amp and raised the treble to get the sound I like. No complaints. If I had to be picky, then switching channels on the DAB radio is slow and the power button is bit clunky...but maybe a sign of better quality actually. Its a proper button!

4.0 out of 5 stars Sounds good with a variety of speakers

D.J.M.G. · 7 September 2023

I got this for its ability to switch between speakers at the press of a button. I have it in my recording studio connected to a couple of pairs of passive monitors so that I can check how a mix sounds on on typical home speakers.Positives:Well made - good build qualitySound is goodHaven't found it to run hot as reviews on other sites have suggestedBluetooth is useful featureNegativesIt's quite heavy, but I guess that's a side effect of good build qualityOther thought...It is designed for 8 ohm speakers and the manual tells you not to plug in lower impedance speakers. If you have e.g. 6 ohm bookshelf speakers (such as the QAudio 3000 series bookshelf speakers, or the Dali bookshelf models, this is going to be a problem.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product, great price, brilliant service from Richer Sounds

T. · 20 August 2018

There was a bit of a problem at Bolo's end with the purchase process, but a mail to Richer sounds via Bolo & the problem melted away. They even reduced the price as per their website. Made the process painless. Amazing amp, with DAB & FM radio built in. Bought for my dad, who is also equally impressed. Drives his 33 year old Mission speakers really well. 4 inputs & 1 output.

5.0 out of 5 stars Superior sound for the price.

R.J. · 4 July 2020

Lovely crisp flat sound from this unit. I'm powering a pair of old jbl control one with it and it sounds lovely. I'm sure with newer speakers it would sound even better. Dab and Bluetooth works great and you can connect 4 speakers to it if you want and switch between each pair or play both at once. I have this hooked up to a turntable setup in my workshop and at night you can whack it up a fair bit without it booming and disturbing the neighbours as the old system used to. Very good!

1.0 out of 5 stars just not worth the money

R.M.E.O. · 13 April 2025

exceptionally disappointing. the controls are frustrating slow to activate, a tiny search window that could only manage few DAB stations, low functioning FM even with a magnetic adapter. Better spend more money on a higher quality system

3.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic value, but...

M. · 8 July 2020

The Bluetooth is far better than I expected, which together with the DAB makes this fabulous. Sadly, it's marred by a noisy power supply - there's an audible mains hum coming from the unit when the power is on, which is a shame. If it weren't for that I wouldn't hesitate to give it 5 stars given the price.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice unit

L. · 1 May 2023

We were replacing a separate tuner and amplifier and decided 1 unit would be better for us, also a remote control is handy. Initially the lack of selecting presets on the remote by numbers was disappointing but I have saved 10 DAB stations which we regularly use and found that it is easy to scroll through the presets on the remote, stopping at the one I need. We bought a new turntable too and this is working well. Very pleased with this unit.