Yamaha MCR-640 Music system

Question: when is a hifi separates part not different? When it is not practical apart from its sib - which makes the R-840 amplifier a different but the CD player not. The latter has mains lead and a unique power supply but just will not power up when not linked to the amp via the data lead that is provided.

Linked up, both units form a pretty well-established system.

Collection inside both units is more budget-seeming than the other components here, with a lot of circuit board stuff that is low-cost and free wiring. You do get lots of parts for the cash - none of them audiophile-grade but adequate enough. It is all linear things, with standard mains transformers (frame-kind) as well as a routine linear output position on an internal heatsink. The cost includes speakers - they are not bad, but a bit congested.

Sound quality

Even though the sound ticks most of the cartons that were clear, it rarely looks to gel in a entirely acceptable way, our listeners felt. Detail's somewhat self-conscious in complicated music, while more straightforward tracks have problems with a somewhat shut in some light coloration in the top midrange which makes glowing instruments and voices a little vulgar and view. On the flip side, this system does at least present fairly 'collectively' music-making - there is no feeling of disjointed parts in a ensemble, so one isn't overly unaware of the shortcomings.

Bass is decent, with a fair level of attack as well as great expansion, though it is not consistently the most tuneful plus among our listeners pointed out that it might be a little dead 'whack' at times when it should be a special note. The FM radio looks somewhat rougher than all others, but iPod and DAB are great.