Amplifier Reviews

I am interessting for the reference 350 if available

The AP-U70 is the middle of the road in the Yamaha CAVIT range. The major attraction for me was the shear number of inputs (2 optical, 1 coax, 3 aux) making it a great addition to any computer/multi-media centre. Another advantage is the USB connection. Works with PC and Mac. Recording in 24 bit 48kHz.

There are a few cons to the CAVIT range, power output is one. 20W per channel is a little on the small side (but is ok for general listening). You need to have a nice set of magnetically shielded speakers to get. Some of the effects seem a bit cheesy / useless (Church = echo chamber).

Price. It's a bit steep for the features, but I'm having fun with mine. Now that I'm used to the sound from my CAVIT/speaker combo I don't think I can go back to my creative/"amplified speakers" set.

After days of trying to record some old vinyl onto my computer I gave up and called the Griffen. I explained to them that no matter what I tried, the audio signal was getting seriously clipped. They informed me that they are having problems with all of these units and that they are working on a fix...no idea when that fix will be released.

They also informed me that they could not provide a cash refund because it was purchased through a third party.

hope this helps

bl

After going through 2 of these, Griffin customer support finally told me that "There is a known bug in the Apple USB audio driver that is most likely responsible for the effect you describe. According to Apple the driver sends an "empty packet". This results in a flanging, phasing, and ring modulation." What this means is that about 25% of the time that you send an audio signal to the PowerWave, the output is completely distorted. If you restart the audio, it usually corrects itself, only to become distorted again. This isn't a huge problem if you're just playing music in iTunes, but if you're using the PowerWave as an amplifier while you're working in Final Cut Pro or any other application that involves stopping and starting audio, it is completely useless.

They are working on a firmware upgrade, but as of 9/18/03, this product is unusable with Mac OS X. It baffles me that the company continues to sell these without any kind of disclaimer, especially since Griffin is a Mac-centric company. I hope this review saves a couple of Mac folks from a big headache.

The sad thing is that this will be a really cool product once they fix it. And while they're at it, they should put an on/off switch on the thing, because it has a huge blue light on it, and gets a little hot if it's on all day and night (not to mention wasting electricity).

I've had this unit for over a year now. I use it primarily to power the Apple Pro Speakers because my main desktop is my Powerbook laptop. I also have a Tascam USB controller that is interfaced with it so I can do some digital recording (audio and MIDI). Finally, I hooked up a nice powered subwoofer to the RCA outs which gives me MASSIVE bass and sound rivaling my stereo system downstairs (not quite, but still better than any wimpy sub/sat setup made for computers). Figuring out how to put all of these wires in the right places took some trial and error (and required purchasing the griffin audio USB hub), but I got it figured out in a day or so and haven't touched the wires since. The possibilities with this unit are fantastic. Last summer I got some incompatibility with OSX mentioned in one of the other reviews with the funky distortion, but it hasn't happened since last summer. I don't know why...perhaps the update to jag? Anyways, IT IS GONE. Complaints are similar to the others...BIG BLUE LIGHT is very BRIGHT and annoying. Also, the case does seem fllimsy and not very MAC-like (i.e., not very stylish). Oh, and I did call Griffin to get some help with hookup and they were VERY friendly and helpful. I am quite pleased with this thing.

if your going to sell electronics, at least know what you are selling////

The Denon AVR-65 is a very dependable unit with as many options as you can use. I have a Phillips DVD, Panasonic VCR, and Sony CD Jukebox connected to this unit. The only issue I would take the the AVR-65 is the remote programming to handle non-native components and the lack of a component or S-Video switching option on the back. Otherwise, this is a great unit. It came with a full set of speakers which have also performed well.

This item is made for Satellite systems. WIll not work with cable TV.

The reception did seem to improve a bit but the picture still appears grainy when you look closely at the screen or on network stations. The picture appears to have improved more on the cable channels. I think if I connect the amplifier closer to the dish as opposed to closer to the receiver, I should get a better picture. If you bought a high quality big screen TV but wonder why your picture is fuzzy/grainy, this might be the answer for you. I thought the satellite was the problem and I almost got digital cable which is much more expensive. I am glad I found this product first.

I got the amp, it was awesome. Then less then a month later it crapped out on me. The center channel, the rear and the sub-out none of then worked. I took it back to where I bought it, they charged me the shipping to get it repaired, they are crap too. A couple of weeks later I get it back, I was told there was nothing wrong with it, it must be your equipment. So I hooked my EQUIPMENT up to my Yahamma amp from 1990 and it all worked perfect. I also hooked up to another friends amp and it was fine on that. So I took it back again and of course they said there was nothing wrong. I left it for a couple of years, the getting married thing and stuff, then I called Harmon Kardon repairs in British Columbia, they told me they could repair it, at my cost. So now I have a this harmon kardon amp that has just my front channels, wonderful waste of money.... I looked at the other review of this item and it says basically the same thing... whatever you do, don't buy this product

I purchased this reciever about a year back, the rear speakers went on it in the first day of use.
I had it in for repair but gave up after more problems.

My three year experience with the Harman Kardon AVR45 has been great. The AVR45 never gave me any problems. The stereo and surround features gave me a clean and powerful sound. No complaints from this AVR45 owner. I recently upgraded to a newer HK receiver with DTS.

I had this amp for 2 days, and the whole time during playing the protect light would blink off and on, and then after 20 min it would stay on and shut the amp down. This amp does not put out 100x4 watts it's probably 70x4. I would not recommend this amp for any one who wants high powered highs.

It amplifies and is simple to use but it picks up noise from everywhere. Lights, appliances, everything makes it hum and gets amplified right along with it. Also purchased the Jabra headset with built in amplifier which did NOT have the same problem.

If your looking for a little bit of Bass in your whip, then buy this system. I owned a system very similar to this, and i enjoyed, that is until i stepped up to real a real system, JL AUDIO! Its much more expensive, but worth it. But, if your you want bass on a budget, these are your subs/amp!

This product amplifies satellite signals, but not as strong as some other brands. While most other in-line amplifiers are rated 12-20 dB (the range of amplification), this one is rated 13 dB, without a range. My guess is 13 dB is the maximum it can do.

The item I got apparently is an open-box item or has been returned. But Amazon did not say anything about this.