Yamaha B-2
(1975 - 1980)

The other monster V-FET power-amplifier, this time using a set of 4 more conventional complemementary pairs of parallel connected power devices (2SK76 / 2SJ26) unlike those of the original B-1.

Four 18,000µF caps, two enormous trafos, star-shaped heatsinks which many later siblings would inherit from - and unbelievable reliability. The meters can be switched between dBm or Watt/8Ohm indication or even to measure an external unit.

The B-2 became a big bestseller and there are oodles of them around and plenty of people using them still. No wonder, it IS one of the best amplifiers of all time - V-FET and Yamaha oblige.

Briefly available in silver in a few markets, circa 1978/1979.

William, who owns several B-1s and B-2s, has sent this little comment:
"I just did a controlled A-B listening test between the Sony TA-4650, a Yamaha B-2 and a Yamaha B-1.
The B-1 came out on top (at $1600.00 new and being an ALL Fet design, it should have) and the Sony and B-2 were so close. Both use complementary V-fets, so that probably figures. Perhaps the Yamaha units can handle more. In an Audio Magazine Report, Bascom H. King said that the onset of clipping occured at 220 watts@ 8Ohms on the B-1. Thats 46% over spec!"