Yamaha RX-950 (1991–1992)
The Yamaha RX-950 is a stereo receiver from the early 1990s. It came out as Yamaha shifted toward integrated remote-control systems. HiFi-Stereo tested it (December 1991, p.45), and it also appeared in an Audio advertisement (October 1991, p.187). Everything here comes from those period sources, because little other documentation survives.
The amplifier section measured 158 watts per channel into 8 ohms at 1 kHz at the clipping point (equivalent to 1% THD+N). That comfortably exceeded its conservative rating. The FM tuner was notably flat in frequency response - within ±0.2 dB from 50 Hz. Mono distortion measured 0.09% at 65 dBf, and stereo distortion measured 0.4%. Signal-to-noise figures were 79 dB in mono and 74.5 dB in stereo. A Pure Direct button bypassed all tone and balance circuitry and sent the signal straight through the volume control.
Like other Yamaha receivers of the era, the RX-950 was designed to work with the company’s RS-compatible components. That allowed system remote control from a single handset, which was an emerging convenience feature in the early 1990s. The unit weighed approximately 33 lbs 4 oz, according to the product announcement.
Known specifications, drawn from the period reviews:
- Power output: 158W/8Ω at clipping (1% THD+N)
- FM sensitivity: 65 dBf reference
- FM mono THD+N: 0.09%
- FM stereo THD+N: 0.4%
- FM S/N (mono/stereo): 79 dB / 74.5 dB
- FM frequency response: ±0.2 dB, 50 Hz
- Pure Direct switch
- RS-system compatible for multi-component remote control
- Weight: ~33 lb 4 oz
- Phono equalization: ±0.1 dB, 60–20,000 Hz; –0.6 dB at 20 Hz
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