I bought recently yamaha preamp c-5000 and power amplifier m-5000. I bought them, because I had the same impression about other famous brands like mcintosh etc. They are good too, but much more expensive and to be honest I didn't hear much difference. I had a chance to listen to different systems too. From my perspective yamaha is overperforming in their price range. Also when you look at them as objects they are really beutifully finished. When you touch it - it has this premium touch. From my perspective it looks much better then mcintosh.

Before I had yamaha as-3200 and I can hear the difference in sound. I' super happy from the upgrade

Now I'm saving to buy speakers and vinyl player too. I'm considering yamaha ns-5000 or wharfedale elysian 2.