Yamaha M2 Amp ... should I jump in?

[SPEC2man]

I just found a deal on a Yamaha M2 in nice shape. The first price was $650 which I found rather easy to avoid but the person dropped the price to $550 with the possibility of some wiggle room, if I dont jack him around. Looking around it would seem this is at least a reasonable price if not a steal. I know there are a lot of Yamaha experts out there and I have never owned much Yamaha equipment. Knowing it's only worth what someone is willing to pay, does $550 seem to be a deal? I have a lot of gear and I really shouldn't but eBay prices are nearly twice the asking price in some cases. Its been on my hit list for a while and this one is local.

Anyone with specific experience with the M2? Is it a keeper? I'm wondering about reliability and the potential trip to the shop for a refresh. I thought I might stick it on the front channels of my HT system for now. 250 wpc could drive a set of Magnepan's in the garage, so there is some method to my madness.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I wish I could say I have experience with it, but I would jump on it for that price. It is also on my wish list. I did have the M40 and the M2 is supposed to be much better. I regret letting my M40 go.

 

[OMGCat!]

That amp is a steal for the price if it's in nice condition as they seem to float around $900-1000. It would definitely benefit from a refresh but they seem to be pretty bulletproof even without so you could run it for a while without worrying about the smoke escaping.
I've owned the M4 which is voiced similar from what I've read and liked it. It had a bit of a warmer top end that wasn't exactly to my liking so I sold it on. I am pretty sure I was the first person to open it and the offset, bias and rail voltages were pretty spot on after 40 some years.

 

[saltwater]

Id say $550 is a good price, I'd take it in to get refreshed as well.

 

[SPEC2man]

Thanks for the heads up ... I'm going to try and work the deal. It may become a kind of heirloom piece for me. I'll probably sit on it for a while and look for a qualified technician to work it over. I have been looking over some previous posts and reviews ... seems to be a pretty solid unit. I had a PC4002M for a short while and regretted selling it. Never really fit in my system at the time. I sold it off way too cheap and now the value has risen significantly.

I'm kind of a more "warm sound" guy so it might be a great fit.

 

[saltwater]

You get anywhere with this?