• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Looking at getting a Yamaha CR-2020

Jett_Brown

Jett_Brown

Natural Sound Listener
Yamaha CR-2020

I'm looking at to move up from a Yamaha CA-810, and have found a CR-2020 in the area. I called and talked to the guy and he told me everything works, but the lamps are burnt out on it. He said he was asking $250 for it, I was wondering what the value of a CR-2020 is in good condition for it's age, and what should I look for when I go look at it?
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
It is worth that price if everything worked as it should. If you do the re-lamping yourself subtract $20 for parts. If you have to have it done, maybe $50.
Make sure when you turn it on, both left and right volume levels are equal from the speakers. You might expect scratchiness from the pots and switches. Make sure the tuner picks up all the local stations you think are available. Make sure that with volume all the way down you don't hear any hissing or humming from the speakers. Exercise the tone controls with the volume at min to make sure no hiss is heard from the speakers. I am not talking about dirty pots, but sustained hiss.
Bring a flashlight and peek into the top grating to look at the condition of the big power filter caps.
 
Last edited:
Ask if the service updates have been performed. If not, factor it in. I like to check the dc offset also before I hand over cash.
 
This is a very good premium unit from the late 70s. Anything less than that for a good unit is a great bargain. Check the 'completed auctions' of ebay to see what good ones are bringing.
 
Last edited:
As a point of reference, I bought a museum-clean 2020 about 3 years ago for $350. Had service work done, included box and manual etc. Might have been an unusually good deal, but they're out there. Good luck, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you get one!
 
Well I ended up getting the CR-2020. Needs some TLC. Here are some pics. Gave $230 for it. Can't wait to listen to it with the KEF 103/4 I picked up today, after I get them refoamed!

3-1_zps72397392.jpg

2-1_zps2011651a.jpg

1-1_zpsa42b7308.jpg
 
very nice! I paid $100 for mine - but I'll be starting a "help me fix it" thread for it - thus the price.
 
Where can I find the SBs that need to be done? I want my equipment to be up to date and in specs if I can afford. lol Good thing my friend is a electrical technician.
 
SBs are in the docs section... and they are a MUST DO item. Without the mods, you'll have a burnt PCB, power switch welded in the on position, and a dodgy power supply.

There are several 2020 threads lately, documenting service work by various AKers.
 
Well I went to hifiengine and downloaded the owners and maintenance manuals and the service bulletins. I'll be sure to let y'all know how it all turns out!
 
Well it appears that the SB have not been done. So I have ordered everything to perform them. Also ordered LEDs for the meter lamps and tuner dial. Also going to copy what another member did with their 2020 and light the tuner, which just adds to it's appearance. It's half way down in the link. Yamaha cr-2020 refurb time

I'll keep y'all posted.
 
Be careful with the component replacement and go easy desoldering, it's very easy to damage the traces on the ps boards.
 
bktheking said:
Be careful with the component replacement and go easy desoldering, it's very easy to damage the traces on the ps boards.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to be very careful with it. Also I'm glad I ran across your thread on refurbing your CR-2020. I'm going to follow what you did on lighting the tuner and meter lamps. Hopefully in the near future I can recap it too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom