Rx 397

[whughes]

I'm seeing the RX 397 show up in thrift stores now and then. Any opinion on this receiver? Performance characteristics, value...? Its out of production now.

 

[cnh2]

Well, that was an entry level 50 watt x 2 Yamaha receiver.

I have an AX-497 integrated (85 watt x 2). Probably same era. Sound is pretty clean, detailed and powerful enough. Have it matched with a Yamaha tuner, it's companion. They're definitely worth their MSRP. So if you're finding them in thrift stores I suspect that would be for very little coin.

Give them a try and see what you think.

cnh2

 

[4seatPilot]

I would buy every one I come across at a thrift, if they are thrift prices anyway.
Nice 2ch remote capable receiver. Handy for all sorts of things.



Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[icenine]

I bought a new one about a 2 years ago...nice receiver. A nice one at the thrift store for a low price is a no brainer. It is a step up from the cheaper Sherwood, Teac and Insignia amps that one sees all the time for under $100 brand new ( I am not knocking them for the price I have a Sherwood also).
The only thing I do not like is the volume knob and the loudness knob have to be used in conjunction with each other to adjust the sound. I would rather just have a separate volume knob and a traditional loudness push button control.

The sound is Yammie neutral that every one loves. The tuner section is pretty decent also. Picks up alot of stations. That is always mentioned in the Amazon reviews.

 

[whughes]

Looks like production started in 2006. Its a black box with plastic knobs so it doesn't win a beauty contest. Specs look respectable for entry level receiver. Two channel for music, not home theater. Has phono input, tape monitor switch for hooking up an EQ.