Yamaha
Vintage Yamaha CR-800 Solid-State Receiver
Best choice for audiophiles seeking a warm, restored vintage listening experience.
Experience the warm, engaging sound of this vintage Yamaha CR-1040 solid-state receiver from the late 1970s. Delivering a robust 80 watts per channel, it's perfect for filling your space with rich audio. This unit has been professionally serviced and restored, ensuring optimal performance with cleaned controls and replaced lamps. It boasts a classy, warm, and sharp analog sound profile, never harsh, and maintains factory specifications for low distortion. A true piece of classic audio engineering.
$999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
56
/ 560
#56 in Audio & Video Receivers
Price vs Category Average
-62%
Below average
Production Years
197981
/ -
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking transparent and neutral sound reproduction
- Collectors valuing durable, long-lasting vintage craftsmanship
- Radio enthusiasts demanding high-fidelity broadcast reception
Who should skip it
- Owners of power-hungry, low-sensitivity modern speaker systems
- Buyers wanting a plug-and-play experience without restoration costs
- DIY repairers intimidated by dense, complex internal circuitry
Performance breakdown
Analog Sound Signature
Delivers the rich, non-fatiguing warmth characteristic of late seventies audio engineering.
Restoration Quality
Professional servicing ensures reliable operation and restored aesthetic appeal for daily use.
Phono Stage Performance
High-quality integrated circuitry provides excellent depth for dedicated vinyl playback enthusiasts.
Power Output
Robust wattage easily drives most bookshelf and floor-standing speakers with authority.
Tuner Reliability
Verified AM/FM performance captures clear signals with classic analog tuning precision.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty internal components reflect the durable craftsmanship of the golden era.
Key Specs
Production Years
1979-81
Power Output
80 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.02%
Damping Factor
40
Input Sensitivity
0.1mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 120mV (line)
Signal to Noise Ratio
100dB (line)
Phono Input Included
true
Features
- Exceptional analog sound quality
- Professionally restored and tested
- Powerful 80W per channel output
- Cleaned controls and replaced lamps
- Verified AM/FM tuner performance
- Robust internal componentry
- Secure custom foam packing included
- High-quality phono stage
What customers say
The Vintage Yamaha CR-800 receiver is celebrated for its exceptional sound quality and enduring design. Users consistently praise its warm, detailed audio signature, making it ideal for vinyl playback thanks to a superb phono stage. Its build quality is remarkable, often described as tank like, complemented by a timeless aesthetic featuring the iconic wood cabinet and analog meters. While its 45 watts per channel is modest, it easily powers efficient speakers in medium rooms, delivering a rich soundstage. Although age may necessitate routine maintenance, the sonic rewards and high value retention confirm the CR-800 as a highly desirable, high performing vintage component.
Know before you buy
The restoration involves a comprehensive service where all internal controls are cleaned to eliminate static or crackling, and all indicator lamps are replaced. The unit is then tested to ensure it meets its original factory specifications for low distortion and output power.
Yes, this receiver features a high-quality built-in phono stage that supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. It is well-suited for both vintage and modern turntables.
With 80 watts per channel, this receiver has plenty of headroom to drive most bookshelf and floor-standing speakers with authority. It maintains a clean, non-fatiguing sound profile even at higher volumes, thanks to its low 0.02% total harmonic distortion.
Yes, you can easily connect modern digital sources such as a network streamer, DAC, or Bluetooth adapter using the auxiliary line-level inputs on the back of the unit. These inputs provide the necessary sensitivity to integrate your digital library with the receiver's warm analog output.
Yamaha's design philosophy from this era focused on transparency and accuracy, resulting in a sound that is detailed and sharp without being harsh or clinical. It provides a rich, engaging listening experience that balances warmth with high-fidelity precision.
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$999