RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Is US$250 a fair price for a used Yamaha A-550, or is it a genuine bargain? Given the ground truth median of US$223 and a 75th percentile of US$236, this US$250 asking price sits modestly above the top of the typical used range, making it ambitious rather than a bargain, though not wildly overpriced for a well-maintained unit.
The Yamaha A-550 remains a beloved budget amp from 1979–81, praised for its clean 40 watts per channel, ultra-low distortion (0.02% at full power), and exceptional signal-to-noise ratios exceeding 98 dB on phono. Its timeless analog sound, robust build (7.8 kg), and vintage Yamaha Natural Sound character offer meaningful upside for collectors and listeners seeking warm, uncolored reproduction. If this listing includes original accessories or shows original-owner condition, the US$250 becomes a worthwhile buy for a rare, well-regarded piece of hi-fi history.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Yamaha stands as one of the world's most storied audio manufacturers, with roots extending far beyond consumer electronics. Founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha in Hamamatsu, Japan, the company began as a reed organ manufacturer before expanding into pianos and eventually becoming a comprehensive musical instrument maker. This deep heritage in acoustics and materials science would prove foundational to its later audio ventures. The company operated under its original name, Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd., until 1987, when it was renamed Yamaha Corporation in honor of its centennial.
Yamaha's entry into high-fidelity audio proved transformative for the industry itself. In 1954, the company released the Yamaha Hi-Fi Player, widely recognized as the world's first audio component to bear the "Hi-Fi" designation in its name. The company subsequently built a comprehensive product portfolio spanning amplifiers—beginning with the acclaimed A-100 in 1960—speakers, turntables, and digital audio equipment. The NS-1000 speakers, introduced in 1974 with beryllium drivers, became iconic reference monitors. Yamaha also pioneered digital audio technology, shipping the world's first CD recorder in 1988.
Today, Yamaha occupies a distinctive position as a mid-to-high-end generalist rather than a niche specialist. The brand commands respect among both casual listeners and serious audiophiles, balancing accessibility with genuine engineering credibility. Its reputation rests on six decades of consistent innovation, proven reliability, and the unique advantage of applying musical instrument expertise to audio reproduction. Vintage Yamaha components remain highly sought by collectors, while current products maintain the brand's tradition of delivering performance and durability across multiple price tiers.
See all Yamaha listings on RADAR.
