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Legendary Yamaha preamp, amazing sound. Recapped and fully functional.SpecificationsFrequency response: 5Hz to 100kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.001%Input sensitivity: 0.1mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)Signal to noise ratio: 90dB (MC), 94dB (MM), 105dB (line)Channel separation: 70dB (MM), 60dB (line)Output: 150mV (line), 1.5V (Pre out), 10V (Pre out Max)Semiconductors: 138 x transistors, 15 x IC, 14 x FET, 9 x LED, 83 x diodesDimensions: 435 x 96.5 x 369mmWeight: 7.2kg
Ask yourself: is this worth paying US$921 when the recent comparable market centers much lower? Against the US$575 median and US$663 75th percentile, this is clearly ambitious and sits well above the usual asking band for this model; it’s not a fair-market listing unless the condition is unusually strong or it includes extras that matter.
That said, the appeal here is straightforward: this is a respected vintage Yamaha preamp, and the C-70 is the kind of piece buyers chase for its solid build, clean phono performance, and generally musical, low-noise presentation. If it’s genuinely original, well-kept, and fully functional, that can justify a premium, but at this price I’d want proof of careful ownership, recent service, and no missing knobs, caps, or channel issues before leaning in.
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.
