RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Yamaha PC1602 Power Amplifier Great Amplifier with a lot of grunt, drives my ATCs easily, it will drive anything! It has had little use over the years and with plenty of life left in it! Excellent reviews and appreciation on SNA forums too. Australian, 240v Model, unlike the usual Japanese imports - eliminates requirement for transformers , step downs etc. Specifications Power output: 160 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), 480 watts into 8Ω (mono) Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz Total harmonic distortion: 0.007% Damping factor: 200 Input sensitivity: 1.23V Signal to noise ratio: 110
At A$1,100, this Yamaha PC1602 power amp is priced ambitiously compared to the tight local used market, where the median asking price sits at A$712 and the 75th percentile caps out at A$944. You are paying roughly A$158 above the top quartile of recent AUD listings, meaning this deal is not a bargain but rather a premium ask for excellent condition. Unless the listing includes rare original accessories or verified factory service history, the price exceeds typical value for this vintage unit.
The PC1602 remains a solid, reliable workhorse in the Yamaha pro-audio lineage, known for its clean power delivery and robust build quality that suits both studio monitoring and live reinforcement. Its 250W per channel into 8 ohms offers ample headroom for most hi-fi applications, and Yamaha’s reputation for durability means these amps often outlast newer competitors. However, given the above-median price, a buyer should verify the condition of the input jacks and power connector, confirm no hum or noise issues, and ensure the cooling vents are clear before committing to this premium.
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.
