RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Yamaha MS-202 active studio monitor from the late 1980s to early 1990s, in excellent working condition. It has been thoroughly tested and cleaned, including the potentiometers, which are free of any crackling or noise. Clear, powerful sound, ideal for studio work, keyboards, or monitoring applications.There are a few cosmetic marks on the underside of the monitor (see photos), but they do not affect its performance or its appearance during normal use.
Against the obvious alternative of waiting for another listing, this is slightly under the going used market rather than a deep bargain: US$167 sits just below the US$168 25th percentile and under the US$169 median, so it reads as a fair-to-good buy rather than a standout steal.
What makes it interesting is that Yamaha’s smaller speakers often deliver a tidy, easygoing presentation with solid build for the money, which suits a budget vintage setup or secondary system well. At this price, the upside is mainly in condition and completeness: if the drivers are healthy, cabinets are clean, and any grilles or original bits are included, it’s a sensible pickup; if not, the margin is thin enough that you’d want to pass.
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.
