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Compared with grabbing a modern budget integrated at this money, this Yamaha looks fairly priced rather than a steal. At A$267, it sits just above the A$249 median for recent used comparables and a touch over the A$259 75th percentile, so I’d call it slightly ambitious but still within the normal band if it’s clean and working properly.
That’s still a worthwhile buy because the AX-397 is a solid, no-nonsense two-channel amp with the kind of straightforward, reliable sound many people want for vinyl, CD, or TV duty. Yamaha’s older integrateds are generally well-liked for their control and durability, so a tidy example with a remote and no repair history can be a smart long-term piece; just make sure the controls are quiet, both channels are healthy, and the seller can confirm it hasn’t been sitting unused for years.
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.
