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Seller's Description

Specifications

Tuning range: FM, MW

Power output: 35 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 20Hz to 100kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.008%

Damping factor: 49

Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 120mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 80dB (MM), 95dB (line)

Channel separation: 60dB (line)

Output: 120mV (line)

Speaker load impedance: 435Ω (minimum)

Dimensions: 6.5mm

Year: 1983

Repair

Replaced 2 caps

Re-Flow Loose Solder Joints

#447

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

At USD299, this Yamaha R-50—a compact 1983 AM/FM receiver pumping 35W/ch into 8Ω—is ambitious for the used market. Solid examples typically trade hands for USD80-150, as seen on specialist sites, making this a pass unless it's pristine or includes rare extras like the original manual.

Before biting, fire it up to check for crackly pots or switches, common on these 40-year-olds from dusty attics—run all inputs, tuner presets, and phono stage if you're vinyl-inclined. Verify both speaker pairs work cleanly at volume, and sniff for capacitor funk; recap jobs add USD100-200 quick. No remote originally, so don't expect one.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Yamaha

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.

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