RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This Yamaha RX-397 at A$254 is clearly overpriced compared to the typical used market in AUD, where the median asking price sits at A$129 and even the 75th percentile only reaches A$164 based on five recent comparable AUD listings. The listing price exceeds the upper quartile by A$90, making it an ambitious ask rather than a fair deal or bargain for this vintage AV receiver.
The RX-397 is well-regarded among enthusiasts for its solid analog performance, robust build, and clean, warm sound signature that holds up well even decades later. It excels in music playback and offers reliable multi-channel decoding for its era. However, given the price is well above median and the condition is unknown, a buyer should verify the unit’s functionality, check for capacitor aging or relay chatter, and confirm whether original accessories are included before committing. At A$254, this is not a buying opportunity unless the seller is willing to meet market value.
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.
