RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Yamaha MusicCast VINYL 500 Turntable and Tonearm Package Yamaha turntable with Bluetooth and network capability, but also just a good turntable. Aesthetically, very nice. Very minor marking on lid, decent stylus, ready to go. Can post at buyer’s expense. Happy audition. Pick up is in Glebe. SPECS: Network section File FormatMP3 / WMA / MPEG-4 AAC: up to 48 kHz / 16-bit, ALAC: up to 96 kHz / 24-bit, FLAC / WAV / AIFF: up to 192 kHz / 24-bit, DSD: up to 11.2 MHz EthernetYes Wi-FiYes (2.4 / 5 GHz) AirPlayYes Bluetooth Section Version/ProfileVer. 4.2 / A2DP, AVRCP Audio CodecSBC, AAC Ma
# Yamaha K-500 Cassette Deck – Buyer Notes
Pricing Assessment:
At AUD $495, this K-500 sits well below the median of AUD $1,234 from recent comparable listings, landing near the 25th percentile threshold of AUD $587. That's genuinely strong value if the deck is mechanically sound. The K-500 is a solid mid-tier machine from Yamaha's 1980s lineup—nothing exotic, but respected for reliable transport and decent electronics. The asking price reflects either a motivated seller or potential condition issues, so treat it as a red flag to inspect thoroughly rather than a gift.
What to Verify:
Before committing, listen to the transport under load: play a known tape and check for wow/flutter, speed stability, and whether the pinch roller grips properly without slipping. Cassette decks of this age commonly suffer worn rollers and degraded belts, which are fixable but add cost. Confirm the record and playback heads aren't worn flat (use a loupe if needed), and verify all buttons engage cleanly. Ask whether the original manual and any accessories are included—a missing remote or RCA cables shouldn't kill the deal, but they're worth factoring into your final offer.
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.
