Yamaha CR-800 question for a friend
dromunds
Posts: 10,009
I have a friend who has a Yamaha CR-800 which he's been told by a local audio shop has a bad phono section. He's been using it for cd's but would like to get back into vinyl. He's been told it's not worth fixing the phono section. Doesanyone know if that receiver has any value without a good phono section, and does anyone have a similiar or better vintage Yamaha for sale? He said he would like to stay with that Yamaha natural sound. Not sure if he'd prefer an integrated amp, or if he uses a tuner anymore and would still like a receiver. Thanks much in advance and I will pass on any info. Also, if someone has experience repairing the phono sections of this receiver and thinks he was given bum advice as far as its not worth fixing, please let me know. Not sure what specifically they said was the problem with the phono section so I realize that may be shooting in the dark. Thanks again.
Post edited by dromunds on
Comments
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It is a very good receiver (not to mention elegantly attractive, at least IMO) "as is" and one could easily add an outboard phono preamp stage and thus 'have one's cake and eat it, too'. "Worth fixing" probably relates to the fully loaded parts and labor cost - although it's completely possible that some key parts (a transistor or an IC opamp, e.g.) are no longer available.
I'd recommend sticking with the CR-800 and adding a nice outboard phonostage (search here for zillions or recommendations). -
Price-wise, would he be better off going separate phono-stage, or simply getting a good used 2020 or 2040, for instance? Or would a good modestly priced outboard phonostage significantly improve the existing CR-800 to the point where it would justify the price sound-wise over buying another good used Yamaha amp or receiver? Otherwise, his CR-800 is in good working order and he likes it alot. thanks for your response.
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Except for power output, I wouldnt' consider the 800 markedly inferior to the 2020 or the 2040 (disclaimer, while I do own a CR-2020, I do not own a CR-800 nor a CR-2040). As I've stated elsewhere here at Club Polk, the phono sections in these old Yamahas do sound good (when in good working order); but in the absence of a working phono section, adding on a decent standalone, modern phono preamp/EQ (via one of the CR-800's tape playback inputs or aux input) is an excellent and cost effective compromise.
A good CR-2020 or CR-2040 in today's market will not be inexpensive. -
Thanks mucho. Will pass on this info. I think he'll like to hear it as I believe he would like to keep the CR-800 all things being equal.
