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Vintage Yamaha Natural Sound RX-396 Stereo Receiver w Phono Input - $90 (Danvers)
22 Clinton Ave
condition:
like new
make / manufacturer:
Yamaha Natural Sound
model name / number:
RX-396 Stereo Receiver
QR Code Link to This Post
No remote is included,.. but remotes for these sell for $12 on Amazon. One of the small front knobs is non original,.. but it is such a close replacement that it is hard to notice that it's different. AM/FM tuner works great. All lights, dials, buttons work perfectly with no unwanted noise or static... just pure Yamaha Natural Sound.
The Yamaha RX-396 is a late-1990s “Natural Sound” 2-channel stereo receiver from Yamaha that became popular because it was simple, reliable, and genuinely good-sounding for the money.
The Yamaha RX-396 is rated at:
50 watts per channel into 8 ohms
From 20 Hz–20 kHz
At 0.04% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
Dynamic power output is higher:
about 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms
roughly 89 watts into 4 ohms dynamically
For a modestly sized stereo receiver, it’s actually pretty capable. Yamaha’s power ratings from this era were usually honest and conservative, so the RX-396 tends to sound stronger than many “100 watt” budget receivers from other brands.
Rated at 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms
THD around 0.04%
Built-in phono input for turntables
AM/FM tuner
A/B speaker switching
Remote control
Variable loudness control
Weight: about 14 lbs (6.4 kg)
17.1 inches wide
5.9 inches high
12.2 inches deep
Made around 1998–2005
This receiver is classic late-90s Yamaha:
clean
crisp
detailed
tight bass
warm
tighter and clearer than many budget receivers
very good with rock, jazz, and acoustic music
The adjustable loudness control is one of the best features. Yamaha did this better than most brands. It keeps music sounding full at low volumes instead of thin.
Features That Make It Nice
Phono Input
A big plus today:
built-in moving magnet phono stage
works well with many turntables
surprisingly decent sounding for an affordable receiver
Variable Loudness
Unlike a simple “loudness button,” Yamaha lets you gradually dial in compensation for low-volume listening.
Speaker Switching
You can run:
Speaker set A
Speaker set B
or both together
Good for:
garage + living room
two pairs of bookshelf speakers
indoor/outdoor setups
Build Quality
The RX-396 is from Yamaha’s transition era:
lighter than 1970s monsters
but still better built than most cheap home-theater receivers that came later
internally:
decent power supply
clean layout
reliable tuner section
straightforward operation
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