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Yamaha RX-397

Stereo receiver

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Yamaha RX-397 Yamaha RX-397 Yamaha RX-397
 
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Item# 022RX397 offer details

Item# 022RX397

Review Summary

 
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Yamaha

Our take on the Yamaha RX-397

Clean, simple, powerful. With 50 watts per channel of full-bandwidth-rated power, Yamaha's RX-397 delivers rock-solid audio performance that will drive your stereo speakers with authority. Careful design and high-quality construction preserve signal purity to reproduce your favorite music with greater fidelity and clarity.

The integrated AM/FM tuner features 40 presets for easy access to all your favorite stations. The RX-397 offers inputs for up to 5 components, including a turntable. Two sets of speaker outputs allow you to enjoy your music in two different rooms simultaneously. You also get easy receiver operation with the included remote control.

Highlights:

  • 50 watts x 2 (stereo) into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.04% THD
  • 4-ohm capability allows use with a wide range of speakers
  • 40 AM/FM presets
  • 5 audio inputs (including phono)
  • tape monitor loop
  • rotary bass and treble controls
  • continuously variable loudness control
  • Pure Direct mode bypasses tone, balance, and loudness controls for cleaner sound
  • remote control
  • headphone jack
  • front-panel and remote switching for two pairs of main speakers
  • binding post speaker connectors
  • sleep timer
  • 17-1/8" x 5-15/16" x 12-13/16"
  • weight: 16 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Number Of Channels
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N/A
Stereo RMS Power (watts)
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50
THD in Stereo
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0.04 %
Frequency Bandwidth (stereo)
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20-20k Hz
FM Sensitivity
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11.2 dBf
HD Radio Tuner
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No
Built-in DVD Player
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No
On-Screen Display
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No
Multiple Zones
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No
HDMI Standby Pass-through
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---
Composite Video Conversion
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---
S-Video Conversion
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---
Component Video Conversion
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---
Internet-ready
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No
Apple AirPlay
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No
DLNA Certified
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No
Multibrand Remote Control
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No
Learning Remote
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No
LCD Remote
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No
Width (inches)
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17-1/8
Height (inches)
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5-15/16
Depth (inches)
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12-13/16
Weight (pounds)
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16.31
Parts Warranty
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2 Years
Labor Warranty
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2 Years
Surround Processing
Dolby Digital
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---
DTS
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---
Inputs & Outputs
Phono Input
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1
Audio-Video Inputs
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None
Audio-only Inputs
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5
S-Video Inputs
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---
S-Video Outputs
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---
S-Video Monitor Outputs
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---
Component Video Inputs
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Component Video Monitor Outputs
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Optical Digital Inputs
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Coaxial Digital Inputs
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Optical Digital Outputs
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Coaxial Digital Outputs
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HDMI Inputs
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HDMI Monitor Outputs
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Subwoofer Outputs
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None
Preamp Outputs
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None
Main Speaker Output Pairs
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2
Main Speaker Terminals
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Posts
Ethernet Port
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---
USB Connections
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---

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Black stereo receiver
  • Wireless remote control (RAX16)
  • 2 "AAA" batteries
  • AM loop antenna
  • FM wire antenna (with push-on "F" connector)
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty card
  • Important safety instructions

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Audio Features
Remote Control

Audio Features

High-Quality Power Amplifier: With 50 watts of power per channel (at 8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.04% THD), the RX-397 delivers solid, reliable audio performance even when driving both A and B speaker systems at the same time.

Wide-range Frequency Response: The receiver's wide-range frequency response, 10Hz to 50kHz, allows you to enjoy the full fidelity of any source with two channel analog outputs.

Back-Up Memory: The unit is equipped with back-up memory which provides approximately one week of memory storage when the power cord is disconnected.

Impedance Switch: The RX-397 has an impedance switch, allowing operation with 4 ohm speakers.

Loudness: The amount of loudness compensation is adjustable, using a rotary knob on the front panel.

Pure Direct: The Pure Direct feature bypasses the bass, treble, balance, and loudness controls, this eliminates any alteration to the signal and produces the purest possible sound.

Speaker Terminals: All of the receiver's speaker terminals are binding posts. They are not 5-way binding posts because a plastic collar prevents their use with spade lugs and there is no good spot for a pin connector. Bare wire, single banana, and dual banana plugs are compatible.

Phono: The RCA phono input is designed for moving magnet (MM) or high output moving coil (MC) turntable cartridges. If you have a low output MC cartridge an in-line boosting transformer or moving coil head amplifier is necessary.

Headphone Jack: The receiver has a standard 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel for private listening. When headphones are plugged in, the receiver's speaker output is not muted, so remember to turn the A and B speakers off.

Sleep Timer: The sleep timer turns the receiver off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Remote Control

RAX16 Remote Control: The remote control can operate the receiver as well as compatible Yamaha CD players and cassette decks.

Remote Jack: The receiver has a mini-jack input and output for use with other compatible Yamaha components.

 

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)
Video: Yamaha RX-397, RX-497, & RX-797 Stereo Receivers

Video: Yamaha RX-397, RX-497, & RX-797 Stereo Receivers

Chris Egner, Steve Kindig
3/10/2009
based on 7 ratings (2 comments)
 

Learn about Yamaha's RX-397, RX-497 and RX-797, including the features that set them apart, and what's made them some of our most popular and highly rated stereo receivers.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

25 people say:
(23)
(2)
(0)
(0)
(0)
 

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1-10 of 25 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Just right

Written By Hoyt, Asheville, NC on Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Excellent unit which replaced my 24-year-old Sony stereo receiver. It is very user-friendly: good volume control with small increments. The remote has an excellent design with large and well-placed buttons for volume and source (which is about all you use). The angle over which the receiver can detect the remote is said to be 30 degrees each side but in fact is larger than that.

The FM tuner seems especially good.
5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Basic Excellence

Written By Bongo Fury, Lakeland, FL on Monday, May 25, 2009
 
I am not interested in home theater. All I wanted was a basic stereo receiver. I bought this one to replace a very similar Yamaha that was 20+ years old. Also, I wanted a dedicated turntable hook-up, with the grounding wire connection post, which this unit has. I have been recording vinyl to CD, and the results have been great. I really like this receiver. The sound is great, the functions are simple, and the build quality is what you would expect from Yamaha. All I wanted was quality with basic operations, and this one delivers. Very pleased. Power is ample for my uses, and the tuner works well. If you are on the fence, don't be. This is a great receiver.
11 out of 11 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Perfect for its intended purposes

Written By Ed, Lebanon, New Hampshire on Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This replaced a 25+ year-old Pioneer receiver that was going downhill for me. I didn't need a TV stereo system, just a replacement for my tuner, CD and turntable system. And it did so perfectly.

Not for someone who anticipates upgrading; nor for someone with a larger grand scheme in mind. But for limited purposes, you'll be pleased.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Yamaha RX-397

Written By , Rockville, MD on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
The unit works very well. It was easy to set up and lives up to its billing. I have a turntable, so the phono connection was important. It turned out later that I also have a pre-amp built into the turntable, which allows me to use the auxilliary inputs. The sound is better than my 34 year old Sony, which is quite a workhorse. FM radio is particularly nice on this set. All in all, a great deal.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Breath of fresh air

Written By Mark, Prairie du Sac, WI on Tuesday, November 24, 2009
 
This is a fantastic product. The controls are simple. The unit feels substantial. And, the sound is fantastic. Before I hooked this unit up, I thought maybe my hearing was going. It has given me a new appreciation for my old music. And, I finally own a Yamaha - something I've wanted since my college days (which is farther away than I care to think about). Crutchfield makes buying electronics very simple and easy, which is truly a bonus.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

great unit

Written By Gary, scranton pa on Monday, September 07, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This unit replaced my 16 year old receiver that gave out on me. This a great, simple receiver with great sound and very solidly made. Especially good for hooking up equalizer. This baby, at ONLY 50 watts per channel, sounds great with my 1993 speakers. If you don't care for home theater, as I don't, then this receiver along with any of the Yamaha RX line, the 497 and 797 for more power and sattelite, would be a great choice. Real knobs and a loudness control, which to me, acts like more like a mid-low range EQ. Thank goodness they still make 2 channel receivers, home theater receivers just aren't as good for 2 channel music listening, no way. Most people just don't listen to music like they used to, but hopefully 2 channel setups will make a comeback. Highly recommend.
10 out of 11 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Yamaha Surprised Me:

Written By Gregg, Wichita, Ks on Thursday, February 07, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
From the moment I turned it on I was completely Surprised. I was looking for a 2 channel stereo hookup for my Speakers that I have had since 1966 and recently upgraded the crossovers. Replaced an aging Pioneer receiver and this unit's power and clarity are truly amazing. I usually purchase Sony and am glad I decided to try a Yamaha product.



I highly reccomend this product.
9 out of 11 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Excellent Small Receiver

Written By oldcat, Ephrata, PA on Thursday, October 25, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This 50 watt receiver replaced a 20 year old Sony 65 watt AV receiver which had been retired to my bedroom over 10 years ago. I expected to hear no real difference other than some improvement in FM reception, but was surprised to hear far greater clarity in the sound overall. The Sony had IC outputs while the Yamaha has discreet, bipolar output transistors. This does make a difference.
27 out of 29 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Yamaha RX-397

Written By Dave, Holly, MI on Saturday, February 03, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I purchased this unit based on my needs to add additional equipment to my stereo system. This receiver had enough I/O capacity to meet my requirements, although I would have liked to seen at least 1 more set of input/output connections for future additions to my system.

This system replaced a Kenwood receiver & the digital FM performs much better than the Kenwood's analog tuner. The adjustable loudness feature is a complete departure from the standard implementation of a loudness circuit; to date, I haven't found a situation or music source that warrants its' use.

I've had the unit about a month now & I'm very satisfied with this product thus far.
54 out of 65 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Excellent replacement

Written By Paul, Evanston, IL on Monday, January 19, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I bought this receiver to replace an old model with similar specs. The tuner reception on the old receiver was weak, and the audio quality seemed to have degraded over the years.

Searching the market on-line, there are now very few basic receivers that aren't designed for large home theater configurations. The Yamaha was actually the only model that I could find with 50 watts per channel, two channels and phono inputs. Having once owned a Yamaha cassette player that was of very high quality, I trust the brand.

Although my speakers are ancient 6 ohm, paired with this Yamaha, there is a noticeable improvement in the clarity of sound. But the main improvement is in the tuner, which offers perfect reception for all of the desired FM stations.
9 out of 9 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 25 items >>

Learn more about Home Theater Receivers

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12/1/2010
based on 1348 ratings (32 comments)
 

From playing music in the den to delivering surround sound thrills or even multi-room entertainment, today's receivers offer more options than ever. Here's what you need to know to find a model...

 
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In this article, we'll explain the ins and outs of setting up your receiver, so you can get all the audio and video performance you paid for.

 
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Dolly, Mac and Tara discuss the features available in home theater receivers, and the best way to choose one that's right for you.

 
Video: Multi-room/Multi-source Audio

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5/16/2008
based on 23 ratings (2 comments)
 

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Accessories

Accessories we recommend

Speaker Wire
Individual spools of speaker wire let you use the exact amount you need to connect to your speakers.
AudioQuest X2 Speaker Cable
14-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (50 ft., White)
$94.99
In Stock
 
 
AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable
16-gauge bulk cable, connectors optional (50 ft., Gray)
$64.99
In Stock
 
 
Monster Standard Speaker Cable
16-gauge, 50 feet (16 gauge, 50 feet)

Also available in:
Scratch & Dent: $9.99
$19.95
In Stock
 
 
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Speaker Wire with Connectors
Add speaker wire with pre-installed connectors for easier speaker hookup.
Original Monster Cable
With gold pin connectors (15-foot pair)
$39.99
In Stock
 
 
Original Monster Cable
With gold pin connectors (20-foot pair)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
AudioQuest Type 4
Speaker cables with pre-attached banana connectors (10-foot pair)
$229.00
In Stock
 
 
Power Protection
Protect your investment from power surges and interference.
Panamax M4300-PM
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$339.99
In Stock
 
 
Monster HDP 1800
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$299.95
In Stock
 
 
Monster HDP 2500
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$399.95
In Stock
 
 
Monster Power HDP 1850G
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$349.95
In Stock
 
 
Panamax M5300-PM
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$539.99
In Stock
 
 
Panamax M5100-PM
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$439.99
In Stock
 
 
Panamax M5400-PM
Power line regulator and surge protector
$739.99
In Stock
 
 
Furman Elite-15 PFi
Power line conditioner and surge protector
$699.00
In Stock
 
 
Panamax MX5102
Home theater power management with surge suppressor and battery backup
$649.99
Low Stock
 
 
Panamax MB1000
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS), voltage regulator, and surge suppressor
$799.99
Low Stock
 
 
Show more items
RCA Patch Cords
Maintain optimum sound quality with upgraded audio cables.
Monster Cable Stereo Audio 200i
Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2 meters/6.6 ft.)

Also available in:
Scratch & Dent: $19.99
$29.95
In Stock
 
 
Monster Cable Stereo Audio 400i
Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2 meters/6.6 ft.)
$49.95
In Stock
 
 
AudioQuest Diamondback
Stereo interconnect cables with RCA plugs (2-meter/6.6 feet)
$229.00
Out of Stock
 
 
Antennas
Upgrade your antenna for improved reception.
Terk FM Pro (FM-50)
Indoor/outdoor amplified long-range FM antenna
$119.99
In Stock
 
 
Terk Tower
Amplified indoor AM/FM antenna
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Terk FM Edge
Indoor amplified FM antenna
$39.99
In Stock
 
 
Universal Remote Controls
Conveniently control your entire A/V system.
Logitech® Harmony® 900
Universal learning remote with web-based setup
$299.99
In Stock
 
 
Logitech® Harmony® 1100
Universal learning remote with web-based setup
$299.99
In Stock
 
After $50.00 Price Break
 
Universal® MasterControl™ RF-10
Multibrand remote with learning capability
$59.99
In Stock
 
 
Universal® MasterControl™ RF-20
Multibrand remote with learning capability
$79.99
Low Stock
 
 
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Extras

Racks and Stands
The right rack helps you properly ventilate your receiver and conceal the wires.
Techcraft SF50
5-shelf audio component cabinet
$249.99
Low Stock
 
 
Bell'O AT-423B
$199.99
In Stock
 
 
Cooling Fans
Pull heat away from your receiver so it can operate at its best.
Niles® Audio FM-1
Audio/video system cooling module
$299.99
In Stock
 
 
Professional Installation
Have your new equipment installed by qualified professionals.
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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Yamaha RX-397, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_022RX397/Yamaha-RX-397.html ).

Sorry, the Yamaha RX-397 is no longer available for purchase.

Yamaha RX-397