Home > Consumer Reviews > Yamaha RX-397 100 Watt Natural Sound AM/FM Stereo Receiver

I purchased this receiver to replace an Onkyo that died. It is worth every penny paid; in fact I'm not sure what you could improve on w/more expensive receivers. The radio has incredible sensitivity compared to my Onkyo. I live 40+ miles from any major city and get great reception now with the provided wire/loop antennas. I listen mostly to pipe organ, choral and classical music. Listening to my pipe organ CDs, you'd swear you're sitting right in front of the pipes --- unbelievable clarity.
The amp has no trouble driving Bose 301 8 ohm 75watt speakers, easily filling a large room with beautiful sound. The other reason I purchased this reciever was the low level phono input for my turntable input. Works perfectly. I've tried, but do not use the equalizer control -- not needed in my opinion.

I was in need of a simple 2 channel stereo receiver to replace a 20 plus year old Kenwood unit that was having some right channel issues. After a thorough internet search of various units and manufactures, I settled on this unit. I also own a Yamaha surround sound receiver for my primary noise maker and was very happy with the performance.

The main thing I wanted was a loudness control switch. Seems simple enough, but I found that many of the newer, lower end receivers did not contain one. I suspect it's simply a price concession. This unit is to be used in my home office, located on the second floor of my home. Because I frequently work later at night, when other people tend to be sleeping, I can't always crank the tunes. For those unaware, the loudness switch allows you to boost the lower frequencies at lower volume levels, giving a much fuller sound when the volume is low. Indispensible in my opinion.

This unit has a variable loudness switch. Unlike older units that simply had an on/off loudness switch, this one works just like the bass/treble controls, giving you a full range of adjustment. Sweet.

I also wanted a phono input. Again, many newer, lower end units do not contain one. Since I'm old enough to have a large vintage LP collection, and not having any plans to throw them out or sell them on E-Bay any time soon, it made no sense to buy a unit with out one. This unit has one and works perfectly. Frampton comes alive once again......

As to the power, 50 watts/channel may seem low, but have no fear. If your goal is to rattle the windows or the neighbors nerves, this little beast will handle the chore with ease. I would also add that the tuner simply blows my old Kenwood unit away in terms of reception. I'm impressed. I'm just some middle aged guy who loves his music....and this receiver. Two thumbs up. I hope this review helped.

I've always been a Sony girl with respect to purchasing electronics. But when it was necessary to replace my old tuner/receiver, I decided to depart from that mind-set based on reviews I read on Amazon about the RX-397. I'm delighted with this receiver and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for one. Sallye

This is the right unit for the right price. I have a smaller room that I do not need the full surround sound effect. Classic stereo sound with a phono input which is why I bought it; no preamp needed. If this describes your situation, you would do well to consider this receiver.

This is the second Yamaha receiver I've owned. I bought #1 30 years ago...and replaced it with this slick unit three weeks ago. Crisp clear sounds---great radio reception (we live in very mountainous country)and great price. Other customer reviews were correct. Why spend more?http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COW90I/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title