The Yamaha CR-440, released in 1979, is a well built stereo receiver with a classic design and reliable performance. It features a clean, sleek layout and minimalist wood cabinet. It was one of the last receivers with Yamaha’s classic look. Although it delivers a modest 30 watts per channel, the CR-440 is known for its good sound quality. Originally priced at $320, the CR-440 was at the low end of Yamaha’s offerings at the time.
The faceplate on the CR-440 is brushed aluminum with a dial scale that runs the length of the faceplate. The dial is backlit with a soft white lighting. There are two large paddle knobs for controlling Rec/Out and Input sources. these knobs are one of the styling features that give the classic vintage Yamaha’s their distinctive look. The CR-440 only has 4 push buttons in contrast to the higher end models that tend to look more cluttered due to all the push buttons.
Interestingly, despite it being a budget model it has two headphone jacks on the front panel. It has bass and treble controls but no midrange tone control.
Other models available from Yamaha at the time included:
- CR-240: $250
- CR-640: $395
- CR-840: $495
- CR-1040: $660
- CR-2040:$860
- CR-3020: $1500
Note that the Loudness control on the CR-440 is a potentiometer rather than a push button. This allows a smoother adjustment than a push button would provide. Its function can be a little confusing to new users though.
When you listen to music at low volumes, your ears naturally have a harder time picking up the very low (bass) and very high (treble) frequencies. The Loudness control helps to compensate for this by boosting those bass and treble frequencies when the volume is low.
Here’s how it works:
- At Normal Volume (FLAT position): When the volume is at your usual listening level, you set the Loudness control to FLAT. This means the sound is balanced and natural, without any extra boost to the bass or treble.
- At Lower Volume: When you turn the volume down, you also turn the Loudness control counter-clockwise. This automatically boosts the bass and treble frequencies, making the music sound fuller and more balanced, even at lower volumes.
So, the Loudness control essentially helps to maintain the quality and balance of the sound, ensuring that you enjoy your music even when you’re listening at lower volumes.
The Yamaha CR-440 is very well built as most Yamaha receivers of that vintage are. The only issue that it has is that Yamaha used Sanyo STK modules (IG02990), also referred to as power amplifier modules, in the design which are prone to failure and no modern replacements are available. You can find new versions on eBay but they are usually fake and do not work properly so be wary when considering them. Occasionally you can find originals on eBay from someone who is parting out a unit. There have also been some people who have designed small circuit boards to completely replace the STK’s. Any solution can be expensive and make the CR-440 not worth repairing if one or both of the STK’s is bad. If you’re interested in a technical restoration of a CR-440 you can find one HERE.
Specifications
- Tuning range: FM, MW
- Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
- Damping factor: 40
- Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 120mV (DIN), 120mV (line)
- Signal to noise ratio: 94dB (MM), 100dB (line)
- Output: 120mV (line)
- Speaker load impedance: 4Ω (minimum)
- Dimensions: 17 3/4 x 6 3/8 x 12 7/8 inches (435 x 149 x 327mm)
- Weight: 20lbs (9kg)
- Year: 1979
Reviews
It’s a very well built receiver and an attractive piece as well.
I think the 440 is the best looking of the x40 series. Neat little receiver.
Nice unit. Modest power, but great looks and good sound. Great office or bedroom system.
I would be wary of buying one of these without knowing that the STK chips are working properly.
Rear Panel
The back of the CR-440 has connections for two sets of speakers, FM and AM antennas, Phono, Aux, and a tape recorder. You can connect a CD player or other device via the Aux connection. It has no factory external bar antenna as many other receivers do, so you’ll have to hook one up yourself. In general the CR-440 has just enough connections to build a basic audio system.
The Yamaha CR-440 receiver may not have a lot of bells and whistles but it does have all that’s needed for someone starting to build a vintage audio system. It can handle a turntable, CD player or streaming device. It also has a classic vintage look coupled with good overall performance suitable for a small room, office or garage. It’s worth buying if the price is right and the STK modules are functional.
