Yamaha CDX-497 (2006)

The Yamaha CDX-497 is a late-era single-disc CD player released in September 2006 at ¥35,000. Documentation is thin, but the specs that survive show a capable, no-frills deck. It went with the MP3/WMA playback trend instead of pushing disc transport technology.

Here is what the record shows. The CDX-497 played music CDs and CD-R/RW discs, including discs burned with MP3 and WMA files. It used what Yamaha called an "intelligent digital servo" - a microcomputer that continuously monitored the signal and adjusted spindle motor speed, pickup tracking, and focus to maintain optimal reading conditions. The feature set was practical. An auto-display function darkened the readout during playback. An auto-space function inserted four seconds of silence between tracks for taping. There was a peak level search for setting recording levels, and a synchronous recording function. A headphone output was built in, and both optical and coaxial digital outputs were provided. Frequency response was rated at 2 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5 dB, harmonic distortion at 0.003%, dynamic range at 95 dB, and signal-to-noise ratio at 105 dB (EIAJ). It drew 13W and weighed 3.5 kg, measuring 435 × 87 × 287 mm. The included accessories were a wireless remote and a 1-meter stereo pin cable.

The service manual, dated July 2006, covers both the CDX-497 and its sibling CDX-397. Both models appear to have shared the same basic chassis and feature set. Beyond that, the record goes quiet. No period reviews from major English-language audio magazines have surfaced, and no detailed measurements or user reception data exist in the archive. The CDX-497 does turn up occasionally in classified listings and forums. One owner on Audio Science Review describes using a second-hand unit as a transport feeding an external DAC. A Russian forum user defending the model against a Harman Kardon HD 970 noted that "the features are not important - the sound is." A YouTube video titled "Yamaha CDX-497 problem" exists with over 12,000 views, though its specific fault is not documented. Replacement laser pickups are still sold online, which suggests the optical assembly is the part most likely to need attention after nearly two decades.

Known specifications:

- Playback: Music CD, CD-R/RW (MP3, WMA)

- Frequency response: 2 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.5 dB

- THD: 0.003%

- Dynamic range: 95 dB

- S/N ratio (EIAJ): 105 dB

- Digital outputs: Optical ×1, coaxial ×1

- Power consumption: 13 W

- Dimensions: 435 × 87 × 287 mm; 3.5 kg

- Original price: ¥35,000 (September 2006)