Yamaha CR-600 (1973–1976)
A mid-range AM/FM stereo receiver from Yamaha’s respected CR series, known for clean sound and robust construction.
Overview
The Yamaha CR-600 is a stereo receiver produced from 1973 to 1976 as part of Yamaha’s CR series. It delivers 35W + 35W RMS into 4 ohms (0.1% THD, 20Hz–20kHz, both channels driven) and features both AM and FM tuners. Designed with MOS FET technology and a fully complementary OCL amplifier circuit, it was built for reliability and high-fidelity performance. The unit includes two tape circuits, independent preamp and main amplifier sections, and a range of audio filters and controls, including bass and treble adjustment with Yamaha’s proprietary NF feedback method.
Specifications
| Effective output (distortion factor 0.1%) 20 Hz to 20 kHz, both channel drive | 35W + 35W (4 Ω) 30W + 30W (8 Ω) |
| Effective output (distortion factor 0.1%) 1 kHz, both channel drive | 45W + 45W (4 Ω) 35W + 35W (8 Ω) |
| Effective output (distortion factor 0.1%) 1 kHz, single-channel drive | 50W/50W (4 Ω) 40W/40W (8 Ω) |
| Dynamic Power | 100W (IHF, 8 Ω) |
| Total harmonic distortion rate (20 Hz to 20 kHz) | 0.1% or Less (Effective Output) |
| Total harmonic distortion rate (20 Hz to 20 kHz) | 0.04% or Less (at 1W output) |
| Intermodulation distortion factor (70 hz : 7 khz = 4 : 1) | 0.1% or Less (Effective Output) |
| Intermodulation distortion factor (70 hz : 7 khz = 4 : 1) | 0.05% or Less (at 1W Output) |
| Power Bandwidth (IHF, 0.5% distortion factor) | 5 Hz to 70 kHz |
| Frequency response (at 1W output) Main in | 10 Hz to 100 kHz + 0 -1dB |
| Frequency response (at 1W output) Phono (RIAA deviation) | 30 Hz to 15 kHz ± 0.5 dB |
| Frequency response (at 1W output) Aux, Tape PB | 10 Hz to 50 kHz + 0.5 -1dB |
| Damping factor | 70 (1 kHz, 8 Ω) |
| Load impedance | 4 Ω ~ 16 Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance (1 kHz, effective output) Phono1, 2 | 3mV/50k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance (1 kHz, effective output) Mic | 3mV/50k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance (1 kHz, effective output) Aux1, 2, Tape PB A, B | 150mV/45k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance (1 kHz, effective output) Main in | 775mV/50k Ω |
| Maximum Allowable Input (1 kHz) Phono | 135 mVrms (0.1% strain rate) |
| Maximum Allowable Input (1 kHz) Mic | 450 mVrms (Distortion Factor 0.3%) |
| Output Level / Impedance (1 kHz) Rec out A, B | 150mV/2k Ω |
| Output Level / Impedance (1 kHz) Pre out | 775mV/2k Ω |
| Tone control Bass | ± 10 dB (50 Hz) |
| Tone control Treble | ± 10 dB (10 kHz) |
| Filter Low | 50Hz(12dB/oct) |
| Filter High | 8kHz(6dB/oct) |
| Loudness | Continuous loudness corresponding to an equal loudness curve |
| S/N (IHF, A Network) Main in | 100 dB or more |
| S/N (IHF, A Network) Phono | 75 dB or more |
| S/N (IHF, A Network) Mic | 70 dB or more |
| S/N (IHF, A Network) Aux, Tape PB | 90 dB or more |
| FM Tuner Section Receiving frequency | 76 MHz to 90 MHz |
| FM Tuner Section Practical Sensitivity (IHF, 84 MHz) | 2.0 μ V |
| FM Tuner Section Image interference ratio (84 MHz) | 90dB |
| FM Tuner Section IF Interference Ratio (84 MHz) | 95dB |
| FM Tuner Section Spurious interference ratio (84 MHz) | 95dB |
| FM Tuner Section AM suppression ratio | 55dB |
| FM Tuner Section Capture ratio | 1.5dB |
| FM Tuner Section Effective selectivity (IHF) | 75dB |
| FM Tuner Section S/N | 70dB |
| FM Tuner Section Total harmonic distortion rate (400 Hz) | mono:0.3% stereo:0.5% |
| FM Tuner Section Stereo Separation (400 Hz) | 40dB |
| FM Tuner Section Frequency characteristic | 50 Hz to 10 kHz ± 1.0 dB |
| FM Tuner Section Subcarrier suppression ratio | 40dB |
| FM Tuner Section Muting signal level | 10 μ V |
| FM Tuner Section IF out level / impedance | 400mV/1k Ω |
| AM Tuner Section Receiving frequency | 525 kHz to 1,605 kHz |
| AM Tuner Section Practical sensitivity (IHF, bar antenna) | 52dB/m |
| AM Tuner Section Selectivity (1000 kHz) | 30dB |
| Semiconductor used | IC : 4 Transistor : 59 MOS FET : 2 Diode : 33 pcs Zener diode : 3 pcs LED : 3 pcs |
| Power consumption | 120W (rated) 200W maximum |
| External dimensions | Width 474x Height 158x Depth 300 mm |
| Weight | 12.5kg |
Design
The Yamaha CR-600 uses MOS FET technology and features a fully complementary OCL amplifier circuit directly coupled across all stages. The power supply includes a well-regulated transformer with constant voltage circuits powering all sections except the main amplifier. A transistor- and diode-based protection circuit activates a relay to cut off output in case of fault, also serving as a power muting system. The tone control uses Yamaha’s method with negative feedback between collector and emitter in a two-stage direct-coupled amplifier. The FM front-end uses dual-gate MOS FETs in the RF and mixer stages, paired with a linear-frequency varicon. The IF stage uses an IC and a four-element ceramic filter, while the MPX circuit uses a high-performance IC. An AFC circuit automatically disables when the tuning knob is touched. The AM tuner uses a triple-tuning system with air varicon, ceramic filter, and two coils. AGC is applied to the meter circuit. A three-transistor amplifier is built in for the microphone input. The unit includes two tape circuits, low and high filters, FM muting, 300 Ω and 75 Ω antenna terminals, an IF output, and LED dial indicators. The preamp and main amplifier sections can be used independently.
Context
The Yamaha CR-600 is part of the CR series of receivers, which includes the CR-400, CR-800, CR-1000, and CR-1020. The CR series became legendary in the 1970s for its clean, powerful sound and exceptional build quality, with the CR-600 positioned as a mid-range model offering comprehensive features and solid performance.
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