Yamaha's RX-396 is a member of a dying breed: the dedicated stereo receiver.

Formerly a must-have audio component, the stereo receiver has been largely eclipsed by the multichannel home theater receiver. However, for many applications, surround sound isn't needed or even desired, as most music (aside from DVD-Audio and SACD, which are still rather rare) is in stereo.

This, plus the fact that a huge number of receiver-based stereo systems are still in wide use, means that there remains a potentially wide market for stereo receivers.

The RX-396 is a relatively low-cost solution for anyone in the market for a stereo receiver. It provides 50 watts into two channels at 8 ohms, which is sufficient to adequately drive most bookshelf and smaller floor-standing speakers.

On the radio side, this unit has 40 AM and FM presets, and it includes auto preset tuning, front-panel access to preset stations, and front-panel bass, treble, and balance controls. The RX-396 also has an innovative continuously variable loudness control to help maintain correct tonal balance at a variety of listening levels.

Unlike many low-cost receivers, the RX-396 has multiway binding posts, which are considered the best method of securing speaker cables. From an operational standpoint, it provides five audio inputs including a tape monitor. There is also an A, B, and A+B speaker selector. There is no Dolby Digital processing.

The Yamaha RX-396 is an easy-to-use receiver that will serve as the nucleus of any two-channel system, providing ample power and sufficient features for stereo playback.

Warranty
2 years