MY Hifi Holy Grail: Yamaha CR-3020

When I was 16 I found out about the Yamaha CR-3020, an absolutely massive, $1500, 160W per channel, 78lb, ebony veneered, 25 inch wide beast of a stereo receiver that was released in 1978. And at 28 years old, I've finally managed to buy one. Not only is that incredibly exciting in and of itself, but I also have the skills to service it and this one was having some issues with the sound cutting out at low volumes. That is typically caused by a dirty Pre out/Main in coupling switch on the back of the receiver but can also be cause by dirty speaker relays. There are 3 speaker relays in this receiver, one for each set of speakers! I also checked for a known issue where the pre driver transistors on the driver boards can come loose and destroy the relays or power supply.
This unit is very clean and I purchased it from the original owner after taking a roadtrip down to Bend, OR in November of 2023. It was super fun to spend time with the original owner and hear about all of his memories using it. I hope that I never have to sell this because to me, it's the pinnacle of receivers that I could want from the 70's.
I also recently acquired a second CR 3020 that I will be completely restoring and listing for sale later this year. If you are interested in it, please send me an email. I may need to reveneer it so we could work together on making it a unit that is custom to your tastes. [e-mail]
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:19 Specs, Manufacturing, & Background info
05:25 Background on my CR 3020
06:19 Disassembly & Fun Design Elements + Build Quality
07:48 Removing the Driver Cards, Relay board, and Coupling Switch
09:06 Cleaning The Pre out/Main in Coupling Switch
10:15 Cleaning the Speaker Relays
13:58 Fixing a Major Flaw in the Design
15:02 Reinstalling the bottom cover and driver boards
15:23 Testing on Dim Bulb (Use 150 to 200 Watt bulbs)
17:00 Adjusting Bias (Idling Current)
17:26 Adjusting DC Offset (Mid Point Voltage)
17:51 Final Testing
18:15 Loud Listening Test
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
My name is Matt. I live in Washington State and create content around vintage stereos and other audio equipment. I approach the hobby from a technical standpoint and am learning about circuit design and repairing and calibrating amps, turntables, speakers, etc. I really appreciate a good aesthetic and the vintage stuff fits my taste.
I'm also offering repair services on a limited basis. You can find my email address as well as info regarding services by going to my channel page (click the name next to my round profile photo) and locating the text bubble below the channel name.
Instagram: @Shuksanaudio
Tik Tok: @Thedealydeal

[@MattDealy]

Thanks for watching! I was so happy to finally get around to working on this. It’s been a dream to own one! Please leave a like on the video and subscribe if you want to see more restoration videos ❤ I also recently acquired a second CR 3020 that I will be completely restoring and listing for sale later this year. If you are interested in it, please send me an email. I may need to reveneer it so we could work together on making it a unit that is custom to your tastes. [e-mail]

[@jimcabezola3051]

I'm SO glad that you were able to meet your "hero"...and winding up adoring it, too! Keep it for decades and revel in its sound! As I've said before...my first receiver was a Pioneer SX-580. I thought an SX-1980 would be better... And it was in many ways. Yes...I bought one clearance-priced at $594 in 1980. However, it was a bear to move around. Being military, I moved all over. Rather than move it everywhere, I sent it to my parents, and they used and cherished it from 1982-2001. I bought big Boston Acoustic A150s for it. It sounded great in my parents' house! I merely would go home occasionally and "visit" my SX-1980 during my military career. 🤣🤣 After I retired, the receiver blew ANOTHER fuse. You see, that lousy power cord on the SX-1980? It was really flimsy and had a narrow-gauge of power wire. If it's jiggled in the socket accidentally while on, the main fuse inside blows! What a hassle; it blew 4 times in my ownership. Well, the 4th fuse replacement was the last straw. I turned it into an electronics recycler for parts. At least...I got SOME use out of it. If I could do this again...I'd replace that Pioneer's power cord with a thicker gauge wire and 3-prong plug that wouldn't wiggle around in the power socket. Barring that...I kinda wish I'd bought a pre-amp and mated it to one of those tiny, light-weight, cube-shaped Carver M-400 amps that were ALSO being sold at the same time and place. At least...I could've taken it along everywhere Again...let YOUR "hero" take you on ALL the music journeys you want! Aloha.

[@MattDealy]

Thanks for sharing your story Jim! That is sad to hear that your 1980 was scrapped but that's how it is. Who would've thought they'd be worth so much and desirable again. I will definitely cherish my CR 3020!@@jimcabezola3051

[@jimcabezola3051]

@@MattDealy I know, right? I am the stupidest hi-fi guy who ever lived. The only consolation for me is that I didn't drag that huge machine all over the world with me; it didn't weigh me down. It also brought great pleasure to my Mum and Dad. They used the heck out of it for 19 years. Given my luck and our energy situation TODAY, I'd probably be outed" and penalized for operating a "climate-changing monster amp" in defiance of...Greta Thunberg or somebody... 🤣🤣 "How dare you enjoy your music when the planet is dying?"🤣🤣 Again...please ENJOY the music! As Randy from cheapaudioman says,, "Fill your soul with happiness!" Aloha!

[@MattDealy]

HAha at least you can see it from the bright side. Glad to hear it was enjoyed for many years! I'll keep enjoying my music and making videos about it 🔊 @@jimcabezola3051

[@paulb4uk]

Stunning receiver quality bit of kit .

[@jeremynorth]

Back in the time of your receiver, I lusted after the Yamaha FM tuner which was universally thought to be the best of all. The CT7000. It was mega expensive and I never even saw one let alone own one. Looking at the build quality of your receiver I can see why they were so much money. Yamaha hifi always looked classy with understatement and clean lines. This is a company who make fabulous concert grand pianos as well as other musical instruments. Not just that either they make some of the best motorcycles too! Truly incredible. A master of all trades and a jack of none. Thanks for this video.

[@MattDealy]

Oh wow! The CT7000 is absolutely gorgeous! I agree with you. Yamaha is an impressive company and their audio gear is so beautiful to look at. The clean lines and minimalism are lovely. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@marktubeie07]

That was absolutely gorgeous - you're lucky to have one and yes, didn't ever sell it! I'm sub'd Matt !

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! It sure is a beauty. I hope I never have to sell it for sure! Thanks for subscribing!

[@Holychickendestroyer]

That is one gem of a receiver. Thank you for sharing t with the rest of us. 👍

[@MattDealy]

It really is! You're most welcome. I appreciate you watching!

[@theprincipal4305]

I just bought a 2040, I pick it up Friday, hence me watching your video. I love that you aren't jaded and still love this stuff! Enjoy your forever toy!

[@MattDealy]

Ayye that’s amazing! The 2040 is a beauty! I’m glad you appreciate my take on it! It’s all in good fun and I love the old stuff. It just has a certain feel/aesthetic and nostalgia that I enjoy. Thanks for watching!

[@Exgol2005]

Got used CA2020: impressive power and SONICS!

[@512bb]

I have 7 various CR Yamahas including a 2020 & the later 2040 but had no idea of this beast. The size makes it look like a movie prop rather than an actual unit, too cool...I'd be thrilled just to look at it all day. What a find, enjoy it in good health!

[@MattDealy]

Amazing! The 2040 is a beauty! Haha yea it looks larger than life! Absolutely owns whatever gear rack you put it on. Thank you for watching!

[@eyegrey48]

Awesome receiver! Love the pure joy you show for it at the end!

[@MattDealy]

Glad it came through haha

[@g.fortin3228]

VERY nice receiver ! And a good video too.. the lesson on power/dim bulb was nervous but thankful that you left it in as it's something we may encounter.. Thanks man!

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Haha yes! It was so nerve wracking in person. I hope it helps you out!

[@soundman2604]

Very nice, good for you!

[@bpalpha]

You got a new sub dude. Great content. I've been binging your videos, having just recently found your channel.

[@MattDealy]

Ayyye thank you! I appreciate you sticking around 🙌

[@amenandawoman]

What a magnificent receiver! I own a mid-sized Yamaha CR-810, I can only imagine how satisfying is contemplating, operating and working on this huge beast! And you did a great presentation of it, thanks!

[@MattDealy]

Nice! The 8XX receivers and amps are a phenomenal value in the Yamaha line. Really great sound and looks. The 3020 is a bit of a pain to move around but it sure is nice to look at and operate! thanks for watching

[@steverothermel2516]

Very impressive video! Great work! Nice attention to editing. :)

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@vendelius]

congratulations.. a great piece...

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I'm very happy with it!

[@batmandestroys1978]

Great Job! Fantastic Video!

[@MattDealy]

Thank you!

[@mcaddie7]

May I just say as a younger guy your age and name is also Matt, I thought of starting a similar channel, as there aren’t many repair channels by young guys with super great editing like you use. However I stumbled across your channel and it’s great to see a video for each of your repairs. It helps archive these problems in video format for future peeps and keeps plenty of people entertained. Along the way. Great work!

[@MattDealy]

Thanks for stopping by, Matt! I love that you've thought of making videos. Are you thinking you'll start doing it still? And absolutely! I agree, it's nice to add to the library of content about these old units!

[@atelier_HiFi]

Receivers are not my thing but if I ever owned one, this would be it. Congrats!

[@MattDealy]

I love to hear it! Yes, these are something to behold. Really well built. Thanks for watching!

[@sauletto1]

Sweet ! What a monster ! I bought a CR-820 about 7 years ago , then picked up a CR-1040 that is in excellent condition . I replaced the bulbs and power supply caps in addition to the left channel amp module . Your CR-3020 is a virtual "Unicrn" among Yamaha receivers. Very rare treasure ! Awesome video !Subscribed !

[@MattDealy]

Nice! the 820 is an incredible value and they look awesome! and the 1040 is sweet as well. I'm glad you could get one back up and running! Those amp modules can be finicky. The 3020 is very rare indeed. Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@fhwolthuis]

What a beautiful machine and a great video, I subbed 😃👍

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@PrimeHiFi]

Nice work! Beautiful receiver 😊

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! That means a lot coming from you! Just started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago!

[@chaiiriver]

Thank You

[@scanman84]

Great receiver, great video. Subscribed. More please.

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching. More coming :)

[@paulbush7095]

That was wonderful! You made desoldering look too easy. I’m glad you recommended practicing on a junk board before attacking something of great value. I love taking tech stuff apart but reassembling is definitely what separates me from people like you who actually know what they’re doing. Thanks for posting and your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@MattDealy]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Haha, yes, I have spent hours practicing with solder wick and getting a good solder layer on contacts. Big key is to keep your iron clean and tinned with fresh solder, especially with solder wick. Thank you for watching!

[@technofeeliak]

Happy for you!!!

[@mccanlessdesign]

Hey - glad I found your channel. As someone who grew up reading Stereo Review in the '70s, this is great! I just found out last weekend that my daughter's boyfriend has a Pioneer SX650 as his daily - it was my dream receiver in high school. IMHO, that gives him more street cred than being a patent examiner with a GA Tech engineering degree.

[@MattDealy]

Amazing! I'm so glad you found it as well! Sounds like he might be a keeper haha. The SX 650 is a sweet little machine.

[@genehammond7239]

That's a beauty Matt enjoy it !!!

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I will do my best!

[@johndouglaspatterson3151]

Great video Matt. Fun, educational, entertaining, well structured, all around excellent. Your passion for all things HI-FI shines through. Plus---- you seem like an all-around "GOOD DUDE." So fun to see you dancing around and "rocking out" at the end of the video in the sound test. Same thing I do with my systems on a regular basis....of course....for me....only when no-ones around to see it.

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it haha. Yess! I love a good rock out sesh. Ended up listening to it for over an hour just enjoying it haha.

[@johndouglaspatterson3151]

@@MattDealy Hi Matt. Again--Great Video. One of the main things I have learned from watching you and your channel is that I am NOT even remotely skilled enough to be taking one of these "old beauties" apart and achieving any result other than possibly electrocuting myself....or.... rendering an AMP or other component that was once functional -- completely KAPUT! However, all that being said, I do have one of my AMP's a Viking SC 5814 (It's a looker, a MIJJIE (Made in Japan) Late 60's or early 70's) that I want to try my hand at cleaning the connections and inputs with DEOXIT and Q-TIPS with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. Can you offer advice as is mentioned in one the comments on this Video below in regard to what internal components need DEOXIT, and what components need alcohol. The AMP is overall functional --- just the typical scratchiness in the volume and tone controls. The phono inputs are intermittent, auxillary inputs seem good. Just want to do a basic clean-up of the controls, inputs, and remove dust build-up from inside. Maybe try to change out a bulb that is burnt for the AM/FM TUNER display.

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I use Deoxit D100L or a light spray of D5 on a Q tip to clean and lubricate the inputs and outputs. For the rotary controls, you should use Deoxit F5 or F100 to be careful of the graphite contacts. Before you apply the deoxit, you can use CRC Quick dry electronics cleaner, or any other quick dry electronics friendly contact cleaner to clean out the controls. For push buttons, D5 or D100L. Best of luck!@@johndouglaspatterson3151

[@johndouglaspatterson3151]

@@MattDealy Thank you so much for the advice and info. I will tread lightly and cautiously. If I am NOT satisfied with how the unit functions andsounds after I am done --- I will reach out to you about servicing the AMP and speakers. I am going to pair this amp with some Wharfedale Linton 3 speakers that I have. Both the amp and the speakers were manufactured around the same time frame and should pair well together. I am in Victoria BC. Not far from you "as the crow flies" but a whole country away. I know your area pretty well. I used to live in B'ham over off Cherrywood Ave 20+ years ago. Not too far away from Bellingham Bay. Anyway, long story......Thanks for your channel and seemingly being a really good guy. jdp

[@bluezodiac6329]

No one is really booming down their houses with loud music anymore.

[@MattDealy]

Yea other than college parties, it's not the same haha.

[@diyfullrangehifispeakers]

I notice that too. We're a dying generation.🇦🇺☮️

[@brentbeiler7051]

I still am,in my shop Luxman LV-109 jbl 4312. X4 with a klips 12 cranked all the way up. Shakes my concrete floor!

[@povertyspec9651]

I do. I play Philip Glass and Bruckner symphonies really loud on my $40K system.

[@rabbithowls71]

I still do. B&K Components AVR-315, Bose Series 1 901’s(I know, I know),Micca surround, and NHT SubTwo. It’s a mishmash, but it works.

[@KenJencks]

Hi. Great video on a great receiver. I am a devoted Yamaha fan. Although I went the integrated route. My first amp was the CA 800, then I got a CA 1000, now I use the CA 2010. Super gear!!!

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! The integrateds are sweet. I would love to listen to a 2010 some day. Big fan of the Yamaha sound. Thanks for watching!

[@brucetungsten5714]

Awesome!

[@davidhannalpc7169]

Great video! I did not know about the 3020 and I can barely believe how huge it is. It's cool to see you work on that monster. I have a 1020 that needs some work. The protection comes on and turns off the receiver regularly. I hope to take it in to the shop here in Portland Oregon sometime in the not too distant future. Keep up the videos!

[@MattDealy]

Thank you! It's a rare bird. Yamaha is already a bit more under the radar than Pioneer, Marantz, and Sansui but the CR-3020 seems to have alluded the spot light for a long time. Ahh nice! The 1020 is such a beauty. I love the walnut veneer on them. Sounds like it's in need of the service bulletin or maybe some replacement fusistors. Thanks for watching!

[@eabr2881]

Very nice. I've also had this experience with a Yamaha M-4 on a 45W lamp, so had to add another one after triple checking all my work. But always a good idea to start with the smaller lamps first.

[@MattDealy]

Ahh yes. I agree, feels safer to move up in wattage haha.

[@00penguin]

Wowza!!! I thought the 2020 was a monster. I am jealous

[@MattDealy]

Yeaa, that comparison is wild. The 2020 feels huge until you see the 3020 haha. It takes up too much space on a stereo rack...but it sure is nice to look at! Thank you for watching!

[@tennysoncason772]

Nice work.

[@MattDealy]

Thanks Tennyson!

[@TheVintageNewbie]

So cool! I’m not a tech guy (goes with being a comic book artist lol) my skills pretty much just involve cleaning with Deoxit and changing belts but this was still really cool to watch! I’ve opened up a Sansui, Pioneer and a couple of Realistic’s so I could sort of follow along with what you were doing. Sort of. Definitely cool to see how happy this made you, it’s always awesome to find a piece you want. I made a 10 hour round trip for a turntable I wanted so I totally get it!

[@MattDealy]

Nice! Comic book artistry sounds really fun! How long have you been doing that? It sounds like you've got the basics down! That's really what most of this gear needs so they're good skills to have! Haha I'm glad that my joy came across in the video. It really is fun to find something you can enjoy so much. A 10 hour roadtrip for a turntable sounds like a good time!

[@TheVintageNewbie]

@@MattDealy thanks! I’ve been doing it off and on for about 15 years, mostly indie comics but I recently did a Ninja Turtles cover for their Halloween Special last year (with the Turtles trick or treating at Shredder’s house lol). I’d definitely like to learn more about working on old gear, using multimeters and knowing what transistors and resistors and transformers etc are, and also how to solder properly. I recapped my Nova 7B’s (with help from one of your videos, thanks!) but my soldering skills sucked, haha. I mean I got the job done but I imagine anyone who opens these speakers up in the future will just look down and shake their head lol

[@atelier_HiFi]

yes, you should really replace those relays, especially on a special piece like this..... you will eventually learn why :) Two thumbs up for the enthusiasm and happy to see this beauty ended up with someone who truly appreciates it.

[@MattDealy]

As I said in the video, I will be replacing them when I do a full restoration later this year. This was just a temporary fix. I've seen a couple of relays now that couldn't be fixed by cleaning but I've also fixed a half dozen by cleaning them. Obviously, the relays were still old and could fail in a different way at some point but it can extend their life by a few years. Thank you! Me to haha. I want to work on as many of these as possible as time goes one! I just love them.

[@atelier_HiFi]

@@MattDealy yes yes, but as this means double the stress on those solder pads, plus it did not look like you had the optimal tools for that, so that is what I am saying ;)

[@MattDealy]

@@atelier_HiFi Yea fair enough but I didn't put too much heat on them. I did finally purchase an oval tip for the vacuum which makes it so fast now. Very happy with that.

[@2sc458]

Beau-tee-ful.

[@allevi5158]

I have the good fortune of having a cr1020 model since new from back in the mid 70s One of my best friends had a hi fi store and were dealers for Sony, Marantz, Sansui, and others I can't recall, but chose to pay full retail at a competitor for the Yamaha, $500 !

[@MattDealy]

Wow! That's some commitment to the Yammy. I don't blame you though, I love the 1020! Thanks for watching!

[@intothevoid9831]

Cool video! If your FR-301 is clogging, it means you need to clean out the tip and heating element tube. It shouldn't normally do that and with the included tools, it should only take about 10 minutes to clean. For relay terminals, I'd recommend the N61-15 tip. It's perfect for wide, flat solder pads. Cleaning relay pads is a bit iffy, and imho the best solution is to replace the relay entirely. The Yamaha's I've usually worked on (cr-2020, ca-1010, ca-2010 ect) use 12v as opposed to the common 24v. So if those are 12v, the Omron MY2-02-DC12 should be a perfect replacement. Imperfect relay contacts can actually increase the distortion of the amplifier stage.

[@MattDealy]

Thank you so much for this tip! I hadn't thought to check if there were additional bigger tips that you could purchase for it. I will get one of those ordered. I cleaned it right after this video with the included tools. Cleaning relays definitely isn't a permanent solution but these ones were in great shape. I will be going through it and restoring it later this year and I will replace the relays then.

[@atcaleb]

Nice!

[@MattDealy]

Thanks 🙏

[@nonsuch]

Nice! I'm not familiar with this receiver for obvious reasons but, I'm totally digging it's internals, very cool! Something about the model number was racking my brain trying to figure out why it sounded so familiar and it eventually came to me. It's close to a CR-2032 coin cell battery! lol. Oh, let me recommend getting a "G.E. Crystal Clear 300w bulb" for your dim bulb tester. They are very nice, inexpensive, and best of all... clear so you can see the actual filament light up on the faintest issue. You can find them in big hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot. I picked up a case of 6 a few years ago just to have for the future as incandescents go away. Enjoy your prized receiver! Cheers!🥂

[@MattDealy]

Aren't they so cool?! It's just beautiful inside. haha that's a funny connection but I can totally see how that would sound familiar! NAD also made an integrated back in the 70's called the 3020 and they just started producing it again. Good idea! I definitely intend to get some higher current bulbs for the next time I work on this haha.

[@brentbeiler7051]

Beaute could you imagine that receiver with 3 pairs of NS-2000’s that’s my holy grail speakers.

[@MattDealy]

Ahhh that would be wild! The NS-2000 are on my list as well. Would love to get a matching ebony pair of NS-1000 to match with the 3020

[@ReasonablySane]

I used to sell those back when I was a hi-fi salesman (1976-1983). My only complaint about Yamaha was the price. I just thought they were way over priced. Personally I ended up with a HItachi HMA 8300 and HMA 7500, bi-amped into ESS AMT 1B monitors. I liked the sound and the price. But the ONLY bad thing I'll say about the Yamaha stuff is I think it was overpriced. It was solid stuff. Heck, I think BMW's are overpriced, but it doesn't mean I think they are bad cars. Well, not the older ones.🤣

[@chrislj2890]

Well, the adjusted price is close to what I paid for my Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amp, but as nice as it looks it can't hold a candle to that awesome monster. Nice fix!

[@MattDealy]

Yowza! Yea, the AS3200 is a thing of beauty! Balanced inputs would be nice to have. Do you like the way it sounds? I do like the looks of the CR-3020 as well! Thank you for watching!

[@chrislj2890]

@@MattDealy Oh yes, it sounds great and has an excellent phono preamp and headphone amp also. I can use the XLRs to connect to my CD-S2100 SACD player, although I don't know if I can really tell a difference between it and RCA. But recently I have gotten into vacuum tube amps and like them even more than solid state.

[@MattDealy]

Nice! Glad to hear that. It isn't a 3020 but it sure is beautiful and I'm happy that yamaha did a bit of a vintage inspired design with them. Ahh fair enough, tube amps are a totally different ball game.@@chrislj2890

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Nice! That's a grail item for me.

[@MattDealy]

Ahh yes! I hope you can find one. They come up every now and again.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

@@MattDealy there’s a minty one available an hour and a half away from me on FBM, but I don’t have $3200 to spare.

[@cgreenfield6655]

So badass. I'd pick this over a marantz, sansui, pioneer of the time

[@MattDealy]

Me to! I love my 9090 and a 2385 would be cool, but the yamaha is special to me. Thanks for watching!

[@turbomustang84]

The Mach ones are a perfect match for testing it but if you get your hands on a pair of Polk Audio RTA-12s because those are extremely power hungry and can handle 500wpc and are 4 ohm and they sound incredible. Actually The 150wpc receivers were the sweet spot such as the Pioneer SX1250 and Kenwood KR9600 as well as the Toshiba 7150 and your Yamaha. My most powerful Yamaha Receiver was the legendary Z9 from 2004 that weighed in at a hair under 100lbs

[@MattDealy]

Ah man, I'd love to get some vintage polks again. I used to have the SDA 1 and loved them. I agree. The 150wpc ish amps were really sweet. Most of the more powerful ones are either rare or have issues. The 1980 is fine but I'd never want to use one as a daily. Even the 3020 isn't my daily amp because I live in a duplex and can't listen loud and don't have a ton of space. It will probably be in the main system when I get a house eventually...

[@fmoyano]

I worked last year on a Yamaha A-9, and did the same thing with the DBT. Some circuits can draw a LOT when powering on and cannot start with DBT. Same with sony pulse power supply, for some reason you cannot put a DBT

[@MattDealy]

Ahh yes. Some are very power hungry. They need a large bulb. 200w is supposed to be ideal for the 3020 which is wild! Thanks for watching!

[@Uraim]

4:58 I have tone controls on my Pioneer SA7800 :D I use mine at Loudness on and +6db bass

[@MattDealy]

I'm not quite sure what you are referencing. Most amps I have seen have tone controls. Were you referring to the part where I said most people like to keep the tone controls flat? HAha, that sure is a lot of bass you're pumping, I'm here for it haha.

[@Uraim]

@@MattDealy like i mean newer conventional amplifiers that you go in the shop and buy.

[@dennishill290]

Hell yeah...! YAMAHA.... 🍺👍🔊🔈.... !

[@MattDealy]

Hellllll yeaaaaa brother 🍻

[@johnclintonmusicandmore]

I have always wanted a silver faced Yamaha but sense 95 i have had a Yamaha m-65 or 80 amp and a c-65 or 80 preamp the system I have now is the 2nd system is a 65 witch I have now, but i also have a Harman Kardon system from 83 witch I recreated the first system I bought with my own money and the speakers Boston Acoustics A100 Series III, then I have a 90's Technics system and I always have a set of Klipsch front and rear. but anyway thanks for the great video Matt

[@MattDealy]

Ahh nice! those 80's yamahas are very underrated. I'd love to work on an M-85 at some point! I do love the way the silver face receivers look though!

[@johncribbs8382]

@@MattDealy i know its not a big deal but the c1/m series mentioned above have a remote control and work better with a matching or pro cd player and eq imo. a holy grail amp for sure. Many yamaha before year 2000 are good. the cinema dsp chips ruining them

[@MattDealy]

@@johncribbs8382 remote controls are nice!

[@povertyspec9651]

Fix that dial light! Nice rig.

[@MattDealy]

There are no lights out. Most Yamahas only had one light on the dial pointer rather than illuminating the full scale. I would like to add full scale lighting to this one eventually.

[@cosmoshfa88savant66]

Subbed.......

[@MattDealy]

Thanks!

[@nudebaboon4874]

Gorgeous beast of a receiver. How many filter caps and what uF are they, thanks, from another Yamaha fan.

[@MattDealy]

Such a beast! Two 27,000uF 80v caps. Not the most but a solid amount. They're the size of coke cans. I'm glad this reached its intended audience. Us Yamaha fans gotta stick together haha

[@philipketchum1407]

I wish I could find one

[@MattDealy]

I have a second one that I'll be restoring and selling later this year. More info in the pinned comment.

[@paulbush7095]

Would you ever use Locktite on fasteners that are prone to loosen?

[@MattDealy]

I will add locking washers to these eventually. I wouldn't use loctite because the transistors will likely need to be replaced eventually so keeping it easier to service but ensuring that they can't come loose would be my preference. Loctite is great but I'd refrain from using it on a small screw that sees lots of heat as it could lock in place pretty tightly.

[@paulbush7095]

@@MattDealy understood. Thank you

[@adaboy4z]

I regretfully sold my 2040 last year to fund the restoration of my Yamaha Vfet amp and purchase the matching C2 preamp.

[@MattDealy]

Oh man, I'd love to get a 2040 some day. Been watching for a good deal on one. I'd say it's worth it though! That Vfet combo is a dream. About as rare as the 3020 I think. How do you like it?

[@adaboy4z]

@MattDealy I love the Yamaha B2 amplifier. It's smooth and powerful. The C2 preamp is a perfect match. I use the Nakamichi CA-5 preamp more, though, due to dual preouts and phone stage. I'm working on a Sony Vfet amp right now.

[@GentielioGaming]

Yeah but how would it conpare in sound to a new 3200 yamaha?

[@MattDealy]

Another commenter just stated that he got the AS3200. The CR-3020 has more power at 160W (AS3200 has 100). Spec wise, the AS3200 has balanced inputs with a very high signal to noise ratio. Much better than the 3020. I've heard the 2020 and AS2200 sound very similar but I'm not sure how that carries higher in the lineup. It probably sounds nearly identical. The phono stage might be quieter with balanced connections so you might notice that. AS3200 also has remote control...

[@dadsnotfunny]

Amazing, what location are you based is it true there is only 2000 in the word

[@MattDealy]

I'm North of Seattle in Washington State. Yes, it's alleged that there are less than 2000 but not specific production numbers are available. No one on record has seen one with a serial number under 1000 or over 3000.

[@robertdavis5714]

Bigger than my Kenwood 9000G, 24.5" Wide. Enjoyed seeing, 5 gang FM Tuner, 3 relays. Original owner on CL, talk about luck, would never buy this on EBAY.

[@MattDealy]

Ahhh so close! I think the Kenwood KR 9600 is 27 inches wide but a little less deep and shorter. For real, I feel very lucky that it showed up fairly close to me. I bought one on eBay last year also and it arrived great thankfully but the seller packed it in a flight case so that's probably why haha. It's beaten up so I can't wait to restore that one and find it a good home. Thanks for watching!

[@scrunts666]

I found one of these in a charity shop for £20.

[@MattDealy]

Whaaaaat??? Do you still have it? That's insane!

[@scrunts666]

@@MattDealy I do still have it, been meaning to have it serviced for a long time. It works but I reckon it would benefit from an overhaul.

[@josephhoward8304]

Jealousy factor 11.

[@MattDealy]

Haha they are rare but do come up for sale a few times a year...Prices seem to be on the rise though. Thank you for watching!

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

I have a suggestion if you use deoxit D5 don't use it on potentiometers it'll destroy the carbon track it's fine for switches and relays I use WD-40 specialized contact spray I find it to work better than all of them so far have a great day thought I'd just make a suggestion

[@MattDealy]

Absolutely agree to not using D5 on potentiometers. I use quick dry contact cleaner (the WD40 contact cleaner is great. For anyone watching, it is different than the standard WD40. Please don't use the regular WD40 on your electronics! It will ruin them.) followed by Deoxit F100 (F5 is the spray can equivalent). It's meant for more fragile contacts and also lubricates the potentiometers where the contact cleaner removes all oils and corrosion. The F5 will also protect against corrosive buildups and improve the contact surface. Thanks for sharing your tip!

[@intothevoid9831]

That's a myth. D5 does not damage potentiometers.

[@socksumi]

Bigger with more buttons and gadgets does not mean better sound. The sweet spot for the best sounding vintage receivers is around the 30 to 60 watt range. Paying outrageous prices these so called "monster" receivers fetch and you're just buying bling, not better sound.

[@MattDealy]

Absolutely agree on this to a certain point. It depends on the speakers you're using but if they aren't demanding, the CR 620/820/1020 are great! Thanks for watching

[@mikepxg6406]

Mullets and beards are not cool :)

[@MattDealy]

Righhttt coming from the dedicated expert on such matters....

[@mikepxg6406]

@@MattDealy You don't need to be an expert........

[@honestguy7764]

yamaha technicians are very nerdy indeed, on the instructions of my dsp z9 it says they visited anmeasured a lot of concert halls/ churches etc to make their sound modes as close as the real thing. Once into yamaha, never go back

[@MattDealy]

Haha so good! It sounds like a fun job. Thanks for watching!

[@markusweissenbock6337]

whats wrong with your hair? I hope that settles with age

[@MattDealy]

Nothing, it's perfectly within spec.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Thanks for the great video nice Yamaha receiver I never owned one of those I've been fixing stereos for 60 years those are really rare I remember when they were new one of our local high-end stores had one of those it's sad for years before someone finally bought it it wasn't discounted I'm currently working on a Kenwood Kr 9600 it needs some work have a great day I'll keep watching and just for fun on KZbin check out PJ Harvey big day out it's a short concert at rocks you might like it

[@MattDealy]

Wow! 60 years of stereo repairs. You must have some stories to tell! That's pretty interesting that it sat for so long before selling. Makes sense though. They were expensive! Nice! the 9600 is a beautiful receiver. I'll check out that show! Thank you for watching :)