Yamaha CA-810

This is the magnificent Yamaha CA-810, one of the finest examples of Yamaha’s legendary craftsmanship from the 1970s. Built with the kind of precision and attention to detail typically associated with Swiss timepieces, the CA-810 exemplifies the golden age of hi-fi, when components were engineered not only to perform but to last a lifetime.

Its front panel is a joy to interact with — smooth, weighty knobs and switches that convey mechanical excellence and durability. The amplifier features two large, beautifully lit VU meters, calibrated in both decibels and watts for 8-ohm loads. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the CA-810’s meters have a fast rise time, offering a genuinely useful visual reference for peak output levels and potential distortion onset — a practical and elegant touch.

Designed to be extremely versatile, it offers support for two pairs of speakers with switchable A/B/off options, a headphone output, and a comprehensive set of inputs: auxiliary, tuner, two tape loops, and most notably, three phono inputs — a rare and welcome feature. Two of these are for MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges, while the third is for MC (Moving Coil) cartridges. Further enhancing its vinyl credentials, the Phono 1 input offers selectable input impedance (98kΩ, 67kΩ, and 49kΩ), allowing for fine-tuning to suit different cartridges and setups.

The tone controls are also highly flexible, with bass and treble adjustment knobs each offering a two-position frequency selector, letting users tailor the EQ to their preferences with surgical precision.

Its natural sound signature, a hallmark of Yamaha’s design ethos, shines through — rich bass, detailed highs, and a well-layered stereo image. Whether you’re spinning vinyl, streaming digital, or playing tapes, the CA-810 provides a smooth, clean, and highly musical experience.

In conclusion, the CA-810 stands as a masterclass in amplifier design: refined, versatile, and sonically rewarding. It offers a fantastic phono stage, a remarkably musical character, and a build quality that today’s gear often struggles to match. A true classi