I have many vintage receivers (about 30) and recently picked up a used SX-650 in great shape for $30 (slight peeling of the vinyl around the corners). After some cleaning I fired it up and was impressed to find it in fully operational condition (sorry but it was in much better shape than the one in this video). Nice warm sound from the twin 50V8000mf Nippon caps. I'm actually listening to it right now. Enjoying it with a nice sounding pair of Technics SB-T200 speakers. No listening fatigue even after many hours. This receiver is a keeper!
The balance and speaker knobs are swapped! I got one of these for Christmas 1977, still works but needs a power switch and speaker relay. The salesman at the electronics store told my mom that Pioneers are so well built it should last 20 years!
I bought an SX-650 in 1977 (at Crazy Eddies) but used it only two years before trading up. It drove my Ohm Acoustics model L's to lease breaking levels and had enough output to impress, if not annoy, the neighbors. I liked the almost effortless flywheel tuning, big tuning meters, easy hookup with it's horizontal back plate, somewhat useful high filter (6dB/oct), two tape loops (with one way dubbing), positive sounding and functioning toggle switches, healthy 35wpc, ease of driving 4 ohm loads and that stylish Pioneer 50 series look. It was boss. Only caveat was the power/speaker combo switch. Never a good idea. Otherwise a fine receiver.
Although I was too young to appreciate this era of hi-fi, all of the Pioneer gear I've bought over the decades still works, even the fairly modern (~2000) stuff all works.
Hi I have the same unit in my garage and every winter when I try to play it it turns on but there's no sound and i dont hear any click idea what it my be the problem? Thanks
Bob, prices vary with condition. I've seen the SX-650 on sale from $200 to $500 (a ridiculous price). If you've gotta have it, don't pay more than $300, unless Jesus owned it. Get my point??
Thanks for doing a video on the SX650. I picked up a 650 at the Goodwill store about 6 years ago. Here is my restoration video. ua-cam.com/video/s64PrUEj8jk/v-deo.html My receiver has the exact same wire nuts connecting the dial lamps so I think that was factory. I did the LED upgrade that you were talking about and cleaned up all the controls. It's still working great. Hopefully your customer ok's the LED work. I'd like to compare your solution to mine.
this receiver belongs to me and I have found a treasure in Norcal715, and am fortunate enough to live an hour away allowing me to utilize his talents often. I did the led swap myself using the bendy style lamps designed for pinball games. They are economical and offer ease of installation and tunability by simply rotating the lamp in the socket focusing the light in various directions.
I have many vintage receivers (about 30) and recently picked up a used SX-650 in great shape for $30 (slight peeling of the vinyl around the corners). After some cleaning I fired it up and was impressed to find it in fully operational condition (sorry but it was in much better shape than the one in this video). Nice warm sound from the twin 50V8000mf Nippon caps. I'm actually listening to it right now. Enjoying it with a nice sounding pair of Technics SB-T200 speakers. No listening fatigue even after many hours. This receiver is a keeper!
Still have the SX 650 I got for Christmas 77’. Love it! Wish I had the Pioneer speakers I got for graduation the following year.
The balance and speaker knobs are swapped! I got one of these for Christmas 1977, still works but needs a power switch and speaker relay. The salesman at the electronics store told my mom that Pioneers are so well built it should last 20 years!
I bought an SX-650 in 1977 (at Crazy Eddies) but used it only two years before trading up. It drove my Ohm Acoustics model L's to lease breaking levels and had enough output to impress, if not annoy, the neighbors. I liked the almost effortless flywheel tuning, big tuning meters, easy hookup with it's horizontal back plate, somewhat useful high filter (6dB/oct), two tape loops (with one way dubbing), positive sounding and functioning toggle switches, healthy 35wpc, ease of driving 4 ohm loads and that stylish Pioneer 50 series look. It was boss. Only caveat was the power/speaker combo switch. Never a good idea. Otherwise a fine receiver.
Although I was too young to appreciate this era of hi-fi, all of the Pioneer gear I've bought over the decades still works, even the fairly modern (~2000) stuff all works.
1970's vintage technology was considered good quality back then. Built to last.
Always glad to see a *DeoxIT* user! And the appropriate one!
Well built, fairly easy to work on.
Hi I have the same unit in my garage and every winter when I try to play it it turns on but there's no sound and i dont hear any click idea what it my be the problem? Thanks
how Much for 1976 SX 650 ?
Bob, prices vary with condition. I've seen the SX-650 on sale from $200 to $500 (a ridiculous price). If you've gotta have it, don't pay more than $300, unless Jesus owned it. Get my point??
Thanks for doing a video on the SX650. I picked up a 650 at the Goodwill store about 6 years ago. Here is my restoration video. ua-cam.com/video/s64PrUEj8jk/v-deo.html
My receiver has the exact same wire nuts connecting the dial lamps so I think that was factory. I did the LED upgrade that you were talking about and cleaned up all the controls. It's still working great. Hopefully your customer ok's the LED work. I'd like to compare your solution to mine.
this receiver belongs to me and I have found a treasure in Norcal715, and am fortunate enough to live an hour away allowing me to utilize his talents often. I did the led swap myself using the bendy style lamps designed for pinball games. They are economical and offer ease of installation and tunability by simply rotating the lamp in the socket focusing the light in various directions.
More bloopers please :-)
Those wire nuts were factory, I believe.
Mine has those wire nuts and I thought the same thing. Neat to know they where factory
Great... the only things you actually did, you didn't bother to include in the video.