A review of the very rare Pioneer SX-5580 circa 1976. Not sold in the US and it is not Silver!

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  • Опубліковано 14 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 108

  • @OldGuyHifi
    @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +11

    I big thank you to Kevin at Skylabs Vintage Audio in Des Moines Iowa for loaning me one of his rarest and valuable units. I was so fortunate to be able to review this unit. WOW!

  • @jim010109
    @jim010109 4 місяці тому +6

    Boy, i wish the manufacturers would go back to the vintage look. Modern insides, vintage looks. They would sell like hotcakes. Great video, brought back memories of my Air Force days in the mid 80's.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Jim, Thank you for your service my friend. There have been some retro units like NAD 3050 and the Leak units. I don't think they are built like this one.

  • @marks.2909
    @marks.2909 Місяць тому

    I have the Pioneer SX-5590 I use daily in a home office driving a pair of TeKton Lore speakers with the factory upgrades offered during ordering .Source is a music server and dac , I brought the receiver home from an estate sale in my neighborhood instantly falling in love with the look of it I had to have it .,,The Pioneer receiver turned out to be a mind blowing good match with these speakers
    I used a Accuphase E-280 integrate prior , sound wise the Pioneer 5590 ate it for breakfast .,… The Pioneer receiver is by far one of the top most enjoyable systems I have ever owned

  • @MrDoneboy
    @MrDoneboy 16 днів тому

    Wow, Ed. I've never seen a black-faced Pioneer...That receiver is simply Gorgeous. Tell Kevin that he's lucky that I haven't hit the lottery yet! Lol

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  16 днів тому +1

      I will tell him. We are doing a live stream tomorrow on Randy's the Cheap Audio Mans channel.

  • @dizzle1119
    @dizzle1119 3 місяці тому

    This is an absolutely gorgeous piece of kit. Sheesh.
    I wish there were a brand out there building gear that looks like this today, at a price the average guy can afford. I'd be all over it.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому +1

      It is a shame they have gotten so expensive. I get it. Thanks for returning.

  • @TodPurdy-e1x
    @TodPurdy-e1x 2 місяці тому +1

    Hello, love this video. I just picked up my very own SX-5580 about 3 weeks ago. I just love it, and believe it or not it too has a string of blue led lights, so pioneer cool. It truly is a magnificent beast of audio ingenious. Thank you for the video

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  2 місяці тому

      Tod, Thank you so much.

    • @marks.2909
      @marks.2909 Місяць тому

      I have the Pioneer SX-5590 I first laid eyes on at estate sale in my neighborhood, I was particularly interested in a lawn and garden tractor and returned home with this absolutely beautiful Pioneer SX-5590 including the John Deere tractor,…
      The receiver been thoroughly gone over updated and recapped , I currently use it in a home office system driving a pair of TeKton Lore speakers which turned out to be an absolutely fabulous mate for each other .
      The odd time some of my clients comes to my office business is set aside momentarily while they check out the looks and sound quality of this marriage made in heaven between receiver and speakers . I would never sell my Pioneer receiver no matter what the going rate , I love it ,.

  • @Brian_Romska
    @Brian_Romska 4 місяці тому +1

    I lived near Norfolk Virginia in the late 80s, about 15 years old, some of my friends were navy brats and I definitely remember seeing this unit at one of their houses and I’ll never forget how cool that friend was but mostly because his dad had a great stereo and he’d actually let us use it, good times. I was always so impressed with how much nicer that was in comparison to everyone else’s setup, so many knobs and buttons! Thanks again Ed!

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      That's is great experience and memory. BTW, thank you for joining the channel. I do appreciate it.

  • @solarrobot
    @solarrobot 4 місяці тому +2

    Ed, an absolutely outstanding presentation on the Pioneer SX-5580 receiver! Thank You!

  • @rickcole6990
    @rickcole6990 4 місяці тому

    I had a friend who's brother brought back from being stationed in Germany a black faced Pioneer, (Don't remember the model), But sure looked a whole lot like the one you're showcasing! Now I don't care much for the All Black stereo receivers available since "WHAT",,,,, the 90's But yours Still have the Brushed Aluminum face, It's just black and Mixed with the Silver Knobs, I think they're Gorgeous piece's ,,, SUPER SHARP

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      Agreed. It is a looker for sure. Sounds awesome as well. Thanks for sharing your memory and for watching.

  • @timcorner2821
    @timcorner2821 Місяць тому

    I really enjoyed your review of this gear. I remember when this series came out and I went to the local hifi shop and listened to them. It was the SX-1050 that I listened to. I did own an SX-780 at one time. Currently I have a SX-828 which I love. I have it hooked to Wharfedale 225's, which is a great match,

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  Місяць тому

      Tim, I did a review of those Wharfedales that you might want to watch. Thanks for stopping by.

  • @bcr1680
    @bcr1680 3 місяці тому

    Came across your very good overview of this excellent Pioneer receiver, thank you for providing it for us. I have a 5580 and yes, mine came from a Canadian serviceman stationed in Germany in the 70’s. This is a darned good box, my wife and I do certainly enjoy listening to music of the 60s, 70s and 80s from it. Interestingly mine slightly differs from this your as mine has black faced signal and tuning meters, both with the orange needle matching the colour in the function lights. All the best, and thanks again.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому

      That is a curious difference. It is a wonderful unit. Thanks for sharing that interesting piece of information.

  • @KillerKlipsch
    @KillerKlipsch 4 місяці тому +1

    I was always a bit of a vintage Marantz snob until I heard some vintage rebuilt Pioneers, They are pretty hard to beat.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Yes. The Pioneers were very good. I will always have a soft spot for Marantz. My Dad had Marantz tube gear in the 60's and we were Marantz dealers in the 80's & 90's. I have a vintage Marantz integrated amp that I am sentimentally attached to. I did a video on it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

    • @KillerKlipsch
      @KillerKlipsch 4 місяці тому

      @@OldGuyHifi You not only grew up in the golden age of stereo wars but your dad had Marantz tube gear, that is incredible. I can only imagine the tunes that came from your house when you were growing up, Pure gold. Cant wait to watch more of your content. Thanks.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      The crazy thing was that at the time there was so little available content in stereo that my dad and his buddies would listen sound effects records because that's all there was. There were lots of Broadway show LPs in stereo but how many times can you listen to Camelot? Thx.

  • @cremersalex
    @cremersalex 4 місяці тому

    My mother had that amp (she worked for Pioneer Europe) and back then I used 'Loudness' on everything! She got rid of it when she bought a used (demo) SA-9900.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      What a great memory. We all used loudness all the time! Thanks for watching and sharing your memory.

  • @osliverpool
    @osliverpool 4 місяці тому

    I remember the big receivers of the 70s, which I could never afford. That Pioneer is a real thing of beauty - probably the best looking one I've ever seen.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Agreed. It is very pretty.

  • @philipgrobler7253
    @philipgrobler7253 4 місяці тому

    This is beautiful, it was considered a high end unit of that era, in the same class as Aiwa, Kenwood, Technics and NAD. However NAD were the most expensive units then.

  • @glennwagner1095
    @glennwagner1095 4 місяці тому

    Ed, I almost laughed when you said we wanted to "feel" the music. That is something I have been after for all my vintage audio life (I'm 64), then I ran across a Pioneer sx-5590 that needed a full restoration. After the work was done, I couldn't have been happier. I combined the 5590 with a pair of Altec 19's and a pair of Ess AMT1A's, to my old ears sonic bliss. Anyway, thanks for the review and am enjoying your channel after seeing you on Kevin's channel. Happy listening, Bear

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Thank you Glenn. I appreciate your comment. Feeling the music is still important.

  • @vibingwithvinyl
    @vibingwithvinyl 4 місяці тому

    Love this sort of vintage equipment. I have a Marantz system from ~1980. SD3000 deck, ST400 tuner and PM250 amp, all installed in a period correct Marantz rack. They are currently not in use and need to be serviced, although they do all work.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      That Marantz system needs to sing! Hopefully there is a decent repair shop near you. Thank you for tuning and commenting. I do appreciate it.

    • @vibingwithvinyl
      @vibingwithvinyl 4 місяці тому

      @@OldGuyHifi I used to work in an electronics repair shop, so might eventually service them myself. Or not, time will tell. They are inside my apartment, so not getting any worse.

  • @Simon_Hawkshaw
    @Simon_Hawkshaw 4 місяці тому +1

    What an amazing piece of kit and interesting history. Thank you to all concerned, bringing this content and equipment to us all.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      Thank you so much my friend. It was fun to review. No fun to lift and move.

    • @Simon_Hawkshaw
      @Simon_Hawkshaw 4 місяці тому +1

      @OldGuyHifi I am sure it has some good heft to it. Back in '76, Pioneer was sought after and prized possessions in sanctions strapped Africa, but it was wonderful to see and experience this through your content. We had a local manufacturer Tempest and Supersonic to fill the gap, but nowhere near this and Sansui kit of the day.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      At least it wasn't Amstrad! I am sure it was tough in those days. Were those brands built in Rhodesia or else where?

    • @Simon_Hawkshaw
      @Simon_Hawkshaw 4 місяці тому

      They were Rhodesian manufacturers and then Tempest moved down to South Africa, and my wife ended up working for them. How the wheel turns. I owned their Tempest 2000 unit in '73 though to '82 !

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      @@Simon_Hawkshaw What was that brand comparable to?

  • @mikecampbell5856
    @mikecampbell5856 4 місяці тому

    What an awesome unit Ed! Thanks for sharing. Somebody my son barely knows gave him a Marantz 2285b with a black face from Europe. They wired it for US outlets and of course they wired it out of phase. LOL I had never seen a black face Marantz before. I have heard of an anti birdie filter before but never paid attention to what it did. I figured an IF wide/narrow band would have been better.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      I have only seen a couple of black face Marantz units in the last 45 years. Does he still have the unit? It might be fixable unless it blowed up. I think a beat filter is different than an IF band adjustment. Don't hold me to that my memory is only so so on that stuff. Thanks Mike.

  • @RedSinter
    @RedSinter 4 місяці тому

    We called that modulation as Picket Fencing...back in the day.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Yes! I forgot about that. It has been a long time since I played with a tuner. Great comment. Thank you.

  • @stevezeidman7224
    @stevezeidman7224 4 місяці тому

    Terrific job, Ed. Just got a chance to watch. I loved the receivers of the Stereo Wars years. They were terrific in every way. Too bad a mere 5 years later they were replaced by ugly black rectangles with ugly black buttons.

  • @ewoutbuhler5217
    @ewoutbuhler5217 4 місяці тому

    Loved that review, you showed me some new things, like that u-shaped response these things tend to have. I think the duplicate switch is to route the audio from tape 1 to 2, instead of having the source routed to tape 1 and 2. I remember the 1>2 and 2>1 switch that my dad's Technics SA-500 used to have and my current more high featured vintage amplifiers also have.

  • @rafacq
    @rafacq 2 місяці тому

    That’s one good looking receiver! Thanks for the great review.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  2 місяці тому +1

      Ralph, Good looking like a 63 split window! Like the splity the Pioneer would not be a great daily driver. Thanks for going back in the catalog my friend.

  • @dbrodbro1
    @dbrodbro1 4 місяці тому

    Ed, thank you for your humble presentation of your extensive knowledge base.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      That is very nice of you to say. I am glad you thought is was good. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

  • @RandySmith-iz1ml
    @RandySmith-iz1ml 4 місяці тому

    Great interview, keep up the great work. Sure did want one back in the day and would still like to have one for the right price.

  • @jerryandlisa27
    @jerryandlisa27 4 місяці тому

    What a beautiful thing piece of art ! And the receiver is nice too. Lol

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      I bet you say that to all the UA-camrs. Lol.

  • @michaelmangan9224
    @michaelmangan9224 4 місяці тому

    Hi Ed, discovered your channel after watching you with Kevin @ Skylabs. I grew up in Chicago and totally forgot about Pacific Stereo, which is where I bought my first receiver, a Pioneer SX-450. I currently own a Pioneer SX-1050 which I love. I have subscribed to your channel & thoroughly enjoy your reviews. - thanks Mike

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Mike, Thank you so much.

  • @jameslaidler2152
    @jameslaidler2152 4 місяці тому

    Well crap! Now I want one! Thanks dude! My bank account is NOT going to be happy. It's bad enough I covet my housemate's SX-7500 and his Denon PMA-501.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Sorry. It seems I am the purveyor of audio porn. Thanks so much.

  • @TheMegapixelMan
    @TheMegapixelMan 4 місяці тому

    Also 'Lust' this Dual voltage, 120w, bass freq control, black, "I have no idea what this tuner feature is", Pioneer receiver! Would have liked to hear Boston on it!

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      It is so cool. Boston rocked the house on this. Plus it has "Anti Birdy Filtering." Who could ask for anything else.

  • @RobertMoritz01
    @RobertMoritz01 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for the review. One of my favorite channels. Wish you would grab some vintage EPI speakers to compare vintage to any of your new stuff.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      That would be nice. It is just having access to those kinds of equipment. Thank you so much for watching.

  • @fredcrook8228
    @fredcrook8228 4 місяці тому +1

    That's a sweet machine. 😊 Thank you for the review on this monster.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +2

      Any time! Thank you so much for joining the channel.

    • @fredcrook8228
      @fredcrook8228 4 місяці тому

      You bet. 😎👍

  • @lmkan
    @lmkan 4 місяці тому

    I once repaired a SX 1010. Man, that was a terrific sounding BEAST! I'm shure this one sounds close to the SX 1010, don't you think?

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      It has been a very long time since I heard a 1010. Both units are pretty much from the same era. They both have pretty much the same specs so, I would imagine that they very similar IMHO. Thanks for returning and commenting.

  • @skylabsaudio
    @skylabsaudio 4 місяці тому

    Great Review, Ed! Please continue to send any lottery winners my way :)

  • @davidnguyen5028
    @davidnguyen5028 2 місяці тому

    I just subscribed. Very nice review. I’m thinking about buying one, are they easy to service?

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  2 місяці тому +1

      Because of the increasing popularity of vintage Pioneer some companies are remaking parts for them. Stuff like caps, resistors and the like are available. It is just stuff like face plates and knobs that can be a problem. You might want to check in area for any local electronic service shops and ask them. Good luck and I hope you can find a perfect one. Thx for subscribing.

  • @philipgrobler7253
    @philipgrobler7253 4 місяці тому

    A superb rare find, love it!

  • @herbertburack8941
    @herbertburack8941 4 місяці тому

    OMG. I had a similar Pioneer until someone decided to break into my Brooklyn,NY apartment and steal it. But seriously, do the "yooots" today even know what a tuner is? Music thru IPhones. Real music aficionados.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Herbert, I know. I have made it a bit of mission to get younger people into the hobby. So, I have recruited my kids to expose their friends to their Hifis. Would you guess that my kids have good systems? I know, what a shocker. They have been kind of successful and some of their friends have bought some used gear or some "funfi" gear and started listening in earnest. Their friend now just call me about equipment and streaming, etc. Maybe there is hope. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

  • @moxie_ST
    @moxie_ST 15 днів тому

    Deng I wish I could hear this baby in action ufff ❤🎉

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  14 днів тому +1

      It was pretty sweet. Thx for tuning in.

  • @darcyellis1314
    @darcyellis1314 4 місяці тому

    Absolutely enjoy your reviews and the way you present your ideas. I also really enjoy skylabs. I am just getting into hifi and was wondering in regards to what is widely available now, what would be a good 1970:s era system for a small space? The emphasis being vinyl records. I currently have a Fluance r81 turntable run the a Holiday f10 amp to Totem Arro speakers. Any thought you might have would be greatly appreciated. System sounds great, but I would like to have the older set up at my cabin.

    • @darcyellis1314
      @darcyellis1314 4 місяці тому

      Jolida not holiday.

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      I bet that is a great sounding system. A lot depends on what speakers you are planning on using at the cabin, i., e., bookies or floor standers. Honestly, I would go with modern speakers and vintage amps/receivers. Most anything around 30-70 watts will be great. I know a lot of mfrs. are closing out speaker models post AXPONA & Munich. Check on Crutchfield or the mfrs. own site to see what they are offering. Please let me know what you decide. Thanks so much for watching. Good luck.

  • @mannyortizchicago
    @mannyortizchicago 4 місяці тому

    Thinking about selling mine. Great unit any idea on value??

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому +1

      There are a couple on eBay for $3K plus. One of which I believe has been recapped, Why sell it?

    • @mannyortizchicago
      @mannyortizchicago 2 місяці тому

      ​@OldGuyHifi need the money more currently 😤 😢😊

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  2 місяці тому

      @@mannyortizchicago I get. Sometimes need must.

  • @SarahOutdoors1957
    @SarahOutdoors1957 3 місяці тому

    I have this model and the SX 5570 I am in England UK

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому

      They are very cool. My understanding was that the multi voltage units were available on US military bases at the PX. is that the story with yours? Thx.

    • @SarahOutdoors1957
      @SarahOutdoors1957 3 місяці тому

      @@OldGuyHifi these were only available on USAF bases in western Germany in 1976 or 77 obviously the ones I have have been brought to England by people who were stationed at USAF bases in West Germany at that time and came back to or settled in England they have obviously cone from the estates of servicemen or relatives of

    • @SarahOutdoors1957
      @SarahOutdoors1957 3 місяці тому

      As far as I know or understand

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому

      @@SarahOutdoors1957 That was my understanding as well. You are a lucky fella to have those. Thx.

  • @mikepxg6406
    @mikepxg6406 4 місяці тому

    Whats a "Tooner"

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  4 місяці тому

      Some old fashioned gizmo that picks up signals from some
      do-hickey called a Marconi. IDK.

    • @mikepxg6406
      @mikepxg6406 4 місяці тому

      @@OldGuyHifi In UK we say Tuner. ua-cam.com/video/bHfCOj0KssY/v-deo.html

  • @brunohebert1351
    @brunohebert1351 4 місяці тому

    insert #hifiporn here ;-)
    Great piece indeed

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому

      Bruno, For some reason UA-cam redirected this to a different folder I only just found out about. I promise I was not ignoring you.

    • @brunohebert1351
      @brunohebert1351 3 місяці тому

      @@OldGuyHifi No worries

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому

      I didn't want to give you my real thoughts on the Pecan Pi+ on the review channel. I soft peddled the Volumio part. The DAC is amazing the streamer not so much. Orchard Audio is basically a one man show. That means he, Leo, has to rely on freeware like Volumio as he has limited resources. I would not want anything I say to have a negative effect on a small business like his. The big guys, I will blast when needed. I also think it is over priced for the value. I am purchasing a Geshelli J2S to add as an additional reference DAC. I think it is that good and with in millimeters of the Pecan Pi+'s performance for far less money. Forgive me father it has been years since my last confession. I hope that answers your questions. Thx so much.

    • @brunohebert1351
      @brunohebert1351 3 місяці тому

      @@OldGuyHifi I agree and understand. I'm not an expert but I think there are several systems available for the Pi based hardware, unless I'm mistaken it is possible and somewhat easy to move from one system to another. My question was more on that aspect. Nothing to do with Orchid Audio.
      In regards to what you said, maybe you should try to convince Leo to make a standalone DAC version without screen and headphone amp to keep cost down. That would probably be a winner
      BTW, still very happy with the Cambridge Audio AXN10, there's a punch to it in my system that I really enjoy (another BTW, check out FIP and FIP Reggae radio stations)
      Now, it really makes me miss the digital inputs... would have love to connect my CD player to its DAC
      Oh well, can't have everything, right?

    • @OldGuyHifi
      @OldGuyHifi  3 місяці тому

      Bruno, I am sorry if I misunderstood your cooment. He does make a standalone DAC version, no streamer no headphone, it does have a volume control and it is $699 + $75 if you want single ended as well balanced. Dirty secret: I used the MXN10 coax'd into the Pecan Pi because I got sick of Volumio and it was very, very good sounding. I am listening to it that way right now on one of Thomas & Stereo's Galion amps. Much goodness. Review will be a month or so out. First impressions are very positive. Thank you so much.