You are the man, thanks! I'm 63, bought my Phase Linear system in 1981- 300 amp., 3300 preamp, etc. etc. in W. Germany while serving in the USAF. Had everything reconditioned 3 years ago and am still enjoying Hi-Fi.
I just bought the grand baby, the SX-780, and love it. It sounds like the Pioneer receivers I listened to when I was a teenager who couldn’t afford one at the time.
she 's a stereo receiver that have one since 1984 , it was ofered to me , working perfect don't know if it needs anything it sounds better than any newer amplifier and whatever the speakers used they sound better there so i'm might need to restore every amplifier in the stores now before , restoring this and tone controls are not there to be seen , it had a life free of moist , i know guys that deoxit the hell of their amplifiers , like if they were painting with a spay can , off course my old tannoys don't sound so perfect as they did 45 years ago but with so many options of frequencies from the speakers to the stereo receiver , it sounds always good to me but if i had a electronic engenier in my town has i did till 1996 , there were 3 that were like adicted to hi-fi but they are gone or just not able to work ,about FM isn't a source of new music as it was the only way of knowing most of the bands i hear today but having knowledge to find new releases on streaming software and being able to buy on-line the Lps and new independent labels that offer their artists on-line to watch them live or hear their work with interesting art work that was lost with cds ,that i have hundreds but more than alf never opened the inlay book or card to watch a magnifying glass , its a excess but nice one , i bought a amplifier from pioneer in the early 90's and compared with this is destroyd a reference integrated amplfier ,a A-777 but a friend ofered me a A-616MKII and it works also tried from a dutch friend of mine is H.H. SCOTT high-end integrated amplifier and surprised me for the best ,it was completelly restored but all new that i've tried is such a deception and this new wave of no output amplifiers ,no coment , i have a friend with dementia but both workibg we can restore old components but i get tired and the last time i lost 2 monthes after work before dinner to put to work a old deck from kenwood that it was stoped for 34 years
@vintageaudioaddict you are correct about kids nowadays not appreciating these vintage pieces. I picked up a 2270 for $20 at a garage sale. You are also correct it takes a little bit of coin do you have all the electrolytic & capacitors changed. $300 shipping round trip $120 Pelican case $700 bench time and restoration As you can see it's not just the purchase price that has to make sense but you will have to decide if you want to keep it for long term. My friend in the engineers such as yourself is retiring and that will be a sad day is there a fewer of you around each year. Don't get me wrong it's a well-deserved retirement from this Hobby as he is approaching 70 years old. It gets tough moving those heavy pieces around. You do wonderful work.
I'm quite partial to late 70s silver face receivers, and this Pioneer is one of the best. I do similar restorations and all your observations and comments are spot on. Thanks for posting this!
These have really helped me communicate with my local repair shop. I almost sound like I know what I am talking about when I bring them a piece of my equipment.
Great advice, I've just fully recapped my 35yr old NAD 3150.. I worked slowly and carefully and it now sounds as good as it did in the 80's.. RS components here in the UK were very useful ..
You have the best videos for audio equipment on UA-cam! I have my SX-1980 playing nearing every day now that I have to work from home. Will I sell? No. I’d rather have the best receiver ever made instead of the money. Thank you and keep up the great work.
I remember a place called Capital Audio Visual (?) in Chattanooga TN in the 1970s. I think my SX-880 came from there. They had an SX-1980 on display. I wish I had one of these just to amplify keyboards through.
I remember like it was yesterday stopping in the local Japan Electronic Centre at our shopping mall here in Canada back in 79 and they had this receiver in and were demonstrating it playing the new Supertramp album Breakfast In America and the receiver was at least $1500 which at the time was a CRAZY amount of money but boy it was beautiful. Got my younger brother in law into vintage gear in recent years and he now has among his collection a SX1280 matched to Pioneer HPM 150 speakers , wow the sound is stunning. I myself have a Marantz 4400 Quad, a 2285 (not b) and a 2250b as well as a mint Sansui AU 9500 and TU 9500, this stuff never ceases to amaze me. Among my fav albums to demonstrate the gear is Johnny Winter's Second Winter lp rom 1969 with it's tube-like sound and wonderful bottom end not to mention Led Zep 2 and Let It Bleed by the Stones, music I grew up with thanks to my cool parents. That music paired with this gear is unparalleled.
I was stationed in Japan in 1973 and 1974 and this stuff was available at very, very reasonable prices. I guess for the time I was there I didn't fully realize I was living the Golden Age of Audio in Japan. A kid in the candy store!
I must agree with you. I was at Yokota Air Base back in 1974 - 1976, used to go to Pony Stereo department right off the base and bought me the Marantz 4400 for $730, which was selling in the U.S. for $1200. That store was something else, it was selling all types of Marantz models as well as Pioneers, Sansui, Sony. Many of us bought 4 channel receivers and used to blast them up in the dorm. Yes, those days were really good and all these equipments were so well made, I think from early 70s to about 76 were the best, no comparisons to today's flimsy, plasti-facbricated, black colored gears. Japan really excelled in hi-fi equipments back then and no other country was able to match them. I owned three 4400, several 2325, 2270, 2285B and few other Marantz. They were all made near by city in Tokyo that time. Still got 2230, 2215, 2215B, 2216B, 2252, 2245 and 2275, they all sound good, just like Marantz used to claim. I think Sansui have better sound quality, warmer and more dynamic. G9000, G5700, Model 8, receivers are good sounding. Vintage Sansui amplifiers are also good, like AU-999, even the tiny ones they made were good. I go over all the receivers I had because I was a microwave, wideband technician in the Air Force that time. By the way, exchange rate back in 1975 was about 292 yen to dollar, used to be better and don't pay any tax at exchange or at any off base stores. Yes, sir, I was very fortunate to witness all the today's vintage equipments operates and hear and work on. With today's fabricated equipments, can't even change a micro sized resistor on the PC board.
Same for me, about 10 years after you, stationed in Okinawa, Japan (Marine). Bought my SX-1080 for $345 on base. Wanted the 1980 but didn't think I quite had the space for it in my foot locker. Still enjoying my 1080 to this day, all original too.
Subscribed ! I am in my 40s now and always wanted to fix equipment .. and watching your videos brings me closer to pushing to use more personal time to spend on fixing my old nakamichi, marantz and sony (el7) devices. Thanks for the videos !
Great video and information. I grew up reading audio equipment magazines & brochures. Loved to go to the audio shops and look and listen to the equipment. Of course I couldn't afford them. That's one of the reasons I decided to get my degree in electronics engineering. Thanks for sharing.
I do not remember the model number but I do remember as I would call it toe slim line version all silver/chrome. It even had its very own metal chrome stand and always looked to be modern and very powerful. I will buy it if I ever find online.
I bought one of these in a pawn shop back in 1981 for $300. Sold it in 1986 for $500. I thought that was a pretty good little profit. Now I wish I still had it.
Thank you for your knowledge.now on your stereo systems if I was you find someone who will benefit from the systems if know one in your family wants them I would look around first.i love my stereo systems and I am in the same boat I don't have anyone to leave them to .mine are nearly as nice as yours but I am going to enjoy them as long as I can and hopefully find someone else that might enjoy them later down the road.im 59 years old so hopefully I can still enjoy them for a good while.thank you again God Bless
Hi John, Thank you for the kind words and for sharing. I've seen my family members looking at exotic travel destinations so they already plans for my audio equipment when I'm gone. LOL
I got rid of my lower end Kenwood and Pioneer equipment back in the day. I did hold on to My 1985 Yamaha A1000 and all of the associated brochures for it. Glad I never sold it.
Thanks, what you helped me with is where to find good quality parts. I'm about to restore a 1936 Philco 116x floor standing 5 band TUBE radio. I have all the technical manuals but was still needing to know where to get the parts I am going to need. All of my equipment (the tube tester, the audio signal generator etc.) is also tube type tho my oscilloscope is more recent (well, 1980's recent) as well as my variac to run the AC power. I am planning to change everything (resistors, capacitors) with new components as well as the line cord and safety caps to insure that NO ONE ever gets shocked as was an issue on those old radios. So THANKS!!! I know now that when I make this restoration I'll be using the right things from the very start!!!
@@vintageaudioaddict Do you have a top recommendation for a vintage Sansui Tuner Amp. I fixed a monster of a Sansui many years ago, this this thing sounded fantastic! It even dimmed the table lamps when it was really thumping. If I remember this unit was over 200 W per channel.
Thank You! Yes, the SX-1980 is a monster. I also have a SX-1050 in my collection and it's a great receiver. If you ever get one I think that you will enjoy it.
Now that's a beast! Nothing like the sound of REAL audio equipment. Shame they don't still make stuff like this. It looks good and sounds good. Will make your pants leg move. Great Vid! Cheers! 🍻 -AC
@@vintageaudioaddict Indeed you are lucky to have that amp and like you, I would never sell that amp. I have a QX- 949 Quad receiver I have had for many years and it still sounds crisp and will shake the walls running 4 sets of speakers. The turntable pre-amp in those units are just the bomb! Those amps make any media sound bigger than life! Thanks for sharing! IF I ever have to do any work on my unit, your hints for info about those sites for vintage equipment will come in handy. --AC 🍻 Cheers!
I can't believe I just got a Pioneer SX-1980 at what was a high but reasonable price. She is the jewel of my collection. Now I have a Pioneer SX1980, a Pioneer SX1280 and a Pioneer SX1250. I also have a Pioneer SX-950 I might soon be selling. I don't have room for it anymore. The big fat SX-1250 is taking its spot. UPDATE: I now have all the Pioneer (Monster 100 Watts or more) 1970's receiver wars units. Pioneer SX-1050, Pioneer SX-1080, Pioneer SX-1250, Pioneer SX-1080 and the Pioneer SX-1980. My newly acquired SX-1050 and SX-1080 are in the shop getting rebuilt now. They complete my collection of NINE, 1970's receiver wars monster receivers. It's time for me to hang up my collecting spurs and leave stuff for others to collect.
Great video. I enjoyed this one very much. I have a SX 1980 and a SX 980 both of which need a restoration. They're still working but like you said about the electrolytics I'm sure they need replacing. I was going to try to do the work myself (I even bought the upgraded power supply board and the parts for it) but after seeing the prices these receivers are bringing I may let this thing (the 1980) go and let somebody else enjoy it. I don't have any test equipment either so that's another drawback. Anyway, thanks for the info and I look forward to the next video.
Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching. Yes, with the prices being what they are I understand your position. Even me being a hardcore vintage audio collector I'm thinking about selling some gear.
Wow! It looks new. Must belong to someone fastidious. That pioneer receiver is the best to me. Connect that to the Pioneer speakers. It just rocks. Used to have people come over to listen to it. All my vinyls are gone now. What a big mistake...
I have a Pioneer Spec-II power amp that I don't think I'll ever be selling. Tho the speaker relay isn't clicking, a quick inspection didn't reveal anything, but at least it also didn't have any signs of repair. So all good for times when i have the spare cash to splurge on Mouser and Newark. I do recommend you try out Nichicon's top end KZ and UKZ series in more critical parts of the circuits (pre-amp/power amp active parts power rail bypass). Damn those sound good, and reasonably priced too. Elna silmic series are also excellent, I once recapped a Proton Pro-series(their higher end line) pre-amp with it, replacing ALL of the electrolytics with Silmic II (also reasonable priced, especially when i bought in bags of 100 to 200), the vocals just sounds amazingly clear after letting it run in for a few hours. We noticed not with critical listening, but was just watching some episodic drama in DVD. Before the voices sounded muddy and took some effort to figure out what they were talking. Now i can understand them in the next room. Now I'm seriously thinking about having a new back plate make for the Spec-II, so that I can save the original plate, while i can still put modern binding posts and a nice IEC power socket on it.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experiences. This type of information is what helps to keep the old vintage electronics operating well into the future.
@@vintageaudioaddict ah, i almost forgot, while you were talking about capacitor endurance, i thought of a crazy Aussie company... ARX. I say that in an impressed manner... I emailed them to ask for service manual of an amp i acquired (Hitachi MOSFET), and while chatting, i told them I'm domesticating one of their second amp for home use. The tech happy helped me and suggested much higher bias for better enjoyment at home. (1V across MOSFET gates) Well, here comes the really crazy Aussie part... It have 100V main filter capacitor bank with lots of snap in caps. The voltage is 106V..... I asked and they said that's fine, capacitors'tolerance should handle it just fine. Oh... Okay.... I could not easily find 120V capacitors at the time, and settled for Rifa (made in China) 100V snap in surplus i can get my hands on at the time. (Local scammer duped Rifa distributor to get a hugh batch of that in custom label, so they have a hard time selling it) it works fine while i was using it, and surprisingly it have me a hint of the sound signature from my other amp that uses the expensive made in Sweden PEH-169 white cans. I must stress i absolutely looked down on the snap in Rifas, partly due to where it was made and the assocation with the scammer. However, after using it in ARX i was really impressed with how it sounds. I know how suggestion in my mind can affect what i perceive, but I was really just expecting ho-hum, working but not impressive amp. It absolutely is different from my expectations...
Another great video and what an amazing piece of audio history. It looked amazingly clean, too. I know what you mean about the absurd prices of vintage gear these days. I've only recently begun learning how to restore and repair gear and have been doing mostly Marantz gear. Like the Pioneer, the Marantz prices are getting stupidly high. Wish I had begun buying up pieces years ago. One question: What was happening with your quartz lock (or other LED) when you where touching the tuning knob. I saw something about "Touch Tuning" on one of the brochure pages you showed but could not figure out what was happening when you touched it. Thanks!
That;s one of the reasons I am no longer collecting vintage audio. Prices for anything from the silver faced 70's is sick expensive in 2023. My entire collection cost me about $25,000 across 10 years journey of careful price conscious acquisition. Today my entire collection could not be purchased on Ebay for $50,000. Old turntables are also stupid expensive unless you find one in good condition at Goodwill or Salvation Army. I luck out at estate sales and helping friends clearing out garages, storage lockers,cellars, barns and basements. Ebay vintage audio prices are completely insane!
YOU SPEAKS SO CLEARLY YOUR ACCENT IS THE BEST OUT OF ALL THE OTHER ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE FROM SOUTH AFRICA,AUSTRALIA ,BRITISH ,SOUTHERN NORTH AMERICANS NO PREJUDICE TO OTHERS BUT IT IS GOOD FOR NON ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE AND YOU R ONE OF THE LAST PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO FIX THESE VINTAGE EQUIPMENT DEVOTED AND PERFECTIONIST PLEASE READ QURAN WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION BECAUSE YOU DESERVE TO KNOW THE TRUTH PLS READ ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF QURAN BY DR MOHSIN KHAN GOD BLESS YOU SIR
I only buy and use vintage stereos, shame I tend to blow them up every once and a while. I go through about 1 every 10 years or so. Such nice sound though. I am on a Yamaha, vintage 2000's, natural sound 2.0.
I love watching your videos I love your passion for all vintage equipment I am writing to kindly ask if you can help a guy who loves the vintage equipment he has because audio and music is helping him fight his cancer ( me) and who is willing to pay for your work to repaire a few pieces of vintage because there are no shops around him to do this work . Would you be kind as to helping out ?
Sorry to hear about your health issues. I'd love to help you out but I am not a professional, just a hobbyist. There are professional's that still work on vintage audio equipment out there. Do a google search and I'm sure you can find someone. Good luck with fight!
By the way I'm very impressed with this video and the expertise involved but being a low budget guitar player I often have to get into many pots which is to clean I was wondering is there a way to open these things up and really get a good clean on them just wondering and as you might can tell I'm a painter and not a electronics wizard
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, you can get into most pieces of equipment to clean the pots. If you don't have any electronics training it can be dangerous for both you and the equipment. It may be best to find a professional that can do the work for you if you don't have the experience.
I am semi retired and starting to work on them, I fixed a reel to reel, working on a junk amp now and already spent more time researching then actually fixing it but want to learn more on capacitors and diodes and resisters any good recommendations on where to learn more?
" probably spend $1,000 and say to heck with that. I might say to heck with that too" 😂 Who am I to argue if you're going to spend $1,000 paying yourself to fix it. that would be an interesting conversation to watch.😂
I don't know if you're going to ever read this but if you do I was wondering what it would take to send you a 19 50s vintage guitar amp it came from the guitar player from The coasters the band and I'm not sure what it needs but I sure like to have it gone over it's definitely an old tube amp that's for sure
Hi Arlen, thanks so much for asking but I am just a hobbyist not a professional. I only work on the equipment in my personal collection. It sounds like you have a very special amplifier and I'm sure that you can get someone to look at it for you. I would google "vintage guitar amp repair and restoration" and see if anyone comes up in your area. It would be much safer for the piece of equipment if you could find someone local to take a look at it. That way you don't have the danger of damage in transit along with the expense of shipping.
Great stuff as always. I have a sony receiver str v5 that just lost all power. Was humming along nicely and then nothing. Lights went out and sound stopped. No pops, smoke, or anything else. Fuse? Power supply? Any ideas?
Thanks! Yes, if your Sony is dead in the water the power supply having an issue is a good bet. Check the fuses as you mentioned as you might get lucky and have it be a simple fix.
Happy days are here again!! There was a simple relay that was bad. The tech also re adjusted the bias on one channel back to factory spec. Humming along nicely now.
Greetings to you: I have a Panasonic HC-SC28 device, the problem is that it does not search for stations on the radio. It only navigates through previously stored stations whose frequencies do not work in my country. Note that the remote control is also not available and I am very proud of this device, which is currently used only on USB and CD. Please help and thank you very much
They are both amazing pieces of vintage audio history. I've never even seen an Technics SA-1000 in the flesh but I'd like to have one in my collection someday.
@@vintageaudioaddict I have, and it does not sound quite as good as some of the other big boys but man the raw power is very impressive none the less. While I love meters, I really fell in love with the sound of my buddies sx-1250. Something you can't quite put your finger on but you just know it when you hear it. They are tough to come by but I hope to own one someday myself. The only thing that sounded better to me than that 1250 is my Phillips 572/578 separates. I'm praying the shop can sort out the damage as it will break my heart if it's deemed unrepairable.....
Dirty controls are a leading cause. If you haven't already rotate all the controls not just the volume and balance, exercise the switches and push buttons several times each. If the problem improves or changes the controls need a deoxit treatment.
Hello everyone out there is Vintage Audio World. I need help. I have an SX 1980 that needs a restoration. Unfortunately, I can't fix anything so I need a technician in Southern California that can fix it. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also, I don't have a clue what this repair should cost. Could you help me with a price range for this repair? (by the way, I can barely lift this thing).
I'd google "vintage audio repair" and see if anyone comes up in your area. If you can find anyone within a 100 miles or so it's probably better to deliver the SX-1980 yourself. Shipping is always a risk. Cost? Well? I'm a hobbyist and not a professional but I'm guessing a full restore is going to be in the $1000 range.
@@vintageaudioaddict Thanks so much for your quick response. You definitely answered my major question, what should I expect to pay? $1000 is fine, I just don't want to get into paying more than its worth. I collect vintage film cameras and most cost way more to repair than they are worth. I am hoping one of your viewer might be able to offer a personal recommendation. And yes, I would like to drive it to a shop. I have had things damaged in shipping.
I feel bad for people who pay a small fortune on these recievers when they could have bought a real high end system like McIntosh or luxman for the same price or less. The 1980 is cool in all, but it simply does not compare to higher end stereos for in a lot of cases less money.
You are so incredibly incredibly meticulous that I can assume most tecs will not do half of the work that you're putting into this unit . Case in point my 9090 DB 6 months later transformer issue .
I get that these are great devices...for their time. But what are they good for now? Radio is dead, and records are either extremely limited or scratched beyond decent listening. Real to real is also unviable. There is excellent and cheaper new tech available. Is it just nostalgia?
had great pioneer and sansui's around as a kid never paid them the respect they deserved :P I regret not keeping all the vintage gear my dad had....
You are the man, thanks! I'm 63, bought my Phase Linear system in 1981- 300 amp., 3300 preamp, etc. etc. in W. Germany while serving in the USAF. Had everything reconditioned 3 years ago and am still enjoying Hi-Fi.
That is awesome! It's great that you have had your equipment all of these years.
My dad still has his SX1980 that he bought brand new with a pair of JBL L220 speakers.
Man.....Lucky Dad!!!!
I just bought the grand baby, the SX-780, and love it. It sounds like the Pioneer receivers I listened to when I was a teenager who couldn’t afford one at the time.
Congrats! The SX-780 is a great little receiver.
Always a pleasure to hear and learn more about PIONEER audio . I just paid $700.00 for an SX980 in beautiful working & looking condition .
Wizzard of vintage audio with new footage, nice!
Thanks!
UFFFFF EL MEJOR RECEPTOR DE LA HISTORIA PARA MUCHOS ¡¡¡ UN SUEÑO HECHO REALIDAD ... UNA JOYA ... FELICIDADES ¡¡¡
it is a masterpiece and a piece of history!
She is special.
she 's a stereo receiver that have one since 1984 , it was ofered to me , working perfect don't know if it needs anything it sounds better than any newer amplifier and whatever the speakers used they sound better there so i'm might need to restore every amplifier in the stores now before , restoring this and tone controls are not there to be seen , it had a life free of moist , i know guys that deoxit the hell of their amplifiers , like if they were painting with a spay can , off course my old tannoys don't sound so perfect as they did 45 years ago but with so many options of frequencies from the speakers to the stereo receiver , it sounds always good to me but if i had a electronic engenier in my town has i did till 1996 , there were 3 that were like adicted to hi-fi but they are gone or just not able to work ,about FM isn't a source of new music as it was the only way of knowing most of the bands i hear today but having knowledge to find new releases on streaming software and being able to buy on-line the Lps and new independent labels that offer their artists on-line to watch them live or hear their work with interesting art work that was lost with cds ,that i have hundreds but more than alf never opened the inlay book or card to watch a magnifying glass , its a excess but nice one , i bought a amplifier from pioneer in the early 90's and compared with this is destroyd a reference integrated amplfier ,a A-777 but a friend ofered me a A-616MKII and it works also tried from a dutch friend of mine is H.H. SCOTT high-end integrated amplifier and surprised me for the best ,it was completelly restored but all new that i've tried is such a deception and this new wave of no output amplifiers ,no coment , i have a friend with dementia but both workibg we can restore old components but i get tired and the last time i lost 2 monthes after work before dinner to put to work a old deck from kenwood that it was stoped for 34 years
@vintageaudioaddict you are correct about kids nowadays not appreciating these vintage pieces. I picked up a 2270 for $20 at a garage sale. You are also correct it takes a little bit of coin do you have all the electrolytic & capacitors changed.
$300 shipping round trip
$120 Pelican case
$700 bench time and restoration
As you can see it's not just the purchase price that has to make sense but you will have to decide if you want to keep it for long term.
My friend in the engineers such as yourself is retiring and that will be a sad day is there a fewer of you around each year. Don't get me wrong it's a well-deserved retirement from this Hobby as he is approaching 70 years old. It gets tough moving those heavy pieces around.
You do wonderful work.
I'm quite partial to late 70s silver face receivers, and this Pioneer is one of the best. I do similar restorations and all your observations and comments are spot on. Thanks for posting this!
Your welcome. Thank you very much for the kind words.
It's not one of the best...Is THE BEST...Areal beast,can drive any speaker ....
These have really helped me communicate with my local repair shop. I almost sound like I know what I am talking about when I bring them a piece of my equipment.
I'm glad the video's have helped you to keep your vintage equipment going.
Great advice, I've just fully recapped my 35yr old NAD 3150.. I worked slowly and carefully and it now sounds as good as it did in the 80's.. RS components here in the UK were very useful ..
Thanks for sharing.
You have the best videos for audio equipment on UA-cam! I have my SX-1980 playing nearing every day now that I have to work from home. Will I sell? No. I’d rather have the best receiver ever made instead of the money. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Thanks so much!
I remember a place called Capital Audio Visual (?) in Chattanooga TN in the 1970s. I think my SX-880 came from there. They had an SX-1980 on display. I wish I had one of these just to amplify keyboards through.
I remember like it was yesterday stopping in the local Japan Electronic Centre at our shopping mall here in Canada back in 79 and they had this receiver in and were demonstrating it playing the new Supertramp album Breakfast In America and the receiver was at least $1500 which at the time was a CRAZY amount of money but boy it was beautiful. Got my younger brother in law into vintage gear in recent years and he now has among his collection a SX1280 matched to Pioneer HPM 150 speakers , wow the sound is stunning. I myself have a Marantz 4400 Quad, a 2285 (not b) and a 2250b as well as a mint Sansui AU 9500 and TU 9500, this stuff never ceases to amaze me. Among my fav albums to demonstrate the gear is Johnny Winter's Second Winter lp rom 1969 with it's tube-like sound and wonderful bottom end not to mention Led Zep 2 and Let It Bleed by the Stones, music I grew up with thanks to my cool parents. That music paired with this gear is unparalleled.
Thanks for sharing. Great lineup of gear that you have. Vintage audio equipment brings back great memories for most of us, including myself.
God bless you! Thank you for the lesson. I've learned so much today!
You are so welcome. Thank you for watching!
This one and the SX-1250 are my preferred vintage receivers, nice upgrade.
Thank You!
I find all of your videos very useful and entertaining. You do a great job so keep it coming.
Thank you very much!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience,,,priceless,,,,and always looking forward for your next video keep up the good work
Thanks for the kind words.
Keep Definitely, and it's a investment for rainy day.👍
Most definitely!
Dayton Audio/Parts Express is a great source of soldering tools and parts. Love your videos!
Thank you for watching.
I was stationed in Japan in 1973 and 1974 and this stuff was available at very, very reasonable prices. I guess for the time I was there I didn't fully realize I was living the Golden Age of Audio in Japan. A kid in the candy store!
Thank you for sharing and for your service.
I must agree with you. I was at Yokota Air Base back in 1974 - 1976, used to go to Pony Stereo department right off the base and bought me the Marantz 4400 for $730, which was selling in the U.S. for $1200. That store was something else, it was selling all types of Marantz models as well as Pioneers, Sansui, Sony. Many of us bought 4 channel receivers and used to blast them up in the dorm. Yes, those days were really good and all these equipments were so well made, I think from early 70s to about 76 were the best, no comparisons to today's flimsy, plasti-facbricated, black colored gears. Japan really excelled in hi-fi equipments back then and no other country was able to match them. I owned three 4400, several 2325, 2270, 2285B and few other Marantz. They were all made near by city in Tokyo that time. Still got 2230, 2215, 2215B, 2216B, 2252, 2245 and 2275, they all sound good, just like Marantz used to claim. I think Sansui have better sound quality, warmer and more dynamic. G9000, G5700, Model 8, receivers are good sounding. Vintage Sansui amplifiers are also good, like AU-999, even the tiny ones they made were good.
I go over all the receivers I had because I was a microwave, wideband technician in the Air Force that time. By the way, exchange rate back in 1975 was about 292 yen to dollar, used to be better and don't pay any tax at exchange or at any off base stores. Yes, sir, I was very fortunate to witness all the today's vintage equipments operates and hear and work on. With today's fabricated equipments, can't even change a micro sized resistor on the PC board.
Same for me, about 10 years after you, stationed in Okinawa, Japan (Marine). Bought my SX-1080 for $345 on base. Wanted the 1980 but didn't think I quite had the space for it in my foot locker. Still enjoying my 1080 to this day, all original too.
What a beauty! 👍👍👍👍💪
Thanks 👍
Subscribed ! I am in my 40s now and always wanted to fix equipment .. and watching your videos brings me closer to pushing to use more personal time to spend on fixing my old nakamichi, marantz and sony (el7) devices. Thanks for the videos !
Awesome! Thank you! It's going to be up to younger guys like you to keep this equipment operating. Good luck with your future projects.
I really appreciate this content and the wisdom you share with us. Thank you.
My pleasure!
That Pioneer is an awesome piece of equipment! Wish I owned one for myself.
She is a wonderful piece of audio history. Thanks for watching.
I can watch your videos all day and I have lol I wish you were my neighbor I have a few projects for you I’m here in Florida.. thanks for your video’s
VAA, you did it again. I love your channel. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
I'd love to come across one of those.
Pretty hard to find now a days at a decent price. I got mine several years ago before the prices went up substantially.
@@vintageaudioaddict Good going.
Awesome, need to come back this evening 👍🏻🤍
Please do!
Great video and information. I grew up reading audio equipment magazines & brochures. Loved to go to the audio shops and look and listen to the equipment. Of course I couldn't afford them. That's one of the reasons I decided to get my degree in electronics engineering. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks a lot for watching.
Amazing reciever! So beautiful! Fantastic work... I wish I could send you a couple of my vintage recievers to work on!!!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm not a professional, vintage audio is just a hobby for me.
@@vintageaudioaddict Yes, you are a professional!
I do not remember the model number but I do remember as I would call it toe slim line version all silver/chrome.
It even had its very own metal chrome stand and always looked to be modern and very powerful. I will buy it if I ever find online.
I bought one of these in a pawn shop back in 1981 for $300. Sold it in 1986 for $500. I thought that was a pretty good little profit. Now I wish I still had it.
Ya, I hear ya. If I could go back I would have kept every piece of equipment I ever owned.
Thank you for your knowledge.now on your stereo systems if I was you find someone who will benefit from the systems if know one in your family wants them I would look around first.i love my stereo systems and I am in the same boat I don't have anyone to leave them to .mine are nearly as nice as yours but I am going to enjoy them as long as I can and hopefully find someone else that might enjoy them later down the road.im 59 years old so hopefully I can still enjoy them for a good while.thank you again God Bless
Sorry want to correct my statement mine are not as nice as yours just want to be correct.
Hi John, Thank you for the kind words and for sharing. I've seen my family members looking at exotic travel destinations so they already plans for my audio equipment when I'm gone. LOL
So Awesome! I could only afford the SX-780 back in the day. It died after 4 years
Thanks You! You were like me, no way I was getting one of these on my Pizza Hut wages.
I got rid of my lower end Kenwood and Pioneer equipment back in the day. I did hold on to My 1985 Yamaha A1000 and all of the associated brochures for it. Glad I never sold it.
I see you’ve been around for awhile but I’m a new subscriber. Your channel rocks. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks and welcome
Thanks, what you helped me with is where to find good quality parts. I'm about to restore a 1936 Philco 116x floor standing 5 band TUBE radio. I have all the technical manuals but was still needing to know where to get the parts I am going to need. All of my equipment (the tube tester, the audio signal generator etc.) is also tube type tho my oscilloscope is more recent (well, 1980's recent) as well as my variac to run the AC power. I am planning to change everything (resistors, capacitors) with new components as well as the line cord and safety caps to insure that NO ONE ever gets shocked as was an issue on those old radios. So THANKS!!! I know now that when I make this restoration I'll be using the right things from the very start!!!
Your very welcome. I'm glad that the video helped you in your project.
Thank you very much for this beautiful video!👍😊
Thank you for watching.
Keep it! Amazing piece of equipment and history. Thank you!
You bet!
Beautiful man!
Thank you kindly!
I’m drooling on myself, sure would love to come across someone that is cleaning out their attic and has a SX1980. 😎👍
You and me both!
@@vintageaudioaddict Do you have a top recommendation for a vintage Sansui Tuner Amp. I fixed a monster of a Sansui many years ago, this this thing sounded fantastic! It even dimmed the table lamps when it was really thumping. If I remember this unit was over 200 W per channel.
Thank you, terrific video. I have an electronics background, but would likely look for a 1050, that 1980 looks like a monster
Thank You! Yes, the SX-1980 is a monster. I also have a SX-1050 in my collection and it's a great receiver. If you ever get one I think that you will enjoy it.
Este receiver é meu sonho de consumo aqui no Brasil 🇧🇷
Now that's a beast! Nothing like the sound of REAL
audio equipment. Shame they don't still make stuff
like this. It looks good and sounds good. Will make
your pants leg move. Great Vid! Cheers! 🍻 -AC
Thank you for your kind words and she is a beast.
@@vintageaudioaddict Indeed you are
lucky to have that amp and like you, I
would never sell that amp. I have a QX-
949 Quad receiver I have had for many
years and it still sounds crisp and will
shake the walls running 4 sets of
speakers. The turntable pre-amp in those
units are just the bomb! Those amps
make any media sound bigger than life!
Thanks for sharing! IF I ever have to do
any work on my unit, your hints for info
about those sites for vintage equipment
will come in handy. --AC 🍻 Cheers!
I feel pretty much the same about keeping the pile of Pioneer Spec equip I have.
Pioneer made a lot of great gear from the 1960's - 1980's.
I can't believe I just got a Pioneer SX-1980 at what was a high but reasonable price. She is the jewel of my collection. Now I have a Pioneer SX1980, a Pioneer SX1280 and a Pioneer SX1250. I also have a Pioneer SX-950 I might soon be selling. I don't have room for it anymore. The big fat SX-1250 is taking its spot. UPDATE: I now have all the Pioneer (Monster 100 Watts or more) 1970's receiver wars units. Pioneer SX-1050, Pioneer SX-1080, Pioneer SX-1250, Pioneer SX-1080 and the Pioneer SX-1980. My newly acquired SX-1050 and SX-1080 are in the shop getting rebuilt now. They complete my collection of NINE, 1970's receiver wars monster receivers. It's time for me to hang up my collecting spurs and leave stuff for others to collect.
Super receiver!
I think so too!
Awesome video thanks so much 😎
Great video. I enjoyed this one very much. I have a SX 1980 and a SX 980 both of which need a restoration. They're still working but like you said about the electrolytics I'm sure they need replacing. I was going to try to do the work myself (I even bought the upgraded power supply board and the parts for it) but after seeing the prices these receivers are bringing I may let this thing (the 1980) go and let somebody else enjoy it. I don't have any test equipment either so that's another drawback. Anyway, thanks for the info and I look forward to the next video.
Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching. Yes, with the prices being what they are I understand your position. Even me being a hardcore vintage audio collector I'm thinking about selling some gear.
Thanks as usual, Chris!
My pleasure!
Wow! It looks new. Must belong to someone fastidious.
That pioneer receiver is the best to me. Connect that to the Pioneer speakers. It just rocks. Used to have people come over to listen to it. All my vinyls are gone now. What a big mistake...
Un sogno anni ottanta.
Nice job ! At teasing me 😆
great video
Thanks!
I was out bid on one last year on Ebay and it sold for 16,100 all in taste 10 seconds.
Your Awesome....
I have a Pioneer Spec-II power amp that I don't think I'll ever be selling. Tho the speaker relay isn't clicking, a quick inspection didn't reveal anything, but at least it also didn't have any signs of repair. So all good for times when i have the spare cash to splurge on Mouser and Newark.
I do recommend you try out Nichicon's top end KZ and UKZ series in more critical parts of the circuits (pre-amp/power amp active parts power rail bypass). Damn those sound good, and reasonably priced too. Elna silmic series are also excellent, I once recapped a Proton Pro-series(their higher end line) pre-amp with it, replacing ALL of the electrolytics with Silmic II (also reasonable priced, especially when i bought in bags of 100 to 200), the vocals just sounds amazingly clear after letting it run in for a few hours. We noticed not with critical listening, but was just watching some episodic drama in DVD. Before the voices sounded muddy and took some effort to figure out what they were talking. Now i can understand them in the next room.
Now I'm seriously thinking about having a new back plate make for the Spec-II, so that I can save the original plate, while i can still put modern binding posts and a nice IEC power socket on it.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experiences. This type of information is what helps to keep the old vintage electronics operating well into the future.
@@vintageaudioaddict ah, i almost forgot, while you were talking about capacitor endurance, i thought of a crazy Aussie company... ARX. I say that in an impressed manner...
I emailed them to ask for service manual of an amp i acquired (Hitachi MOSFET), and while chatting, i told them I'm domesticating one of their second amp for home use. The tech happy helped me and suggested much higher bias for better enjoyment at home. (1V across MOSFET gates)
Well, here comes the really crazy Aussie part... It have 100V main filter capacitor bank with lots of snap in caps.
The voltage is 106V.....
I asked and they said that's fine, capacitors'tolerance should handle it just fine. Oh... Okay.... I could not easily find 120V capacitors at the time, and settled for Rifa (made in China) 100V snap in surplus i can get my hands on at the time. (Local scammer duped Rifa distributor to get a hugh batch of that in custom label, so they have a hard time selling it)
it works fine while i was using it, and surprisingly it have me a hint of the sound signature from my other amp that uses the expensive made in Sweden PEH-169 white cans. I must stress i absolutely looked down on the snap in Rifas, partly due to where it was made and the assocation with the scammer. However, after using it in ARX i was really impressed with how it sounds. I know how suggestion in my mind can affect what i perceive, but I was really just expecting ho-hum, working but not impressive amp. It absolutely is different from my expectations...
❤I'd love to get one of these but sadly the price has gone crazy.
Another great video and what an amazing piece of audio history. It looked amazingly clean, too. I know what you mean about the absurd prices of vintage gear these days. I've only recently begun learning how to restore and repair gear and have been doing mostly Marantz gear. Like the Pioneer, the Marantz prices are getting stupidly high. Wish I had begun buying up pieces years ago. One question: What was happening with your quartz lock (or other LED) when you where touching the tuning knob. I saw something about "Touch Tuning" on one of the brochure pages you showed but could not figure out what was happening when you touched it. Thanks!
That;s one of the reasons I am no longer collecting vintage audio. Prices for anything from the silver faced 70's is sick expensive in 2023. My entire collection cost me about $25,000 across 10 years journey of careful price conscious acquisition. Today my entire collection could not be purchased on Ebay for $50,000. Old turntables are also stupid expensive unless you find one in good condition at Goodwill or Salvation Army. I luck out at estate sales and helping friends clearing out garages, storage lockers,cellars, barns and basements. Ebay vintage audio prices are completely insane!
A lot of informations....cool...!!
Glad it was helpful!
@@vintageaudioaddict I really thxs a lot...
YOU SPEAKS SO CLEARLY YOUR ACCENT IS THE BEST OUT OF ALL THE OTHER ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE FROM SOUTH AFRICA,AUSTRALIA ,BRITISH ,SOUTHERN NORTH AMERICANS NO PREJUDICE TO OTHERS BUT IT IS GOOD FOR NON ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE AND YOU R ONE OF THE LAST PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO FIX THESE VINTAGE EQUIPMENT DEVOTED AND PERFECTIONIST PLEASE READ QURAN WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION BECAUSE YOU DESERVE TO KNOW THE TRUTH PLS READ ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF QURAN BY DR MOHSIN KHAN
GOD BLESS YOU SIR
I only buy and use vintage stereos, shame I tend to blow them up every once and a while. I go through about 1 every 10 years or so. Such nice sound though. I am on a Yamaha, vintage 2000's, natural sound 2.0.
Nice! Thanks for watching.
I love watching your videos
I love your passion for all vintage equipment
I am writing to kindly ask if you can help a guy who loves the vintage equipment he has because audio and music is helping him fight his cancer ( me) and who is willing to pay for your work to repaire a few pieces of vintage because there are no shops around him to do this work . Would you be kind as to helping out ?
Sorry to hear about your health issues. I'd love to help you out but I am not a professional, just a hobbyist. There are professional's that still work on vintage audio equipment out there. Do a google search and I'm sure you can find someone. Good luck with fight!
@@vintageaudioaddict
Many thanks for your prompt response
I understand
By the way I'm very impressed with this video and the expertise involved but being a low budget guitar player I often have to get into many pots which is to clean I was wondering is there a way to open these things up and really get a good clean on them just wondering and as you might can tell I'm a painter and not a electronics wizard
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, you can get into most pieces of equipment to clean the pots. If you don't have any electronics training it can be dangerous for both you and the equipment. It may be best to find a professional that can do the work for you if you don't have the experience.
I am semi retired and starting to work on them, I fixed a reel to reel, working on a junk amp now and already spent more time researching then actually fixing it but want to learn more on capacitors and diodes and resisters any good recommendations on where to learn more?
Up here on UA-cam is a good place. Just search for the subject and you can pretty much find someone who's done a video on it.
What do you think about sil pads?
Any idea on replacements for the 2SB706 and 2SD746 output transistors? I've heard Sanken but wanted your opinion. Thanks!
I've heard using multiple ONSEMI mjl4302ag pnp mjl4281ag npn transistors work but I've never had an issue(yet) with my outputs.
" probably spend $1,000 and say to heck with that. I might say to heck with that too" 😂
Who am I to argue if you're going to spend $1,000 paying yourself to fix it. that would be an interesting conversation to watch.😂
Beautiful piece of gear! Great video.
I don't know if you're going to ever read this but if you do I was wondering what it would take to send you a 19 50s vintage guitar amp it came from the guitar player from The coasters the band and I'm not sure what it needs but I sure like to have it gone over it's definitely an old tube amp that's for sure
Hi Arlen, thanks so much for asking but I am just a hobbyist not a professional. I only work on the equipment in my personal collection. It sounds like you have a very special amplifier and I'm sure that you can get someone to look at it for you. I would google "vintage guitar amp repair and restoration" and see if anyone comes up in your area. It would be much safer for the piece of equipment if you could find someone local to take a look at it. That way you don't have the danger of damage in transit along with the expense of shipping.
Great stuff as always. I have a sony receiver str v5 that just lost all power. Was humming along nicely and then nothing. Lights went out and sound stopped. No pops, smoke, or anything else. Fuse? Power supply? Any ideas?
Thanks! Yes, if your Sony is dead in the water the power supply having an issue is a good bet. Check the fuses as you mentioned as you might get lucky and have it be a simple fix.
@@vintageaudioaddict right on thanks for responding!!!
Happy days are here again!! There was a simple relay that was bad. The tech also re adjusted the bias on one channel back to factory spec. Humming along nicely now.
Greetings to you: I have a Panasonic HC-SC28 device, the problem is that it does not search for stations on the radio. It only navigates through previously stored stations whose frequencies do not work in my country. Note that the remote control is also not available and I am very proud of this device, which is currently used only on USB and CD. Please help and thank you very much
Do you restorations for clients?
Hi, thanks for asking but no I don't. I'm just a hobbyist.
Technics sa 1000 at 330wpc was the most powerful, but 1980 was best looking by far
They are both amazing pieces of vintage audio history. I've never even seen an Technics SA-1000 in the flesh but I'd like to have one in my collection someday.
@@vintageaudioaddict I have, and it does not sound quite as good as some of the other big boys but man the raw power is very impressive none the less.
While I love meters, I really fell in love with the sound of my buddies sx-1250.
Something you can't quite put your finger on but you just know it when you hear it. They are tough to come by but I hope to own one someday myself.
The only thing that sounded better to me than that 1250 is my Phillips 572/578 separates. I'm praying the shop can sort out the damage as it will break my heart if it's deemed unrepairable.....
I heard after 7 years a part is last used in production they are discontinued
Are you in the North East Florida area?
I have a Concept 11.0 and it has low output on the right side....I will have to figure out what is going on in there.
Dirty controls are a leading cause. If you haven't already rotate all the controls not just the volume and balance, exercise the switches and push buttons several times each. If the problem improves or changes the controls need a deoxit treatment.
@@vintageaudioaddict Thank you, I will look into it.
I have a sx1250 that I would like gone through. Do you know a reputable place to take it in Michigan?
Sorry, I don't. Try and google "vintage audio repair" if you haven't already and see if anyone comes up in your area.
@@vintageaudioaddict Thank you! I appreciate the reply back. I will try that.
One sold on Ebay about a year ago for $16,100. with box and paperwork and the receipt. I just lost out do to the time and was to slow typing. Bummer
Some really high prices for vintage audio gear these days but when I think about it everything is expensive lately.
Hello everyone out there is Vintage Audio World. I need help. I have an SX 1980 that needs a restoration. Unfortunately, I can't fix anything so I need a technician in Southern California that can fix it. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also, I don't have a clue what this repair should cost. Could you help me with a price range for this repair? (by the way, I can barely lift this thing).
I'd google "vintage audio repair" and see if anyone comes up in your area. If you can find anyone within a 100 miles or so it's probably better to deliver the SX-1980 yourself. Shipping is always a risk. Cost? Well? I'm a hobbyist and not a professional but I'm guessing a full restore is going to be in the $1000 range.
@@vintageaudioaddict Thanks so much for your quick response. You definitely answered my major question, what should I expect to pay? $1000 is fine, I just don't want to get into paying more than its worth. I collect vintage film cameras and most cost way more to repair than they are worth. I am hoping one of your viewer might be able to offer a personal recommendation. And yes, I would like to drive it to a shop. I have had things damaged in shipping.
Seventy Eight POUNDS, yes, almost 80 pounds...it's a tank.
That's for sure. Big chassis also so it's hard to get your arms around her.
I feel bad for people who pay a small fortune on these recievers when they could have bought a real high end system like McIntosh or luxman for the same price or less. The 1980 is cool in all, but it simply does not compare to higher end stereos for in a lot of cases less money.
You are so incredibly incredibly meticulous that I can assume most tecs will not do half of the work that you're putting into this unit . Case in point my 9090 DB 6 months later transformer issue .
Thank you for the kind words. I'm sorry you had an issue with your vintage gear.
I get that these are great devices...for their time. But what are they good for now? Radio is dead, and records are either extremely limited or scratched beyond decent listening. Real to real is also unviable. There is excellent and cheaper new tech available. Is it just nostalgia?
and you need the skills knowledge as well
Yes, that helps.
Please point out to what u are taking out used a point. Talk too long this and that. You talk to the S at guy
@justaudio