We had two pet receivers in our component room in 1973...The Pioneer Sx 828 and the Sansui 8....The Pioneer was 429.88 and the Sansui was 529.88....Really great time to sell audio.....had a blast...
In over 50 years of being an audiophile, I have only owned three audio receivers. These include a Pioneer SX-626, Pioneer SX-850, and a Pioneer SX-1250. I sold the first two receivers mentioned and I am still using the Pioneer SX-1250 today. It has never given me trouble at all. I bought it from a co-worker (who found it) for only $75.00. Yes, that is correct - $75.00. It wasn't working and he didn't know why. I figured it out immediately. Whoever first owned it had disconnected the jumpers that go from the pre-amp to the main amp. I also have two audio/video receivers - Pioneer VSX-9500S and a Pioneer VSX-D814. Although the two audio/video receivers work well, the sound just can't compare with my Pioneer SX-1250. It's sad that those days are over. I miss them.
@@Old_Sailor85, That is a great combination to have!!! I started with the Pioneer SX-626 and Large Advent Speakers too! And all these years later, I am still using them with my Pioneer SX-1250. They certainly do last! Over the years, I have had the woofers re-coned and I have also replace the tweeters a few times. Still, they are incredible sounding!
Thanks for this video! It's great to see these receivers getting the love and respect that they deserve. I've been a fan of Pioneer receivers since I bought my first, a brand new SX-525 back in 1972 or so. Right now I have an SX-1010 (that I'm listening to right now) as well as an SX-1250, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I found them locally, and bought them at different times fifteen or twenty years ago, back before the prices went crazy. I did have to spend some money on them, because I'm not a technician myself, but I have had them both worked on by people who really know what they're doing, and that was money well spent. These Pioneer receivers are a continuing pleasure to listen to and to look at. Whatever else was going on in the seventies, it really was the "golden age" for stereo gear. Thanks again!
So.much better than push button tuning, a heavy smooth tuning knob actual glass for 950's tuning dial. Friens see these and are like "WOW" what a real nice radio they say. I tell them that a radio is not stereo and has just 1 spkr. A stereo receiver has two channels and 4 or 5 inputs as well as the tuner or FM sw.
I bought an sx-1250 new in 1977. It’s been sitting in a closet for 20 years. Now you have me wanting to get it out and start using it again. Thank you.
Oh my god, man. What are you doing?? Get that bad boy--that was a true monster at the time of production, and still is today--and set it free & let it play. It will bring you much joy. (Being as your comment is 7 months old, *did* you get it out and put it back to work??)
Dayum, get it OUT and wrkg or checked out. A fine pair of Cv SL-15's will give u music u never heard good Tt and F21 tapedeck and Tt will give u a system an SG9500 Eq by Pioneer. . . I have the sx-950 A freaking beautifully rcvr. Dude ...get that rcvr wrkg u will be SO glad ya did. I started w an sx650 sweet ...she got me into collecting pioneer rcvrs.
I am still using the Pioneer SX-727 that I bought at the Navy Exchange in Yokosuka Japan. Other than cleaning controls/switches and changing bulbs this 1972 receiver is going strong.
I have a SX-424 up in the attic with original speakers. It was my Dad's. Looks like new. Seeing this video makes me want to see if it still works. I do really like the styling of the old Pioneer Stereo Receivers much better than the newer Receivers of today.
I picked up a pioneer sa-8500,series 2, for $20 from a friend for helping clean his garage, it was buried in a corner of the garage and he said he had no use for it, what a lucky score, Liked the video
I got such a kick from your video! My SX 525 has outlasted two newer stereos and is almost in near mint condition. I just started using it again with my Pioneer turntable to convert my vinyl collection.
The chart is greatly appreciated :) I am thinking of buying vintage Pioneer and this video is great...thanks for the post...this is what UA-cam should be :)
Just found your video, I was the owner of a Pioneer SX636 which i purchased while in London on a day visit, the build quality was superb as well as the looks, owned it for many years, it was faultless and coupled with my Celestion ditton 25 speakers it sounded superb, the feel and quality of all the switchgear as well as the tuner knob was super smooth, great video and presentation 👍
I bought an sx636 new and still own it as well as the Pioneer PL71 turntable. Run them through a pair of Jennings Research Contreras pedestal swivels and they are a most deliciously appealing pairing. I got the Pioneer new in the box on a discount sale in Fargo at LaBelles for I believe was 300 dollars; the J/R pedestals for 500 new in their boxes in the Ridgedale Mall-Minneapolis, in a 'stereo store moving out sale'. 1976 thru 1977. Beautiful sound with extremely beautiful presentation visually. Added a Pioneer sx737 for another residence about 5 years ago for 200 bucks on an auction sale. Am sold on their beauty and quality with good power delivery for 1,000 to 2,000 square foot environments .... I will never get rid of them and have been very pleased !
Hah. I guess my Pioneer SX-440 receiver pre-dates your chart. I think I bought it in 1970. That early family of Pioneer receivers were all black face - ALL black face, not just the tuner section. They looked really cool. Wish I still had mine. It was my first stereo - first venture into the hi-fi world. I remember relishing the "thump" from my speakers when I turned it on, even though it was a mere 12 watts RMS per channel (8 ohms).
Just call me, maybe it’s late but just call me, don’t hesitate, you can call me, call me and I’ll be around. How much do you want for it? Now don’t forget me…!
I got myself an SX 550 a little over 1 year ago, clean, was recently serviced and it looks and sound great. Rated at "only" 20 wpc but with the volume at 4-5 it produces over 90 decibels of sound. You're right, prices have almost doubled in this last year, but......, still better than a plastic box at similar prices.
Early 2002, not once but TWICE I had the opportunity to purchase a Pioneer SX-1980. $450 and the other was $525. I just didn't have the money at that time to afford it. They worked and looked perfect. Oh well.... I still have my 1982 Champagne A-9 system that I bought new in 1982. Service Merchandise! PL-L800 linear turntable and HPM-900 speakers still work just the way I bought them. I do have the F9 tuner and CT-7R cassette deck but not in the system because I only have room for the RG-9 SG-9 and the SR-9. This was a very expensive system in 1982. I was told I was nuts to "waste all my money" on stereo equipment. But....I still have it all 40 years later.
Ive owned truckloads of this stuff. The sx 440 , 10 watts, simple, is my favorite sounding piece by Pioneer. Yes 10 watts. Thats it. Black face and blacked out dial was ahead of its time. Very warm sound. 1969-1970 model year.
I dropping off a old tv at my local recycle yard, and someone threw away a sx-440 with matching turntable. I brought both home, 440 only has bulbs out and works fine. turntable needs a new belt.
I have two vintage receivers, the Pioneer SX-440 (69-70) and a Marantz 2216b(77-78). The Pioneer sounds best. I only wonder how mid to late 70s Pioneer compare?
Started off w an sx650 at a church thrift shop. That lil sweetie got me into collecting vintage rcvrs. I will say I bought a KR6030 back.in 81 and is a clydesdale up there w the sx950. A KR 6600 is a hot looking rcvr as well and Im kerping them but leaning to Pioneer.
About 5 years ago I tested one of these in an antique shop. I tried it with headphones and got A LOT of static, so I walked away. Now I wish I had seem this video first. Good work.
I have the sx535 and has totally recapped and a full service and it sounds better than anything out there today and sounds way better that my Sony ste-gx10es
Great video, looking forward to the restoration project. I just got myself a mint SX-720 (SX-3600 clone), original non-restored. Sounds awesome, I love it. To your good advise, I would add: when you shop for an amp, make sure you carry headphones (with the 1/4" adapter plug if required) and a 1/8 stereo-to-RCA cable and your music in your phone. This way you can test all inputs (except phono) with the phone, and using headphones allows you to hear defects hard to detect using the speakers, especially if the listening environnement at the seller is not optimal. Listen with the speakers too, but don't "listen" to them: listen to the amp, check for audio issues not audio quality. Also crank the volume with nothing plugged in any inputs, check for cross talk between inputs (especially phono). Look for scratchy knobs, distortion, difference between L & R, hum, etc at low and high volume. Don't expect perfection, an 40-50 year old unit won't be perfect.
any phone doesn´t have alf of the input sound of a hi-fi component ,one can put the volume up but at the end of some hours the receiver might be burning hot, normally i use a pre-amplifier to conect a tablet, phone or computer, but in a store they would have any source of sound and speakers to test the receiver, those noises you refer to i wrotte in other coment that one needs to restore it and without any new part everything can return to the quality of new and those cleaning spray´s if good will keep it runing without noises for some monthes but it´s better for a technician to clean everything returning to new and it´s not expensive in terms of electronic parts inside either than a good cleaning , the cost is higher if the technician asks for a lot of money for his working hours on the device
Had a SX838 and SX1280 back in the day. Great looking receivers, but today have little use for tuners when there are better media choices out there now. Plus I like having a remote control. Had a Sony TC758 R-R and a Carver M500T amp back in the day which was cool also, today still have my 4 Realistic Mach 1's and 2 T-100 speakers and 2 Technics SA R330 receivers. Vintage equipment is still cool history.
I bought an SX-850 for 450 dollars at a local record store that looks like it was made last week. A little Deoxit in the pots/switches and it sounds fantastic. I'm currently using it as a preamplifier for my ST-70 tube amp kit from Tubes4Hifi, but I used it for months previously as a receiver and it's a powerful beast. I will eventually recap it but for now the Pioneer is sounding pretty darn good.
The Pioneer SX-850 was the second receiver I owned. First it was the Pioneer SX-626, then the Pioneer SX-850, and now the Pioneer SX-1250. I think that Pioneer made the best receivers back then. I can't say that today though. I prefer analogue over digital. I also own a Pioneer VSX-9500S and a Pioneer VSX-D814 which I use for Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound. They sound good, but when it comes to pure audio, the Pioneer SX-line is still the best! No comparison!
@@jonturner564 I put in new caps as a preventative measure, the things were pretty old. One thing I like about the 80 series is the VU meters! I think the 50s though are elegant looking. They're terrific machines.
The black dial we love: That was advertised as a feature called a BLACKOUT dial. When the power was off, the whole display disappeared into deep blackness. Later receivers and tuners lost that awesome styling cue, including my beloved Pioneer TX-9500 II tuner.
I have an SX-525. It has absolutely the best AM tuner than anything I've had. Am sounds like FM and it's super sensitive with a long wire. If you like to AM dx this one is a blast. I'm sure the models above this one are just as good
Great video! You mention the absence of the Relay Click (Speaker Protection) on the receiver but do not state if a missing Relay Click will or will not impact the performance of the receiver.
Generally, it won't. Although, if it's an old system, the contacts on the relay--which actually connect to your speaker outputs--may introduce a bit of static/distortion if they're cruddy/have arcing damage. So if you *have* the relay, you gain the advantage of your speakers being protected from a power surge, particularly when you turn on the receiver, with the disadvantage that you'll probably eventually have to replace the relay to get the best sound. If you don't have it, you run the risk of blown speakers (I *think* turning down the volume completely before turning on the receiver will at least help alleviate that), but you also have a "cleaner" audio signal path. So gain some, lose some, either way.
I purchased a very well cared for SX-780 on eBay this year and absolutely love it.... I looked a long time before I found one that was in mint condition, many look beat up for some reason
I just bought one myself on eBay. It was delivered a couple of days ago and I have yet to hook it up. I need to hang shelves for it and a turntable as it’s going in a small room and I need the floor space. Hope you’re really enjoying yours.
I purchased a 780 here recently too off of CL. After a good control cleaning, that thing is a mini beast! Have a pair of Klipsch Heresy 1's connected to it and O.M.G!!!! Music is so great again!
I would love to buy an SX-50 series, maybe a 980, a 1280 or even the legendary SX-1980 but my wife would kill me, plus while she’s home, anything above near-whisper level is forbidden so…🙁🙁🙁
Another great video ! Thanks for the blooper outtakes 🤣 I just got my multimeter today an picked up another amp cheap it’s a Technics SU 8600 73 w per Chanel . The guy said it’s for repair or parts . All I see missing so far was the 2 250v 4 amp speaker fuses at the back . I plugged it in hoping I didn’t blow a house breaker and it turned on and heard the click ! Good start . Tested it with headphones everything works . Next have to find some fuses , I’m hoping they just blew the fuses and removed them to purchase more and never got around to it ! Fingers crossed . 👍🏼. Update on the Marantz 2250b took out the preamp board as per your video and cleaned all the pots and cleaned up the board itself . I’m toying with the idea that maybe my first attempt at changing out the old parts with that kit you purchased . Changing those huge capacitors on the output looks a bit more scary to do haha plus they didn’t have any in stock that I could find as of yet ! Thanks for keeping me motivated to do this 👍🏼
I found a 30 foot single wire for FM works pretty good as compared to the T style dipole. I hear the SX880's quality took a BIG dive in weight, down to 27lbs from 42. Wattmeters on the sx780? Funny 45vwatts a channel w wattmeters I like the sx850 and sx950 very much, 2 real work horses with great options for inputs.
Great video, my parents had a SX receiver when I was young and I just started looking into getting a similar model but don't know much about the differences and what to look for. This is the best video explaining the models and how to check them for quality. Definitely subscribing!
Picked up a restored (caps/regulators/etc) SX850 last year. Love those late 70s/early 80s units with VFD's but those fade/fail over time, while analog dials and meters don't, or can be repaired ;)
I regret allowing my hifi system to slowly disappear. I can remember jamming to it back in the late 70 up until I put everything up in the early 90s so my kids didn't mess with it. Since then I've moved twice and I honestly don't know what happened to all of it.
I love my sx3700. I can't imagine needing more power. It has a really sweet sound and everything works as it should. I had a sx650 before and it sounded fine but I really like the fluoroscan meters.
I have had a sx3700 hooked to my computer for a number of years, although it still works great, I replaced it with a restored Marantxz 2265B. I may use the 3700 to power 4 speakers in my garage, as I am not that thrilled with a New Fangled bluetooth Yamaha A-N 303 that has many functions, but high power 100 watts, give me a break, is not one of them.
Hey my guy, so I picked up a beautiful 550, and all is well but there's a couple things. When I opened her up, the bulps were burnt out. They had 8v going to them but all 3 lights and the power light weren't working. I ordered after markets and replaced. Now what I hadn't noticed at first, is that I don't hear that click before the speakers come on. And two, I noticed that the lights flicker significantly for 5 to 20 seconds and then everything functions as normal. Also the sound is absent or muttled during this period until I "fixes itself" Hoping you can point me in the right direction. You inspired me to find these and repair them. I have a 650 that is in my living room with vintage speakers and I'm absolutely in love with it. Big thanks.
I just bought a Pioneer SX-1250 at a thrift store for $40.00 with 2 cheap tower speakers in Great condition. It powers up but I can’t get any sound out of the speakers. I will be sending it to a shop soon.
Had a 1980 1080 1050 1250 and my favorite one is the 1010 which I still have today it is for me the prices of these things oh my God I remember the first time I got a 1980 was at a pawnshop outside of Fort Bragg in the late 90s the guy had it in the box 800 bucks I bought it I terrorize the Barricks with it and I kept it for years then I sold it for about 1800 bucks my God I would’ve kept it if I knew the prices would do what they do today I always like the 1010 it seem to have a little bit warmer sound don’t let the models and wattage fool you because that 1010 only had 100 to 110 watch per channel we used to judge how fast we can get the MPs at our house in less than five minutes running a 1010 on a Rf5 klispch oh yeah lol . My mom had a realistic 2100 non-D models and I believe Pioneer sued them for the power supply I have that too and I need to get a hold of a 1080 again and see how those compare . Yes I quit selling on eBay because I remember when eBay bought PayPal and that’s when everything went to shit . I use to only deal with postal money orders and it’s like soon as PayPal was bought there’s the extra fees I remember Quitting after that but it’s nice to see these beauties making a comeback
I’m looking forward to becoming reacquainted with my SX-737 and Large Advent Loudspeakers. ❤ My “daily” system is an Emotiva 7.2 system, Polk towers main, Polk FX4 surrounds, (2) HSU ULS-15 subs. Nirvana.
No thanks dude, I already have 6 of them 650, 750, 850,and sx950 + 2 sx 780,'s. These are great receivers, Got mine at eBay that needed work but did work . Noisy transistors and dirty pots or potentiometers, phono amp rebuilt. Fed into cerwin vega, SL-15 and an SG9500 Eq and F-2121 tapedeck. 2 thumbs up to you.
While waiting to get my Kenwood KR6030 back with a left Channel I picked up a rather sweet SX650. I gotta tell ya, I am very pleased, much nicer looking than the Kardon Harmon all black rcvr which pushes 40 a channel. I'll gladly take 5 watts less pr. channel and have a real tuning dial with a weighted knob.The 650 can take a turntable and two tape decks which is very nice a dipole or T antenna sucks up the stations.
I just got an SX-750 that's in practically mint condition, and sounds *brilliant*. I kinda like the VU meters on the X80 series, but the clean, silver face of the X50 series just exudes minimalist class. And the 750 is kind of the sweet spot, it seems, in terms of power, price and features without loading *too* much onto the front of the simple interface. It seems almost Germanic, actually (I'm a fan of old cameras, and have a couple of Leicas & a Rolleiflex), in its cold, austere, but still very welcoming looks.
I'm going through what my wife calls "Another one of your phases". Yep, I'm buying old stereos especially Pioneer brands. My first was a QX8000 my brother sold me while home on leave. Years later I sold it to a friend...quad was by then dead. Im back!
I snap up vintage receivers whenever I see them for reasonable dosh. Wife has a Pioneer SX-990 in her office and listens to it daily. The 990 pre-dates your list, I think. Cheers!
I have a Vintage Pioneer SX 880 reciever and 2 Hpm 60 speakers, some inside cleaning needed. Looks great! It does work . I would clean my self, but forgot how to hook speakers back up!! Lol
I have an SX-880. Connect your two speakers to the two pairs of “A” connections, one pair being left and the other pair right. Hopefully your speaker cable is marked or molded in some way so you can tell one of the two conductors in the cable from the other. You’ll want to make sure that the red terminal on the receiver is connected to the red terminal on the speaker and same thing, black to black. It should be like that for both the left and the right speaker.
I have the one. that really started the show. the first to hit 3 digits RMS. its recapped and looked over :) its the sx-1010. got it for 600$ I just saw a renovated sx-1010 2200$ the pricing is getting nuts!
I own my dads SX-626. I love it. I do have an issue when going to Phono 1 to Phono 2. A bit scratchy. Until I can have it properly serviced, I am adding a separate pre-amp, and hooking one turntable through the tape input. Then just position selector knob to Phono 2 and leave it their
I've had my SX-3800 since 1986. I love it but it needs a full restoration. As an electronics technologist I'm not afraid of tackling it myself, I just always seem to have too many other priorities.
Great receivers I own an SX 535 the I bought brand new and also have An SX 737.... Listening to the 535 right now and we use them both... I use the 535 for Radio and watching DVD's.... The 737 is used with our Turntable...
Man, I grew up with the SA730, but most recently found the SX434 and I love it. Still wish I could find the original SA730 and the (I think) CS-203 Speakers that came with it. That’s the speakers it looks most like. Both my dad and uncle had the same stereo set, with the Pioneer branded black Glass cabinet, tape deck, tuner, record player. The thing that gets me is the greenish theme the SA730 had, I seem to remember the grille for the speakers had green on it, and I have yet to find even a picture that looks identical to the speakers I had. I hope to find them one day, and recreate the sound that first made me fall in love with music and kicked my guitar playing into serious mode.
I bought a SX-580 back in 1979. Tossed it out in the mid 80's after blowing a channel a second time. I picked up a really nice SX-780 a couple months ago at Goodwill for $25. No problems with it at all. Probably should replace some caps just in case.
Really? SX780 those still pop up at Goodwill, huh? That's pretty freakin' great, thanks for sharing, I reckon I will go have a looksee at a few in the local.
Oh, as for the caps, maybe just remove the shell, & have a look. If the caps are fine, I go with if it's not broke, don't fix it. The old caps tend to leak a fluid/ gelatinous substance when bad, not always but .
@@natas3.14 I think I got really lucky that day. Also got a Garrard DD75 for $25 that day. I think someone donated both items. A month before at the same Goodwill I got a Yamaha M60 power amp that is near mint for $20. Mostly I see DVD players and AV receivers there. Got a Onkyo 4k AV rcvr with Bluetooth for $20 and a Sony 3d blue ray DVD player that can play SACD for $15. You have to go fairly often though.
I'm wondering who made my Realistic STA-76 receiver. It's a gem and looks alot like your Pioneer in design and panel layout. In addition, couldn't help but see those KLH17S in the background. They are gems. I run a pair of them along with a Polk subwoofer, and they sound surprisingly good, even by today's standards!
I had a SX-626 that I bought for $75.00 from Schack Electronics back in 82 . That thing cranked ! till the right channel fried out , and could not find anyone to fix it , so righjt to the trash it went , I got 10 years out of it and my moneys worth from it , But wish I still had it today ...
While Pioneer is a good choice there is no reason to limit your choice to Pioneer. Many other fine sound receivers can be found as well. Harman Kardon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Sherwood, Nikko, even Sony to name few.
Very informative video. I have a Marantz 2275 that is in need of cleaning and probably a bit of restoration, although it does work. I would appreciate any direction....Michael
I own a Phase Linear 4000 Tuner and a Phase Linear 5000 Preamp II bought it refurbished but now it needs some work. The electronics guy I bought this from is buried with work. His turn around time is almost a year... It's unbelievable how long it takes to get anything done out of his shop. This is all run through an ADCOM high output amp. I could use some assistance in getting this fixed. I have some Marantz Gear that needs work as well.
As a regular but casual ebay seller who has streamlined the process as much as I can: I end up with 85% of the selling price. Ignore taxes and shipping. So if it sells for $1000 I get $850 from eBay after everything is said and done. I mostly sell computers, photo, and pro audio equipment. In rare cases I end up with close to 90% of the selling price!
We had two pet receivers in our component room in 1973...The Pioneer Sx 828 and the Sansui 8....The Pioneer was 429.88 and the Sansui was 529.88....Really great time to sell audio.....had a blast...
No 8track too bad
In over 50 years of being an audiophile, I have only owned three audio receivers. These include a Pioneer SX-626, Pioneer SX-850, and a Pioneer SX-1250. I sold the first two receivers mentioned and I am still using the Pioneer SX-1250 today. It has never given me trouble at all. I bought it from a co-worker (who found it) for only $75.00. Yes, that is correct - $75.00. It wasn't working and he didn't know why. I figured it out immediately. Whoever first owned it had disconnected the jumpers that go from the pre-amp to the main amp. I also have two audio/video receivers - Pioneer VSX-9500S and a Pioneer VSX-D814. Although the two audio/video receivers work well, the sound just can't compare with my Pioneer SX-1250. It's sad that those days are over. I miss them.
I had the SX1280 and fried it twice (turned me off to Pioneer) I read the SX1250 had better parts.
Wow! Lucky you for that purchase!
Still running a little SX-626 with New Large Advents in my home gym. Plenty of volume from that little combo.
@@Old_Sailor85, That is a great combination to have!!! I started with the Pioneer SX-626 and Large Advent Speakers too! And all these years later, I am still using them with my Pioneer SX-1250. They certainly do last! Over the years, I have had the woofers re-coned and I have also replace the tweeters a few times. Still, they are incredible sounding!
Thanks for this video! It's great to see these receivers getting the love and respect that they deserve.
I've been a fan of Pioneer receivers since I bought my first, a brand new SX-525 back in 1972 or so. Right now I have an SX-1010 (that I'm listening to right now) as well as an SX-1250, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I found them locally, and bought them at different times fifteen or twenty years ago, back before the prices went crazy. I did have to spend some money on them, because I'm not a technician myself, but I have had them both worked on by people who really know what they're doing, and that was money well spent. These Pioneer receivers are a continuing pleasure to listen to and to look at. Whatever else was going on in the seventies, it really was the "golden age" for stereo gear. Thanks again!
So.much better than push button tuning, a heavy smooth tuning knob actual glass for 950's tuning dial. Friens see these and are like "WOW" what a real nice radio they say.
I tell them that a radio is not stereo and has just 1 spkr.
A stereo receiver has two channels and 4 or 5 inputs as well as the tuner or FM sw.
I’ve played my Pioneer SX880 since new in 1980. Damn thing has never failed. Wish modern day factories could build stuff as good as these are.
They can, they just don't.
Same...SX 3800 here. Still going strong with Bose speakers.
I bought an sx-1250 new in 1977. It’s been sitting in a closet for 20 years. Now you have me wanting to get it out and start using it again. Thank you.
Remember what it cost back then?
Oh my god, man. What are you doing?? Get that bad boy--that was a true monster at the time of production, and still is today--and set it free & let it play. It will bring you much joy. (Being as your comment is 7 months old, *did* you get it out and put it back to work??)
Dayum, get it OUT and wrkg or checked out. A fine pair of Cv SL-15's will give u music u never heard good Tt and F21 tapedeck and Tt will give u a system an SG9500 Eq by Pioneer. . . I have the sx-950
A freaking beautifully rcvr.
Dude ...get that rcvr wrkg u will be SO glad ya did.
I started w an sx650 sweet ...she got me into collecting pioneer rcvrs.
I think they were about $700. Now they're worth around 3 grand! @@dehoyosrudolph8885
Oh, man! That is wonderful! I see that this post if from 2 years ago ... is it up and running? What kind of speakers/turntable/etc. are you using?
They all look great, but i especially love the black dial units, it looks fantastic imo.
I am still using the Pioneer SX-727 that I bought at the Navy Exchange in Yokosuka Japan. Other than cleaning controls/switches and changing bulbs this 1972 receiver is going strong.
Just bought a clean SX-780 for $200 after my old receiver died. Very pleased with my purchase, sounds great!
I have a SX-424 up in the attic with original speakers. It was my Dad's. Looks like new. Seeing this video makes me want to see if it still works. I do really like the styling of the old Pioneer Stereo Receivers much better than the newer Receivers of today.
I have an SX590 i bought in about 1978. Still as new unmarked with a pioneer turntable. Lovely kit.
I picked up a pioneer sa-8500,series 2, for $20 from a friend for helping clean his garage, it was buried in a corner of the garage and he said he had no use for it, what a lucky score, Liked the video
My brother had a Pioneer system back in the 70s with CSR700 speakers. The best sounding system I've ever heard.
I got such a kick from your video! My SX 525 has outlasted two newer stereos and is almost in near mint condition. I just started using it again with my Pioneer turntable to convert my vinyl collection.
The chart is greatly appreciated :) I am thinking of buying vintage Pioneer and this video is great...thanks for the post...this is what UA-cam should be :)
Just found your video, I was the owner of a Pioneer SX636 which i purchased while in London on a day visit, the build quality was superb as well as the looks, owned it for many years, it was faultless and coupled with my Celestion ditton 25 speakers it sounded superb, the feel and quality of all the switchgear as well as the tuner knob was super smooth, great video and presentation 👍
I bought an sx636 new and still own it as well as the Pioneer PL71 turntable. Run them through a pair of Jennings Research Contreras pedestal swivels and they are a most deliciously appealing pairing. I got the Pioneer new in the box on a discount sale in Fargo at LaBelles for I believe was 300 dollars; the J/R pedestals for 500 new in their boxes in the Ridgedale Mall-Minneapolis, in a 'stereo store moving out sale'. 1976 thru 1977. Beautiful sound with extremely beautiful presentation visually. Added a Pioneer sx737 for another residence about 5 years ago for 200 bucks on an auction sale. Am sold on their beauty and quality with good power delivery for 1,000 to 2,000 square foot environments .... I will never get rid of them and have been very pleased !
Hah. I guess my Pioneer SX-440 receiver pre-dates your chart. I think I bought it in 1970. That early family of Pioneer receivers were all black face - ALL black face, not just the tuner section. They looked really cool. Wish I still had mine. It was my first stereo - first venture into the hi-fi world. I remember relishing the "thump" from my speakers when I turned it on, even though it was a mere 12 watts RMS per channel (8 ohms).
I have an absolutely mint condition SX-1280. I've bought it when it came out, and love it.
When you get ready to sell....call me!
Just call me, maybe it’s late but just call me, don’t hesitate, you can call me, call me and I’ll be around. How much do you want for it? Now don’t forget me…!
I got myself an SX 550 a little over 1 year ago, clean, was recently serviced and it looks and sound great. Rated at "only" 20 wpc but with the volume at 4-5 it produces over 90 decibels of sound. You're right, prices have almost doubled in this last year, but......, still better than a plastic box at similar prices.
I have an SX-737 and an SX-535. I love them both.
Early 2002, not once but TWICE I had the opportunity to purchase a Pioneer SX-1980. $450 and the other was $525. I just didn't have the money at that time to afford it. They worked and looked perfect. Oh well.... I still have my 1982 Champagne A-9 system that I bought new in 1982. Service Merchandise! PL-L800 linear turntable and HPM-900 speakers still work just the way I bought them. I do have the F9 tuner and CT-7R cassette deck but not in the system because I only have room for the RG-9 SG-9 and the SR-9. This was a very expensive system in 1982. I was told I was nuts to "waste all my money" on stereo equipment. But....I still have it all 40 years later.
Ive owned truckloads of this stuff. The sx 440 , 10 watts, simple, is my favorite sounding piece by Pioneer. Yes 10 watts. Thats it. Black face and blacked out dial was ahead of its time. Very warm sound. 1969-1970 model year.
And they're still very affordable! They do sound fantastic, you got that right!
I dropping off a old tv at my local recycle yard, and someone threw away a sx-440 with matching turntable. I brought both home, 440 only has bulbs out and works fine. turntable needs a new belt.
I have two vintage receivers, the Pioneer SX-440 (69-70) and a Marantz 2216b(77-78). The Pioneer sounds best. I only wonder how mid to late 70s Pioneer compare?
Started off w an sx650 at a church thrift shop. That lil sweetie got me into collecting vintage rcvrs.
I will say I bought a KR6030 back.in 81 and is a clydesdale up there w the sx950. A KR 6600 is a hot looking rcvr as well and Im kerping them but leaning to Pioneer.
About 5 years ago I tested one of these in an antique shop. I tried it with headphones and got A LOT of static, so I walked away. Now I wish I had seem this video first. Good work.
I have the sx535 and has totally recapped and a full service and it sounds better than anything out there today and sounds way better that my Sony ste-gx10es
Great video, looking forward to the restoration project.
I just got myself a mint SX-720 (SX-3600 clone), original non-restored. Sounds awesome, I love it.
To your good advise, I would add: when you shop for an amp, make sure you carry headphones (with the 1/4" adapter plug if required) and a 1/8 stereo-to-RCA cable and your music in your phone. This way you can test all inputs (except phono) with the phone, and using headphones allows you to hear defects hard to detect using the speakers, especially if the listening environnement at the seller is not optimal. Listen with the speakers too, but don't "listen" to them: listen to the amp, check for audio issues not audio quality. Also crank the volume with nothing plugged in any inputs, check for cross talk between inputs (especially phono). Look for scratchy knobs, distortion, difference between L & R, hum, etc at low and high volume. Don't expect perfection, an 40-50 year old unit won't be perfect.
any phone doesn´t have alf of the input sound of a hi-fi component ,one can put the volume up but at the end of some hours the receiver might be burning hot, normally i use a pre-amplifier to conect a tablet, phone or computer, but in a store they would have any source of sound and speakers to test the receiver, those noises you refer to i wrotte in other coment that one needs to restore it and without any new part everything can return to the quality of new and those cleaning spray´s if good will keep it runing without noises for some monthes but it´s better for a technician to clean everything returning to new and it´s not expensive in terms of electronic parts inside either than a good cleaning , the cost is higher if the technician asks for a lot of money for his working hours on the device
Great video, I own a SX-950 that I bought new. It's in great shape, I bought the receiver with a Pioneer PL-71 direct drive turntable.
Had a SX838 and SX1280 back in the day. Great looking receivers, but today have little use for tuners when there are better media choices out there now. Plus I like having a remote control. Had a Sony TC758 R-R and a Carver M500T amp back in the day which was cool also, today still have my 4 Realistic Mach 1's and 2 T-100 speakers and 2 Technics SA R330 receivers. Vintage equipment is still cool history.
Big fan of the 50 series- typically excellent sound and in some ways much easier to service than the 80 series
Very much so!
I bought an SX-850 for 450 dollars at a local record store that looks like it was made last week. A little Deoxit in the pots/switches and it sounds fantastic. I'm currently using it as a preamplifier for my ST-70 tube amp kit from Tubes4Hifi, but I used it for months previously as a receiver and it's a powerful beast. I will eventually recap it but for now the Pioneer is sounding pretty darn good.
The Pioneer SX-850 was the second receiver I owned. First it was the Pioneer SX-626, then the Pioneer SX-850, and now the Pioneer SX-1250. I think that Pioneer made the best receivers back then. I can't say that today though. I prefer analogue over digital. I also own a Pioneer VSX-9500S and a Pioneer VSX-D814 which I use for Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound. They sound good, but when it comes to pure audio, the Pioneer SX-line is still the best! No comparison!
@@jonturner564 The SX series really is something. I did recap my SX-850 and it sounds fantastic.
@@Darrylizer1, I prefer the 50 series over the 80 series. I still have not had to recap my SX-1250 yet. I hope that I won't have to do that...
@@jonturner564 I put in new caps as a preventative measure, the things were pretty old. One thing I like about the 80 series is the VU meters! I think the 50s though are elegant looking. They're terrific machines.
@@Darrylizer1 Absolutely! They are the best!
The black dial we love: That was advertised as a feature called a BLACKOUT dial. When the power was off, the whole display disappeared into deep blackness. Later receivers and tuners lost that awesome styling cue, including my beloved Pioneer TX-9500 II tuner.
The SX-1980 is the Holy Grail of receivers. Paired with the HPM-100's is the set-up of choice.
I am listening to you now thru a SX-3800. I've had this for about 15 years. Love it. Thanx
I bought a SX-1250 new in the previous century. It's long gone. Now I've got a SX-1980 I've had for 25+ years
My SX 780 has served me since the 70’s , won’t die. Will outlive me,lol
You completely skipped over the pre-X2X receivers such as the SX-990, SX-1500TD, SX-770, and SX-330... introduced in 1970. Nice video. I enjoyed it.
I just bought a sx-980 from a friend and he told me there was no tuning needle light bulb but now I know different thank you very much
1979. I bought a 780, HPM 100s and PL 530. Hot damn. Still kicking some seriious butt today.
I have an SX-525. It has absolutely the best AM tuner than anything I've had. Am sounds like FM and it's super sensitive with a long wire. If you like to AM dx this one is a blast. I'm sure the models above this one are just as good
Great video! You mention the absence of the Relay Click (Speaker Protection) on the receiver but do not state if a missing Relay Click will or will not impact the performance of the receiver.
Generally, it won't. Although, if it's an old system, the contacts on the relay--which actually connect to your speaker outputs--may introduce a bit of static/distortion if they're cruddy/have arcing damage. So if you *have* the relay, you gain the advantage of your speakers being protected from a power surge, particularly when you turn on the receiver, with the disadvantage that you'll probably eventually have to replace the relay to get the best sound. If you don't have it, you run the risk of blown speakers (I *think* turning down the volume completely before turning on the receiver will at least help alleviate that), but you also have a "cleaner" audio signal path. So gain some, lose some, either way.
Got my first Pioneer today. A lovely 727 in fantastic condition.
great channel - my loudspeaker manufacterer says "buy the amp that gives you a distortion free listening experience at your volume level...." - AHA 😊
Thanks AH-Fix-it, I look forward to the up and coming restore videos
I purchased a very well cared for SX-780 on eBay this year and absolutely love it.... I looked a long time before I found one that was in mint condition, many look beat up for some reason
I just bought one myself on eBay. It was delivered a couple of days ago and I have yet to hook it up. I need to hang shelves for it and a turntable as it’s going in a small room and I need the floor space.
Hope you’re really enjoying yours.
I purchased a 780 here recently too off of CL. After a good control cleaning, that thing is a mini beast! Have a pair of Klipsch Heresy 1's connected to it and O.M.G!!!! Music is so great again!
I would love to buy an SX-50 series, maybe a 980, a 1280 or even the legendary SX-1980 but my wife would kill me, plus while she’s home, anything above near-whisper level is forbidden so…🙁🙁🙁
I have an SX-535 that I got at a local online estate auction. It's a fantastic little receiver.
Another great video !
Thanks for the blooper outtakes 🤣
I just got my multimeter today an picked up another amp cheap it’s a Technics SU 8600 73 w per Chanel . The guy said it’s for repair or parts . All I see missing so far was the 2 250v 4 amp speaker fuses at the back . I plugged it in hoping I didn’t blow a house breaker and it turned on and heard the click ! Good start . Tested it with headphones everything works . Next have to find some fuses , I’m hoping they just blew the fuses and removed them to purchase more and never got around to it ! Fingers crossed . 👍🏼. Update on the Marantz 2250b took out the preamp board as per your video and cleaned all the pots and cleaned up the board itself . I’m toying with the idea that maybe my first attempt at changing out the old parts with that kit you purchased . Changing those huge capacitors on the output looks a bit more scary to do haha plus they didn’t have any in stock that I could find as of yet ! Thanks for keeping me motivated to do this 👍🏼
I found a 30 foot single wire for FM works pretty good as compared to the T style dipole.
I hear the SX880's quality took a BIG dive in weight, down to 27lbs from 42. Wattmeters on the sx780? Funny 45vwatts a channel w wattmeters I like the sx850 and sx950 very much, 2 real work horses with great options for inputs.
here in the UK i have an L-X 550 only 25 watts pc but you would think it was a lot more and the sound quality is still excellent all these years later
I bought a 40 year old SA 6800 Amplifier to drive my 25 year old Boston Acoustics CR 6 and 7 speakers. Sounds great!
Great video, my parents had a SX receiver when I was young and I just started looking into getting a similar model but don't know much about the differences and what to look for. This is the best video explaining the models and how to check them for quality. Definitely subscribing!
I got hooked in the 70's! Then they sold me 2 turntables and a mixer! Walla! Disco was born! GQ....
Picked up a restored (caps/regulators/etc) SX850 last year.
Love those late 70s/early 80s units with VFD's but those fade/fail over time, while analog dials and meters don't, or can be repaired ;)
I BOUGHT THE SAME RECEIVER AND IT IS EXCELLENT.
I regret allowing my hifi system to slowly disappear. I can remember jamming to it back in the late 70 up until I put everything up in the early 90s so my kids didn't mess with it. Since then I've moved twice and I honestly don't know what happened to all of it.
Nice video. I have a Pioneer SX-650 and two SX-3700's. Always loved Pioneer stuff.
I have a tx 5300 still going since 1978 when I purchased it
I love my sx3700. I can't imagine needing more power. It has a really sweet sound and everything works as it should. I had a sx650 before and it sounded fine but I really like the fluoroscan meters.
I have had a sx3700 hooked to my computer for a number of years, although it still works great, I replaced it with a restored Marantxz 2265B. I may use the 3700 to power 4 speakers in my garage, as I am not that thrilled with a New Fangled bluetooth Yamaha A-N 303 that has many functions, but high power 100 watts, give me a break, is not one of them.
Hey my guy, so I picked up a beautiful 550, and all is well but there's a couple things.
When I opened her up, the bulps were burnt out. They had 8v going to them but all 3 lights and the power light weren't working. I ordered after markets and replaced.
Now what I hadn't noticed at first, is that I don't hear that click before the speakers come on. And two, I noticed that the lights flicker significantly for 5 to 20 seconds and then everything functions as normal. Also the sound is absent or muttled during this period until I "fixes itself"
Hoping you can point me in the right direction.
You inspired me to find these and repair them. I have a 650 that is in my living room with vintage speakers and I'm absolutely in love with it. Big thanks.
No relay on a 550 so you won't get a click
I just bought a Pioneer SX-1250 at a thrift store for $40.00 with 2 cheap tower speakers in Great condition. It powers up but I can’t get any sound out of the speakers. I will be sending it to a shop soon.
I love these recievers, but I have a MARANTZ from 1976 I love the way it looks
Had a 1980 1080 1050 1250 and my favorite one is the 1010 which I still have today it is for me the prices of these things oh my God I remember the first time I got a 1980 was at a pawnshop outside of Fort Bragg in the late 90s the guy had it in the box 800 bucks I bought it I terrorize the Barricks with it and I kept it for years then I sold it for about 1800 bucks my God I would’ve kept it if I knew the prices would do what they do today I always like the 1010 it seem to have a little bit warmer sound don’t let the models and wattage fool you because that 1010 only had 100 to 110 watch per channel we used to judge how fast we can get the MPs at our house in less than five minutes running a 1010 on a Rf5 klispch oh yeah lol . My mom had a realistic 2100 non-D models and I believe Pioneer sued them for the power supply I have that too and I need to get a hold of a 1080 again and see how those compare . Yes I quit selling on eBay because I remember when eBay bought PayPal and that’s when everything went to shit . I use to only deal with postal money orders and it’s like soon as PayPal was bought there’s the extra fees I remember Quitting after that but it’s nice to see these beauties making a comeback
I have a sx- 3700 family owned since new.
Another great spot.
Sx727 and sx980 - like'em both.
I had X50... over 30 yrs ago. My last until last yr and I now have Sony rcvr.
I believe my Dad had the Pioneer SX 535 Receiver, as kid back in the 70's I thought it was cool!
Very good job. The chart really is helpful.
I’m looking forward to becoming reacquainted with my SX-737 and Large Advent Loudspeakers. ❤
My “daily” system is an Emotiva 7.2 system, Polk towers main, Polk FX4 surrounds, (2) HSU ULS-15 subs. Nirvana.
No thanks dude, I already have 6 of them 650, 750, 850,and sx950 + 2 sx 780,'s. These are great receivers, Got mine at eBay that needed work but did work . Noisy transistors and dirty pots or potentiometers, phono amp rebuilt.
Fed into cerwin vega, SL-15 and an SG9500 Eq and F-2121 tapedeck. 2 thumbs up to you.
While waiting to get my Kenwood KR6030 back with a left Channel I picked up a rather sweet SX650. I gotta tell ya, I am very pleased, much nicer looking than the
Kardon Harmon all black rcvr which pushes 40 a channel. I'll gladly take 5 watts less pr. channel and have a real tuning dial with a weighted knob.The 650 can take a turntable
and two tape decks which is very nice a dipole or T antenna sucks up the stations.
The X50 Generation can be argued endlessly and mostly accepted as their best built receivers. Good Video!
I just got an SX-750 that's in practically mint condition, and sounds *brilliant*. I kinda like the VU meters on the X80 series, but the clean, silver face of the X50 series just exudes minimalist class. And the 750 is kind of the sweet spot, it seems, in terms of power, price and features without loading *too* much onto the front of the simple interface. It seems almost Germanic, actually (I'm a fan of old cameras, and have a couple of Leicas & a Rolleiflex), in its cold, austere, but still very welcoming looks.
Got a 950 from the thrift about 4yrs ago for $20.
I owned 20 years ago an SX-450. Pretty good receiver.
I'm going through what my wife calls "Another one of your phases". Yep, I'm buying old stereos especially Pioneer brands. My first was a QX8000 my brother sold me while home on leave. Years later I sold it to a friend...quad was by then dead. Im back!
I snap up vintage receivers whenever I see them for reasonable dosh. Wife has a Pioneer SX-990 in her office and listens to it daily. The 990 pre-dates your list, I think. Cheers!
You are obviously a young man. Where did you learn about repairing vintage electronics?
So Steve Rogers can assemble, and repair too… I have SX-828 and it’s good to know a lot more details of it.
I found an SX 800 tube receiver at a church sale! It powers our synths!!
Purchased my SX-1010 brand new and still performs like day 1. Matched to B I C Formula 6 speakers.
Wow I have a 1010 also what a beast. I'm 65..
I have a Vintage Pioneer SX 880 reciever and 2 Hpm 60 speakers, some inside cleaning needed. Looks great! It does work . I would clean my self, but forgot how to hook speakers back up!! Lol
I have an SX-880. Connect your two speakers to the two pairs of “A” connections, one pair being left and the other pair right. Hopefully your speaker cable is marked or molded in some way so you can tell one of the two conductors in the cable from the other. You’ll want to make sure that the red terminal on the receiver is connected to the red terminal on the speaker and same thing, black to black. It should be like that for both the left and the right speaker.
Make sure your “A” speaker button is depressed on the front panel.
Picked up a marantz mr220 and a concept 2.0. Quite happy with those because I just lurked on CL and got them for dirt cheap.
I have the one. that really started the show. the first to hit 3 digits RMS. its recapped and looked over :) its the sx-1010. got it for 600$
I just saw a renovated sx-1010 2200$ the pricing is getting nuts!
I own my dads SX-626. I love it. I do have an issue when going to Phono 1 to Phono 2. A bit scratchy. Until I can have it properly serviced, I am adding a separate pre-amp, and hooking one turntable through the tape input. Then just position selector knob to Phono 2 and leave it their
I've had my SX-3800 since 1986. I love it but it needs a full restoration. As an electronics technologist I'm not afraid of tackling it myself, I just always seem to have too many other priorities.
Pioneer was top notch stuff the common man could own. I'd stack it up against the best.
Thanks for the good vid! Would also be interested to see pre-1970 units.
Great receivers I own an SX 535 the I bought brand new and also have An SX 737.... Listening to the 535 right now and we use them both... I use the 535 for Radio and watching DVD's.... The 737 is used with our Turntable...
Man, I grew up with the SA730, but most recently found the SX434 and I love it. Still wish I could find the original SA730 and the (I think) CS-203 Speakers that came with it. That’s the speakers it looks most like. Both my dad and uncle had the same stereo set, with the Pioneer branded black Glass cabinet, tape deck, tuner, record player. The thing that gets me is the greenish theme the SA730 had, I seem to remember the grille for the speakers had green on it, and I have yet to find even a picture that looks identical to the speakers I had. I hope to find them one day, and recreate the sound that first made me fall in love with music and kicked my guitar playing into serious mode.
Had the SX 1250 if anybody is interested still got the hpm 100s and they are in very good shape.
I bought a SX-580 back in 1979. Tossed it out in the mid 80's after blowing a channel a second time. I picked up a really nice SX-780 a couple months ago at Goodwill for $25. No problems with it at all. Probably should replace some caps just in case.
Really? SX780 those still pop up at Goodwill, huh? That's pretty freakin' great, thanks for sharing, I reckon I will go have a looksee at a few in the local.
Oh, as for the caps, maybe just remove the shell, & have a look. If the caps are fine, I go with if it's not broke, don't fix it. The old caps tend to leak a fluid/ gelatinous substance when bad, not always but .
@@natas3.14 I think I got really lucky that day. Also got a Garrard DD75 for $25 that day. I think someone donated both items. A month before at the same Goodwill I got a Yamaha M60 power amp that is near mint for $20. Mostly I see DVD players and AV receivers there. Got a Onkyo 4k AV rcvr with Bluetooth for $20 and a Sony 3d blue ray DVD player that can play SACD for $15. You have to go fairly often though.
@@bmboldt still, very nice, a very good score on em'
@@natas3.14 a friend gave me an old Sherwood S-7100A the other day. Needed some new lamps and pots cleaned. Watched your vids for ideas. Thanks.
I'm wondering who made my Realistic STA-76 receiver. It's a gem and looks alot like your Pioneer in design and panel layout. In addition, couldn't help but see those KLH17S in the background. They are gems. I run a pair of them along with a Polk subwoofer, and they sound surprisingly good, even by today's standards!
SX 1250 and it rocks...I got lucky...
I see you are also an admirer of the best 113hp sports car ever made.
I had a SX-626 that I bought for $75.00 from Schack Electronics back in 82 . That thing cranked ! till the right channel fried out , and could not find anyone to fix it , so righjt to the trash it went , I got 10 years out of it and my moneys worth from it , But wish I still had it today ...
lol SX1250 and HOLY GRAIL 1980 are the BEST hands down!
I still have my SX-1050 that was pulled from the Garbage truck 20 yrs ago.
While Pioneer is a good choice there is no reason to limit your choice to Pioneer. Many other fine sound receivers can be found as well. Harman Kardon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Sherwood, Nikko, even Sony to name few.
Hey hey hey I recognize that SX-1010. Good video!
Nice video, I have the Pioneer TX7100 Turner with Pioneer SA8100 Amplifier, built like a tank...
Where can I get 4 of the pioneer speaker plugs for the back. One is flat vertically and one of the prongs is flat horizontally.
Very informative video.
I have a Marantz 2275 that is in need of cleaning and probably a bit of restoration, although it does work.
I would appreciate any direction....Michael
I agree with you. Very beautiful reciever.
I own a Phase Linear 4000 Tuner and a Phase Linear 5000 Preamp II bought it refurbished but now it needs some work. The electronics guy I bought this from is buried with work. His turn around time is almost a year... It's unbelievable how long it takes to get anything done out of his shop. This is all run through an ADCOM high output amp. I could use some assistance in getting this fixed. I have some Marantz Gear that needs work as well.
As a regular but casual ebay seller who has streamlined the process as much as I can: I end up with 85% of the selling price. Ignore taxes and shipping. So if it sells for $1000 I get $850 from eBay after everything is said and done. I mostly sell computers, photo, and pro audio equipment. In rare cases I end up with close to 90% of the selling price!