This of course is one of the icons of vintage audio. The Pioneer SX-1980. This receiver is highly sought after today and prices can reach into the thousands for a well maintained unit.
At an official rating of 270 watts per channel into 8 ohms with a 2.3 dB dynamic headroom.
This makes the SX-1980 Pioneer's most powerful receiver, as well as being one of the most powerful receivers ever manufactured in the world, to date.
The SX-1980 is 22 inches wide, 19.5 inches deep, and 8.25 inches high; weighing 78 pounds (35 kg).
It’s suggested retail price in 1978 was $1295.00 – a fairly large sum back in those days.
Total harmonic distortion is rated at 0.03% which is extremely low for a power output that high. It has a massive toroidal transformer that is flanked by huge capacitors. It also has large heatsinks to dissipate the heat generated by the unit.
Pioneer SX-1280
The Pioneer SX-1280 is one of Pioneer’s classic receivers.
It came out in 1978 and took over for the SX-1250. The design and styling are beautiful.
It is rated at 185 watts per channel which is second only the the monster SX-1980’s power output.
MSRP was around $900.00 which was a decent chunk of change in 1978 and rose to $950.00 in 1979 which was the last year of production for the 1200 series receivers.
You’ll notice that the Pioneer SX-1280 has black vu meter faces with white lettering while the SX-1250 had white meter faces and black lettering. Just one of the subtle differences between the two receivers.
Weight: 63.25 pounds
Pioneer SX-1250
This is another of the Pioneer classics.
It’s the Pioneer SX-1250. As you can see it has the trademark Pioneer styling of that era with silver knobs and white meter face.s
It was introduced in 1976 and, at that time, was Pioneer’s top of the line receiver.
It put out 160 watts per channel and was priced at around $900.00.
It weighs around 73 pounds!
Pioneer SX-1080
The Pioneer SX-1080, a direct descendant of the SX-1050. The SX-1050 was produced in 1976-1977 while the SX-1080 showed up in 1978-79.
Despite the fact that the SX-1080 is supposedly an improved version of the SX-1050 you’ll find opinions on the matter split amongst collectors and audio enthusiasts. Some swear that the SX-1050 sounds better or is built better while others claim the opposite.
The SX-1080, like the 1050 puts out 120 watts into 8 ohms. The 1080 also has two VU power meters, one for each channel, that the 1050 does not have.
Interestingly, the 1050 has outputs for 3 pair of speakers while the later 1080 only has outputs for two pair.
The 1080 also featured turnover tone controls and 6dB/octave high and low filters. Total harmonic distortion was reduced from 0.100 % in the SX-1050 to 0.05 % in the SX-1080.
Pioneer SX-1050
Another of the silver faced Pioneer line the Pioneer SX-1050 was the little brother to the giant SX-1250 in 1976 and 1977.
It weighs in at just over 50 pounds and has many of the features of the top of the line SX-1250.
It’s rated at 120 per channel into 8 ohms as compared to the SX-1250 which was rated at 165 watts per channel.
The SX-1050 incorporated a large toroidal transformer, a huge power supply with step-start circuit and two large capacitors, a step attenuator volume control, a shielded multi-gang tuning capacitor, and a well improved FM tuning section as well.
So, the SX-1050 is really far more comparable to the SX-1250 then it is to the SX-850 and SX-950. It retailed at around $700.00.
Pioneer SX-980
The Pioneer SX-980 and was produced from 1978 to 1979 and was the last of the 900 series receivers from Pioneer.
The SX-980 is basically a slightly restyled SX-950. You’ll notice that the meter faces are black instead of white to improve the legibility of the analog meters.
The SX-980 is rated at 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms. As a comparison the SX-950 was rated at 85 WPC.
While the sound difference between the 980 and 950 may not be very noticeable to most listeners the build quality of the two units is different. The consensus is that Pioneer’s 50 series receivers are built better than the 80 series.
Pioneer SX-950
This receiver was offered by Pioneer from 1976 through 1977.
It had a list price of around $600.00.
This model was in the upper end of the quality range and sold well.
The 950 is rated at 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It weighs about 55 pounds.
Pioneer SX-990
Never has any receiver combined such exceptional high performance with so many audio refinements.
A full 100W at 8 ohms over a frequency response from 10 to a fantastic 100,000 Hz
Advanced solid state circuitry with Field Effect Transistor and Integrated Circuits and a 4-gang variable capacitor - for significantly superior sensitivity and limiting.
Two tuning meters, an unusually wide range of inputs and outputs, precise tone controls and a host of important innovations.
Meticulously engineered. Stunningly styled. Truly one of the finest audio components ever created.
Wwight 14 kg
Pioneer SX-890
The Pioneer SX-890 is an AM/FM stereo receiver with direct-coupled DC power amplifier giving a continuous power output of 60 watts per channel.
Features include PLL stereo FM MPX with automatic pilot signal canceller, tape duplicate/monitor convenience, loudness contour and low-noise CR-type tone control network with off position for ruler flat response, plus CR-type subsonic filter.
Specifications
Tuning range: FM, MW
Dimensions: 480 x 140 x 320mm
Weight: 12.2kg
Year: 1978
Pioneer SX-880
The Pioneer SX-xx80 series came after the SX-xx50.
This Pioneer SX-880 is a classic example of that generation of Pioneer receivers and was the last of the 800 series.
It premiered around 1978 and retailed for about $425 at the time. The general consensus is that the xx80 series does not have quite the same quality build as the xx50 series did.
As an example the Pioneer SX-850, which the SX-880 replaced, weighed 42 pounds (19.1 Kg) while the SX-880 weighs in at just 27 pounds (12.2 Kg).
The SX-880’s dimensions are 19″ x 12.75″ x 5.5″.
Pioneer SX-939
Pioneer AM/FM stereo receiver model SX-939 was introduced in 1974 - 1975.
Rated at 75 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms.
Features, two bass and two treble controls, tone off/on, two tape in/outputs, tape duplicator switch, Dolby NR adaptor on/off, two head phone outputs, low and high filters, right and left mic inputs. FM muting and other features.
Pioneer SX-850
This classic receiver the Pioneer SX-850 was made from 1976 to 1977 and, while not the top of the line, it was one of their higher end offerings.
It has the tradition mid to late 70’s styling that is easily recognized as Pioneer.
The silver face, wood case and amber lights are all characteristic of Pioneer receivers of that time.
It’s rated at 65 watts per channel but most agree that is probably low.
Pioneer SX-838
This Pioneer AM/FM stereo receiver model SX-838 dates from 1972.
Rated at 50 watts per channel, RMS.
Looks very similar to the SX-939 that came few years later.
Beautiful blue display.
Pioneer SX-828
The SX-828 is another in the long, proud line of advanced stereo components from Pioneer - and certainly one of the best.
For music power that will fill any-sized room with clear, rich sound, the SX-828 features up to 270 watts (at 4 ohms).
Power output: 54 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 5Hz to 80kHz Total harmonic distortion: 0.5% Dimensions: 485 x 150 x 375mm Weight: 14.8kg
Pioneer SX-800
This model dates back to 1965/1966.
Power output: 25 watts per channel into 16Ω (stereo)
Input sensitivity: 3mV (MM), 30mV (ceramic), 150mV (line) Speaker load impedance: 8Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 440 x 150 x 380mm Weight: 19kg
There are two versions, the SX-800, which has 7189 output tubes, and the higher power SX-800A, which uses 7868 output tubes.
Pioneer SX-790
The Pioneer SX-790 is an AM/FM stereo receiver giving a continuous power output of 45 watts per channel.
Specifications
Tuning range: FM, MW
Frequency response: 5Hz to 80kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
Signal to noise ratio: 76dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Dimensions: 480 x 140 x 320mm
Weight: 11.2kg
Year: 1978
Pioneer SX-780
Pioneer SX-780 was the Pioneer’s 700 series receivers and was very well built.
Produced from 1978 up until 1980.
The SX-780 was rated at 45 watts per channel but that was probably under rated.
The internals were high quality with Darlington STK-0050 Power Packs in the output stage as well as high quality Nichicon capacitors.
Dimensions: 480 x 140 x 320mm
Weight: 11.2kg
Pioneer SX-770
Solid State AM/FM Stereo Receiver (1970-71)
Power output: 15 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.8%
Damping factor: 35
Dimensions: 430 x 145 x 349mm
Weight: 9.6kg
Pioneer SX-750
The SX-750 was introduced in 1976 and manufactured through 1977.
The SX-750 was rated at 50 watts per channel and had performance specifications that all but matched the top-of-the-line SX-1250 except for per channel output.
Features, two tape in/outputs, duplicate switch, phono, aux/mic inputs, tone, and high filter switches, FM muting, tuning and signal meters and two separate bass and treble controls.
The SX-750 and more expensive models in the receiver line were manufactured in Japan.
Specifications: Power Output: 50 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms. Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.1% Distortion Stereo: <0.3%
Dimensions: 19 x 6 x 14.5
Weight: 31.25 lbs
Pioneer SX-737
he Pioneer SX-737 was a mid to higher end stereo in their lineup of the SX-424, SX-535, SX-636, SX-737, SX-838 receivers.
Produced in 1974
Power ouout 35 watts per channel.
Frequency response: 15Hz to 40kHz Total harmonic distortion: 0.5% Damping factor: 40 Dimensions: 500 x 158 x 410mm
Weight: 13.2kg
Pioneer SX-727
Was introduced in 1972 - 1973.
The SX-727 is an AM/FM stereo receiver with up to 195 watts of power into 4 ohms, two tape monitor circuits, linear FM dial scale and supreme versatility.
Power output: 37 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 7Hz to 80kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.5%
Damping factor: 40
Dimensions: 485 x 150 x 390mm
Weight: 14kg
Pioneer SX-720
This is an 80's child.
Tuning range: FM, MW
Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
Damping factor: 35
Dimensions: 450 x 142 x 306mm
Weight: 8.2kg
Pioneer SX-717
Produced in 1973
Tuning range: FM, MW Power output: 37 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 60kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.5%
Damping factor: 40
Dimensions: 485 x 150 x 390mm
Weight: 14kg
Pioneer SX-690
The Pioneer SX-690 is an AM/FM stereo receiver with 2 hybrid ICs power amplifier output containing bias.
Specifications Tuning range: FM, MW
Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 60kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1% Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Dimensions: 435 x 144.5 x 314mm
Weight: 8.9kg
Year: 1978
Pioneer SX-680
Introduced in 1978
Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 5Hz to 100kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Damping factor: 25
Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (MM), 90dB (line) Output: 150mV (line)
Dimensions: 435 x 144.5 x 314mm
Weight: 8.9kg
Pioneer SX-650
One of the classic mid-range receivers offered by Pioneer in the mid 70’s was this Pioneer SX-650.
The SX-650 was produced from 1976-1977
The SX-650 puts out 35 watts per channel in to 8 ohms
The Pioneer SX-650 weighed in at around 29 pounds and its dimensions are: 19 x 6 x 14.5 inches.
Pioneer SX-636
This Pioneer SX-636 was a mid-range offering from Pioneer in 1974 and retailed for $350.00.
Power output: 25 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Damping factor: 35
Dimensions: 480 x 147 x 405mm
Weight: 11.2kg Year: 1974
Pioneer SX-626
This Pioneer SX-626 is a great looking receiver and was the mid-range offering from Pioneer around 1971.
It was out of production by 1973.
It retailed for around $339
Produced 27 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
18″ x 14″ x 6″ and weighs in at 22 pounds.
Pioneer SX-620/3500
Pioneer AM/FM Fluoroscan series stereo receiver model SX-3500.
From 1979 - 1981.
Rated at 20 watts per channel.
Features, tape in/outputs, one phono, aux inputs, separate bass and treble controls, and FM muting. loudness on/off,
Also has a tuning meter, and both right and left channels digital power watt meters
Weight 16lb
Pioneer SX-590
Vintage Pioneer SX-590 Stereo Receiver 1978
Specifications: Tuning range: FM, MW
Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 60kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.3% Signal to noise ratio: 73dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Dimensions: 435 x 144.5 x 314mm
Weight: 9.3 kg Year: 1978
Pioneer SX-580
This little Pioneer SX-580
Bottom of the line from Pioneer around 1979.
It only produces 20 watts per channel and has minimal features.
Retailed for about $250 when new.
Dimensions: 435 x 144.5 x 314mm
Weight: 8.3kg
Pioneer SX-550
The Pioneer SX-550 is a 20 watt AM/FM stereo receiver.
Specifications
Tuning range: FM, MW Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 60kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.3%
Damping factor: 25
Input sensitivity: 7.5mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (DIN), 150mV (line)
Dimensions: 448 x 141 x 307mm
Weight: 9.4kg
Year: 1976
Pioneer SX-535
Pioneer AM/FM stereo receiver model SX-535.
Was manufactured in 1974 - 1975.
Power Output: 22 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms, 25 watts into 4 ohms.
Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.8%
Power Bandwidth: 10Hz to 70kHz
Damping Factor: >30
Pioneer SX-525
The Pioneer SX-525 is a medium-powered, low-priced AM/FM solid state stereo receiver.
Power output: 13 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 15Hz to 30kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 1%
Damping factor: 40
Dimensions: 450 x 145 x 360m
Weight: 8kg
