Most POWERFUL Stereo Receiver Ever Made! HOLY GRAIL Pioneer SX 1980

The Pioneer SX-1980 History, Review, Functions, and What’s Inside.
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[@LennyFlorentine]

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[@timschutte6924]

Perfectly made. Pioneer should make this reciever again.

[@ninelaivz4334]

The radio frequency numbers and lines are a work of art.

[@mjh5437]

That immensely satisfying "Clunk" sound when all those cylindrical toggle switches are flipped up and down.

[@peterfong2241]

Honestly I need a radio tuner very badly, watching from Jamaica West Indies !!

[@Brasil66]

My dad owned this receiver and it was hook up to a Pioneer SG 9500 equilizer, a Garrar turntable (made in England), a Pioneer reel to reel RT 707, a Pioneer CTF 700 casssette deck and a pair of B&W speakers…..He owned this rig from the early 70s to the middle of the 90s, at the time he owned all this, our family still live in our home country Brasil, but moved to Canada in 1985, and he brought all this equipment with him 😂, but sold it in the 90s in favor of one of the new Pioneer surround receiver of the day, I grew up listening a lot of music at home, most of it classical. Since then I had followed his foot steps buying Pionner Elite receivers. We always owned at least one piece of Pioneer electronics since I remember

[@nyc10021]

Bought my SX-780 in 1978 - it was the best I could do, but was more than enough. However years later I bought a LNIB SX-1980 and I still have both.

[@felixberdon3361]

This is one my dreams to have this vintage amplifier

[@tonygriffiths2485]

1st time I've seen that. I had an SX300, which was still going after I gave it to some friends in 1999. Purchased in 1973, a couple of the festoon lamps were gone and the stereo beacon lamp, but the rest was fine. Bought a VSX 898 a few years back and it blew up 18 months later ! Still love Pioneer though.

[@dwyanewilborn9879]

I love the pioneer system , i was statio ed okanawa japan where i was able to purchase the receiver for bout $400. It was a good deal. I will eventually start my pioneer system back up . I sold the one i had back in the 80's

[@paulcsaszar5824]

I love the vintage gear and love all the buttons

[@charleshollingsworth1583]

I bought a sx-1980 at a flea market in south alabama back in the middle 90's for 50 bucks with a left channel no sound issue. A buddy of mine owned a electronics repair business in auburn alabama repaired the unit and he also had one on a shelf labeled not for sale. We shared a hobby of drinking specialty brews, collecting 8 track tapes and high end 8 track units. I still to this day still am 8 tracking sporting a h-r99 pioneer 8 track recorder/player, but my sx-1980 was killed in a fire that was started by lightning. That receiver was everything any stereo guru could ever want with enough power to weld an oil pipeline. I used it for partying and it was used with 2 peavy dual 15 pa speakers rated at 700 watts rms and kept at about 3/4 on the volume with a fan on the receiver,, but the old pioneer had no trouble rocking the house and keeping neighbors from their slumber. I miss that old unit

[@LennyFlorentine]

Great story, sorry to hear about the fire!

[@endrizo]

love 1980 with the blue meters

[@Cimone90]

My dad is still running one of these hooked up to a pair of JBL L220

[@brianchisnell1548]

All I could swing In 1980 was a SX-780, CTF-650, PL-530 and HPM-100's. I was 22 years old. 40 years later..... I still have it all in the man cave! Works like brand new. Never felt the need to upgrade. Love Pioneer!!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thats a great set!

[@patriciawilson9666]

I still have my 780 too since '80.

[@joecalhoun5303]

No need to upgrade!!! You rock!!!!

[@nyc10021]

Same here. Same age bought my SX-780 in 1978 - it was the best I could do, but was more than enough. However years later I bought a LNIB SX-1980 and I still have both.

[@lovemussb1940]

In the late 80’s early 90’s I remember hi fi’s just like these down the car boot sale going for a few pounds. I was really into hifi at the time but wanted a brand new set up. If I could turn back time I’d have snapped them up . Worth money now I bet and just as good sound .

[@LennyFlorentine]

Great story, yeah these sure have went up in recent years.

[@Thrawn.]

I have my SX-1080 with a pair of B&W DM-12 or JBL L-100. Love'em!!

[@godhascomeintomybodyasanan]

I bought a sx-780 at 14yrs old. I rode the bus to get and rode bus back

[@chuckcarton4418]

Oh the mems of my gremany bought. SX-1080. Had completion jams in the hallways n I knocked the others socks off. Still have my complete system n planning to get it out of the month balls. Been stored in my house since 1990.

[@Yesfann77]

The glory years of audio for sure. I still have my Kenwood KR-4070 I bought new in 1977.🎶🎼

[@kirpalsingh900]

Very good looking stereo amplifier , thanks by k.s . Punjab . India ,,,,,,,

[@Notawhitchhunt]

My brother had a pioneer receiver that put out 45 watts per channel, pioneer was definitely hard to beat in the seventies

[@danbasta3677]

Always loved and prefered the silver faced stereo component systems over the black ones produced today. The ones from the past, the silver faced stereo component systems always sounded much better and performed much better than whats manufactured today..

[@blackbearbear9313]

I had one and it Rock and roll with power and it wade a ton

[@secondaryunit]

I have owned 2 SX-1980s and had them both restored. I sold them both because I couldn't get over the overall cost and what they produce relative to the SX-1250 and SX-1280. I just can't justify having a $5000 stereo for my personal use. I have a SX-1280 since I am an 80 series guy and it sounds very nice to my ears. The 1250 is awesome too. You truly can't believe how nice the SX-1980 sings, especially at high volumes. Thank you for making these videos!!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks for watching! I totally understand the 1280 point of view.

[@secondaryunit]

Just Audio, You can’ go wrong with any of the big three here. The 1280 to me has been the best value for me. If I can afford it I really want one 1980 some day.

[@revkenwiz]

She is beautiful and I wish I had one, peace & love

[@bjb51]

Love pioneer, they were the very best. I have two HPM 100. Pioneer 650……

[@muhammadfazalradioshop2308]

Beautiful

[@kousikkanjilal2782]

Some story, though very real, man! Live your dreams.

[@robertliskey420]

Love your work I have been this goofy hobby over 50 years and have the 165 watt one bought with other stuff at garage sale 100.00 worked fine still does well anyway a receiver I think I would love if I had thar kind of money is the Macintosh that was just released last year when the boys at Stereophile give it a class A I had to read about it anyone own one ?

[@xenu-dark-tony]

The quality of engineering seen on these machines is absolutely incredible. Japan changed the world with their commitment to perfection. To us hi fi yearners of the 70s these receivers were beyond description in their beauty.

[@mjh5437]

"hi-fi yearners" lol

[@alpzepta]

And China try to prevent us from having an engineering perfection. Like who want to use OPPO SACD player over a Pioneer SACD player.

[@kenkai6133]

Thank you.

[@squareeyz]

The workmanship, thought and planning put into these products was incredible. It's a great loss to see mighty companies like Pioneer split apart, sold off due mainly to the consumer addiction of convenience and low cost over quality.

[@RadioAirchecks]

I concur. I've heard from so many people who regretted selling their music systems.

[@robertliskey420]

Right you are I have a Marantz 1200-b integrated built in ca. still pumps out a very conservative 100 rms/ch never serviced pilot light still works and quiet!

[@78phaser]

My “Holy Grail” receiver was always the Marantz 2385 because it was produced in enough numbers to make it attainable on the secondary market and I was lucky enough to find one! Everyone wanted that glowing face and horizontal weighted tuning dial!

[@ronaldwilliams3182]

Wow just brought back memories I was 12 years old in 1980 and I remember going with my dad to buy this particular receiver I remember that like the back of my hand my dad was very much into music and collecting different component sets and that's how I am to this day I love LPS reel-to-reels component sets turntables all of the classics

[@wahidtrynaheghugh260]

I wish receivers were still made like that. Beautiful.

[@LennyFlorentine]

They sure are! Thabks for watching!

[@user-mo7hu1yb8l]

Perfect chanal

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you

[@leaannbryant3100]

I wished i could find one with these Watts i sure would buy it

[@rando434]

These "golden era" of vintage stereo receivers are like investing in gold...prices will probably never go down.

[@bantalee2002]

I watch this video while my Realistic STA-2080 continues to entertain me. I'm good with that. But if i ever happen upon any Marantz locally,i will grab it up.

[@worldgonewrong2049]

I still own my Yamaha CR-3020, which is still beautiful. I was able to purchase it because I worked at Yamaha, otherwise I would never have been able to treat myself to such a luxury! The seventies produced such beautiful and wonderful sounding audio gear of all sorts. It was a real treat to enter audio stores in the seventies and early eighties. Then the big dopey box stores started to emerge, and that all but killed the market. The home theatre craze revived it. Specialty store were in vogue again! Thank goodness for that.

[@sammencia7945]

This thing is an arc welder and space heater. Any load - even a plasma speaker - is no problem for this receiver to drive. Engineers were running Pioneer until 1979 and this beast is the result. Weighs 100 pounds. Will drive any speaker. Preamp flexibility for 3 speaker pairs, 2 tape machines, 2 turntables. Oct 2021 price is well over $10k USD.

[@rick601a]

I got extremely lucky to find a mint 1980. And the crazy part it was going to be thrown away at a local tv repair shop. The tech claims the power transformer was shorted. Upon looking at it when I got it home and found out that one of the power supply caps was shorted. Easy fix and a super good find. Just being at the correct place at the correct time.

[@mic982]

Egad. The toroidal power transformer (at 22 lbs) is almost as heavy by itself as the entire sx-780 receiver in-toto. Wow.

[@jtaylor0727]

I love to visit this dream machine here often!!! Lol... because that is the only way I am ever going to spend time with one. Great video.

[@LennyFlorentine]

May have a new video on one soon!

[@edsonarbid7943]

The very best monster.....🤗☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️🤗

[@boboverturf9543]

I just cried a little. Well, maybe a lot. My Dad had one. He gave it to me after I had gone in the Navy and I had no way to lug it around so I gave it to my little brother for safe keeping. His "then" wife sold it to a collector without his knowledge. God, I loved that thing. Even on the lowest volume setting, it would make our two story home rumble.

[@jamiemerrill3412]

I have klh it still works you guysrock

[@undergroundwarrior70]

Still in the late 70's to the early part of the 80's 'BIGGER WAS BETTER' when it came to stereo sound systems. When I was a teen in the early mid 70's I met guys who were in their mid 20's, early to mid 30's who had money, their stereo sound systems were pre amps, amps, tuners, turntables, reel to reel and dual cassette decks, and massive speakers. And quite the LP collection! Once I was working I bought a Kenwood sound system except for the speakers, they were Quadraflex. Fist I bought a 40 watt Kenwood amp, then around 1979 or 1980 I decided to by an 80 watt Kenwood amp. I can't even remember what the total price I spent on my stereo sound system. My turntable was a Kenwood, belt driven with a limestone base, maybe about 24 lbs., Kenwood tuner AM/FM Stereo, and a Kenwood dual cassette deck. I still miss my old Kenwood stereo sound system to this very day and my LP collection.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks for sharing your story!!

[@jfmc2581]

The Hitachi sr-2004 was the King and winner of the receiver power war!! It put out well over 400 watts per channel with its Ckass G amplifier.

[@emmanuelandotv]

Beautiful stocks. How I wish I can afford one.

[@CHUDHUCKER]

I was looking for a vintage receiver about 6 years ago at Innovative Audio. Listened to a few Marantz units (what I really wanted was a 2325 as my Dad had one and was amazing). Thing is I really needed some power, at least 100+ watts. The guys at the shop walked me over and said if you want power we just got in one of these SX-1980’s. I wouldn’t have thought I’d ever hear one or see one ever in my life. So they grunted and carried the beast up stairs to hook up to some bigger speakers. Within the first few notes I knew I was in trouble. We all listened and giggled at the effortless power and clarity. At about 2 minutes in I said SOLD!!! Way more than I went in wanting to spend. It was all original and they offered to do a service on it. That took a week, oh god the horror, I wanted it home now! About 3 years ago I was searching through Canuck Audio Mart and saw one for sale in Toronto. I contacted the seller and had it shipped to the West Coast of Canada where I live. This one was all original as well so I had it serviced. Call me crazy but, I have them bi-amped to a pair of Legacy Audio Focus 20/20s. I push the Receivers hard and they just don’t let up. Amazing clarity and power. The sound is effortless at any volume. I’ll never sell these, they will stay with the family forever. Anyone that hears the stereo initially look confused, I think it’s actually shock. The comments are usually that they have never heard sound so clear at all volumes and the bass is refined and super punchy. None of my friends care about stereo stuff until they sit in the living room, it’s fun to see them relax and enjoy music like I do.

[@chrisharding2813]

My dad has one lol, i used to play with it as a kid because of the lights and indicator pins. We recently found out its value and he stored it away in perfect working order!

[@LennyFlorentine]

Crazy how the value has gone through the roof!

[@Endfloat]

Serious case of want here!

[@raymonddargie6594]

Could you repair my Sansui AU 7900 Integrated Amplifier. I miss not being able to use it. I purchased it new from a place called stereo discounters in Maryland back in 1977. I still have all the paperwork ,including the owners manual, warranty card the dust cloth (still in the plastic bag ) unopened, I also have been able to hold on to the original box and packaging.The box has been wrapped in a plastic bag for many years.By now i'm sure that your beginning see how fond I am about that amp.The amp itself is super clean with no scuff marks or blemishes of any kind. The face is perfect. Thank You,I watch your videos all the time,I really wish companies made audio equipment like that now,instead of the packaged stuff out there now. ,

[@aaronganga2600]

I Still Got My Speakers From Pioneer CS 997 Grafic Equalizaer CR 555 Radio Reciver F-301 RDS Never Had A Problem They Are From The 90´s

[@Mavaholic]

I bought a SX980 new in 1978 and its still cranking out the tunes today. Only thing I have had to do is last year I took out all the switches and hosed them down with a good contact cleaner. Gently blew them out with compressed air and reassembled. It sounds and functions just as it did 43 years ago when new. For less than $25 you can get a bluetooth to rca receiver. Kinda brings it into the modern age.

[@martacondorimamani174]

..OMFG!!...THIS IS POWER FROM HELL!!!

[@stevenvox6549]

I picked out a Scott reciever in1978 for my momand it still gives me 95% of what the newer amps do when it comes to sound quality - just a little less base.

[@hvacae6904]

Vintage amps was build to last compare on todays amplifier

[@RK777PL]

I got the Pioneer receiver right now Pioneer Elite vsx 703 from 2019 and I love it this is my third Pioneer receiver I change them out every 10 years including the TV and speakers I noticed you can get some good money for older stuff

[@mjh5437]

I love those big toggle switches which make a reassuring "Clunk" when you flip them up and down.

[@humbertocruz5952]

Beautiful Beast!! of an amplifier from from the past. Though I wish JA could just locate two very powerful stereo receivers which have completely disappeared from history. The Fisher “Studio Standard” 125 Watt per Channel Model RS-1060 AM FM Stereo Receiver and Fisher “Studio Standard” 170 Watt per Channel Model RS-1080 AM FM Stereo Receiver respectively. It would be nice just to see those two receivers on a show of their own. 🤔🤔😳😳💪💪

[@ihortsymbalistyi3699]

Monster HI-FI !!!!!!!!

[@rxonmymind8362]

I had a chance to buy one on our Anniversary three years ago for $1500. Was at the guy's garage poking at it. Decided to turn it down as I had a Marantz 2500, Realistic 2100 and a Sony STR 7045. I told myself to be happy with what I have and be greatful. I thanked the gentleman but I always wondered how that beast sounded. Maybe I will get another chance in another lifetime. It was absolutely massive and beautiful.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Wow nice collection!

[@rxonmymind8362]

@@LennyFlorentine Thank you.

[@jacobgardner7306]

I wished I had one of those 1980 pioneer stereos

[@LennyFlorentine]

Me too!

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Mui bueno

[@insolentstickleback3266]

I am learning about these late 70’s Pioneer receivers, currently I have a Harmon Kardon 330B. I need a much more powerful receiver to match my Pioneer CT-F900 Cassette, and RT-707 Reel to Reel. I was very fortunate to find these in restored condition with an elderly neighbor. I had been helping him each year for some time with his yard and other things. One day he told me of this vintage stereo he had in storage for many years, he insisted I take them as thank you for all the help. Respect and help the elderly, it will make you a better person, and you may also be rewarded for your kindness.

[@beornthebear.8220]

I used to own lower power Pioneer receivers and liked them, but this thing is beautiful.

[@MadScientist267]

One gnarly beast. Pioneer ruled and I can personally attest that while not for this unit specifically, I know of quite a few models that definitely outperformed their rated spec. This was back when audio really mattered and there wasn't nearly as much smoke and mirrors as there is today. They just put out, and clean.

[@uncleremus5046]

Had a Fisher stereo as a kid & miss it terribly. I remember never coming outta my room with friends just spinning vinyl! Miss those days in early 80’s.

[@gerrygreene6354]

Uncle Remus “The Fisher “

[@hello_its_me.]

I fantasize that one day on earth companies will actually make electronics that are reliable, quality, and enjoyable like they were in the 70s. HA--it's nice to dream...isn't it?

[@god-came-in-my-body-as-a-body]

theres 2 of these on facebook marketplace, one is 6000 and claimed to be serviced

[@ventrachouxgre4786]

I love your store! Yes this ampli-receiver is a monster and I hope I can buy one in the future! Problem: there are not so many available in France/EU and the price is today quite prohibitive... My personal ampli/receiver is a little brother, the Pioneer sx-636 that has been restored and gives full satisfaction. It is coupled to a network DAC and this sounds great to me. I like to marry vintage analogic with modern digital. I try to convince my teenagers that bluetooth speakers are definitely not the solution 😉

[@nandorbl]

Lindo!

[@duanehovenga2965]

I have heard both the 1980 and the 1250 i like the sound of the sx 1250 better. And the 1980 has the power supply located where it cooks itself.

[@NathanChisholm041]

We had a Awesome Pioneer stereo when i was a kid! the type with the cabinet glass front door which you pushed in and would pop open! Good times...

[@dhamalprank3386]

Nice 👍

[@nãomedigafrivolidade]

beauty equipment of the japanese sound perfection

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thank you! Where are you from?

[@nãomedigafrivolidade]

@@LennyFlorentine i know,my english writting is bad ahahaha. say you first.

[@nãomedigafrivolidade]

@@LennyFlorentine greetings from brazil. bye

[@southshorestudios3574]

Thanks for the review, I purchased a Pioneer SX-1250 in '77', had it for years, loved it, could not say enough good about how great it sounded. It powder a pair of Marantz hd77's, & Bose 901's depending on my moods. Still had room for a 3rd set of speakers!!!

[@davewallace8219]

itz a....bigga boy!

[@bartobruintjes7056]

Wow! This was and still is a beast!

[@JoeJ-8282]

What about the Sansui G-33000? That one had 300 watts per channel, both channels driven, guaranteed minimum RMS into 8 ohms with only 0.009% distortion, (and that's WELL below clipping), with a full power bandwidth of 5Hz-20KHz and an overall frequency response of DC-300KHz at 1 watt output, along with a signal-noise ratio of 120dB and a channel separation of 100dB... ALL VERY killer specs!... THAT Sansui receiver is actually touted by many sources to be the most powerful receiver ever made... But the Technics SA-1000 one you mention in passing in this video seems to be very comparable, with 330 watts per channel RMS, but it only did that much at 0.03% distortion, (considerably higher distortion than the Sansui's 0.009% distortion rating at 300 watts output), and a full power bandwidth from only 20Hz-20KHz, instead of the Sansui's even better 5Hz-20Khz, so they are probably actually pretty comparable side by side, with all other things being equal... In any case, just imagine how awesome it would be if the newest receivers were ACTUALLY that powerful nowadays, not just totally bullshit rated at like a ridiculous 10% distortion or whatever, like most are now! Lol!

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Saludos!

[@luiscampaz5529]

Pioneer sx 1980

[@slyspy9819]

This was the Rolls Royce of receivers !

[@merledoughty5787]

I could have done with your expertise here in New Zealand my AKAI AA1020DB, it was to be thrown out about 22 years ago by the woner, they said it kept blowing the speaker fuses, which it would do , I had it checked out but the repair shop could not get it sorted. I got some more fuses for it, turned it on but no sound and then it started smoking so turned the unit off, so now it has died, a real pity i liked this old beast, I am lucky to have another unit a pioneer SA 508 plus its tuner, aprt from a scratchy volume pot it goes well, I must keep an eye out here in this country as much of that older gear came to this country in the mid 70s to 80s

[@robertocantu792]

I have an SX 1050 and a Realistic STA 2100 pumping 4 MK 1 cabinets. A

[@peterkay2406]

My dream receiver, thanks for this video

[@peterkay2406]

Oh yeah forgot.... In this era I have owned a SX-980, SX-780, and the biggest I've ever owned was a SX-1250, loved every one of these.

[@LennyFlorentine]

Thanks for watching!

[@ranjithautoworks4740]

Super

[@laranaarana]

You cannot compare those beautiful pieces of equipment to today's amplifiers. They were a work of art! Too bad I don't have mine anymore.

[@jogmas12]

Good looks is never a criteria for how an amplifier sounds. You judge a book by its cover????

[@bidenneedshisbuttwiped]

@@jogmas12 "a work of art" doesn't necessarily mean by appearance only.

[@rosssmith8481]

They still show up at Auctions, garage sales and second hand stores. Although a lot more rare nowadays.

[@Deeky76]

@@jogmas12 I agree with that statement to a degree but in this case, It really does sound fantastic, I've heard this monster on more than one occasion

[@Diesel0807]

The cost of these type of receivers was nuts in its day most ,people just did not have this kind of cash in the 70s it is funny how much better this stuff was than its modern equivalent

[@elchombocom]

I had the SX 1280. Awesome receiver as well !

[@ronpenrose3557]

A friend of mine back in the 70s had the pioneer 1980 best stereo i have ever heard.

[@robertbackus1196]

Got a pie rack system in Japan in 1974 best set up ever ! Had turn table reel to real 12ban Equalizers dynamic pros tuner, amp Preamp and the bigger the speakers The better ".

[@LennyFlorentine]

Love the rack systems!

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

I only have a SX-1080. Sure it’s not as good as this one but for $5 I paid for it at a garage sale back in 2015 I’m not complaining. 🤷

[@andreasbaumbach42]

For me ,the Sansui QRX 5500 the best Receiver. Best Regards Front Germany.

[@herculespaschalis7732]

WoW ! Wonderful receiver !

[@williamraye3342]

I had a sx838 with a 2 size up amp put in it man with every beat every light in the house would draw dem, i loved that receiver. I built it with all different components till I got the sound I liked everyone in town said it was the baddest stereo they ever heard... I would agree.

[@williamraye3342]

I want another one

[@LennyFlorentine]

Keep an eye out on our catalogs :)

[@billwillard9410]

A monster, for sure. I had a Marantz 2325 receiver with 125wpc into 8 ohms and a speculated 225wpc into 4 ohms, and the low end had a presence that was incredible.

[@jmcbeady8210]

The 2325 was a beautiful beast. Incredible sounds.