Our Top 5 Favorite Pioneer Receivers From The Golden Era! Vintage Stereo Hifi Best

Hope you enjoy the list! Leave a comment and tell us why you agree or disagree. Thanks!!
Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission.
We have owned and used every product we recommend
Pink Floyd 2018 Remix amzn.to/3dMbVBp
Kicker speaker to Line level adapter amzn.to/3D2ghyB
Recommended Subwoofers with high level speaker inputs
$250 10” Polk Subwoofer (with speaker level) amzn.to/3qp74sL
$100 6” Acoustic Audio (with speaker level) amzn.to/3d0YVaR
12” Polk Subwoofer (with speaker level) amzn.to/3DmBnaZ
Recommended Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch B100 bookshelf speakers amzn.to/3xk9dd6
Elac Debut 2.0 speakers amzn.to/3LeI4y4
Klipsch RP-500m speakers amzn.to/3DuRROi
Recommended Turntables
Audio Technica LP60 Great entry-level “fully automatic” turntable for under $150 amzn.to/3eAPC1B
U-turn Orbit Plus- Skylabs favorite new turntable with a 3 year warranty for under $350 amzn.to/3delM2H
Recommended Phono Cartridges
Grado 3 series- Made in Brooklyn NY since 1953 amzn.to/3L9t8B7
Ortofon 2M Blue amzn.to/3d9fBNw
Recommended Phono Preamps
U-turn Pluto- awesome little preamp for under $100 amzn.to/3RHm01k
Parasound Zphono- excellent choice if you want to try moving coil cartridges amzn.to/3RJ31TY
#vintagehifi #vinylrecords #vintagestereo #marantz #pioneer #yamaha #kenwood #sansui #stereorepair #turntable #recordplayer #skylabs #skylabsaudio #skylabsiowa

[@buttguy]

Maybe I shouldn’t mention this, but I was at a local Best Buy (I live fairly close to your shop) and went over to the Geek Squad area, and noticed some electronics on a cart. I asked if somebody was actually repairing them at the store, and the employee said “no, this is going to recycling”. On the cart was an ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE SX-780. Like, it looked completely new old stock. No chips in the cabinet, no scratches on the case, nothing. I told him that was unfortunate, and asked if anybody ever takes any of the “recyclables” home. He said unfortunately no, and they’d get in trouble. He then proceeded to jokingly say “you should take it home 😂”, and that was all I needed. Went back, grabbed the reciever, and ran out of the store. It works like new, and is one of my main amps to this day. Disgusting to see stuff like this go to e-waste, especially in the 2020s. Funny thing is, I went to a garage sale in Ames a week or two later, and there were a bunch of christmas lights wadded up being stored in an original SX-780 box. I asked the lady if I could just buy the box, and she gave it to me for a dollar. Spent more on the box than the reciever…😂

[@skylabsaudio]

Good job! Glad you got it!

[@ike7539]

Great story, I wish I was you

[@Darrylizer1]

That is the hifi version of a barn find! I love the SX-xx80 series

[@jpreza]

You were at the right place at the right time. Glad to know that you were able to "recycle" this 780!

[@jimmyplenderleith9471]

That warms my heart......I love Pioneer receivers from the 70s. I restored my father's SX-838 and love it to this day.

[@paulciprus9582]

I have a SX1250…bought new in 78…by my dad…. Not recapped…all original…what a beast…powers a pair of Snell Type A loudspeakers..with a Pioneer PL560 turntable…some really awesome equipment….I love it…😀

[@TheRealJimmyP]

That's fantastic. Good for you!

[@sheldonhambrick7317]

Same! I have my late father's (purchased new) SX1250, all original. Will look to getting it completely overhauled early next year.

[@johngalt2931]

I bought a SX-780 in 1979 at a small audio shop in Minneapolis called “ Sound of Music “. It went on to be known as Best Buy. That little Pioneer played through countless high school and college parties. It started my lifelong obsession with audio equipment. What a great journey!

[@brianchisnell1548]

I bought a 780 in 1980. Wanted the 850. Bro in law had one. Got the Hpm 100s back then. Still have it. Kick ass!

[@skylabsaudio]

Love the HPMs!

[@airsickgrove]

This so awesome... love Pioneer's old-school workhorse deal... to me they have always been a go to for receivers or at least their old school stuff.

[@mauricelabbe518]

I just bought a sx1250 five months ago, I love it I thought I would never have a chance to own one. Now I bought sx3800,880,780 and a sx950 and slowly I have been repairing them. Having one this stereos is like having a vintage guitar or an old Rolex, I'm so glad I bought them.

[@exert2020]

I've got a mint sx-750. Taken out of original box new 2 years ago. It's amazing. Big enough for my needs. Looks gorgeous too!

[@jaybickford512]

I just discovered your KZbin channel, and I have to say I love your stuff, and your approach to vintage audio. I've been into audio since the '70's, so like you, I remember drooling over many of these units when they were new, but of course as a wet behind the ears teenager, I didn't have the money to buy them. I'm glad people like you are saving these wonderful pieces of industrial art. Keep up the good work.

[@jskobe808]

Awesome review. Own a SX 950. Absolutely love it!!

[@james6039]

I totally restored a SX-949A - love it.

[@doug_sports_collector]

Still listen to my 780 and PL-200 I bought new in high school. Vinyl is still sounding great. Great video, new subscriber.

[@SiHawk]

Great video, good memories. I have a SX-9000 and love it ... earlier this year I pulled it out of storage and had it fully serviced and re-capped, and it's just amazing; listening to it on my CS-99A's just brings back good memories! Thanks again!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@AaronSmith-xx5zb]

I've got a Pioneer SX-1000TW. It was mainly sold overseas in 1969/1970. Its got an awesome tuner and is very well built!

[@erneastersr8298]

That's great. I also have a Pioneer SX-1000TW. My folks bought it in Europe early 70's. It's got some issues that I am trying to work out. I hope to gain some knowledge here to help me out.

[@jimdailey1985]

Yep. I owned one and loved it . Huge and heavy.

[@jimmydelux]

Kevin, Thanks for another excellent video. I've had quite a few Pioneer receivers. My current favorite is a completely restored SX-770 I recently picked up. It sounds amazing. I love the rare black glass front on it. Second favorite is probably my SX-626 also fully recapped and restored. I've always wanted an SX-9000 like your #5 spot, but it's freaking enormous and I don't have room for it anywhere. Thanks again for the video.

[@toddcovington1172]

Love my SX 828

[@michaelutter7521]

I own a 1250 and a 1980 and I have always said I could blindfold and play both threw a pair of HPM 150 and you cannot tell the difference. I feel like you nailed it with what you said.

[@aboutsoundandvision]

I own an SX-780 and the STK packs recently died, I was able to buy a brand new custom kit and get the unit back up and running. It is such a beautiful unit that sounds great, the VU meters and mono/stereo switch are my favorite features.

[@jshelledy1]

Thank you. Great post.

[@PrecisionClays]

My buddy still has an SX1250 he bought new, beautiful and out of my price range. I ran across an SX424, a little beauty. Had to repair it, blown output section. Loved it but gave it away in the 90s. Later when my son was ready for college, I found another SX424, he loves it with a set of B&W speakers, such clear sound. I have an SX980 which I'm going to do a full service on shortly, caps, etc. I was using it but decided it was time to service/replace parts. Love this review/retrospective. Totally agree on #1 and also the SX780. I liked hearing about the other units as well.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! Great minds ;)

[@steveogee7458]

I'm an audio guy from way back. The 1000 was my first real experience with a real piece of equipment. I spotted a SX1250 at a flea market. $65! Killer.

[@adamsher2538]

Bought the SX 680 back in the late 70's. Sounded great with my little AR 18.

[@karaDee2363]

I was happy to see that my SX780 made your list... Which I think will outlast me..

[@skylabsaudio]

We need to add the 780 to cockroaches and Twinkies for the ability to survive a nuclear explosion.

[@kevinbohrer274]

Same! I was surprised my 780 made the list. I love it. Still unrestored but sounds great. All original lights, etc. One day it might need restoration and then the hard part of finding a good shop local to me begins.

[@spacehopper77]

At the heart of my main living room hifi is a SX1250, original condition unrestored and it sound awesome. Great vid.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@bewilderment9268]

In April of 2021 we were "downsizing", moving into a tiny house. Reluctantly l had to part with most of my vintage stereo stuff, which included, but not limited to, my much loved Pioneers. An SX-650, my garage unit, and an SX-880, which was my first inside unit. Loved them both. Got a total of $675. The purchaser was very pleased and l was a bit saddened at the time. In total l sold 4 recievers and a turntable.

[@donnystrife1908]

Year ago I had a fair amount of pioneer receivers. The one I miss the most was the modest little 780. I know it's not well thought of but the little sx1500t is one I also should have kept.

[@tommyparks387]

I am a Sansui man. I going to start collecting Pioneers now, thanks a lot! Really Dig Your Show!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Tommy!

[@Manuel-km9nq]

After watching this video am so happy that I did the best buy on my sx 1250 fully recapped and I will say it's a 9 out of 10.

[@jerryschauss4123]

I bought a SX9000 in 1970 and still have it. Yes it is a great stereo and I liked the reverb. Had it connected to a Panasonic 8-track recorder/player, Sony reel to reel tape recorder/player, and a nice record player.

[@conservative599]

THANKS FOR SUCH PASSION FOR "The True Pioneer". I could write for a week on my experiences, growing up working as a bench tech in NJ in the 70's, at a Pioneer Authorized Service Center/Dealer. Actually I learned Electricity & Radio servicing in grade school, had a business card for Transistor and Tube Radio repair in 4th grade/1964. Met and was mentored by a WW2 vet TV Shop powner in Newton, asked him questions like what was Biasing. Later in HS I went to Lafayette Radio on Rte 46, alot, and bought a Hammarlund HQ129X I still have, as my Novice Ham upgrade receiver, from their Alltronics Service Labs in the same building. The next year when I could drive, I worked there as a Lafayette tech, fixing all those open uA703 IF epoxied IC's. And Sansui 3000/5000X blown amps and speakers from returning Vets. The Greek owner, Fedon, commented how good the new Pioneer stereos were, just emerging. I worked there every summer and holiday from college and Fedon moved the shop to Flanders, and opened up his own store, Acrosound Electronics. That is where I bought my SX1010, saving all summer vor the Employee $470 cost. Ther were $699.95 Retail, and Fair Trade laws only allowed discounting in a System purchase. I had it in College with 2 OHM F speakers vibrating the windows of the dorm room! The only repair was a leaking 18000uF cap which I fixed under warranty, and paid for my time! NOTHING was as much fun to me than fixing and aligning tuners abd stereos, just an antenna and headphones requred! I had the biggest Winegard FM antenna atop a tower on our house in Sparta, and you could set the dial between even markings, spin the rotor and pick up 2-4 stations from Delaware to Mass on FM bavk in the late 70's when WABC FM ruled NYC. After graduation with an EE degree, my job after TI was at Harris Broadcast Products in Quincy IL. Bought a better antenna and made a ham radio club Alarm Clock to turn the SX-1010 and Phase 4000 preamp and 700B, all I still have! It picked up KSHE-FM from STL 140 miles away, good quieting. The reason is the 1010's 5 gang TWO MOSFET RF Stages, and 6 Ceramic Filters. A fully SPLIT RAIL +/-voltage in the preamp and main amp, with +/-54V supplies CRUSHED the competiion, as you said. Somewhere in ILL, I picked up a 2 ft wide wood and brushed metal Pioneer store sign, like your more impressive Ohms sign, I never knew about! Fully recapped my SX-1010, but need to rezero the FM Quad Coil as XrayTonyB also noted with his very equivalent TX9100/SA9100 pair. The push switches are the worst to restore, however. BTW I have the KP-500 Supertuner from my Renault 17G, at my desk, where I am still testing stuff with my Ham Radio and Electronics Tech skills, now on 400G Fiber Optical R&D for EMC and Reliability at ADVA Optical Networking. I replaced all the coupling caps with larger ones, put in 78xx voltage regulators everywhere, an AUX in and the rare Pioneer FM Noise Canceller into the FM IF chain. Just SUBSCRIBED, Your review is amazing! 73's, Hilary W4HDL

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you for sharing that! Really appreciate it!

[@donmundt3573]

In the summer of '79 I bought an SX-780 a PL-516 and a barely used CT-F9191 from a local HiFi store. I later added a pair of BA-A100's and it's still my main stereo system to this day. One of the darlingtons recently went on the 780 so I'm replacing both with new discrete units, the clutch is being rebuilt on the F9191 and I've replaced the belt on the 516 in the past. Not bad for 40+ year old gear. I have other HiFi and surround systems in the house but the old Pioneer is still the King!

[@mr9c1driver59]

Great video. Can't argue with the SX-780 being on the list. I own two SX-3700's which I love.

[@SinnerSince1962]

I wholeheartedly agree with your line up. The only bad thing about a 70 pound receiver is moving it out to swap connections.

[@davewallace8219]

good video! thanks!

[@stephenbarr2735]

Thanks for the video! I have always been a huge Pioneer fan and hope to swap out the right receiver with my Marantz 2238B someday.

[@garynettles5919]

I picked up a sx 1010 about 2 years ago from original owner smoke free house mint condition. Just a vintage heavy beast had my tech clean it recap it led lamps have it running into a set of hpm 100s 200 watt version just a killer combo. Love one of my favorite combos of my collection. The next one on my list will be a sx 1250 but will wait for that deal to come along they are just crazy in price still Thanks as always really enjoy your videos after I watch a couple of your videos just gets me right back into it again. Plus there is no one around me that gives a crap about this vintage stuff lol. So thank you. Gary from Long Island.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks, Gary from long island. Always appreciate your kind words :)

[@hralf6041]

I have the SX-939 Pioneer at 70 watts per channel and also has the same type speaker connections as the 1010. Was purchased new at the Frankfurt audio club in Germany when I was in the service circa 1973. Still have the original owners manual and advertisement brochure. Awesome,heavy well built and fantastic sounding receiver. They also had a Quad(four channel)receiver at that time as that was supposed to be the newest thing coming down the pike as far as audio tech goes. I did purchase a Dual 1229Q turntable for some reason but never got a Quad cartridge for it as My receiver is only two channel and Quad went the way of the Dodo bird and Carrier Pigeon.

[@stevenmunzert2104]

Just recently acquired my fathers Pioneer set up. SA-800, TX-1000, PL-6

[@Retrogamingmaverick]

I have an SX-6000. I haven't recapped it and it still has a nice, warm sound. It has been in my family for 2 generations and it is paired with the CS-88A

[@fernandofernandez7731]

Great Video and I agree 100% on your choices. 828 paired with 63DX speaker are amazing. Plus X50 > X80 any day! Please do a The Fisher Video Next. I own a kx-200, 400, 500B, 500C and 800B

[@ML-bu3lz]

Great video. My top pioneer is sx-1080, beats them all in my view. Also shout out to the close 2nd place, sa-9100 - an incredible amp.

[@Gary_Le_Strange]

I moved up the ladder from a used 780 to a 980 then went digital with SX-D7000. So loud, so clean and clear. No regrets, other than I wish I would have kept and stashed away the smaller SX's.

[@a090006]

Love these video's of you, very nice explained, thanks ! Is the Pioneer SX750 also a good receiver to buy ?

[@bmboldt]

I scored a SX-6000 pretty cheap. It needed all new bulbs and is working great. It isn't as nice as the 9000 but it does have a lot of features. I plan to do some recapping on it. Probably the power supply and output section.

[@kensolar69]

Never had a sx-1250 to play with, but I loved my sx-3900. Had it professionally restored and sold it to a friend who owns a local record shop. Plays it there through a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls.

[@neil1637]

Another great video. I'm getting through your back catalogue of videos and really trust your honest options. Back to this video though and the 828 wins for me. Such a great looking piece for me, but with mor than enough to prove it isn't all just smoke and mirrors.

[@alex509ful]

Can't wait to get my sx-1250 restored!

[@duanehovenga2965]

Totally agree on the sx_1250

[@duanehovenga2965]

Love the layout of them ease of working on them bullet proof. Bass response is great. Restore them and they are wonderful.

[@4WHEELBIKER]

Great vid ! Agree that the SX-1250 is the one to get. I'm glad I got mine before the prices skyrocketed. The SX-1010 is a work horse as is the 780.

[@scottgarvy]

I got my SX-1250 from Facebook Marketplace for $325 10 yrs ago. Best deal I ever made.

[@mikemiller659]

My friend Bill had one, the reverb is hokey ! U can tap on the cabinet and Hear the Reverb Spring inside. (Booong--Booong) through the speakers. its still a Great receiver. Looks cool too.

[@harlest71]

Good video! For me, when it comes to vintage Pioneer it would be 50 series not 80. I know the 1980 is the King but I would get a 1250 or a 750. Thanks for putting that list together.

[@pioneernut7487]

Yeah pioneer 1980 maybe is a King, but it wasnt as expensive as pioneer Elite c90a /m90a or exclusive.

[@dustinrilcof2504]

Great to get info from a servicing perspective. Give me and 950 or 1050 and I would be over the moon. Best era! The silver seems to be a different colour between the 80 and 50 Series. There is something about receivers that really complete a room and get people into this hobby. The gateway drug. I am Sansui guy as well. I sold my receivers to go with integrated amps but miss them. Picking up a little Sansui 2000X this afternoon to fill the void. Stoked ! You guys are really building your brand with these videos. Great shirts !

[@skylabsaudio]

2000x was my first vintage receiver. I still have and can't sell it :)

[@dustinrilcof2504]

@@skylabsaudio Cool! I think I just wanted the wood case as much as the receiver. I am in awe. A Beauty. Maybe even nicer than a Marantz case? More understated.

[@seattlebeard]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I just bought a mint SX-750 for $425 and am very pleased with it. Your advice was a big help. :o)

[@tylerstoddard7197]

I have a 1979 sx780 and i love it

[@jazzkatt7083]

Just had a complete restoration on my SX 1250 by one of the best audio companies in the business (no LEDs ever). It took a long time and was hella expensive but worth it! I have 9 Pioneer monsters 😎

[@shanegarry6214]

I have a sx 1250 could u share some info on a restoration company thx .. 👍

[@gemspa73]

I picked up a SX-650 for free on NYC Craigs List a couple of months ago and spent $120 to get everything working plus $15 for some warm amber LED's. I absolutely love it and have it hooked up to my PL-15Dii turntable and KLH Model 6's.

[@johnkuykendall467]

Happy to have one from the list. I grew up listening to my dad's SX-780 and CS-77A speakers. He still has them but will not part with them. Finally got a 780 early this year. Its one of those things where I know the 50 series is better overall, but I like the look of the 80 series. I also have a 580 that serves as our main 2 channel in the living room. The 780 is out in the den and more for me.

[@Mr-SRG]

I was hoping for some QX-949 love. Grew up with one and plan on building a vintage system around one this winter.

[@skylabsaudio]

Sorry, quad stuff is a nightmare to work on. They look incredible though

[@1British-Columbian-ca]

bought a SX-1250 in the 1986 and still have sounds very good running HPM100b

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Super cool video segment I’ve always liked and had various Pioneers in past 15-20 years sx 1280 1050 , 750, 780 580 450 sx 636,535 737 and a sx 939 (which I called the walking dead receiver ,cuz literally all except one or 2 lamps were dead, which is how I got it no one thought it worked 😂 but it played like a champ regret letting that one go but it was many years ago) , so I just recently acquired a beat down moisture damaged but working pioneer sx737 preparing it for Restoration, the tuner section is dead I m sure due to moisture , I acquired it along with a filthy rotten Thorens td 160, I exchanged a Heath kit AR 1500 receiver with a bad phono sect and some other minor issues for the two , yeah I know the Heath kit is definitely built heftier and twice the power and sounds nice but there were somethings ergonomically with connections I don’t care for, and I know they can be a little bit more challenging parts wise and unit availability , I felt the pioneer was more familiar territory and more parts units available. It was very very hard decision for me but For the 7 or 8 sx 737 units I’ve came across in person , I’ve encountered 2 of AR 1500 Heath kits. Also your opinion of another unit I have in need of some work , it’s a Monster Fisher RS 1080 170wpc rms 8ohm (1977-79) don’t know if you’re familiar with em but if you are what say you about them

[@flyhouseoftruth470]

I like a power lever, flip instead of a button to push. And I like it when the tuner dial keeps moving when you let go of the knob after spinning it. There's alot of 4 channel that I would rather be a 2 channel and if I could design one myself I would make it a 3 channel, left, right, and a low pass subwoofer channel. The receiver I have lights up a different color when the station is in or out of tune, that's pretty cool. Instead of a led indicator, the whole back lighting changes.

[@darktoadone5068]

My dad had a 1250 Pioneer and sold it at a yard sale for $80!! He obviously didn't know what he had, this was in 1985. He got it from someone he worked with that was going through a divorce and needed money.

[@shanegarry6214]

Thx for the video very informative.. I have the pioneer 1250 .. it does work but it does need new glass , and the wood cover could be refinished not sure if this is something I should tackle myself or have it repaired.. like u said the sheer size of this receiver is intimidating to say the least it’s a monster..

[@Mr512austintexas]

I really enjoyed this list, partly because two of my favorite receivers in the world are on this list AND on my shelf: the SX-1010 and the SX-1250. I had a Pioneer SX-525 and a PL-12 turntable when I was in college, but somewhere along the line all my stereo stuff went away, and for the life of me I don't know what happened. Life, I guess. Like the Joni Mitchell song says, "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone". Like a lot of people, I guess I thought compact discs were the way to go ... what was I thinking?!? Then one day about 15 years later I was in a thrift store and ran across an old Dual 1225 turntable, and my heart did a backflip ... I didn't buy that turntable, but I walked out of that store a changed man. That was when I started on my journey to get my vinyl mojo working again, and over time, one craigslist ad and garage sale and lucky thrift store find at a time, I was able to lay my hands on a whole series of great pieces, including a couple of Sansui receivers and a whole herd of Pioneers: a 750, a 780, a 1010 and a 1250 (the two receivers I will keep to my dying day), plus a Pioneer PL-530 turntable, a Sony reel to reel, some Advent speakers and who knows what else ... and how much fun it's been and continues to be! I've been lucky enough to find most of these things at good prices, and I'm happy to keep my local vintage stereo repair guys in business.

[@gerardmills1389]

My 1979 SX-780 is great....paid 200.00 for it in D.C., In working condition....took it to Action Electronics in Wmbg Va......he's been in business for 50 years! Tuned here... fuse replacent new Darlingron....cleaned tuner.......he believed mine had low hours overall....charged me 167.00 for the refresh. Linked to my 6ohm Yamaha towers the 45 w.p.c. sounds just great for the room size!❤😂

[@alvinmarentes3315]

My wife inherited a SX-950 with a pair of Bose 300 (Not sure on this model #) speakers. Can't wait to set it up.

[@TheHuckster100]

Great video. Course, I may be prejudiced as an owner of a wonderful SX-780!

[@RockCity1111]

I recently picked up a Pioneer SXV90 that is rated at 125 watts per channel. It's flat faced. It was also my 1st stereo receiver I bought as a 14 year old kid working at Kroger grocery store in Charlotte NC in the 80s. I spilt water in it and sold it needing to be serviced. Well the one I just bought off Etsy had it for 150 and worked but no sound. I watched it for a month and saw him cut the price in half but I still couldn't get it. So I see he has it up for 25 dollars and I look closer to the back panel and noticed the Preamp and power amp jumpers aren't in it so I bought it without even looking at the shipping 😅 so I buy some jumpers for it and boom she works and now I have my childhood stereo back . I it needs to be serviced as it get too hot I think and shuts off sound. So something is definitely wrong but it's definitely working and for 100 bucks I don't think I could do better unless I was just given one 😅.

[@sergiosahagun6208]

I have the sx780 and sx790 these 2 receivers give you the ability to swap parts and the sx790 has a history behind the black tuning dial

[@davewallace8219]

nice video! thanks...I live in e. ia. going to come over and visit!

[@skylabsaudio]

Please do!

[@haqitman]

I think any x50 is a gem. Even the little SX 450 is a great little receiver. I've got an SX 850 and a SX 5590, which is a Euro black version of the 1250. My SX 780 is broken, bad Darlington but now maybe it's worth fixing.

[@Darrylizer1]

I recently restored an SX-850 and it is incredible. My daily driver in fact. The phono stage sounds wonderful.

[@JohnRogers0014]

I do love my Pioneer SX1050 but my Sansui 7070 sounds amazing.

[@skylabsaudio]

2 excellent receivers IMO

[@harrymuhammad9835]

Cool vid...subed.

[@4catsnow]

Feature wise,, and amplifier capability....The 828 was our best effort...Closest competition was a Sansui 8....828 sold for $429...The Sansui was 100 more..

[@alpercetinoglu6532]

Hi Kevin! Love your videos, thank you for that. I have Marantz 4270 , 2210 they both sound soft and nice and I love them. However I love the way Pioneer vintage receivers look. Therefore I’d like to add a Pioneer vintage receiver my music room but non of the pioneers that I tested so far does sounds soft as Marantz. Which Pioneer receiver sounds soft like a Marantz?

[@impishsongster333]

I bought a mint condition Pioneer SX-790, off a Facebook Marketplace ad 4 yrs ago, for $220. Now I don't know a lot about receivers, but I knew enough to know; to get it in the car & go, before he changed his mind! 😂 She's a beauty! I've put more thought into who I'll will my SX-790 to, than I have my car or my house. ...And I'm only 50!😂

[@RUfromthe40s]

that was a turning point in my life ,i stoped using heroin and cocked cocaine(by me) and give more attention to the top components from the 76 pioneer catalog, that my father said to me ,"Stop asking yourself when you bought it ,i gave it to you for your mother doesn´t put me out of the house after buying my revox /studer system ,B series but you only told me, "i want a BMW 535i"and i asked myself, This family is crazy" "he died almost two years ago with 97 years old because of a clinical test badly done and he was an active person

[@studydude]

I agree, I have less love for the xx80s series after examining the inside(s). The Vu Meter problem can be remedied with the xx50 series with a Realistic APM-200 Power meter, which I use for my SX-1250. I had the power board(s) and EQ Boards recapped on my SX-1250 recently this year and it sounds better than ever. A keeper unit that I prefer to anything else in Pioneer's line.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree!

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

I love my SX626, that was my dads

[@SurnaturalM]

The SX-1010 is by far my favourite of the bunch. I love the look and the sound. The SX-780 have these STK darlington pack. It's the STK-0050 if I'm not mistaken. I don't know if they're available, but I prefer to pass on this one. Also, you're not wrong when you point out the power supply , it's the most important part of any receiver or amplifier.

[@RaiderCBR6.5]

I was helping my landlord clean out her garage last year, racked my shin on a large heavy object wrapped in plastic and covered with a blanket. I unwrapped the offending object that drew blood from my shin. I stood looking at a SX 1250 with no signs of ware or ever being used. I called her up to ask about the 1250. She said they packed it away when her husband died in 1978. She said I can have it if I want and that there are some speakers in the garage that I can also have. Found the speakers, Polk RTA 12b that were new in the box. Now I have the 1250 running the SDA 2's and the Pioneer VSX D1A running the RTA's and monitor 7's with a Dynaudio center and Velodyne sub. Great channel.

[@skylabsaudio]

That was really nice of her, and extremely lucky for you!

[@martyjewell5683]

PLEASE tell us you gave her something for that stuff.

[@RaiderCBR6.5]

@@martyjewell5683 Yes I have, tiled her bathroom, anything that needs fixing on her property I repair. I also cook her dinner at least once a week for the last year. She also gave me a mint 1975 Colt Python 2.5. Guess I will be making her a few more dinners.

[@martyjewell5683]

@@RaiderCBR6.5- far freakin' out. Good for you. The 1250 is a great score and the Polk's are "icing on the cake". I priced/tested the Polk Monitor 7's in late 1970's while speaker shopping. Stunning stereo imaging and athoritive bass. Really dig the gun gift. I have a mint (1966) Smith model 36 snubbie but that mint Python is almost too valuable to shoot. She got a sister that needs help???

[@RaiderCBR6.5]

@@martyjewell5683 Sorry no sister. I love my 7's, got them 5 years ago at a thrift store for 10 buck's. They look a little beat up but sound great. Python looks great but I allway's thought the pull type cylinder open was retarded.

[@Trojan0304]

My 780 is still running from college days, so is my Turntable 518. They won’t die, lol

[@MrBrs2009]

I just discovered your channel and you really are an audio reference Congratulations What do you think of the Pioneer QX 949A?

[@juanvillanueva5267]

Back in '73, I heard my first Sansui. It was eye candy with green lights and a dial pointer which turned red when a stereo FM station was tuned. The sound from the Sansui 5 way spkrs was amazing. The tone was deep, rich and had a tube-like warmth. In '74 my dad got me a Centrex by Pioneer compact system with attached BSR changer and matching spkrs. As I grew, I became enamored of MARANTZ receivers. I love the tube-like warmth of tone and they're look, among all the outstanding features & specs. For now, I am playing with a Pioneer 580. Modest... yes, but quite a performer! It is a beautifully restored ebay find that looked fresh outta 1978 and performs equally. It runs really well, though I run it too hard, (I'm kinda a beast with all that disco and kinda heavy on the volume). Until then, it will do, and better than many others!

[@CHIEFS8214]

I'm watching the Lions/BUCS game today and came across the Pioneer receiver rankings. I'm wondering how many watching realize the pay rate for an 18 year old kid trying to put a system together was $2/hour😮😮😮😂. I don't remember eating Ramen noodles BUT Uncle Ben's rice, mushroom soup and hamburger - yes, SOS- was a food group 😵‍💫🤓, sooooooo $500 for a reciever was A LOT.

[@paulv22]

I can't argue #1 at all.

[@jorgem50]

I have an old Pioneer that I just bought. It's not vintage like the ones in this video, it's from 1994. 150x2 Pioneer VSX-504S. My goodness, my Cerwin Vega D5s are loving the power.

[@ghostsniper2099]

I bought my SX-1250 at an on base stereo store while stationed in the Army at Wildflecken, Germany in 1977. It sits here in my home office with 4 HPM-100 speakers (silver blow holes) and I have the original shipping boxes and all documentation. Everybody that has ever seen my equipment in the 46 years I have owned it has been overwhelmed by it's appearance. I also have a Pioneer PL-570 turntable, an RT-1020 reel, CTF1250 cassette, SR202W Reverb, SG-9500 EQ, RG-1 Processor and (4) CS-99A speakers. I sure would like to get my hands on a mint condition SD-1100 Stereo Display Unit.

[@misterwirez7731]

I always liked the sx-950. It seemed more reasonable. Don't get me wrong Id love a 1250 but.. life . I have an old Fisher 700 T series. Sweet sounding little receiver/amp. 1. I want the all brushed stainless face plates to come back more. 2. analog cannot be beat (to me). Like a good vinyl record vs a CD -sterilized flatness...

[@Will-kc7rx]

Hey Kevin, new to your channel and am really enjoying the content and the fresh approach as well. I've recently acquired some old stereo equipment including an SX-880 as well as an assortment of Boston Acoustics bookshelf speakers. I was wondering if there were any major differences with the 880 as compared to the 780? Looking forward to learning lots from your channel.

[@skylabsaudio]

Awesome, thank you!

[@patriciawilson9666]

I'm still using the Pioneer SX-780 i bought in tenth grade brand new.The Darlington's have crapped out a few times but she's still ticking.

[@brunoprimas1483]

Check out the SX-2500 from the early 70's. 72 watts per channel and motorized auto-tuning. (You could purchase a optional remote control for it as well.) Capacitor-coupled amp section and the most powerful receiver they made until the direct-coupled SX-1010.

[@skylabsaudio]

Interesting, I looked them up. I had never heard of one. Weird!

[@Darrylizer1]

That first one (SX-9000?) is gorgeous, I've never seen that model before.

[@richarris1111]

A 1010 with fresh modern caps and new transistors is hard to beat for sound quality.

[@ripjones5294]

How about doing a video on the JVC receivers ? I know what I sold (and bought JRS-501), but don't know if there is any interest on the vintage side of things. I also sold a boatload of Pioneer @ Franklin Music, and I really like them as well. Enjoy all f your content !!

[@rickcunningham5581]

Yes i agree with mr. Skylab. The 1250 is the best sounding pioneer ever. Taking nothing away from the 1980, it definitely has the power.

[@waynealan2226]

The SX-1250 is a great receiver, but my personal favorite has always been the SX-1980. On the market today asking prices are as high as $15,000. The original price in 1978 was $1295.00 making the $15,000 not so far out of the ball park in todays dollars.

[@johnfrei9057]

I had a 780 back in day. Wish I still had it.

[@bestof.luckfellowhumans]

Just picked up an sx 1050 paid 950. Sound better then anything I have including tubes and my other vintage receivers

[@martynreed835]

Hi. Just discovered you recently and you are a wealth of knowledge. I've seen a pioneer sx 600t advertised close by to me and was wondering if they are any good. This would be my first valve amp. The seller wants £195. Cheers

[@mikemiller659]

I have a SX-1010 and a SX-1080 both are like new. No re-caps etc. The 1080 is a daily user.