Pioneer SX 1010 Vintage Receiver

[@BC-ni3sk]

I was stationed in Japan from 74-75 and I bought a SX1010 for around $300!! Yen exchange rate was 400 to the dollar. I wanted to be stationed in Japan because I understood it was the hifi Mecca and boy I was in for a treat. To see; Sansui, Teac, Pioneer, Marantz and many others was fun and I couldn't get enough. I bought and sold a few systems before my time was up. It was eye candy and I soaked in the golden years of hifi and truly appreciated it!!

[@stereoniche]

That was certainly the "Golden Age" of hi-fi. If you want a trip down memory lane, be sure to watch the Hi-Fi Ads of 1978. So many manufacturers cranking out receivers, amps, speakers, turntables, etc. it was like Willy Wonka's factory but for Hi-Fi.

[@solutions2exist556]

Pioneer made the best looking audio gear of all time in the late 60s to mid 70s. That deep blue was a killer. They are nuts for not bringing it back. They would make a fortune.

[@stereoniche]

Hard to argue against that point!

[@mikecampbell5856]

I bought my first Hi-Fi component in 1975 when I was in the Navy and had my first spending money. It was a Sony TA-1130 integrated amp and it was awesome! Since then I have owned integrated amps or receivers from Kenwood, Harman Kardon, Sansui, Yamaha Technics and Marantz, and I now own six stereo systems, but I have never owned a Pioneer. If you need a kidney, I will trade you for that Pioneer! LOL I'm looking forward to more reviews.

[@stereoniche]

Thanks for chiming in to the conversation! Truly a great receiver and, as you may have noticed from my other videos, I pretty much like most all of the vintage gear from that era. While the SX-1010 is indeed awesome, VERY sure you can get one for less than the cost of a kidney! :-)

[@arthurdavis1065]

I paid $800 for mine , love it indefinitely. I think you missed the exceptional dual bass and treble controls, makes it like a mini equalizer right on the dashboard. Can take a less than perfect speaker and make it better sounding, less boomey, with these controls. Truly a beast from years gone by. Yes it took years for the others to catch up and never really reached the quality of this vintage piece. Ill never part with it! Great video, keep on truckin!

[@louissosa1535]

The Pioneer SX1010, what a beautiful piece. the tuner was so smooth due to the weighted flywheel. One spin could take you across the other of the tuner. The strength meter allowed accurate tuning using the provided t-cable antenna. The blue light was dimmable making it easy on the eyes at night. I miss it.

[@stereoniche]

Fantastic receivers, indeed!

[@dmptcb]

I have the 780 and love it but I think I like the 1010 better but I definitely love the older pioneer rec

[@martinrochefort5476]

Awesome. I had a 1010 that I had to sell when I moved to the Caribbean 14 years ago. Still regret selling him. Thanks for the review. I'm grateful to have enjoyed a piece if hi-fi history.

[@stereoniche]

Well, hopefully you can visit here and relive that experience every once in a while. :-)

[@Mr512austintexas]

I'm the proud owner of an SX-1010, and I really enjoyed hearing your description of the features and quality of this amazing receiver. Thanks for a great review of a classic receiver. Have you done a similar review of the SX-1250? If so, I look forward to seeing it! Thanks again.

[@stereoniche]

I have a SX-1250, however, it is in horrible shape. Dare I say, the MOST dirty piece of audio gear I have EVER seen. So, unfortunately, I have not yet done a review of it.

[@Mr512austintexas]

@@stereoniche I hope you got it for a song, and I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know when I say that a receiver like that is certainly worth restoring to its original brilliance. I found one on Craigslist a few years ago, and had it worked on at my local vintage stereo repair shop. Now I've got it hooked up with a Micro-Seiki BL-51 turntable and two pairs of Larger Advents, and it really, really sings. 🙂

[@e3befree]

Excellent approach to reviewing these receivers. Looking forward to more video reviews 🙌

[@stereoniche]

Thanks for the feedback, I was hoping the approach would appeal to others. I wanted to try and not make it all subjective.

[@stinkenstine]

I power a set of Original Ohm Walsh F speakers and this receiver just blows my mind! The sound is amazing! It easily compares to my 9090db, 2325 & MA6200. With that said, you don’t get much better in the vintage receiver world in my opinion. I’ll never sell mine. It’s a beast & a beauty! If you have a chance to get one don’t hesitate.

[@stereoniche]

They are certainly awesome! Thanks for the comments!

[@Winternightdejavu]

I have one, perfect! Just bought it for restoration and sell, but when completed and try, fell in love with it. Definitely amazing and gorgeous vintage gear!

[@wmalden]

My first piece of “serious “ stereo equipment in the early 1970’s was the Pioneer SX626 receiver. It could handle 4 ohm loads and it had switching for 3 sets of speakers.

[@stereoniche]

That is an exceptional series of units.

[@dougthomas1582]

I worked my butt off at Arthur Treacher's Fish and Chips to buy a Pioneer SX-434. I own a Marantz now, but I have a special place in my heart for Pioneer.

[@stereoniche]

It still amazes me how expensive was this gear when it was new.

[@birolerkan65]

The Sx-1010 is one of my goals. Although it is difficult to find both in very good condition and at a reasonable price at the moment, I keep looking ... 😉

[@stereoniche]

Keep searching, it will certainly be worth the effort! 😀

[@birolerkan65]

@@stereoniche Thnx Scott 👍

[@fightfish3265]

I found one from a private seller in Florida. Paid what it went for new... but the sound is absolutely amazing, and its in fantastic shape. Tied it to klipsch RP600M's and a 10 inch sub, and literally listen to it everyday. Would buy it again without hesitation.

[@hawgbreath]

Cool seeing this review. I bought an SX939 in early 1975 and paired it to a couple of JBL 4311 CRMs. It was the best sounding combination ever. Unfortunately I blew out a channel on the amp and couldn’t afford a repair so gave it away in ‘87. Still have the JBLs though. I would love to get my hands on another 939, or even a 1010!😊

[@stereoniche]

Keep looking, they are out there.

[@lynnstallbaumer897]

When I was 20 yrs old I bought one in 1984 used at a pawn shop for $100. Also had a equalizer from pioneer. In late 80.s had it in our bachelor pad. basement, Slate pool table, bar and sthe stereo had build into the wall behind the bar. We had 4 floor standing speakers with 12" woofers in each. It rocked, playing van Halen, u2, Unfortunately in early 200's it was hit by lightning. I have had several receivers since then and none of them had the sound quality of that 1010 . Did not know what I had then. Some of the favorite songs on that unit was Van Halen hot for teacher. Idol Rebel yell (that song, the bass never sounded so good.) The sound quality of the unit was beyond the looks . Was a beast.

[@stereoniche]

Talking my era here. I was in college in the early - mid 80's and we rocked the house with those bands. I think we wore out our copy of VH 1984 we played it so much. I cannot recall and I have tried to find out, but I "think" our house stereo was a 1010. So for me, it also has a special place.

[@haqitman]

You touched on it at the end, would be cool to have a category for "serviceability" - easy, medium, difficult, something like that.

[@stereoniche]

Yes! I've been thinking about the same thing for ongoing.

[@gkingdiamond]

Thanks for the review of the SX 1010! I just bought one on eBay this morning, based on your helpful information. I look forward to watching your other evaluations! I'm wondering about how to "Deoxit" the push in switches though...mine you have to jiggle a little...

[@stereoniche]

Hope you enjoy it and welcome to ownership of an all time great receiver. On cleaning the pot/switches, I vaguely recall from memory you can get to the pushbuttons once the top is removed, but the lower pots may be somewhat blocked by a couple of boards. Most often, you can reach things, but you may have to get creative with an extension straw, etc.. Take your time and don't get impatient. This will be a regular maintenance activity about once a year.

[@dnate697]

Looks, just like Sound is personal and affects us differently! I love your rating system and I'll add one more! Sony was the first to start lying about their receiver's wattage both total and per channel.

[@stereoniche]

Kind of funny, most seem to understand and like the rating system, but occasionally I will get a comment from someone saying they do not like it, but prefer to hear my thoughts on sound. As you denoted, that is quite personal and each vintage unit has too many variables that may make them sound different, so I avoid it other than making generalizations about large groups, like tube vs solid state, etc.. Thanks for watching!

[@dnate697]

@@stereoniche All I can do is make comments like my Mach Ones are not efficient and they take real power to be Pushed. Anything affordable to the average person has a hard time pushing these speakers. No, I'm not talking Night Club Loud. Ventage Watts are real watts. I was Stationed in Germany from 1981 until 1985. Around the time of the Beta Max vs VCR Wars, Sony started the watts lie or they were the first we noticed of the Large Makers to do so. The BX/PX didn't sell a lot cheap stuff.

[@dnate697]

@@stereoniche Oh and Thank you! I like and Subbed after listening to you for 10 Minutes. I normally have to make a three visits before subbing. My post wasn't meant to slight anyone.

[@stereoniche]

@@dnate697 All good, thanks for joining and watching. The BX/PX's were full of Sansui gear back in those days. Most of the Sansui gear I have bought were from former military that bought them when stationed overseas during that era.

[@dnate697]

@@stereoniche Get a load of this? I re-upped to get Music Gear in Germany LOL! By the time I got to Germany in 1981, There were only Bottom and Top models left all over Germany and a back log for Shipping orders. By the time they were fully stocked, I was finished shopping LOL! Most of us were Middle of the Pack Buyers. Most of the guys were Married and sending money home, trying to buy a Car or etc.

[@hhvictor2462]

a premium vintage receiver

[@w.p.martin8910]

Love your channel and all of your gear. Regarding the review of receivers', we get that describing each of their sound is subjective; however, it is your view and opinion that we would love to hear about. Tell us what makes each of them sound special (or not) in your opinion, because it does matter what you think and we can make an informed decision based on your comments, just as you did for the loudspeakers. Thanks, and best of luck with the channel!

[@stereoniche]

Thanks for the feedback! Very good, I will try to add in some commentary about how I think they sound in future reviews. I'll try to remember to comment on the SX-1010 in the next Receiver review, but in case I forget, here is how I think this receiver sounds. To me, it reproduces what I call the "FM sound". Back when radio was at its peak, a good strong FM channel was lush and smooth. That is what I get from the SX-1010 and early Pioneers, but the SX-1010 has the luxury of having more power behind it that translates into more "grunt", if you will. Other lower powered receivers can do it, but you have to be more selective in pairing them with efficient speakers. There, I said it! :-)

[@w.p.martin8910]

That is a very good analogy and description of its sound. I can already formulate an opinion of the Pioneer, as I remember listening to my father's Sansui 2000 back in the 70s and that unique FM sound it had that you described. Call me crazy, but I think FM sounded much better back then than it does now. Either way I totally get where you are coming from. Thank you!

[@kevofdfw]

I am looking to purchase a vintage receiver. I love the SX- 1010. Ito bad that Pioneer did not incorporate power meters in this model. I think I can over look that feature and so I am in the market for an SX1010

[@stereoniche]

They are certainly excellent. Best of luck in your search, maybe someone here will reach out with one for sale.

[@paulv22]

I really like where you're going with the channel, and I'm jealous of your setup. One thing on the 1010 though. I think you should get give it some extra points for the 4 channel and Dolby inputs. They can be used for other sources. One negative is that the 1010 does have some overheating issues on the amp board and some transistors need to be spaced off more. The fix is well known though so shouldn't be a big deal. Can you do a review of that Mitsubishi turntable next?

[@stereoniche]

Thanks VERY much for the information. I hadn't thought about the Dolby inputs (obviously), I may need to do a Part 2 addendum to update it on the inputs and the potential overheating issue. I am planning a TT review, so the Mitsu can be the first one.

[@kenkai6133]

Thank you.

[@stereoniche]

Thanks for watching!

[@micbanand]

this sounds better than the sx1250 and up. But most people looks, to the bigger wattage. and the full alu front. But who normally listen at that volumen. above vintage 20-50 watt? But again we are all different. and we also listening with our eyes :) Love my sx1010

[@stereoniche]

I'll never part with my SX1010, the first Monster and still the "ONE" to keep. :-)

[@roguesquatch1]

I love the 1010. Great looks, great sound and fantastic flexibility. Though i do think the buttons are a huge disadvantage as the writing is prone to wear off and they tend to get gunked up and lose connection and are difficult to clean.

[@jeanmarcjulien6611]

Hi , very good to know & very interesting.. Do you have the same kind of evaluation for the Pioneer Sx 750 please ?

[@stereoniche]

Hi there. I have not yet done a review of the SX-750 yet.

[@moussaobeid]

Tha is for the great video. I have the Pioneer SX-1010, but I noticed it gets hot during playback even at low volume. Is it normal?

[@stereoniche]

I do not think that is normal. Are you running hard to drive speakers like Magnepans or Infinity? You may want to have a tech give it a once over.

[@jimmy_iKoN]

so far out of your collection the Yamaha cr1020 has the highest score with 250?

[@skam213]

you should have points available for "filters" I listen to a lot of vinyl, on multiple tt, and I tend to avoid recievers/amps in my collection that don't have a "low" or "subsonic " filter.

[@stereoniche]

Great Idea! Be sure to watch the upcoming video! 🙂

[@stpierreorama]

I’ve stayed away due to the black push buttons on bottom of the face plate but I’d really like a SX-939 or 1010. I can only wonder how they compare sonically to my SX-828 which is my favorite.

[@stereoniche]

I think you would either very much and will sound very similar to your 828.

[@rp9035]

What do you think is the value of a clean fully functional SX-1010 in todays market?

[@stereoniche]

Valuation questions require a lot of research and variables to consider, so I won't venture into that arena here, but what I will say is that I think the SX-1010 is a relative bargain compared to other silver faced models like the SX-950, 1050, etc.

[@fightfish3265]

I can tell you I paid $750 for mine in 2020. Looks great, sounds better. Only issue I could find was the labels for the dimmer switch and muting (painted on glass to right of frequency dial) were worn off. No scratches or anything, just no longer there. Paired it to Klipsch RP 600M's with a Klipsch 10 inch sub, and been listening to it almost everyday since.

[@user-SINUS]

Замечательный ресивер ! Спасибо !

[@stereoniche]

Thanks!

[@GeirRssaak]

Have you never heard about Tandberg receivers?!

[@druunderwood]

I just bought one today. Do you have LED bulbs in yours? If so, what color did you end up going with?

[@stereoniche]

Since I bought it, I have not needed to replace any of them.

[@ranrae]

In your opinion, what do you believe is the best built all-around receiver for the money. The reason I ask is,there are numerous choices and it gets complicated. I do believe the 1010 is right up there. Classic Receivers calls it one of the best built receivers of all time.

[@stereoniche]

Well, I cannot really say which single receiver is the BEST as there are several factors. I think most all gear made between '74 - 82 is, on average, better built than anything before/after, at least for solid state. Now, for best value for the money, I recommend some of the not so well known brands, like Nikko, for example, that built great gear, but is just not as well known. Realistic had some nice models around '76 - '79. The SX-1010 is extremely well built, along with many other models from Pioneer, but it is also one of the most sought after due to it being considered the first receiver with 100w. Marantz, Sansui, Yamaha and others had great gear in the mid to late 70's timeframe, so for me, hard to pick the 'Best'. Being a collector, I like them all, but I will say, personally, I like the Technics models the least of this timeframe because all of the ones I have owned have had issues and they are a PAIN to work on.

[@ranrae]

@@stereoniche I did forget to mention I have a Kenwood Eleven 111 that I absolutely love. It sounds wonderful through my Klipsch Forte one's. I'm just looking for a great backup and with your advise,I will pursue a Nikko.

[@ranrae]

@@stereoniche I just had an Onkyo TX-5000 given to me. I can't wait to see how it sounds. It's supposed to be the same quality level as the pioneer 1080.

[@llucrescu9058]

I understand your idea about sound being a matter of taste and matching, but please give us your opinion about it - no need to give points for it. Thank you!

[@stereoniche]

Seems to be the consensus of others as well, so I am planning to start adding in my thoughts to it. Thanks for chiming in!

[@Texan1048]

I've put a 1010, 4400 Marantz, and a 9090DB Sansui against each other. The Sansui and Maramtz win on looks. Marantz wins on toys and features... oscope.... quad is awesome. And 1010 beats the pants off of both in terms of sound and power. Lol. Its not even close.

[@stereoniche]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Scott-hr7bn]

I like the looks of The Pioneer SX 1010 better. So 70s!

[@matthewseed3386]

Mic and tape monitor should have gotten points here

[@stereoniche]

No points for a mic, but I do give 10 points for each monitor connection.

[@kevinstone4593]

How much can I expect to pay for one know.

[@stereoniche]

Currently, about $900 - 2200 depending on condition.

[@anthonyhfe6450]

The point system is a good idea, but sadly only addresses the amplifier aspect of a receiver. A receiver is called a receiver because it has a tuner onboard. Why not add a whole point section with regard to the tuner? Otherwise the point system for receivers is the same as for amplifiers. I like the SX-1010. It's got gobs of power and many nice features, but I prefer my Sansui receivers to the Pioneer, because of the way they sound.

[@stereoniche]

Actually, it applies mostly to the preamp section. My perspective is that most people wanting to use a vintage system will not use a tuner. That certainly does not mean ALL, so I tried to make the scale for functions that the vast majority will leverage. It will never be perfect, but I think hits the majority. As well, the same scale works for separate pre/amp combos.

[@GK-rw2op]

The worst part are the speaker out puts that take bare wire aka monster wire

[@stereoniche]

Agree, very frustrating it cannot accommodate larger gauges.

[@VladimjrPutin]

I had this one. Paid 50 bugs Unfortunately the (dont Touch its antique) people also called collectors destroyed the market with moonpricing for vintage Audio. Thanks to those people the younger generations will loose interest in vintage Audio cause its to expensive. Will lead to the same future as Model railroad. A dusty Hobby for old men

[@nnnvp]

power meters 0 pts tuner meters 40pts

[@stereoniche]

Welcome!

[@jemsmay2167]

Nice receiver, but not a big fan of the scoring system. No freq response or distortion consideration? Same score for mid vs bass or treble tone control? No tape monitor, 20 pts for wood, 10 points for mute, 20 for power meters?? Nothing about the tuner quality, power supply quality…seems more about cosmetics than listening experience.

[@stereoniche]

Thanks Jems. My scoring will certainly not align with everyone's prioritization.