Pioneer SX-3900 Restoration.

This receiver was full of sawdust when I got it. Let's hope we can get it cleaned out and repaired before the termites find out and eat it!

[@tvtech2582]

Hey Tony, 6 years ago I was in a local tavern when a customer who I had talked to in the past asked me if I wanted to buy his old receiver. I was skeptical about buying anything that he claimed was very old but was in perfect condition. A week later I met him back at the tavern and he had a Pioneer SX1250,WOW I said to myself. I kept a normal face and asked how much. I bought this like new jewel for only $150.00 and he threw in Pioneer PL550. I will never get a deal like that again.

[@subbytights3709]

Excellent. Really enjoy these videos even though I don't understand a lot of this, I find it very watchable. This fellow is excellent at explaining things, makes it very interesting.

[@josephlalock8378]

i've done a couple 1280s, a couple 1080s and i had a 1080 customer want me to do his 3900 and i said no because i had seen this video and just didn't want to deal with it. well, last month i picked up a 3900(working with some issues) for $75. i guess that i will be doing one after all. i've got a couple bits to finish up on my 1010 first. it's amazing how this hobby can get out of hand so quickly. thanks for all your videos tony.

[@xraytonyb]

Personally, I'm more afraid of servicing the 1010 than the 3900! Respect to you!

[@josephlalock8378]

@@xraytonyb thanks tony, that gives me some confidence! the 1010 was intimidating at first because it was my first big receiver to work on but it wasn't that bad. i did put the tuner off for quite awhile but once i did do it, it was not that bad. i'm actually getting ready to clean off my 2nd bench so i can get started on the 3900 soon, just came back here for a quick refresher course. :)

[@ericbachmann8037]

I recently acquired a 3900 in perfect cosmetic and working condition. Claimed to be “cleaned”, which is VERY clean. Not sure if anything else has been done to it but it works perfect and SOUNDS fantastic. I had an SX-3700 back in 1981, My mother bought it for me for my 16th birthday. I was feeling nostalgic, and wanted an old Pioneer receiver again, so I found an SX-3900, the biggest brother of that series/era. :D

[@johnc8910]

Brings back memories. I used to have one of these. Good receiver, and excellent for the time.

[@jerrybandy3827]

I had an SX-3900 just like this. Bought it new when I was in the Navy when I could afford it. I had my JBL 4311B's hooked up to it. One thing that I never was able to try was the "Adapter" for AM Stereo. I know it was a short lived technology but this receiver had the ability to play it with the right additions.

[@usneod9329]

Wow ! I had one also that I purchased at the Navy Exchange when I was stationed at Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico in 1981 .

[@jerrybandy3827]

@@usneod9329 I bought mine at the Navy Exchange in Naples, Italy. The prices were much lower than in the States. I bought mine around 1981 also. I really liked it.

[@tonyfremont]

Bought mine when I got to my permanent station, after basic and tech school. Paid $600 brand spanking new. It's in storage, but was working when put away, but was acting funky on the quartz lock tuning and one output seemed to be putting out a little less power than the other, but the rig was 20 years old then.

[@jerrybandy3827]

My only real problem with it was that the switch contacts would get oxidation or dirty and cause a 'static' noise after a while. The 'wooden' portion of the cabinet became loose also. But now I wish I still had it because it just looked so cool.

[@benlopez4788]

Great videos. I catch myself watching your videos restoring receivers I dont even own. However I do have a sx-3800 that works great still

[@tonygriffiths2485]

Hard work paid off. Great to watch Ty.

[@CliveChamberlain946]

Ahh.. those famous I-skived heat sinks bring back memories.. Nice piece.

[@xray111xxx]

The more I see what is new. The more sad I get. These older Receivers were so much better. No real computer inside like today. They sounded great and were built pretty nice. Still my favorite would be the SX-1980. Super monster and good times for Receivers that weren't computers first.

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

Nice work as always Tony, a lot of receivers from this era were difficult like that one, I have done a few Sansui G7700's, early ones used TO3P outputs and later ones used MT200 Outputs....similar hybrid type tuner and similar degree of difficulty in the disassembly....very high speed amp, direct coupled so very temperamental to repair. Anyways, nice job on this Pioneer it turned out pretty well....All the best.

[@dennisbuszko2099]

Love the video, I have one of these receivers and they are killer. I just shot you and email about getting mine updated and recapped, and mods. I love the vintage stuff.

[@CovertCulvert]

I learn SO much from your videos. I also appreciate the great detail you go into, even though some viewers may already be familiar with the information. It really helps us "newbies"! I do have a request. Could you please explain more about choosing specific capacitors/series for particular circuits? If you've already gone through this in a previous video, could you point me to that video as I must have missed it. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@Asriazh]

I'm always happy to see a new video from You. Thank You very much ^-^

[@1959Berre]

Wow, 96° F. Here in Belgium it has been unusually dry and hot for weeks. About 86°, way more than I like. So, I stay indoors and watch your video's, besides, obviously, the Soccer World Cup in Russia, as Belgium just kicked Brasil out of the quarter finals. Nice amp, BTW.

[@caroman6761]

It happend all the times that People loves their old and dusty Receiver. Not to believe, that they invest so much Money in Jobs of yours. Greate Video, how allways, thanks !!!

[@superwarp12]

I have the sx-3700, the little brother to this one. I love it. As you said the last of the silver faced

[@timothycreamer8610]

My first receiver...I now have the 3900 with Pioneer HP-100 speakers.

[@donbustoarigato2997]

I have one of these. Just had some repairs done. Not huge, but tuner power supply stuff? I can't IMAGINE what it would COST do DO a FULL RECAP of THIS! OMG! $1000, perhaps. Definitely not in my budget. I'll run it as long as it sounds OK. I was interested in your saying that you were NOT getting FULL power out of this unit. I've never been able to figure out exactly how much power mine is putting out because I seem to have to bring the volume up about a 1/4 more than I do on some of my 50 watt x 2 channel silver faces from that period. It sounds loud and powerful enough though! I've heard about how tough these are too work on. And I knew that, but my TECH confirmed that and I said, yeah, I know, but go ahead anyway, I'll pay for the repair.

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Awesome unit!

[@DrDroogkloot]

I bought a tx5300 yesterday. It works and looks a bit rough. Fixed the lights for the front window. Still need to fix 2 other lights. The muting when set to stereo does not work great. But it cost only 15 euros.

[@hutrputr]

thank you for opening the case and explaining

[@g.fortin3228]

Wow Tony that one is not for the faint of heart. Nice work... it's a pretty receiver !!! but i'm not going to be working on one of those after seeing theis, I'll stick to easier ones ;- )

[@ladronsiman1471]

I usually hose down those amps with water ...and let them dry for hours under the sun ...They come back clean and there are no problems ..I usually spray contact cleaner on pots and switches

[@BobPegram]

Hey Tony, given the renewed popularity of Vinyl, do you ever check the Phono pre-amp? When records were our primary music source, I remember audio test magazines checking to see how well the phono input tracked the RIAA standard. That reminds me, is there anything to check or align on the line level pre-amp? Thanks!

[@MidnightVisions]

This tuner has polystyrene caps in it, and those are not made anymore. Polystyrene caps were chosen for their superior audio qualities. What did you use for replacements?

[@publicmail2]

I've drilled a micro hole in some switches and sprayed them with good results.

[@TechNoPhobiaGirl]

Recently found your channel and I've very much enjoyed what I've watched. Question: How come your like/dislike buttons have no counters associated with them? I've never seen that on any other channel! Is that a feature that can be disabled by the channel owner (like disabling the comment section) so that viewers don't know what your like to dislike ratio is?

[@nickytothenines]

Thanks, I just found one of these in Bishop, Ca, I have never taken one apart and cleaned it,. Youur videohas given me the confidence to do that much. BUT! I think I am smart enough to know my miserable limits. Can you point me in the right direction for an expert in the Central California area, or SoCal? Anybody on here can point be in a direction for a full restore, re-cap etc? Gratefully

[@stevec5000]

Tonyb, just curious but what do you charge for this kind of work? In my experience everyone in town must have broken equipment like this but they don't want to pay anything to get it fixed and would like it done for free!

[@timka880057]

I have a question. Does the main line voltage change the voltage adjustments for what the instructions say? it used to be 117, now its 125 rms here. I have a receiver that says 115 volts. The voltage has went up inside the amplifier board than what it calls for. I thought about using my variac to 115volts then test and adjust it . Does it matter?

[@PilotInCommand777]

Someone has given me a Pioneer SA-9800, TX-9800 and CT-F1250. I am told they have been in storage for 20 years. How would you suggest powering them up for test. Thanks,

[@tomlawler2437]

Would you be willing to repair mine? I bought my 3900 while in the Navy stationed in Japan in 1981 it is dear to me....

[@doYYY-gq1ox]

Hello, I have a teac A2300sd that playbacks but does not record. How much would you charge to repair it? thx

[@XC2long4u]

Ugh, I have one of these that I think is the safety relay that's clicking off. I made a post on audiokarma and I guess these have a bunch of cold solder joints. I think my sx-1250 needs a tune up too.

[@ScottMicciche]

Ray, I have a question surrounding the meter displays. I've got some dust in my 3900 and wondered if it was an easy area to get into in order to clean them. It looks from the service manual that you can get to them from the rear instead of disassembling the entire front assembly. I thought I'd ask you first. Cheers.

[@matthewbrown5677]

how many hours did that take...

[@frankmchugh9436]

Ok now two things to stay away from... anything that is surround and now the SX-3900.

[@normandegeorge6526]

Hey Tony, I have one of these that need some work. Where are you located. Any idea what their value is today?

[@mt2smooth]

Have you ever worked on any Pioneer SX-980 Models. It might need And restoration or Mod.

[@curtismuma1931]

I have this unit. It all works great, loud n clear. Only the fm volume is bearly audio. Any suggestions? Thanks! Wish I was half as smart as you! Curtis

[@2TUFSS]

make sure all controls are clean, also the ribbon cables + sockets between the tuner and function select/phono board

[@schaef6o]

Got one at the PX in Mainz germany 1981 for $250.wish I still had it and the HPM 1100 pioneer speakers

[@TY-ob7fz]

Hi Tony. This receiver makes your 9100 look like a piece of cake 🍰, but then it was !!! Hope you’ve fully recovered and not running too hard catching up and in the heat. Some cheap skates can’t afford to pay 12 bucks to avoid commercials and let KZbinr get paid for services rendered and knowledge shared. Anyways, ...sorry to rag on people.

[@cardtrix1970]

I really enjoyed your video(I have a Pioneer SX3900, BTW). Only issue I had, was....I had to watch a cheesy W W E commercial 3.times during your video.

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

What brand of caps do you use

[@richardkelsch3640]

It seems to me that an analog meter would be desired over a digital with some of those adjustments. A VTVM being the most desirable. I am guessing Pioneer intended it to be that way.

[@stevenzagony6187]

How can I get the JFET mod, or do you sell them? What's the part numbers of the power supply transistor to upgrade?

[@2TUFSS]

original part is 2SK34. replace with current regulator diodes, 1N5306 is a good pick, these are rated for 100v peak, well in excess of the original. the mod in the video works but it's overkill for a 3900, it was originally devised for the SX-1980 which is a far more demanding circuit

[@johnnyhawkins43]

I couldn't afford to pay to get one of those fixed!!!!!!!

[@THEtechknight]

are you familiar with the 3800 version? I have one I picked up that I need to restore, and looking for common faults. Mine barely shows any signs of life. one of the VFDs glow dimly, the ohter not at all, and no output, no relay engagement. the outputs are not shorted.

[@xraytonyb]

I've never serviced a 3800, but the design is similar. You may have a faulty transistor in the line/preamp stage that is holding the protect relay off.

[@THEtechknight]

@@xraytonyb Ah. thanks for the info. the VFD displays are also dead. one of them is lit partially on the tuner side, but nothing on the VU meter side. Kinda odd..

[@2TUFSS]

dead power supply for sure - shotgun the whole board

[@philshifley4731]

Why!!!??? Why would Pioneer not install the pins needed to set the bias?

[@adielawson6854]

Question, all those wire rapped wires on the pins....would it hurt to solder them?

[@whoisntwhoisit2126]

If you refer to solder after wire wrapped, only necessary if you do not wrap them tightly. A tightly wrapped pin will make excellent contact and has no need to be soldered - will be good up until the wire itself breaks which may never happen. Also if you solder a wire wrap, you will hate yourself if you ever have to work on it again. If you are referring to soldering instead of wrapping then yes, I would highly suggest doing that instead. Its much easier to solder the wire to the pin and that will hold just as well if you make a good connection and takes a LOT less time while also being friendly to the next technician who might work on the item again. Just don't solder on top of a wire wrap, completely useless and a real pain in the arse to work on again. Good way to cause damage to parts/boards if you ever have to remove that connection again - if you come across a soldered wire wrap join you need to work on, then just cut it and solder the wire back to the pin.

[@tuanly425]

Có ship về Hà Nội , Việt Nam không anh

[@stevenzagony6187]

Do one on the SX-D7000

[@johnadams9041]

DID you forget to tell that 20 kHz test sin and square wave you made on 15W output power or I missed to hear this? :)

[@justincase3880]

Zero Switching .. deva vu from the Panasonic/Sanyo Tri-Channel H3 modules. Those run “toasty” .. the duo of those pull about 45 Watts (mains power) at idle ...

[@ronaldbolton6117]

Hi have you ever worked on a revox b 750

[@jonka1]

What do you think about compressed air for dust removal? I use it and find it very fast and equally thorough as it pulls stuff out from behind and between items.

[@Badassvidsz]

I agree with it but be carefull with the air presure not too much tho :-)

[@GarySkaggs1]

Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%

[@haqitman]

I've got one of these and it's super clean and clear sounding. Pairs really well with modern speakers.

[@davidcarpenter55]

I just want to say hi and I Meyer you work I was wondering what part of the world are you win I have some work to be done but Somebody that’s close to me I’m in San Diego California

[@tinachavez8712]

Have you checked out classic stereo in san diego?

[@luismdll]

Hola ,buen trabajo . Tengo uno igual que estoy armando pero ,los.diagramas eléctricos los bajé en PDF ,pero no sé ve , necesito diagrama para imprimir . En A4. Saludos desde Perú

[@Alejandromartinez-dy8ej]

Yo lo baje y los diagramas los imprimí como póster ahí ya se aprecia bien

[@cantstopthemusic456]

the thumbnail is not in the video... you will not see this unit power up (if thats what you're looking for)

[@justincase3880]

Treble in trouble ...

[@fernarias]

No way, I just bought one.

[@ronaldlozo3490]

You should check out the Sansui G 7700 looked a lot like that tinier

[@tonymontana897]

They're starting to ask really stupid money for these on ebay. What the hell is wrong with people ?? They aren't anything that special.

[@haqitman]

you can't over estimate the power of nostalgia.

[@ladronsiman1471]

What i do to clean up vintage receivers ..I wait for a sunny day . ..And i wash them with water and let it dry under the sun ..I will till next to power it up ..Never had any problem