SX-1050 vs. SX-1010

Killer Fox

Super Member
What do you guys think about the SX-1050 as far as "sound signature" compared to the 1010? I've been looking for a 1010 for a while now but have a scoop on a clean 1050. I had a 950 at one point but sold it as it seemed too bright /tinny to me. I have a 838 that has stayed through a number of receivers now. Ironically that one I picked up for 20 bucks "non working" and only needed a Deoxit treatment to bring it back to life.
 
I had a 1010 and regrettably sold it. I have a 1050 that was just "refreshed". Not a full blown recap, though.
I found the 1010 to have a warmer, tube-like, sound. If I had to choose, I would go with the 1010.
 
I have a 1010 and like it a lot. However, if I had a chance to buy a "clean 1050" at a reasonable price I'd jump on it, compare the two and keep the one I liked the best. Or, most likely, I'd keep both to have one as a back up and then sell my current back up (SX-850).

Why not do the same, only starting with the 1050? Keep it, enjoy it, and when you do find a 1010 buy it and compare for yourself.
 
Get the 1050, I did a refurb on one earlier in the year, and I have just finished a refurb on a 1250, and also a 1010.
I initially really liked the 1010, but after a while listening, I found that the 1050/1250 has a more refined top end than the 1010 which I found to be quite aggressive and not as linear in the top end as both the 1050 and 1250, personally I think the1250 is one of the nicest sounding Pioneers they ever made...
 
I didn't read the previous posts just the title.
The 1010!
The 1050 is a wonderful set. A refined, more powerful 950.
I really like them both.
 
I've had (all fully restored) 1010, 1250, and 950, sold them and kept the 1010. IMO the 1010 has a warmer smoother sound which pairs well with more speakers, the 950 and 1250 don't pair as well with crisp speakers but pair well with older speakers (my impression was that the 50-series and even moreso the 80-series have a little more harshness to the high-end that is masked a bit by older/slower tweeters).

A better answer might be: it depends on the speakers.
 
I would say if you can get the SX-1050 for a good price then do so. They're super easy to rebuild, is a power monster with a huge fat toroidal transformer and big big big power caps. That amp means business! I wouldn't say that the 1050 sounds tinny at all. Did the 1050 that you listened to have a full rebuild done on it? My SX3800 sounded not so great until I rebuilt it and the bass from the receiver was MUCH improved. I've read (but never heard) that the 1010 is a warmer more tube like sound which I personally like and if I could get a 1010 I would as well!

Like others have suggested, get both and keep the one you like more.
 
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