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1973 Pioneer SX 727,

Dogs and dog

Dogs and dog

New Member
My first post as a new member. I bought this reciever new, back in ‘73. I think from Playback stereo in the Chicago area.
it has hardly been used. I haven’t plugged it in since 1985, sitting in a box in my closet for years. My question is is it worth getting serviced of needed? It worked fine last time I used it in ‘85. Has sentimental value, but within reason.
Thank you
 
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These sell for the 300 dollar range, I think.

Perhaps worth asking Luis at Stereo Advisor in Modesto what a service update might cost.

Stereo Advisor: (916) 605-9200

I have used him for recapping and freshening gear.

I've also used Rainbow Electronics in Sacramento for freshenings.

Both treated me fairly and did good work.
 
The SX 727 has a lovely tone, preamp outputs so you can use a Quad decoder/amp, and a better than average tuner.

They also are very handsome.

I love mine, and the ones I restored returned great owner feedback.
 
Wat was I thinking?

There is also a very well regarded person here in Chico who has done stuff for friends of mine and he gets gear sent to him from NorCal used gear shops.

If Chico is convenient, I'll ask my buddies for his details.
 
If it were me,I would have it freshened up,especially since it has sentimental value to you.
I love to hear stories like yours of someone having long time ownership of stereo gear or classic cars. I still have the receiver and turntable I bought new in 1980.

This comment boils down to personal opinion...if you do have it refreshed and it needs any new bulbs,please don't let the tech talk you into what some refer to as the LED upgrade. Putting LED's in these old receivers is not an upgrade in my opinion. That royal blue LED colored bulb many use looks horrible in vintage receivers. The cool blue isn't so bad but I do prefer the original incandescent bulbs.
 
triple20 said:
If it were me,I would have it freshened up,especially since it has sentimental value to you.
I love to hear stories like yours of someone having long time ownership of stereo gear or classic cars. I still have the receiver and turntable I bought new in 1980.

This comment boils down to personal opinion...if you do have it refreshed and it needs any new bulbs,please don't let the tech talk you into what some refer to as the LED upgrade. Putting LED's in these old receivers is not an upgrade in my opinion. That royal blue LED colored bulb many use looks horrible in vintage receivers. The cool blue isn't so bad but I do prefer the original incandescent bulbs.
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Thanks for the advise !
 
It really is a personal decision. Right now I have an MCS 3842 integrated amplitier (Technics) that just bit the dust the other day. It was working fine and then suddenly just went to having no sound at all. Talked to a local repair shop and the guy said that the diagnostic fee was going to be $125, but that could be applied to the repair. So I am not sure if I want to do that because I paid less than that for the amp in the first place. However, it is a nice piece with discrete outputs and all and I hate to create E-waste. So I am trying to make a decision on it. Maybe at least pay for the diagnosis.

I guess the moral of the story is that even though that 40 year old piece had been working great, they just don't last forever. If you do decide to get the Pioneer serviced then it will probably give you years of enjoyment.
 
Dogs and dog said:
Hi Coonmanx!
Thinking back, I remember how excited I was when I bought it, I was 21. 74 now.
I don’t remember how much I paid for it, but it was a lot of money at the time. Nostalgia and sentiment can be a powerful force.
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Yes and the majority of the time that powerful force brings happy joyful memories,can a price be put on that feeling? Priceless in my book!
With the history between that Pioneer and you,it's worth the refresh.
Have a great weekend
 
Enophile said:
These sell for the 300 dollar range, I think.

Perhaps worth asking Luis at Stereo Advisor in Modesto what a service update might cost.

Stereo Advisor: (916) 605-9200

I have used him for recapping and freshening gear.

I've also used Rainbow Electronics in Sacramento for freshenings.

Both treated me fairly and did good work.
Click to expand...
OP specified Chicago area. It's a few miles from Modesto or Sacramento. Road trip!:biggrin:
 
Dogs and dog said:
I haven’t plugged it in since 1985, sitting in a box in my closet for years.
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The SX-727 is a great receiver. Since it wasn't used much it may not really need much in the way of servicing. But, I would absolutely take it to a qualified tech (if you're in the Chicago area there are a few good ones) and let them power it on with a variac or dim bulb tester.
I would NOT just plug it into the wall and power it on after 40 years!
 
Catmanboo said:
OP specified Chicago area. It's a few miles from Modesto or Sacramento. Road trip!
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OP never stated where he is currently, only where he purchased it, so CA is as good a place as any' :rflmao:

However, he could state where he currently is and there may be someone on here who does restorations who he lives close to...:cool:
 
Dogs and dog said:
No, it’s been in a box since I moved several times since. Haven’t plugged it in.
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That thing's chemical-dependent bits (electrolytic caps) might be ossified by that long of inactivity, not to mention lack of movement of the various controls & switches. It could conceivably be reawakened by a thorough cleaning of said controls & access to a variable voltage source, aka variac to s l o w l y
ramp up voltage over a day or so. This is a proven method of "reforming" electrolytic capacitors to operational status. May lead to success, but its a long shot as your item has been inactive for so long. Your results may vary , but worth trying, given your ability to do this or finding someone locally who can. Bottom line: Do not just plug it in & turn it on! (Imagine a sleeping drunk who gets a bucket of cold water dumped on he/she/it. Same effect):eek:
 
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