Advice on testing a classic receiver before purchase?

[koolkat62]

Sounds like you've got your heart set on a Pioneer receiver...that's what I'd go for. I've got both separates and all in one's..each has it's own pro's and con's. It's largely up to your personal preference and what you really want. Separates (pre-amp, amp, tuner, EQ, turntable, reel to reel) all take up much more room but OMG, look so very cool! A receiver is just one unit, much smaller foot print and of course, lets you add some other components if you wish..and the really nice Pioneer SX's have that OMG look to them too!

 

[JohnKellysVo]

Thanks for the input. I confess a lot of my thinking is driven by nostalgia. I have fond memories of my father’s Pioneer receiver: the gentle thunk of the toggle switches, the warm glow of the tuning band and VU meters.

But there’s been a complication: I showed my wife some of the candidates and she recoiled at the woodgrain enclosing the unit. She thinks it looks tacky and doesn’t like the prospect of it in the living room. I think I can overcome her objections. The receiver may wind up hidden anyway. And I showed her the attached ad. If a woodgrain receiver was good enough for Andy Warhol it’s good enough for us!

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Lose the SX 780, and look at a SX 950 instead. Discrete transistor rather than STK output modules (unobtainable, no substitutes). Much more repairable.

 

[Oerets]

You are buying used equipment to begin with. Not new so can no matter the precautions can and do breakdown. Price and condition play in my search as much as functionality. If you are unable to do the work figure a bill along with purchase price of at least $150.
See it working, run it thru the paces. Channel balance FM stereo switches headphones.....
As to hooking up test equipment, as a rule do not. Doubt very seriously would allow a potential buyer, figure them to be a problem child or worst FK up the gear.

If price is right have bought gear untested on faith. Most of the time there is a reason for meeting like this, not a good one. So price accordingly and be willing to walk away.
They may have stopped making them long ago, but made thousands when they did!