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Blue faced SX recievers

purple1

purple1

Well-Known Member
Please help me learn what models are what. I have a SX-950 with the amber lighted face, but I always liked the older blue faces receivers. I recently got a pair of CS-99a speakers that look like the fell though some kind of time warp. They are perfect. I'm thinking of one of the older blue faced receivers to pair up with them. I just don't have any idea what ones are what. I see SX-636, SX-737, SX-939, SX-1010, ect. But I also see SX-626, SX-727, SX-828, ect.

Can some one explain the difference between the SX-x2x and SX-x3x models. And do any of the blue face models compair to my SX-950?

Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
 
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I was using a SX-737 and then switched to the 950. Both are fully restored. Aside from the obvious difference (85 vs 35 wpc), the 950 produces a more clear, detailed sound while the 737 has a slightly less pronounced, softer sound. I still use the 737 in another room with the more efficient PSBs. The 950 does a better job at running my not-so-efficient KEFs (86db). Both are keepers.

 
kwmrlg said:
This should help.

http://web.archive.org/web/20100416080805/http://www.silverpioneer.netfirms.com/receivers.htm
Click to expand...

Thanks. That does help.

After a quick look at some of the specs, I think my choice would be either an SX-939 or SX-1010. Seems like my SX-950 falls someplace in between those two.

My 950 needs to be restored, and if I am going to pay for restoring something it only makes sense to get what I really want and restore that. I could sell my 950 to offset the cost of one of the others. Do you think this is a logical path? Any other comments welcome.
 
I "think" all the older black face receivers are cap coupled amp design.
The newer (SX-x50, SX-x80) are direct coupled.

The older models will have a more mellow "tube like" sound. Warmer, softer, mellower, etc... The newer ones are clearer, cleaner, brighter, etc....

I like both types.
 
I prefer of the later series, the 50 series over the 80 series. The 1973 and earlier cap coupled blackface Pioneers are my favorite Pioneer receivers of all.
 
I also enjoy both eras but tend to have the earlier ones represent Pioneer for me. Still,all it takes is an adjustment period and other pairing of speaks.....the X50 series has huge merits.
 
blhagstrom said:
I "think" all the older black face receivers are cap coupled amp design.
The newer (SX-x50, SX-x80) are direct coupled.

The older models will have a more mellow "tube like" sound. Warmer, softer, mellower, etc... The newer ones are clearer, cleaner, brighter, etc....

I like both types.
Click to expand...

NONE of the x2x and x3x PIONEERS that i have are cap coupled. All are OCL or Direct coupled.

I have a SX-790 also. I find it's overly bright, analytical, and sterile, with a hard edge to it. Very fatigueing. I like the x3x series better than the x2x due to the aesthetics, but both are fine for me as far as sounding good. Softer, a little blurry, non fatigueing.

Larry
 
My $.02 worth...

I've owned quite a few Pioneers with the exception of the higher ended x5x & x8x series and found that I enjoyed the x2x series more than any of them. I honestly believe the SX-828 I restored earlier this year sounded the best of any of them and I was impressed with the build quality.
 
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strabo said:
My $.02 worth

I've owned quite a few Pioneers with the exception of the higher ended x5x & x8x series and found that I enjoyed the x2x series more than any of them. I honestly believe the SX-828 I restored earlier this year sounded the best of any of them and I was impressed with the build quality.
Click to expand...

I will back your statement ---- I loved my 828 so much I want another one.
 
I wasn't expecting it to sound as good as it did but what really got me was how well the machine was engineered compared to the later models. That sucker was built like a tank and weighed a ton.

Got it for $25 bucks and sold it to a buddy for $175 fully restored. I think he got a deal and sorta wished I'd kept it. But with 8 tube amps I guess I have enough to keep me occupied.

When will the addiction end...
 
I do the same.

strabo said:
I wasn't expecting it to sound as good as it did but what really got me was how well the machine was engineered compared to the later models. That sucker was built like a tank and weighed a ton.

Got it for $25 bucks and sold it to a buddy for $175 fully restored. I think he got a deal and sorta wished I'd kept it. But with 8 tube amps I guess I have enough to keep me occupied.

When will the addiction end...
Click to expand...



When a good friend "gets it" and appreciates audio (especially vintage), gear tends to head their way. Nothing better than to visit and see them having expanded past the original setup,record collection growing,or digital library "honed".
Music should be an event at times and good to see it happen.....many do "get it".
 
So far I like the looks of the SX-828 the best. A big part of this is about looks, and that thing just looks so cool. My thanks to all that have posted. Please feel free to post any other comments.
 
purple; Pioneer usually had 2 year manufacturing runs for each series. Starting in the 1973 model year (Sept 1972)

1973-1974 model years ( Sept 1972 to Aug1974)
SX-x2x -> 424,525,626,727,828. 828 TOTL unit.

1975-1976 model years (Sept 1974 to Aug 1976)
SX-x3x -> 434, 535, 636, 737, 838, 939, 1010. The 1010 was the 1st integrated receiver to break the 100Watt barrier and started the WATTAGE WARS of the Mid to late 70's.

1977-1978 model years (Sept 1976 to Aug 78)
SX-x50 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1250

1979-1980 Model years (Sept 1978 to Aug 1980)
SX-x80 580, 680, 780, 880, 980, 1080, 1280, 1980

Power levels go up as you increase the model #.
 
the SX-990 is a generation earlier than the X2X series. Roughly equivalent to the SX-737 in power (35WPC rms). Good sounding unit, but not as refined as the SX-737. PIONEER was still at that point getting their act together with regard to aesthetics. The SX-440, 770, 990, and 1500 are from the same years (1970-72). This grouping and the x2x series have the ubiquitous Speaker plugs that everyone loves to hate, and can't get enough of when they have a unit that takes them.

Personally the BEST series of this era 1970-1976, are the x3x's. PIONEER did most everythng RIGHT with them.

Larry
 
Thanks. I think I got this narrowed down to 3 recievers.

1) SX-828 Not as powerfull, but love the looks.
2) SX-939 More power, not as much love for the looks.
3) SX-1010 Most powerfull. highest cost.

Or should I just keep the SX-950 and restore it? I have owned this since it was new and loved it when it worked.

:scratch2:
 
I'd say keep the 950. It's a mighty fine machine and you'll get the satisfaction of keeping it going for another 30 years. Plenty of help around here to get you pointed in the right direction.

There is a 1010 on Bartertown right now at a reasonable price. Don't know if he'll ship, but you never know.
 
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