GS Find: Unusual Pioneer - The STP-2

[markallen]

Thought vintage Pioneer enthusiasts would find this interesting.

Picked up this little item at a garage sale. The guy told me that it belonged to his "hi-fi crazy son" who was killed in 1968 while in the service. They'd just found this in a box of old stuff. Other than the knob cover missing, it seems to be in good condition. Haven't hooked it up to anything. It has a bay for a 9v battery in the bottom. The serial number tells me it was made in October 1966. It has a mechanical "flag" that shows OFF until you turn it to one of the component positions.

Anyway, I found it listed in the Pioneer database, though there is no information about capabilities. I'm thinking an input selector for my Accurian amp? If anyone has information on this item, here's the place.

 

[mhardy6647]

It looks to me to be a preamp/equalizer for low-level inputs (i.e., MM phono/RIAA eq, tape head/NAB or IEC eq, and microphone). If so, you couldn't use it as a source selector for line-level equipment.

It is exceptionally cool, though; and (I suspect) exceptionally uncommon to find in this day and age.

 

[markallen]

So it COULD be used as a turntable preamp for the Accurian. That would be something it could do anyway. Not bad for $1, I suppose.

I'm thinking about adding a jack for a 9v "wall wart" type transformer.

 

[mhardy6647]

Using a battery is (arguably) better... pure DC power supply; no possibility of AC hum or ripple.

 

[pioneernut]

Amazing how Pioneer came from what looks like a hand built kit to the Silver Spec Series gear of the 70's in a matter of 10~15 years.

 

[Strawman]

Very cool piece. And with the history, I hope the fallen warrior will be pleased that another Hi fi crazy guy is happy to have it 40 years later.

 

[jwfabrie]

While I was browsing the Internet I found some interesting stuff on this unit, I than remembered your post, So I thought a link would be helpfull..

Here you go, to bad it's all in Japanese..

http://audio-heritage.jp/PIONEER-EXCLUSIVE/etc/stp-2.html

 

[petert210]

http://audio-heritage.jp/PIONEER-EXC...etc/stp-2.html

The Japanese description said it is some kind of a "transistor head map" which can be use for tape, MM cartridge and MIC output if your amp does not have have these inputs.

 

[DCinDC]

So it COULD be used as a turntable preamp for the Accurian.

I have three of these and that's exactly what I am going to use it for with my T-Amps.