just curious - how does a SX-1980 compare to a Spec 2

[donberry]

I am just curious. I have never heard one of the SX-1980's. How does it compare sound wise to the Spec 2 ? Has anyone either had them both or heard them both compared to one another ?
I would guess that as far as working on them, the Spec 2 would be much easier, not as much crammed in there - but sound wise? Do they sound pretty much the same or is the SX-1980 maybe a little "warmer"
Just curious.......never heard the beast. While it is strictly a personal preference, I do prefer the looks of the separates.......but it is the sound that matters now isn't it.

 

[Petter]

Now u made me curious, too. After having it serviced, I will bring my SPEC-2 to a friends place, to compare it with hes mint SX-1980. At the same time, bringing my TX-9800 also. Thinking that SX-1980 is pretty much TX-9800, SPEC 1 and 2 in one piece...

 

[Carve it]

I own them both but i don't know if I can answer your question.
The Spec2 does 4 ohm speaker duty and the 1980 does 8 ohm speaker duty.
The only speakers I've had them both hooked up to were AR-9s. The Spec2 and AR-9s get along wonderfully. The 1980 and AR-9s dated only once. If they had dated much more than that, the 1980 probably would have had to visit EW for rehab and therapy.
My guess is differences between the 2 would be very speaker dependent, some very little and some alot, also depending on the health of the 1980 and Spec2 involved of course.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Sort of the difference between an amp and a receiver.

 

[donberry]

carve it - now that surprises me, not an answer i was expecting. So the 1980 did not handle the 4 ohm load that well ? I am not doubting you, but I always just figured it would handle them with ease - that is a pretty big difference right there. Being the totl Pioneer, I would have thought they might have given some thought that there would be a good chance it would be mated to some pretty demanding speakers - I know the planars were making a pretty big splash right around then......
Pretty cool you own them both - you didn't skimp on your Pioneer equipment

 

[Retro Stereo]

I own them both but i don't know if I can answer your question.
The Spec2 does 4 ohm speaker duty and the 1980 does 8 ohm speaker duty.
The only speakers I've had them both hooked up to were AR-9s. The Spec2 and AR-9s get along wonderfully. The 1980 and AR-9s dated only once. If they had dated much more than that, the 1980 probably would have had to visit EW for rehab and therapy.
My guess is differences between the 2 would be very speaker dependent, some very little and some alot, also depending on the health of the 1980 and Spec2 involved of course.

Over the years I have owned four SPEC 2s, two 1980s and a pair of AR-9s. I still own the four SPEC 2s and the AR-9s, but the 1980s are both long gone. IMHO, there is no comparison between the two, I will take a SPEC 1/SPEC 2 combo over an SX-1980 every time. Just my $.02




Retro

 

[Retro Stereo]

carve it - now that surprises me, not an answer i was expecting. So the 1980 did not handle the 4 ohm load that well ? I am not doubting you, but I always just figured it would handle them with ease - that is a pretty big difference right there. Being the totl Pioneer, I would have thought they might have given some thought that there would be a good chance it would be mated to some pretty demanding speakers - I know the planars were making a pretty big splash right around then......
Pretty cool you own them both - you didn't skimp on your Pioneer equipment

My AR-9s sucked the life right out of my SX-1980 and the SPEC 2 had no problems with them.



Retro

 

[Retro Stereo]

Don,
What I don't understand is, you are sitting on one of the best sets of vintage seperates ever made and you keep questioning their ability? Sometimes people are sitting on the biggest pot of gold, and they don't even know it.....




Retro

 

[Carve it]

I had no complaints about the sonic nature of the 1980 paired with the AR-9s, at least I don't remember any. I was just uncomfortable with the temp of the heat sinks when I was driving them with their legs stretched out. AR-9s are a tough road to hoe and there are few separates or integrateds I would choose to mate with them for a long term relationship.
My main 1980 is mated with a pair of L-150s. They will handle 300 WPC at 8 ohms without splintering or launching drivers across the room. The 1980 will drive these for extended listening sessions without getting hot and sounds excellent doing it.

one of the best sets of vintage seperates ever made

+1

This is all just my opinion. Take it and $20 to any Starbucks and they might give you a cup of coffee.