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Pioneer matchup $50,000 vs $2,000

Gyrocomp

Gyrocomp

Active Member
I would like to have a good ab amp with 300wpc minimum to mate with my
Pioneer SX-D7000 with Pioneer 150s and Energy C9s. I had a SX-1250 rated at 160wpc (clipped at 182 if I remember right) that kicked but not enough. So started looking for a SX-1980. Now Iam not so sure thats the way to go. The SX-D7000 has a lower distorion level compared to the SX 1980 and i could pair it with a Pioneer equalizer to match the SX1250 characteristics.
After looking through Power amps. http://www.stereophile.com/category/solid-state-power-amp-reviews There does not seem to be any Vintage or other Pioneer Power amps to be had. So whats a Pioneer guy to do? Will a home theater amp work well with Vintage Pioneer Audio? I dont think 7.1 surround is where I want to go. Why is there such a fluctuation in Power Amp prices? Surely its not the extra costs of parts inside the unit? Is it? Can the sound outputed by these monsters really be improved 15 fold if you have the cash. Which A/B Power Amp I should be looking for? Iam looking for the right path and any feedback is greatly appreciated.
 
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if'n i had d'mony i'd drop the 50 g's, that after glossing over the link. since i don't, mono a couple good vintage power boys for under, maybe 500.
 
lot of real good vintage bridgeable amps out there, 250wpc bridged to 500.
hafler p500 and bgw 750 are the two that i have with less than 500 for the two. even more and different ones out there. to note i'm not using them bridged. just for a tad more head room in my lower powered sx's.
 
The Hafler P500 is a great suggestion. Back in the day most of the concert rock bands used hafler amps. Including The Grateful dead, Eagles and others from that era.
And the price is right. Thanks for your input.
 
I'd go the SX-1980! Or even a spec 1 &2, but that's cos I don't have 50 large to drop on a modern amp
At least you'd be staying true to your Pioneer roots...
 
Pretty sure the grateful dead used mcintosh amps in the wall of sound if that's what you are referring to- MC-2300.
 
What speakers are you going to use, just the Pioneer 150 ?. Ever thought of getting another 1250 and bi-amping the speakers ?
 
You could be right BK. The grateful may well have used Mcintosh. I could be wrong. Hafler and Mcintosh amps were both used back then and I think Crown was around to. Mcintosh is just tooo high end for me at $2400 for the model you suggested. Wish listed.
 
I spend most of my time collecting up a pile of "small units" to sell to accumulate the dough for the big ones :).
 
qguy said:
What speakers are you going to use, just the Pioneer 150 ?. Ever thought of getting another 1250 and bi-amping the speakers ?
Click to expand...

Dont have the 1250 anymore just the SX-D7000 that needs a full restoration. with HPM 150s and Energy C9 speakers. But really liked the SX-1250s equalization characteristics.
 
Another option to improve the sound, rather than spending a lot on the amp, I would invest majority of the funds in loudspeakers.
 
I restored a SPEC 2 for a friend who ran the amp with HPM-150s. I can't imagine ever needing more amplifier on those speakers. It could get unbearably loud and still clean, if that's the sort of thing you're looking for.

I don't remember exactly what it tested at, but it was well over 300WPC into 8 ohms.
 
I would give it a go with spec2 or SX 1980 as aussiedan suggesting. Or exclusive, elite range would be another choice if you want ti stay with Pioneer
 
To quote BK the King....I spend most of my time collecting up a pile of "small units" to sell to accumulate the dough for the big ones .

Gyrocomp said:
The method to your madness I dont think is madness at all. It's an addiction:rockon:
Click to expand...

Thats supposed to be my method!
The Spec Gear & PL 5000 Tuner Thorens & HK TT’s are the keepers.

The Pioneer 9500’s I am going to sell/ trade to buy other gear & support my audio addiction.

The problem is I don’t want to part with any of it!
So I guess I am a collector/hoarder. Depending on ones point of view.

Yes ,I know it’s wrong to use the Advent NLA’s I restored for TT stands.:whip:

But I do have a cabinet maker drawing up plans for a proper home for all of my “keeper” gear. I am trading him the custom cabinet for a SA9500 & TX9500.:deal:

I love my Pioneer Spec 1 & 2 and will own them till I go deaf or die which ever comes 1st!:music:
 

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