Pioneer SA-7100

V

VintageSA69

New Member
Hello, this is my first post to AK. I have a general question regarding the Pioneer SA-7100. I know it has a built in amplifier, but would it benefit any to run it through a power amplifier? There is nothing wrong with my 7100 and the sound is great, but it does seem that it lacks output power to speakers. Anyone got input or suggestions. Thanks.
 
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It's only rated at 20 wpc so more power could be useful as far as more headroom. Partly depends on how efficient your speakers are as well as how loud you play your music.
Since it has pre out/power (main) in jacks you could run an external amplifier through the pre out jacks and just use the 7100 for selecting sources and tone controls.
 
Not sure how to respond, but hope this works. First off, thank you for your goodolpg. I'm running the Pioneer SA-7100 through a pair of Yamaha NS-777. The SA-7100 works really good from what I can tell and sounds good, but as you said it's only 20 wpc. I dont listen to music at loud volumes, but I think it could use a little more power. I know the Yamaha speakers were meant for a more modern reciever, but I assume they should still sound decent? Any further advice?
 
The specs for them say 100 wpc min, 250 wpc maximum power handling. They are fairly efficient at 89DB. Specs while useful are not an absolute.
You say they sound good and you don't really crank them. Do you need more power, probably not if you are currently happy.
That said, more power, used wisely (turn it down if the sound distorts or the amp gets HOT) is almost always a good thing.
 
The SA-x100 line from Pioneer is very nice stuff, but yes, a little lean on the power. At it's age that 7100 may also be in need of some level of rebuild/restoration too. The results after te rebuild on my 9100 are outstanding.

So yes, you two choice are more efficient speakers, or add a separate amp and use the 7100 as a preamp which is a pretty good way to go.
 
Edit your profile to display your location. That is helpful when making recommendations. Pioneer SA-x100 integrated amps are well regarded. If it was me - you already have an amp so you don't need to be in a hurry. I would look around and audition more powerful integrated amps. Some models are hard to find so it is hard to make recommendations. I would be checking out craigslist and eBay (locally) to see what's out there and ask questions. I have been lucky having buying amps and shipped from eBay.

Vintage amps from that era may need work or will soon. I have a nice collection that no longer works so there are no guarantees. There are lots of nice integrated amps out there not just Pioneer.
 
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