Pioneer SX-1080 Cincinnati area

[SaturationPt]

Yes, Pioneer puts those wood (solid wood not veneer) extensions on the faceplates, through at least the '70s on receivers, might have on integrated amps also, I can't remember for sure.

Nothing wrong with the craftsmanship, good seam matching and color matching, solid suckers, just a style thing for Pioneer. I like it better than (but similar effect) the Marantz WC-23/23 cases that shrouded the entire faceplate (matter of preference only), prefer the later Marantz cases that at least didn't go over the top of the faceplate (WC-122/123?), similar effect but the Marantz ones stuck forward and Pioneer are flush with the front surface of the face. The WC-23 case made my 2325 so large that it wouldn't fit in most of my stereo racks.

 

[goodolpg]

I believe you.
But the one pictured in the listing posted by the OP looks like crap.
The wood grain is running the wrong way, doesn't even appear to be the same type of wood.
In addition the butt joint is terrible.
I still think that can't be a factory job.
Even with stain and clear coat that's going to stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[SaturationPt]

That's how Pioneer does it, you see the end grain on the top instead of at the front of the receiver. When it's finished and properly fitted it looks very good, hard to tell if this one ever will.

Each piece can be turned either of two ends up, and fitted to either side. When it comes from Pioneer these pieces fit well and are finished well, I suppose if you switch orientation they might not fit as well (maybe the front edges were buggered up and the owner decided to flip the bad edges to the rear?).

 

[ZebraBlvd]

if I get a chance to look at the 1080, up close and personal, I can determine if the case is original or DIY. Right now I am leaning towards that it is not an original case. Don't ask me why because I . Maybe it is just the pics in the listing that makes me think this way.

ALL Pio cases were built with precision. Right down to fit, seams, beveling, wood grain matching and the cooling screen material. I'm going to send a wasssup message to the seller in case he missed my 1st one.

Don't you just love the chase when it comes to acquiring audio gear. I Do!!

 

[SaturationPt]

I might be missing what you're seeing, but to me it looks like the standard Pioneer case. It does look like it was poorly re-installed.

The OE case has two side panels mounted to a top panel, the side panels can stand taller than the center panel by about 1mm (or so), I suspect this is the thickness of the edge-banding veneer.

The additional two solid-walnut chunks are mounted to the side of the faceplate, not to the cabinet. When you remove the cabinet you would carefully align the cabinet with these to avoid gaps before tightening the screws.

Further, these solid pieces were likely removed to sand them (or risk sanding into the aluminum faceplate, doesn't seem to have sanding damage on he faceplate). As these can be installed upside-down, as well as the left & right swapped, and if corners on the front are damaged they could be turned to the rear, or if sanded and material is removed ... these are all reasons that these parts might not fit correctly at this point. There is some tolerance when reinstalling these pieces with the three screws (from inside the faceplate ends) so adjustments can be made (or missed) to get proper fit.

Anyway, I think that all of Pioneer's precision cabinet fitting is great, but if you swap and flip parts they probably won't fit properly, and an eye for detail in adjusting properly is necessary to get proper fit even if you haven't sanded gaps into parts (so easy to adjust properly that I can do it).

 

[ZebraBlvd]

As I said Saturation. All questions on the case will be answered IF I (or some other AK member) has the opportunity to see it "up close". This will be my last post on this if I don't get a chance to purchase it.

 

[SaturationPt]

Understood, just curious.

Probably a good thing I'm not closer!