Pioneer SX-3900 SG 9800

[djbuszko]

Guys, I recently picked up a Pioneer SG-9800 EQ.
I wanted to know what your thoughts of how to hook it up for the best performance. IE through the Pre-Amp in/outs, or tape monitor or through the adaptor in/outs.

 

[KingBubba]

Use the tape monitor slot. You don't want to block the pre outs for something you may eventually decide not to use; as I did many years ago.

 

[AE Bob]

I generally recommend to my customers that they use a tape monitor loop rather than the pre/main loop to connect their equalizer. There are two reasons. One is that I believe the equalizer will be "happier" with a fixed line level input as opposed to the varying level at the preamp output, and second, if the equalizer is connected in the pre/main loop, any noise generated in the EQ's circuitry is amplified at full level by the main amp, rather than being attenuated by the volume control.

 

[djbuszko]

That all makes sense, you don't want to amplify noise.
The interesting thing on this receiver is, it has an adapter input/output. My owners manual shows you can hookup and dynamic range expander or reverb to it. I wonder if i could do the same with the EQ?

 

[AE Bob]

Ya the adaptor loop is basically similar to a tape monitor loop. It would be a good place to install the equalizer.

 

[djbuszko]

Ya the adaptor loop is basically similar to a tape monitor loop. It would be a good place to install the equalizer.

I will try that see how it all works out. the EQ should be arriving next week. I decided to al do the blue LED conversion also on it.

 

[djbuszko]

Got the EQ, 4 faders needed to be replaced as they had broken ends for the LED's. Replaced those. total clean up. Blue LED conversion completed.
Hooked it up through the Adapter input. What a difference very cool. Here is the latest iteration of my vintage rack.

 

[xlbee]

in case others are interested in doing the same, where did you get the LEDs?

 

[Blue Shadow]

There are two reasons. One is that I believe the equalizer will be "happier" with a fixed line level input as opposed to the varying level at the preamp output, and second, if the equalizer is connected in the pre/main loop, any noise generated in the EQ's circuitry is amplified at full level by the main amp, rather than being attenuated by the volume control.

Tape or processor loop is correct.

In addition to the noise of the eq circuity the pre out is usually way lower than the tape loop signal because the amp doesn't need much to get loud. The mid-level volume control position is kinda about what the tape loop signal would be. So with this tape loop signal, higher than the pre out, the eq noise coming back to the tape monitor is going to be a lower percentage of the eq noise that would accompany a typical low-normal volume out of the preamp on the way to the amp. Just quieter using the loops instead of pre-power positioning.

 

[djbuszko]

in case others are interested in doing the same, where did you get the LEDs?

I got the kit off of ebay, 60plus bucks for the one that has adjustable illumination.

 

[djbuszko]

I tired both the adapter hookup then the tape 1 hookup and found that the adapter hookup was more lively fuller.
No the question is how would i connect up my RG-2 and SR-303? daisy chain them with the EQ through the adapter.
Signal chain >>EQ>>RG-2>>SR-303, or should i connect the RG-2 to tape 1 and the SR-303 to tape 2. What are your thoughts? to many in one chain to muddy things up or a good way daisy chaining them, or better to use the tape 1 and tape 2 loops. I only have 1 tape connected, my second deck i hooked up to my SX-1000tw

 

[dcgibby]

I used the daisy chain approach with mine. Either way can work and the results should be the same. The advantage to hooking them up to separate loops is you can turn each off, but since they both have bypasses, it doesn't really matter.

 

[djbuszko]

I used the daisy chain approach with mine. Either way can work and the results should be the same. The advantage to hooking them up to separate loops is you can turn each off, but since they both have bypasses, it doesn't really matter.

Awesome thanks for the infor. Its great to bounce things off one another.

 

[HBrown]

Nice looking EQ djbuszko.
I just picked up a battle-worn 9800 last week and I am considering the blue LED mod as well.

I came across it in my travels and had limited time to make a decision. I always wanted one to display in my main pioneer stack so I jumped for $60.
Mine has the tips of five of the sliders broken off, and is missing the slider caps on the right bank of sliders.

I thought I had scro'ed, until I got deeper into it and priced those darn sliders and slider caps.

It needed attenuation and tape mon switches so I ordered those right away.

I think somewhere in my audio-dungeon-warehouse is another lesser EQ with those same slider caps if I can find it in the pile.

Does anyone have any hot tips on locating 5 sliders for a 9800 that aren't $25 ea?

 

[djbuszko]

Nice looking EQ djbuszko.
I just picked up a battle-worn 9800 last week and I am considering the blue LED mod as well.

I came across it in my travels and had limited time to make a decision. I always wanted one to display in my main pioneer stack so I jumped for $60.
Mine has the tips of five of the sliders broken off, and is missing the slider caps on the right bank of sliders.

I thought I had scro'ed, until I got deeper into it and priced those darn sliders and slider caps.

It needed attenuation and tape mon switches so I ordered those right away.

I think somewhere in my audio-dungeon-warehouse is another lesser EQ with those same slider caps if I can find it in the pile.

Does anyone have any hot tips on locating 5 sliders for a 9800 that aren't $25 ea?

Here is the auction link for the blue LED conversion. Mine as well had 5 faders that were broken i could have got buy with them. but i decided the pay the money for replacements. Remember there are 2 different faders. There are a short stand off and a tall stand off. Keep us informed on your restoration with plenty of pictures.

 

[bwagss]

My SG-9800 Equalizer has been plugged into ADAPTER on my SX-1280 receiver since I bought it new in 1979/80. It's been a very trouble free component (knock on wood) the last 44/45 years...... Rock on!

 

[djbuszko]

My SG-9800 Equalizer has been plugged into ADAPTER on my SX-1280 receiver since I bought it new in 1979/80. It's been a very trouble free component (knock on wood) the last 44/45 years...... Rock on!

Nice Setup you have there. I have taken the advice and hooked mine up the same through the adapter, daisy chained, with my RG-2 and SR-303.
Signal chain through the adapter is > SG-9800>RG-2>SR-303. I like that Awia timer you have. I have pioneers version

 

[bwagss]

Nice Setup you have there. I have taken the advice and hooked mine up the same through the adapter, daisy chained, with my RG-2 and SR-303.
Signal chain through the adapter is > SG-9800>RG-2>SR-303. I like that Awia timer you have. I have pioneers version

My AWIA MT-22 Timer I've never actually used for turning system on/off. Over the years I used for a back up alarm clock! Pretty loud for sure. The chirp is now very quiet and it's mainly another clock for my living room. Have never had to service this unit since buying it new in 1979 @ $40 at Exchange in Okinawa...... Amazing!

 

[djbuszko]

I add a newer timer to my rack, a DT-510 Pioneer. and basically they are there of clock purposes only.