• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Pioneer sx 980

J

Jimbo Slice

New Member
Hey fellow audio friends. Have a question i have not been able to find a solid answer on. I am looking at upgrading to a Pioneer sx 980. I am wondering if the sx 980 has STK modules or not. I have been told to steer clear from them. If the sx 980 does have the. Would i been in the clear to go with a sx 1080? As far as im aware the sx1080 uses a better module? with is the beeter choice over the STK modules. Sorry for my lack of knowledge, if i purchase a sx 980 i would just like it to be repairable if somthing happens and not end up eith a paper weight! Thanks fellas and ladies!

My current arsenal is a sx 790 powering two cs99 speakers and two samsui sp2500 speakers. Listening to vinyl on a pioneer pl 50. Thanks again!
 
Register to hide this ad
The SX-880, SX-980, SX-1080 and SX-1280 do not use STK modules, but do use "no longer available from distributors" output transistors. There are work-arounds for these that have been done by various AK members. There is a custom upgrade/replacement for the STK in the SX-790 (and SX-780). It is a DIY module with circuit boards and heatsinks available along with the parts lists of modern components: STK-0050 replacement for SX-780 and others
 
Last edited:
merlynski said:
The SX-880, SX-980, SX-1080 and SX-1280 do not use STK modules, but do use "no longer available from distributors" output transistors. There are work-arounds for these that have been done by various AK members. There is a custom upgrade/replacement for the STK in the SX-790 (and SX-780). It is a DIY module with circuit boards and heatsinks available along with the parts lists of modern components: STK-0050 replacement for SX-780 and others
Click to expand...
Is this preventing, or scaring people away form the 80 series? I talked to a vintage audio shop here in town today and they said my unit is a ticking time bomb.
 
One of the other issues with the SX-980 through the SX-1980 is that they use the PA1002A (de-emphasis / muting) IC in the FM radio circuit. This IC is EXTREEMLY SCARCE. There is a work around PC board that can partially replace the IC (de-emphasis circuit), but there will no longer be any FM muting (as it is not implemented on the board). The PA1002A can be replaced by a KB4438, but they are also made of "unobtanium". I have a few of both IC's in stock, but I no longer sell them, as I am saving them for my own customer repairs.
 
AE Bob said:
One of the other issues with the SX-980 through the SX-1980 is that they use the PA1002A (de-emphasis / muting) IC in the FM radio circuit. This IC is EXTREEMLY SCARCE. There is a work around PC board that can partially replace the IC (de-emphasis circuit), but there will no longer be any FM muting (as it is not implemented on the board). The PA1002A can be replaced by a KB4438, but they are also made of "unobtanium". I have a few of both IC's in stock, but I no longer sell them, as I am saving them for my own customer repairs.
Click to expand...
You would think with how popular these units have become (again), someone would be able to manufacturer repair parts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom