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Pre-amp for a Pioneer SX-737?

spaceford

spaceford

New Member
Hi,

I have a Pioneer SX-737 that works well except for the phono stage. Only one channel is functioning. I'm getting round this by plugging my turntable into the Aux input via an external phono pre-amp. It's only a budget one and I have to say, it doesn't sound as good as I remember the Pioneer phono stage sounding.

My question is would it be worth paying the money to get the phono stage repaired, or would spending it on a better external pre-amp actually get me better results in the long run? Better than what the Pioneer is capable of? I'm using a Pioneer PL12D as the turntable.

thanks for any thoughts
 
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The phono preamp design in the sx737 is basic and easily repaired if you have some basic skills and tools. Lots of times the issue is mechanical, corroded switches, jacks etc. It’s easy enough to use your ohmmeter to test switch contacts and jacks when the power is off. Deoxit time? Btw there is a specific pioneer thread as well
 
Thanks for the answers.

Well, sounds like repairing the 737 is the way to go... Whether I can do it myself is another matter! I already had one repair guy look at it and he was stumped!
I'll ask some tips on the Pioneer thread then.
 
I don't know much about the PL12D but normally you should not plug a turntable into the aux inputs because it would sound like ass. Aux has no RIAA equalization that is required unless the PL12D has a line/phono output switch.
 
Repairing the phono stage on a 737 is stupid easy, I bet a tech can do it for under 100$ I'd get it fixed.
 
Dave1027 said:
I don't know much about the PL12D but normally you should not plug a turntable into the aux inputs because it would sound like ass. Aux has no RIAA equalization that is required unless the PL12D has a line/phono output switch.
Click to expand...
He is using a phono pre into the Aux input. Just doesn't sound as good. But you are correct, a phono should not work properly plugged into Aux without a phono amp.

The PL-12D is old school no built in amp so no switch.
 
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