Super Noob
Super Member
Another project hits the bench. Pretty busy summer, but somehow was able to secure an unloved SX-850. If you have read any of my threads, you probably know that I am an absolute sucker for the Pioneer SX-xx50 line. Anyone that has worked on this set, knows it is very well built and easy to service. The SX-850 was my first Pioneer... and it provided my first taste of vintage Pioneer. Most revere the '50' line as the high water mark for build quality. The SX-850 is the start of the larger and more desirable units of the line-up; however, I would be remiss to not say that the SX-750 is quite a sweet rig too.
SX-850 and SX-950 are very closely related - and I have rebuild each one of these previously.
SX-950 = Rectified Voltage 49.5 VDC (with 22,000 uF filters) 85 WPC (8 Ohm)
SX-850 = Rectified Voltage 45.0 VDC (with 15,000 uF filters) 65 WPC (8 Ohm)
Lets take the look at the unit as it landed in my garage:
* face-plate glass busted / gone
* power cord not original with a repair = time to go
* bass potentiometer shaft sheared off / missing knob
* power switch broke off / missing toggle cover
* wood case had some water stains and considerable nicks in the veneer + some rounded corners
* some noticeable scratches in front face-plate + looks like a raptor ran across the face-pate top and bottom lips.
Needless to say - I seek out these basket cases. The more ailing the orphan = the better. The following posts will document the rebuild. The thread is meant to help people in the future and hopefully inspire others. Am just a shade tree / hack stereo fiddler. This SX-850 restoration is built on the foundation of posts shared over the years by many of our members here. My rebuild list is built off the lists shared by Mr. Mark 'Da Fixer. @markthefixer is the president of the Pioneer Rehab Club (and established Pioneer Guru), and much of my work has been inspired by his posts / parts lists / remedies over the last 15 years plus. Let me take the opportunity to say "THANK YOU" to Mark for all his sharing + his willingness to support and inspire the 'noobs like me. Thanks Mark!
SX-850 and SX-950 are very closely related - and I have rebuild each one of these previously.
SX-950 = Rectified Voltage 49.5 VDC (with 22,000 uF filters) 85 WPC (8 Ohm)
SX-850 = Rectified Voltage 45.0 VDC (with 15,000 uF filters) 65 WPC (8 Ohm)
Lets take the look at the unit as it landed in my garage:
* face-plate glass busted / gone
* power cord not original with a repair = time to go
* bass potentiometer shaft sheared off / missing knob
* power switch broke off / missing toggle cover
* wood case had some water stains and considerable nicks in the veneer + some rounded corners
* some noticeable scratches in front face-plate + looks like a raptor ran across the face-pate top and bottom lips.
Needless to say - I seek out these basket cases. The more ailing the orphan = the better. The following posts will document the rebuild. The thread is meant to help people in the future and hopefully inspire others. Am just a shade tree / hack stereo fiddler. This SX-850 restoration is built on the foundation of posts shared over the years by many of our members here. My rebuild list is built off the lists shared by Mr. Mark 'Da Fixer. @markthefixer is the president of the Pioneer Rehab Club (and established Pioneer Guru), and much of my work has been inspired by his posts / parts lists / remedies over the last 15 years plus. Let me take the opportunity to say "THANK YOU" to Mark for all his sharing + his willingness to support and inspire the 'noobs like me. Thanks Mark!
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Another brilliant project, I really love your threads, great work
