Question about SX-850

[ppappano]

Hello AK friends!

My first post post here besides the intro, so sorry up front for any mistakes.

I am going to look at what appears to be a recently serviced Pioneer SX-850 in excellent condition. Seller is asking $700. I've researched here and this appears to be a unit worth having so my questions are:
1) Besides listening to various inputs and testing the knobs, etc., is there anything quirky or specific to look out for on this model?
2) Is $700 a reasonable price? What should be a fair price? I don't want to screw anyone - I just don't want to over pay.
3) Am I correct from my research here that this is a unit worth having?

Thanks in advance folks!
Phil

 

[Sharpstik]

I own one. I kept it over 2 1010s. All 3 were restored.

It depends on what work was done to it. Find out what the technician encountered when it was opened. 700 for an unrestored unit is too much. A generic “serviced” description isn’t nearly enough. But if the boards were gone over, it may be worth it. Surprises are not pleasant. I’d love to know how the seller describes it.

 

[ppappano]

Thanks for the info Sharpstik!

According to seller "One owner recently serviced by W** C** A** ..." with no details about what was done but he's going to show me the service order when I visit for a demo. Also claimed to be one owner and in excellent condition, which appears true from pics.

Assuming recaps and maybe transistor work, etc., would $600 be a more appropriate price for this unit? If it was only looked over, I guess I'll leave it as I agree I don't need surprises - and I don't need another project.

Thanks!
Phil

 

[ppappano]

I own one. I kept it over 2 1010s. All 3 were restored.

It depends on what work was done to it. Find out what the technician encountered when it was opened. 700 for an unrestored unit is too much. A generic “serviced” description isn’t nearly enough. But if the boards were gone over, it may be worth it. Surprises are not pleasant. I’d love to know how the seller describes it.

Hi again Sharpstik!

I see now my previous reply was to myself and not to you, lol.

As an update, I went to check out the receiver, which physically was in pristine condition, except for the VFO, which turned like the adjustment arm was very slightly bent. With regard to sound controls, everything checked out except for the treble, which did not seem to change in dB from max to min. The same was true of the bass adjuster when the loudness switch was off but seemed to work fine when the loudness was on. As for sound quality, it was very crisp but a little too clinical for my taste. I'm not sure if that's to be expected or if more of the electronics needed to be updated. It turns out the electronics repair was performed at a local shop, not the one the seller originally mentioned. I believe it was an honest mistake. Regardless, the only updates were about 10 caps and 4-5 transistors to fix some noise issues and problems with the phono output on one channel.

In conclusion, I'm sad the unit had these subtle issues because it was in outstanding condition and had a real presence. As I mentioned in my reply to myself, I just don't need another project. My search continues...

EDIT: Thank you to our mods who just migrated this to Dollars and Sense, and apologies for posting in the wrong place due to my mention of value. I was confused as to where it should go as there also were technical questions regarding the specific brand. I'll remember this for next time. Best, PAP

 

[Blowed Fuse]

For 25 dollars a year you can subscribe to AudioKarma and have access to Barter Town. Members of AK buy sell and trade there. Many repair equipment and sell. It’s a good feeling when other members chime in and vouch for the seller. If you don’t see anything that interests you place a ad and ask if anyone has what you’re looking for. You can also buy parts, media, and non audio stuff. Check it out
And welcome to our community!

 

[Sharpstik]

@ppappano :

Visit the shop where the work was performed and get a learned opinion from the person who worked on it. Ask for a data sheet. Mine had 110 parts replaced in 2012. 8 years later it had 45 more updated or replaced.

The 50 series is preferable over an 80, so I’ve heard. There is little difference from minimum to maximum on my treble. If the tone switch was off you won’t hear any difference. Was it on ? There is a difference on the 850 between using the 200 and the 400 hertz switch. Otherwise, the 850 is not that bass heavy , but that also depends on what speakers you are using.

 

[sound hound]

As an update, I went to check out the receiver, which physically was in pristine condition,

The same was true of the bass adjuster when the loudness switch was off but seemed to work fine when the loudness was on. As for sound quality, it was very crisp but a little too clinical for my taste. I'm not sure if that's to be expected or if more of the electronics needed to be updated. It turns out the electronics repair was performed at a local shop, not the one the seller originally mentioned.

What counts is the way it sounds to you. The experience gives you a memory that you can use to compare to future possibilities. Good luck in your search.

 

[Warren-Oates]

Still don't know what was done to it. That's an alarm if the seller can't tell you. Also when you go to look at one, inquire if the wood cabinet will be off so you can see inside. If the seller is not going to let you look inside that is an alarm. You need to be able to see what was done to the unit. Even better have the seller send you a pic or two of the inside. Look it over, if you don't know what to look for post the pic on AK and ask for some opinions. If the unit has had work done to it, it is important to look at it. if the unit has never been touched, still look just to make sure it's complete and not burnt or rusted out. Look at the outside and have a listen is not enough. No look = pass or BIG discount, my opinion.

As to price, 850s in pristine condition are bit more rare. For sure worth a restore, highly regarded units. A bone stock pristine 850 (all original) in my opinion is worth 300-500 dollars (working somewhat or no relay click). That same unit properly gone through is worth 800-1100, again in my opinion. Keep in mind a little basic service is not a proper going through, a little basic service adds little to the value. My opinion on the cost of a proper restore 300 - 800, there is a big difference potentially in having a hobbyist at home who does the work for fun, or a shop that is strictly business.

Lots of Pioneers out there, they pop up a lot still, bone stock, being dumped by relatives after a passing away. Just keep watching you might find a nice one for a few bucks, then invest in a thorough restore. Or as somebody else mentioned try Bartertown and put an ad up for a WTB restored 850.

 

[rickb119]

Worth repeating.

What counts is the way it sounds to you.

 

[painttoad]

I don't need another project.

the only updates were about 10 caps and 4-5 transistors to fix some noise issues and problems with the phono output on one channel.

just buzzing over the schematics, i counted 17 transistors that i would automatically replace.

i have no exp. with the sx850 but i've resto'd quite a few pioneers of the era. electrolytics mostly hold out well for the most part but they are still getting on 50 years old so a full recap could (should) be in the near future.

i personally think that the price should be closer to $500 but i still wouldn't pay that simply because i do my own work so that i know exactly what has been done.

My search continues...

good call.