SA-8800 II vs. SA-8800 (fluorescent display) as compared to SA-9800

[FrankyLttrs]

I am looking to buy a Pioneer amp. I like the dual-tone system on the SA-8800 II, SA-9800, and SA-8500.

I see that the SA-8800 II sells for a significant discount on eBay as compared to the SA-9800. I also see that on this site, the SA-8800 with the fluorescent display has a reputation as being difficult to work on and has unavailable parts. But I don't see anything to that effect regarding the SA-8800 II that would explain its deep discount.

I also see that the SA-8800 II may be similar internally to the SA-8500 yet the SA-8500 doesn't sell at a discount (when accounting for power) as compared to the SA-9800.

IS the SA-8800 II an amp that can be worked on in the future? I am buying the amp for my child and I don't want to get them something that bricks out after a short time and can't be repaired.

 

[rcs16]

Imo I would not buy anything really old with a vfd because they do dim and fade over time. Also very hard if not unobtainable to find vfd replacement parts.
I’d have to look at those designs to answer your questions. Anther one to avoid IMO is pioneers using the NSA circuitry.

 

[FrankyLttrs]

Imo I would not buy anything really old with a vfd because they do dim and fade over time. Also very hard if not unobtainable to find vfd replacement parts.
I’d have to look at those designs to answer your questions. Anther one to avoid IMO is pioneers using the NSA circuitry.

Thanks!

 

[jayvis]

Imo I would not buy anything really old with a vfd because they do dim and fade over time. Also very hard if not unobtainable to find vfd replacement parts.
I’d have to look at those designs to answer your questions. Anther one to avoid IMO is pioneers using the NSA circuitry.

If the display goes out, you basically have a SA-8800 II.

 

[FrankyLttrs]

So I dug some more on these. Pioneer used the designator "SA-9800" in Japan for the SA-9500. The "SA-9800"s I am seeing on eBay out of Japan are actually Japanese market SA-9500s. Pretty much going to buy some less expensive stuff to practice on before I attempt anything more foolish.

 

[GusGuT]

I think is the same for the SA-8800 II (Japanese model) which, if I'm not wrong, should be the SA-8500 II model (outside Japan)

 

[GlasgowGrip]

So I dug some more on these. Pioneer used the designator "SA-9800" in Japan for the SA-9500. The "SA-9800"s I am seeing on eBay out of Japan are actually Japanese market SA-9500s.

I believe you are correct regarding those model numbers used in Japan versus the similar models sold in the U.S. (e.g. Japanese model SA-8800 was equivalent to a U.S. model SA-8500).

However, buyer beware: Be careful about buying a made-for-Japan model because from what I have seen they are built for 100VAC only, not 120VAC. I'm not saying there weren't any units built with multi-voltage capability, but the ones I've looked at from Japan on the 'bay are single voltage only and you would be stuck needing to use an external step-down transformer (assuming you are not in Japan).