• 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

SX-1050 vs SX-1250

johnnm

johnnm

Audio Enthusiast
Looked up on classicaudio.com and seems the only differences is the 1250 has a slightly more sensitive tuner and of course, has 40WPC more than the 1050.

Other than that though, are they pretty much the same? The faceplates look nearly identical. Since the 1250's go for ridiculous amounts of money on ebay, I was wondering if a 1050 a good alternative.

Got thoughts on the 1050? Love to hear 'em.
I'm thinking about upgrading from my SX-650 and am torn between the SX-1050 receiver and a SA-9500 II and TX-9500 tuner combo.
 
Register to hide this ad
Alot of people will tell you that there is little difference between the two, but I have owned both and I'll tell you that I could hear a difference. The 1250 does everything just a little bit better then the 1050. IMHO of course.
 
Sound-wise? Reasonably close. Design-wise? Almost no similarity beyond a few preamp parts.

The SX-1250 was a statement piece, and Pioneer wanted it to stand head and shoulders above not only the competition, but above their own #2 receiver, the SX-1050.
 
I'd go with the 1050 on price / performance in lieu of the 1250, it's a sweetheart to work on. But some strange things can happen when it announces it needs the recap.

The 9500ii is a bit harder to work on, but I won't fault either for the sound.

No experience with the tx-9500.
 
The SX-1250 is a beast. The Sx-1050 is a fine receiver. They both have enough power to make you deaf. I sure like the Sx-828 though, nice warm sound.:yes:
 
If you put them side by side, the 1250 is more than an inch wider.

For me, working on the 1250 is easier because many of the boards have connectors. The minus side is that they could be failure points.

The 1050 fonts are silkscreened on the face, the 1250 they are recessed into the face.

Internally they are much more different than similar.

working on them side by side it is clear that the 1250 was TOTL, although working on the 1050 without the 1250 next to it you would think it was TOTL

I have had 2 sx-1250's and 1 sx-1050. I currently have one of each. The 1050 for me is ideal for the price - the extra watts don't really give you much more volume - most speakers don't want that many watts anyway. I have been perfectly happy with my 1050 for many years of daily use - and I don't worry about breaking it as much as the 1250.

The 1050 is a very impressive beast parked next to just about anything . . . until it is sitting next to a 1250, 1280 or 1980. Of those, the 1980 is truly out of reach and the 1280 is harder to find parts for than any of the x50 line.
If you want the ultimate, short of the 1980, get the 1250. If you are looking for a good value for the money relatively speaking, you can't go wrong with the 1050.

Then if you happen across a 1250 for a good price, grab it and sell the 1050.
 
I recommend going with the SX-1250. I've owned both and the SX-1250 is still with me. Ebay prices are ridiculous for both models, so that's a tough deciding factor, IMHO. Do you know of any local AKers in your area who might have either receivers you could audition?

As cbrworm mentioned, if cost is a concern, by all means get the SX-1050 - it's a fine receiver. But the SX-1250 would be worth the extra coin as far as I'm concerned.
 
i have both, recapped both, at any volume the 1250 stands up smiles, the 1050 is a great receiver and sound damn good, but its not the 1250 sentiments aside
 
Haven't had the 1050 but I had a 1080 and I have a 1250 now.
1250 is an amazing receiver... can't go wrong if you can find one for a decent price. In comparison to the 1080 I had (which I gave back to my dad) there really is no comparison. The 1250 is just that much better in every respect.

Now... the 9500II is a really nice integrated amplifier. If you don't need all the extra watts, this unit really packs a punch! I had one not too long ago and I was very impressed. Not as smooth as the 1250 at the highest frequencies but not grainy either. The bass of the 9500 is very good... In fact that's where it shines IMHO. The volume control on the 9500 feels really nice when you use it. Big and chunky and the "clicks" give you that I have an expensive pc of gear feel. I also have a TX9500II tuner which is very similar I think to the none II version. Very nice tuner. Can't go wrong there either.

Now as far as cosmetics go... You can't go wrong with either the 1250 or the 1050... they are purty.

Hope this confused you even more! :D
 
My choice, tempered by the previous posts is to go for an SX-5590 the BlackSilver version of the 1250. These units look so much better than the all silver, it has to sound better.

You may even be able to find one of the 55xx receivers cheaper than the silver ones. I picked up the SX-5580 (1050 in BlackSilver) at a great price recently.
 
I have always been interested in the 55xx series, but everyone knows silver is cleaner and more accurate. The black anodizing adds coloration and a midrange warmth that some people like.
 
The SX-1250 also has impressive and attractive external heat sinks that start about half way down the sides and wrap around the back slightly. For the SX-1280 and SX-1980, which were in the lineup that came immediately after the SX-xx50 series, Pioneer started going a little cheaper and did not wrap the heat sinks around the back. They are still great, and people seem to want the SX-1980 the most of any of the old Pioneer receivers.

If the price difference is significant, the SX-1050 is likely to be a better value than the SX-1250. The SX-1250, of course, will be able to fetch a higher price should you later on decide to sell it. But owning an SX-1250 for about 25 years or so, I wonder why anyone would ever want to do that. Frankly, I think the guy who sold it to me (who was the original owner) was crazy to sell it. But, of course, it is good for me that he was crazy.

Both are great receivers, and, if the condition is good and the price is sane, neither will be a mistake, as long as you are not one of those who must have the top of the line and cannot enjoy something that, had it been available in a different year, would have been the top of the line.
 
Blue Shadow said:
My choice, tempered by the previous posts is to go for an SX-5590 the BlackSilver version of the 1250. These units look so much better than the all silver, it has to sound better.

You may even be able to find one of the 55xx receivers cheaper than the silver ones. I picked up the SX-5580 (1050 in BlackSilver) at a great price recently.
Click to expand...

You, sir, are a blasphemer. With the all silver face, it is easier to see the control settings. It also has a cleaner look. And slight scratches will not show up as much with the silver face. But by all means, buy whatever color you prefer.
 
I've owned my SX-1250 for over 30 years and it's still playing great...

I'd spend the extra and get one... Ebay prices tend to come down the closer to summer.
 
Pyrrho said:
You, sir, are a blasphemer. But by all means, buy whatever color you prefer.
Click to expand...

Horse hockey. The BlackSilver Rules. I would not own the silver stuff.

Ah actually I have a couple Blue Lights, a BlackSilver and probably 5 silver units. Guess which one is staying?

eye and ear of the beholder.

If I had gotten a 1050 instead of the 5580, I would have flipped it. I just think the BlackSilver is a cool looking style. Visually it just pops.
More discussion, pro and undecided, with pictures so everyone can enjoy the BlackSilver Pioneers:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=133642
 
marantzfan said:
Alot of people will tell you that there is little difference between the two, but I have owned both and I'll tell you that I could hear a difference. The 1250 does everything just a little bit better then the 1050. IMHO of course.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I owned both at the same time and the SX-1250 has a deeper, more detailed sound at approximately the same listening levels.
If you have a budget the SX-1050 is a nice receiver. I just saw a very nice SX-1050 on Ebay for under $200, that's a good deal, IMO.
Personally I would get the SX-1250 if at all possible.
 
I have had trouble following this 'cuz it seems 1280/1250 and 1080/1050 were used interchangeably...

I assure you, if there is a like 'power designation' (4, 5, 6, 7, etc 10, 12,) in each 'family' (x3x, 50, 80, 3x00) they do differ in appearance and sound and spec.
 
After reading the comments here I wanted to pick up an SX-1050 (better value), but I found an SX-1250 today for $350 + 2 hour drive roundtrip.

Condition? Faceplate has a scratch and blemish, wood has at least one scratch. Inside? No idea.

But it's okay! I wanted a piece I could work on, not something that was just completely refurbed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom