• 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-1280 vs SX-1980

C

CapZark

Well-Known Member
I just picked up a really nice SX-1280. Everyone speaks so highly of the sound, I just had to compare it to my SX-1980. Well, the verdict is in and the SX-1980 is better, no question. They are both very nice, but the 1980 has a slightly richer, fuller, tube like sound. Very close, but not the same. The SX-1980 also has a better look IMHO and the tuner is better too. I love them both, but the SX-1980 is the king of receivers for a reason.
 
Register to hide this ad
I don't know the technical specs, but the SX-1980 has a fine tuning feature and picks up more stations. It also sounds better too.
 
Be glad you can afford both of them! If you plan on keeping only one of them, stick with the SX-1980. What a beautiful presence, and great feautures.
 
CapZark said:
I just picked up a really nice SX-1280. Everyone speaks so highly of the sound, I just had to compare it to my SX-1980. Well, the verdict is in and the SX-1980 is better, no question. They are both very nice, but the 1980 has a slightly richer, fuller, tube like sound. Very close, but not the same. The SX-1980 also has a better look IMHO and the tuner is better too. I love them both, but the SX-1980 is the king of receivers for a reason.
Click to expand...
Are both of the units recapped to original specs ? Tested with same loudspeakers?
 
DaWoofer said:
Man, it's only one model down. What would the 980 or 1080 be then.
Click to expand...
1080 would be a Concours D'Elegance, and the 980 would be a Allante', 780 would be a Catera, while the 680 would be the Cimmaron, and finally the 580 would be the Pedal Car Caddy. :D
 
From a Chevrolet to a Cadillac --- is only a figure of speach--- Both are great receivers but the 1980 is the Granddad of all.
But I'd take a 1280 any day.
 
Neither one has been recapped and what I mean by "tube like" is the depth and richness that these animals display. I've heard so many modern day power house receivers that sound shallow and harsh. I actually like the old Pioneers SS over tube equipment because I listen to classic rock and you just can't get the lower end bass slam out of the tubes.
 
I would say the 1250 is the granddaddy, because the 1980 was an "Upgraded" or "Hot-Rodded" version of it's Toroidal PS design. I don't consider the 1280 to be with the 1250 or 1980 mainly because they went with wimpier main caps in that one. The 1250 and 1980 share the same 22,000uF main filter caps.
 
Many brag about the 1250 and I previously asked why it would be better than the 1280 and now I know. I may buy a 1250 and compare it to the 1280. Will see who wins that one. I do like the VU meters and the knobs better on the 80 series though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom