SX-1980 on the "Bay"

[skibjr]

Well, they're convenient for me, because the local Fry's Electronics down the street pretty much stacks the entire line. Now I'm no semiconductor expert, but I've never had one fail, never seen one dead out of the box, and only had one case where the cross didn't work. I may have a bit of a 'tin ear', but in A/B comparisons, I don't hear any difference in sound quality, either. I'm pretty happy with them, and think they tend to get a bad rap because the NTE line is so ubiquitous. That being said, I'm always open to other opinions...

 

[stormy]

I want one of those!!!

but me thinks this one is going to be too pricey... :tears:

 

[crooner]

Well, they're convenient for me, because the local Fry's Electronics down the street pretty much stacks the entire line. Now I'm no semiconductor expert, but I've never had one fail, never seen one dead out of the box, and only had one case where the cross didn't work. I may have a bit of a 'tin ear', but in A/B comparisons, I don't hear any difference in sound quality, either. I'm pretty happy with them, and think they tend to get a bad rap because the NTE line is so ubiquitous. That being said, I'm always open to other opinions...

I also go to Fry's for my semiconductor needs. So far I have only replaced transistors in the power supply, and no problems with the NTEs I've used.

 

[OldSkool]

My guess is it sells for $2,400

Wow, I missed own guess-timate. Congrats to Skibjr, now you can afford that Teac RtR and have lots left over.

 

[skibjr]

Well, it ain't paid for yet, but the high bidder looks great. I'd have been ecstatic at $2,400! :yes:

 

[vintagestereo]

I was really tempted to keep this one for myself, but I picked up a beautiful SX-1250 a few months ago that seems to have won my heart... for the time being, anyway!

The SX-1250 sure has a way of doing that. It won my heart, too! It did that back when I was in college in 1976 and she's still with me today. I am happy to say that mine has never needed a single repair, does not have a singe nick on it and has been carefully maintained since new. It is all original and "pristine". One other thing: it will NEVER be sold as long as I'm alive.

 

[vintagestereo]

He must have had two unless this sale fell through, see link below from the previous sale. I was shocked at that price but I bet this one goes for at least $400.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5841955868&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

skibjr has a talent for presenting his gear in the best possible light. We would all do well to study his auctions, learn from his mastery and present our vintage Receivers like he has. The photography on his SX-950 is simply GORGEOUS! And, the write-up is exceptional as well. It becomes more of a "work of art" than an "old stereo receiver". Considering how nicely it is presented, the high bid actually begins to look like a "score"! I wish all of our beloved vintage gear was presented like this.....what do you think it would go for then? I'd love to see what skibjr could do with a Rotel RX-1603 or a Fisher RS-2015!!!! Better yet.....a Galaxy Commander!!!! :lmao:

GREAT JOB!!! :yes:

 

[vintagestereo]

Okay - you asked for it:

Both of these were eBay-acquired fixer-uppers. They both had issues with the regulated PS boards, not uncommon for these older Pioneers. Regarding the big boy, here are some excerpts from a repair database I use to keep track of this stuff:

• 13.5V, 8V, and 5V supplies all dead; C203 visibly leaking. Q203 (2SD712) open.
• 35VDC on signal line; Q14 leaky E to B (2SC1904A); replaced with NTE373. Also replaced Q16 (2SC899A) with NTE374
• No 88V supply to Q4, Q5, & Q6. Poor workmanship by previous tech - poorly crimped lug connection to both C3 and C4 22,000uF filter caps. Little to no contact. Rewired all connections with new wire & new crimped lug connectors.
• Set DC offset and idle current back to factory specs (idle current was at 0mV for both channels)
• Poor contact to ground in variable tuning cap bearing. Sprayed Deoxit into bearing and worked back & forth until contact restored
• Removed AWG-058 and AWG-059 assemblies, sprayed all switches and pots with Deoxit, desoldered, disassembled and cleaned volume pot, reassembled; tested OK

The tuner appeared to be in excellent alignment, and it's tricky on these 1980's, so I left well enough alone. I'm pretty much a proponent of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I was really tempted to keep this one for myself, but I picked up a beautiful SX-1250 a few months ago that seems to have won my heart... for the time being, anyway!

skibjr - Just curious how much time you put into it. The Buyer not only got a beautiful unit, but one that appears to have been meticulously gone over as well. Thanks for all the details.

 

[vintagestereo]

Well, it ain't paid for yet, but the high bidder looks great. I'd have been ecstatic at $2,400! :yes:

So, what does $2,850.00 make you?

 

[vintagestereo]

but as vintagestereo said the other day. this thing is in a Class all by its self. :thmbsp: Chris

Chris -- Glad to hear you feel that way! :yes: