Re: PIONEER RECEIVERS: Which One Do I Keep?

"Trevor Wilson" <trevor@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:687dftF2ri8k5U1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> "EADGBE" <hwbosshoss@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
>
news:d47f7092-6b7d-4e52-b4a0-5a358e5b9c58@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> For a few months now, I have been using a vintage Pioneer SX-780
>> receiver in pristine condition.  I have really enjoyed using this
>> receiver and really like its excellent, warm sound for both analog and
>> digital sources.
>>
>> But now fate has smiled upon me and I have just discovered a vintage
>> Pioneer SX-750, also in pristine condition.
>>
>> I will keep one of these receivers and sell the other one.
>>
>> But my question is: Which one should I keep?
>
> **Neither. A a lot of people are paying ridiculous prices for these old 
> clunkers. Sell them both and buy a modern amp.
>
>>
>> I thought I would ask some of you kind people, since it is very
>> possible that you know some details about these receivers, technical
>> or otherwise, that I might not know.
>>
>> I understand that the power amplifier section is slightly different
>> between the two models.  What is the difference?  Does the difference
>> matter, either in sound quality or longevity?
>
> **Nothing of consequence. Both will require replacement of most (all) 
> electrolytica caps. Any OP amps used will be extremely primitive and 
> topology will not be anything great.
>
>>
>> I must admit that I haven't listened extensively to either one of
>> these receivers, and I certainly haven't made a "head-to-head"
>> comparison, but I will say that they both look and sound fantastic.
>>
>> Which one would you keep and why?
>
> **Neither.
>
> Trevor Wilson
>

We've had this discussion before - but there is no reason that most
vintage 
solid-state equipment cannot run and sound fine almost indefinitely, 
provided mechanical controls and switches etc are clean and functioning 
properly, and there could be maintenance issues such as needing to
resolder 
regulators (these Pioneer models were famous for this). The tuner sections

were better than most modern models, and the audio performance is
generally 
fine. They wouldn't beat a top-of-the-line modern separate power amp, but 
that's an apples vs. oranges comparison.

In the specific case of the SX-750 or SX-780, there is little to choose 
between them. The 780 was simply the next model year that's all. They both

use STK0050 output devices, and personally I favor discrete output 
transistors. The 0050's were so common however, one should still be able
to 
get one should you need it.


Mark Z.