Pioneer SX-1280

[Pure_Brew]

I've been messing around with the gear I have for awhile, and I've come to the conclusion I'm going to keep this old girl.

Its going to need some work. The FM tuner is out. Quit about a year ago I'd say. The switches need some cleaning which is no big deal. The FM bulb never worked, cosmetic.
It should be looked at and tested. Caps are getting ancient but everything seems functional and sounding good. But as I listen now further, as I type this, it seems like the channels are drifting back and forth, which isn't a good sign....

Audio Lab in Cambridge, MA is where I'm going to bring it. It's the best repair shop for this kind of thing in my neck of the woods and they've been great to me in the past.

Sounds wonderful with this old Technics TT I picked up. I kinda wish it didn't sound as good as it does, because it was on my list to unload.

 

[laatsch55]

That should be the last receiver on your list to unload, a classic and a fine sounding receiver. Get it recapped and a rerbuild of the power supply board and you're good for another 30 years.

 

[Elite-ist]

Pride of ownership means overhauling a piece when the time is due. I love old cars, and there is a sentiment that grows from spending time with an old car and the memories it brings. I don't see it any differently for an older piece of vintage stereo. I'm surrounded by nostalgia and that's comforting. Your Pioneer SX-1250 is worthy of a refit!

Nando.

 

[Pure_Brew]

Nando, honestly pride of ownership has place with it for sure. However, if it didn't meet my approval with sound quality, I would indeed part with it. It really carries some of the virtues of both my Jolida tube amp, and my PS Audio 200c SS amp.

While it is not the final word in resolution, I have owned a lot of equipment that didn't compliment just about any speaker, and music as this does.

But like Lee said before, more or less, the ear likes what it likes

 

[Elite-ist]

Joe: it's good to hear your Pioneer SX-1280 sounds as good as it does, then will be that much better once it has been gone over by Audio Lab. I am curious how much it will cost. SX-1280's range in the $700 for a serviced, cosmetically good looking receiver. It's one I would have loved to have, but I haven't seen one in as good a condition in and out as my SX-1050.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

Never miss a chance to plug that 1050 do ya Nando, and just as well, it's a 2 bibber.

 

[Elite-ist]

Never miss a chance to plug that 1050 do ya Nando, and just as well, it's a 2 bibber.

Hi Lee,

As Larry would say: "There's a method to my madness." I'm trying to draw more internet traffic to this forum. For instance: plug in Sony X7ESD into IE and see where my post appears on the front page in the search. I want more people to find us. But, you are right- I love my Pioneer SX-1050 and I know what Joe speaks of about the sound from his receiver.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

The SX line was extremely good all the way through, prime example of middle 70's overbuilt.

 

[Pure_Brew]

That's really nice looking Nando! I need to take better pics.
Mine has a few blemishes, tiny spots on the wood corners, few spots of paint missing on the heat sinks etc. Overall pretty darn nice though, no wear on the front. (not bad for $125)
[attachment=0:3sr0l742]1280 010.jpg[/attachment:3sr0l742]
I know I'll have to throw some money at it. Not nearly as exciting as buying something.

I just listened to Steely Dan's Gaucho. This record, playing on the Technics SL-23, hooked up the Pioneer SX-1280 sounds like it was all made to work together.

I suppose if I go this route, It will motivate me to clean out other gear I don't need and make room for a record collection instead

 

[speakerman1]

There are some I deal with on ebay that have pretty good prices and give good service for LPs. If you want them let me know.

Larry

 

[Pure_Brew]

There are some I deal with on ebay that have pretty good prices and give good service for LPs. If you want them let me know.

Larry

Cool thank you.

 

[speakerman1]

send me a pm and I'll get the link. Or you can get him through phoenix site. He has some LPs listed or he did anyway. His prices have went up ; but he cleans every LP.

Larry

 

[rtp_burnsville]

If I keep feeding my SX-850 will it grow into one of these????


Robert

 

[Elite-ist]

Robert: How goes it? I suppose there are a few of us owners of Pioneer SX series receivers. My first SX receiver was a diminutive SX-680, which I still use downstairs. But, a must-eventually-have vintage Pioneer receiver would be an SX-1250. An SX-1980 is unattainable for the price I'm willing to shell out.

Joe: Nice receiver! You did well on picking yours up for that price. I hope you let us know when your SX-1280 has been gone through, and what is found. It is great to discover which particular components in the right combination prove to be a sweet mix. Lee has been there a few times.

Nando.

 

[Pure_Brew]

Thanks, I'm a bit scared about the tuner though. Seems like there are IC's for the FM tuner section that are mostly unattainable for the 1280. You never know about people on the inside though, I have a lot of confidence in Audio Lab (circa 1965/75000+repairs later). I noticed that even the ebay service that overhauls these wont include the tuner in the service.

I'm hoping to drop it off monday.

 

[laatsch55]

If your tech has problems locating the "unobtanium" HA-?? tuner IC, let me know. there are some folks who may have them that owe me some big favors and this would be a good one to call em on.

 

[laatsch55]

Lee has been there a few times.



Yep Nando, going there again tonight. Testing Scotts PLWO 1000 right after dinner.

 

[Pure_Brew]

If your tech has problems locating the "unobtanium" HA-?? tuner IC, let me know. there are some folks who may have them that owe me some big favors and this would be a good one to call em on.

Lee thank you for that. If they have a part issue, I'll have them hang on to it and check back.

 

[Elite-ist]

it seems I just missed out on a Pioneer SX-1250 at Innovative Audio. This one sold before it even had a chance to be listed on their web site's inventory listing. That and a Sansui G-9000 receiver were sold and as Gordon noted on FB, yesterday:

"Innovative Audio
Looks like the big boy receivers are HOT! Already the Pioneer SX-1250 and the Sansui G-9000 have sold so get in quick to get yours!"

if you hadn't read this before it's worth reading: http://www.iavscanada.com/Articles/art_ ... ootout.htm"

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

Not only that Nando, I suspect the PL 400's and 700's to start going up in price.