This 60 watt/channel beauty was Pioneer's top of the line in 1972 & 1973. Even one model generation later, in the 3 series, we don't see this kind of quality and attention to detail: solid metal knobs, engraved faceplate, walnut veneer sleeve, front panel light dimmer switch (!) & awesome internal construction. It sounds as strong and beautiful as it looks, and is now one of my absolute favorites.
Unfortunatelly I have only a 535 and I'm looking for this model.
ReplyDeleteInspires me to restore my SX-939.
ReplyDeleteI have an 838 I picked up last year. The 2 series is the one I drooled over as a kid though.
ReplyDeleteI just found you site and am having SO much fun here! Good for you (and us!) for a well-done and sorely missing 70's audio shrine. I love your showcase of the SX-828. It looks exactly like mine, which I'd make love to if I could. Ok, I only said that to emphasize my enthusiasm, I'm not at all into electocution :-)
ReplyDeleteI just "Won" one on the Bay after loving the restored $20 thrift store 626 for the last 2 years.
ReplyDeleteOf all my receivers these early 70's Pioneers and late 70's Luxmans have been my favorite sounding and most versatile in integrating modern components.
Remotes, source selectors (with remotes) and EQ's have earned their place in the world.
Too bad Lux never added any cool blue blackface backlit dials-on-silver or THREE speaker options!
The more powerful subsequent lineups were more tactily sterile too I think.
Early 70's Pioneers are pretty doggone special in many ways from their "tube-like" warmth, decent (3 gang, must be bad!) tuners, awesome soundstage and headroom and general over-engineered everyday blue collar switches, buttons and guts.
Spec-wise, the 828 is pretty much twice everything (FM, AM, power, consumption) as the "midrange" 626 and even that sounds phenominal to me with any source and on any speakr setup.
Anyone who's into 128kbps mp3 rips off youtube would never understand these things.
BTW, how come Best Buy doesn't carry this awesome receiver lineup anymore?
Love your blog man. Somehow I got here,
Peace, JB
I wish I had kept mine, probably unmatched by any in the price range
ReplyDeleteI still have mine and it’s working beautifully
ReplyDeleteI have sx-939 and also an SX 1010 both beautiful and perfect working condition and both badass to the hilt
ReplyDeleteI have a 939 and a 1010 also are these worth big momey
Deletevieirajoel300@gmail.com.br
ReplyDeleteI have an SX1050. But always loved the turquoise blue backlit dial of the early 70's Pioneers.
ReplyDeleteI have two pioneer SX 850 and a Kenwood gx11 love them love them all. They don't get any better than that
ReplyDeleteI had an SX-990 bought new with Rectilinear II speakers and a TEAC tape deck - WONDERFUL system. Unfortunately when we moved wife gave all away. I've been slowly building back with a pair of Pioneer QX... three Teac quad tape decks, and cassette decks + Dolby. Once I get it all hooked up - HEAVEN!!!
ReplyDeleteSX-850 here!! Wouldn't be without it . In the summer I set a couple towers outside and let the horses run !!!
ReplyDeleteI would like yo know we're can i hey one of this
ReplyDeleteI wrote wrong it's were can i get one of this or similar
ReplyDeleteWhere can I buy 1 of this
ReplyDeleteI have a SX 636 if you are really interested.
Delete