In 1971, Christmas morning brought with it a gift that would shape my early foray into the world of high-fidelity audio: a Pioneer SX-626 receiver. At sixteen, my burgeoning interest in sound equipment had been noticed by my parents, who generously chose this then-$300 receiver as my standout present. The excitement was immense, but the reality of having nothing truly worthy to connect to it quickly set in.
Initially, I paired the SX-626 with some inexpensive speakers featuring small duo cone drivers. This was soon upgraded to a set of Radio Shack Nova 7’s, a noticeable improvement. Finally, at eighteen, I acquired a pair of Advent loudspeakers, which felt like a significant leap forward. A second-hand Sony reel-to-reel tape deck and a Garrard turntable completed my system. For a few years, I genuinely believed I had achieved audio nirvana!
However, as my early twenties approached, exposure to other, more sophisticated systems broadened my perspective. I began to realize that while my setup was perfectly adequate for personal listening in a single room, it lacked the power and refinement needed to truly energize a party. Unfortunately, my apartment was robbed, and my stereo system was among the primary targets.
Eventually, I rebuilt my audio setup, this time around a more powerful 50-watt Pioneer receiver coupled with Jensen loudspeakers, among other components. By my mid-thirties, I further upgraded to a Sony receiver (STR AV720) boasting 80 watts per channel. Interestingly, I still own this Sony receiver, the Jensen speakers, and other pieces from that era, and to my ears, they still deliver a satisfying sound. Despite the advancements in audio technology, I’ve resisted the pull of modern AV receivers with their built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and HDMI capabilities. I’ve read arguments from audiophiles suggesting that older stereo equipment possesses a sonic quality that surpasses that of contemporary AV receivers.
Reflecting on the SX-626, if I were to still own it, I doubt it would see much playtime. My recollection is that it sounded somewhat “muddy” and lacked substantial power. It’s worth correcting a common misconception: the Pioneer SX-626 actually delivered 27 watts RMS per channel, not the often-quoted 20 watts. It’s fascinating to observe that these vintage SX-626 units are now commanding prices in the $400-500 range in the used market. In stark contrast, my more powerful Sony receiver would likely only fetch around $100, perhaps a bit more or less. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal and perceived value of classic receivers like the Pioneer SX-626, even decades later.
