The Pioneer SX-9000, a receiver from the golden age of audio, often sparks conversations among vintage audio enthusiasts. Recently, a fellow enthusiast shared their experience restoring this classic, highlighting its unique charm and performance. Let’s delve into what makes the SX-9000 a noteworthy piece in Pioneer’s rich history.
Restoration and Power: Bringing the SX-9000 Back to Life
The journey began with a full restoration of an SX-9000 unit manufactured in November 1970. Vintage audio restoration is a labor of love, requiring meticulous attention to detail to revive these aging components. After the restoration, rigorous testing revealed impressive performance figures. The SX-9000 delivered 49 watts per channel into 8 ohms before clipping, with both channels driven at 1kHz. This is remarkably close to its rated 50 watts per channel, a testament to Pioneer’s engineering even after half a century.
Currently, the restored SX-9000 shares bench space with another Pioneer classic, the SX-750. A comparison is underway, using a switch box to alternate between the two receivers, both connected to Econo-waved Original Large Advent speakers. While the SX-750 is a highly regarded receiver, the initial impressions suggest the SX-9000 might just edge it out in overall appeal. The personal connection to the SX-750, acquired from a brother in 1979 and restored twice, adds another layer to this intriguing comparison.
The Allure of Cap-Coupled Sound
One of the key factors contributing to the SX-9000’s sonic character is its capacitor-coupled amplifier design. This design is known for producing a warm, softer sound, a characteristic that the author explicitly mentions appreciating. This experience marks a first foray into cap-coupled amplifiers, and the sonic signature is clearly making a positive impression.
Pioneer’s Innovative “Gizmos” of the Era
What truly sets the Pioneer SX-9000 and its contemporaries like the SX-2500 apart are the innovative features incorporated for their time. The SX-2500 boasted “Auto Tuning,” essentially a wired remote control for volume and FM tuning – a forward-thinking feature for 1970. The SX-9000, on the other hand, features a built-in reverb with real springs, alongside the visually captivating, rotating kaleidoscope-like drum, adding a unique sensory dimension to the listening experience. Furthermore, the “Tone Color” feature, a single knob EQ adjustment, showcases Pioneer’s ingenuity in simplifying tone control. These “gizmos,” as the original author affectionately calls them, highlight the innovative spirit of Pioneer during this era.
A Collector’s Perspective: Pioneer’s Lineup from 1970s
The enthusiasm extends beyond just the SX-9000. The author is a dedicated Pioneer collector, amassing a collection over the past five years as retirement projects. This collection spans the golden era of Pioneer receivers, including the SX-2500 (restored in April), which was Pioneer’s top receiver at 72 watts per channel from 1970 to 1973, until the SX-1010’s arrival in 1974. The SX-9000 held the second spot in the lineup during the same period, rated at 50 watts per channel. Future restoration projects include two SX-1010s (100 WPC) and an SX-1250, representing the pinnacle of Pioneer receivers through 1977. The collection also includes earlier models like a 1968 SX-700T (25 WPC) and a 1969 SX-1500T (55 WPC), demonstrating a comprehensive appreciation for Pioneer’s solid-state receiver evolution. The quest to find the earliest solid-state model, possibly the SX-1000T, further underscores this collector’s dedication.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Pioneer SX-9000
The Pioneer SX-9000 represents more than just a vintage receiver; it embodies an era of audio innovation and a commitment to quality. Its warm, cap-coupled sound, coupled with unique features and robust performance, continues to captivate audio enthusiasts today. For collectors and listeners alike, the SX-9000 stands as a testament to Pioneer’s legacy in the world of high-fidelity audio.
