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Model: | SX-780 |
Category: | Receiver |
Suggested Retail Price: | $unknown |
Description: | Classy, analog 70's receiver with great sound and good reserves |
Manufacturer URL: | Pioneer |
Review by FRG7SWL (A) on July 25, 2004 at 16:08:22 IP Address: 152.163.253.34 | Add Your Review for the SX-780 |
"It's A Rock Machine"! "It's A Soul Machine"! "It's A Country Machine"! So proclaimed a mid-70s Fender Stratocaster print ad. Conclusion was the Strat was all of the above, & much more; as apt a description of Pioneer's SX-780 receiver as well! After being treated like an ignoble stepchild, 780s are now finding their sanctified sonic niche in vintage receiverdom(kinda like Fender's Jaguar in axedom, thanks to Kurt Cobain). Oak Tree Vintage Sales theorizes that Pioneer's SX-780 was probably the best selling model of Pioneer's SX-x80 series. They sound a lot more powerful than their stated 45 watts-per-channel, whilst being bereft of that 70s-era midrange-centric Pioneer house sound. Which is probably due to those Darlington STK-0050 Power Pack output devices. Oak Tree sold a 780 whose Darlington Power Packs produced 22 volts-per-channel @ 8 ohms for 60 w.p.c.; & 18 volts-per-channel @ 4 ohms for 81 w.p.c. Unless you're using super-inefficient two-ohm terrors, you'll not lack for volume. There have been complaints that, on some 780s, those aging speaker protection relays impede audio signals. So bypassing those relays(a relatively simple mod,which also converts the 780 into a great studio guitar amp; wouldn't be surprising if the 780's topology was subtly appropriated by every succeeding instrument amp maker utilizing integrated-circuit amp chips for valve-esque solid-state output)will help open up that distinct 780 retro voicing. Which is more akin to Marantz in overall tonal texture, as befits a receiver with retro-cool analog power meters on its' facade. Heck, speaker access is push button activated(as were most Marantz units), rather than click-switched(as on most other Pioneer models). Oak Tree also noted that "all control pots & switches are super quality ALPS brand, the best Pioneer could have picked". They're silky smooth in operation, & not as prone to dust contamination as those on similar-era Marantz units. F.M. reception is crisp & extermely sensitive, though lacking the selectivity of Sony's 6800SD in certain reception situations. Here in Sactown the 780 doesn't reject backwave signals from Nevada City's KNCO(94.1 mhz) as thoroughly as Sony's 6800SD whilst aimed @ Berkeley's KPFA(also 94.1 mhz) via outdoor Weingard antenna. In f.m. audio quality, though, both units are fairly equal. Phono equalization is exemplary, @ least with Shure V-15 Type IV hyper-elliptical & micro-ridge cartridges. As impressive as stock 780s are, they're a modder's dream machine of convenience. Replacing the stock wiring & audio-chain caps will render a unit as ear caressing as any in Marantz' legendary solid-state stable. For a nice retro touch, take a simple diode(like a IN4A), reverse the tail towards the positive lamp bulb feed, & get a cool subdued glow for those late night listening sessions. 780s were probably reviled by audio elitists because they were plentiful & found lacking in ultimate pristine presentation. Now they're beloved by listeners desiring effortless kick-ass sonics coupled with roguish refinement. 780s rock! Plus they got soul! Which suits proletarian country bumpkins just fine!
Product Weakness: | F.M. selectivity not on par with top-gun units; More aux inputs should have been incorporated, easily remedied via external aux box add-on |
Product Strengths: | Sledgehammer amplification which belies its rated 45 watts-per-channel from Darlington STK-0050 Power Packs; Crisp & sensitive F.M. reception; Exemplary phono pre-amp section; Super quality ALPS-brand control pots & switches; Easily modifiable for even more expansive sonics |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | Marantz MR-235; Sony STR-6800SD; Sherwood S-7100A; Rotel RX-602 |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Dynaco PAT-4 |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Denon DCM-450 cd player; Yamaha P-07 turntable |
Speakers: | Celestion Vintage 30s; Electro Voice Forces; ESS Model 10s; Jensen 1204; Pioneer CS-33s; Utah Cadences |
Cables/Interconnects: | Radio Shack Monster Cables |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Blues, Classical, Folk, Funk, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Reggae, R-N-B, Soul |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 10 x 10 x 10 |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | Five years plus |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Follow Ups:
Great review!I picked up my SX-780 at an estate sale last summer. It was in my basement driving a pair of AR4x speakers and a pair of Fisher floor standing speakers until I finally couldn't stand my living room's late model Sony STR-AV 1020's blacked out face any longer. I think that unit must have the most complicated front face in the universe! So, in went the SX-780 and out went the STR-AV 1020, currently on R&R. The SX-780 has been just great. No snaps crackles or pops thanks to the high quality pots. I'm not interested in surround, Dolby, etc. and just like good old normal stereo so the SX-780 is just fine. I did add an outboard aux input box from Radio Shack to increase my audio choices (Cable,DVD, CD)but that's all she needed. I first thought the FM performance was on the weak side and actually thought the mute system was needing fixing, but it turned out to be a loose connection to the FM antenna. Once I discovered the loose connection the other day and fixed that, the FM performance was right up there. What can I say, it's a great looking unit with those power level meters, silver easy to read face, and well laid out controls. The sound is excellent on my AR 215SP speakers and I'm hoping to make a real estate deal with my wife in the fall and get a pair of 60's vintage KLH Six speakers, which I have just finished cleaning, up into the living room on either side of the fireplace for some real good classical listening this winter when the winter winds come howling across the water. Ahhhhhh, life is good!
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