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Pioneer SA-8500 ?

159.118.232.86
Posted on November 18, 2024 at 08:55:53
~LISTEN~
Audiophile

Posts: 26
Location: Arizona
Joined: September 23, 2024
 So, I bought this amp in 1976 and used it daily for about 15 years, then into storage. It used to drive EPI 120's with authority. I recently dove back into audio to primarily listen to my old and new vinyl. I'm thinking of cleaning and deoxiting it, but the spec looks less than awesome:
Power output: 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 7Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 7.5mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 65dB (mic), 70dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN), 1V (Pre out)
Semiconductors: 45 x transistors, 27 x diodes
Dimensions: 420 x 150 x 345mm
Weight: 13kg
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer/sa-8500.shtml

Is this worth listening to?

 

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Most assuredly, but I would be leary about powering it up after sitting for 33 yrars! )MT(, posted on November 18, 2024 at 10:28:45
J. S. Bach
Audiophile

Posts: 9637
Location: Chester, SC
Joined: November 28, 2001
Contributor
  Since: June 29, 2004

Later Gator,
Dave
Find more about Weather in Chester, SC

 

RE: Pioneer SA-8500 ?, posted on November 26, 2024 at 06:36:25
Triode_Kingdom
Audiophile

Posts: 10237
Location: Central Texas
Joined: September 24, 2006
 I no longer use solid state amps, but if that's your preference, nothing wrong with the SA-8500 as a backup. Don't worry about the numbers, meaningless if it sounds good with your system.

 

RE: Pioneer SA-8500 ?, posted on November 27, 2024 at 08:02:58
FRG7SWL
Audiophile

Posts: 2118
Location: NorCali
Joined: March 26, 2003
 ~LISTEN~, 70s vintage gear has a magically seductive midrange presentation which modern gear can't quite seem to replicate (auld skool Air Force tech sarges would say it's the transformers). Recently re-installed Superscope R-1240 into house audio system, which emulates Marantz Model 1040 integrated amp. 20 watts-per-channel of vintage Marantz vibe, with aural assistance courtesy Carver C-16 pre-amp. Prefer its' lower wattage finesse to Carver PM-600 pro amp it replaced, as does monthly electricity bill. Here in computer room, still enjoying vintage/modern-modded Pioneer SX-780 amplification into inherited Klipsch KG-4 speakers. One of vintage audio's greatest virtues is that you can truly re-live your auld loves! ... 73s para Sactown

 

Agree, posted on November 28, 2024 at 15:16:09
Triode_Kingdom
Audiophile

Posts: 10237
Location: Central Texas
Joined: September 24, 2006
 And I also think much of the later loss of sound quality was due to cheaper transformers. I was performing factory service for all the major brands back then, and we noticed the difference immediately around the mid-'80s. The bean counters were desperate to shave off cost, and this was one of the things they sacrificed.

 

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