All this talk of vintage Pioneer receivers, I had to

thsmith

buy a SX-950 with these mods.

-mufich audio modified power supply
-power supply increased to Mufich Audio Specs
-Output system reduced from 4 output devices to two Toshiba Output transistors per channel.
-output system adjusted to perfection
-distortion, frequency response and channel balance tested and is spot on
-new speaker protect relay
-balance control by-passed
-Alps volume control installed
-Tone section bypassed
-Line section tape loops all bypassed
-electrolytic capacitors all replaced in tone and line section
-high resolution with short path connections
-input/output jacks cleaned -retensioned
-Mufich Audio Testing to insure maximum performance
- Banana output jacks bypassing all internal wiring, direct tp protect relay.

I pick it up at the end of the month, wife went on a 2 week crusie in the Baltics with her parents so conserving cash until the end of the month.

Think it will work well with the RTA-12s.

mdaudioguy

Wow, sounds really cool!! Can't wait to see pics and read your impressions!

George Grand

You entering that thing in the Tour de France or something?

thsmith

George Grand wrote: »

You entering that thing in the Tour de France or something?

George, I am sure there is a message in there but most humor escapes me. My wife will read a comic from the paper and I just stare at her. Must be something about my left side of my brain or is it the right.

mhardy6647

George Grand wrote: »

You entering that thing in the Tour de France or something?

:-)

mufich... that's good, right?

Sounds good to me; hope that you enjoy it. I have an SX-1050 somewhere around here... but it is mufich-free AFAIK.

heiney9

So it's not really all that vintage?

Seems like an awful lot of work for a mundane platform. Enjoy, I have never understood the attraction to vintage gear beyond perhaps the looks of an era gone by. The vintage receivers just have never sounded that good to me. Perhaps I'm spoiled and expect too much, but I have yet to hear one that did anything for me on a critical level.

Just my .02c and not trying to be a buzz-kill. My comment is more about sparking a discussion why so many people are attracted to the sound of vintage gear (mostly receivers)? I completely understand the nostalgia or some of the killer looks of these past units, but I just don't get it beyond that because I just don't understand the attraction to the performance.

I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it, sounds like a real solid unit.

H9

thsmith

Frank Mufich is a local audio repair guy. He's done a a few repairs for me and some friends and I have bought a NAD, Luxman and now a Pioneer receiver from him.

His work is top notch, quick and reasonable price.

He gets a lot of high end equipment to repair so I am a small guy for him but he treats you like his only customer.

thsmith

heiney9 wrote: »

So it's not really all that vintage?

Seems like an awful lot of work for a mundane platform. Enjoy, I have never understood the attraction to vintage gear beyond perhaps the looks of an era gone by. The vintage receivers just have never sounded that good to me. Perhaps I'm spoiled and expect too much, but I have yet to hear one that did anything for me on a critical level.

Just my .02c and not trying to be a buzz-kill. My comment is more about sparking a discussion why so many people are attracted to the sound of vintage gear (mostly receivers)? I completely understand the nostalgia or some of the killer looks of these past units, but I just don't get it beyond that because I just don't understand the attraction to the performance.

I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it, sounds like a real solid unit.

H9

No worries H9, everyone has an opinion.

The Luxman I bought and is now in my son's system with CRS + sounded killer even with my 1Cs.

Maybe you just have not heard the right vinatge receivers yet

heiney9

Well, this one might sound better because while the chassis is vintage, sounds like the innards have been heavily modded closer to today's standards.

My comment wasn't meant to be derogatory, while it is my general opinion, I was hoping to start a discussion about the appeal to the sound of vintage receivers.

H9

mhardy6647

heiney9 wrote: »

So it's not really all that vintage?

Seems like an awful lot of work for a mundane platform. Enjoy, I have never understood the attraction to vintage gear beyond perhaps the looks of an era gone by. The vintage receivers just have never sounded that good to me. Perhaps I'm spoiled and expect too much, but I have yet to hear one that did anything for me on a critical level.

Just my .02c and not trying to be a buzz-kill. My comment is more about sparking a discussion why so many people are attracted to the sound of vintage gear (mostly receivers)? I completely understand the nostalgia or some of the killer looks of these past units, but I just don't get it beyond that because I just don't understand the attraction to the performance.

I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it, sounds like a real solid unit.

H9

In my case, fo sho it is as you say. I collect some 1970s hardware because I am of a certain age and there's a big nostalgia factor. That said, there were some fine-sounding loudspeakers in those days (as well as better-sounding ones both before and since).

With the exception of a couple of Yamaha pieces, though, I generally won't spend real money on 1970s Japanese massmarket soiled state stuff.

I will spend real money on modern vacuum tube hardware (DIY is best) and certain vintage pieces - and I enjoy restoring and fiddling with them, so there's some extra added hobby value.

thsmith

Let's define what years are vintage. My wright stuff is going on 20 years old.

If we consider anything made prior to 1980 then the luxman would fall into that time span. I liked how it sounded, but it did lack the width and depth I have with my wright gear.

I will have to see how the pioneer compares.

heiney9

I'm really talking mostly about solid state receivers of the 70's that people seem to go ga ga over.

H9

thsmith

I forgot I have a hk 330 on my deck to power my outdoor speakers. I throw a Tupperware type container over it to protect it from the elements when not in use. Does a great job for it purpose.

I am not gaga over these just find for the money they are great for second or garage systems and sound better than anything new in their price range.

cnh

mhardy6647 wrote: »

In my case, fo sho it is as you say. I collect some 1970s hardware because I am of a certain age and there's a big nostalgia factor. That said, there were some fine-sounding loudspeakers in those days (as well as better-sounding ones both before and since).

With the exception of a couple of Yamaha pieces, though, I generally won't spend real money on 1970s Japanese massmarket soiled state stuff.

I will spend real money on modern vacuum tube hardware (DIY is best) and certain vintage pieces - and I enjoy restoring and fiddling with them, so there's some extra added hobby value.

I understand this 'completely' and that's why I've been on a current spree to collect a few of these. It's not really about critical listening, it's more about your 'first' sound system and the explosion of music and vinyl that blew us all away in the '60s and '70s. If you did not experience that, if you're on the other side of 50 something...then it must seem 'strange' or even 'crazy'. But sometimes the Nostalgia is overpowering. Some guys drool over '68 Mustangs and some of us drool over the old Silver faces.

And as Mark suggests above. There were some nice vintage speakers that came out around then. I now own a few: Large Advents, KLH 17s, EPI 100Vs, etc. Each one is something special. Are they the 'best' ever. No! But each advanced what we're all searching for or listening for today!

To be fair, Brock was only referring to solid state equipment from the '70s, not speakers. And the speaker thing also has its critics.

cnh

mhardy6647

I still have my first serious hifi - and use it regularly.

cnh

I can't say that. But I can now say that I own it!

I picked up the EPIs yesterday and the guy offered me a Pioneer SG-9500 Equalizer (silver), free. Normally, I 'never' use an equalizer, but it looked ' cool' and matched a Pioneer SX receiver I had so I threw it in the car and thanked the seller--who was about my age?

It will take up its place above the Pioneer receiver even if it is 'rarely' used.

cnh

mhardy6647

mmm... equalizers are of the Devil.

;-)

thsmith

Frank squeezed 95wch/8 ohms and
135wch/4 ohms out of the one I am buying. Again, should serve the rta12s just fine.

cnh

I run some Large Advents on my 120 W X2 Pioneer and the meters usually clock in between 1.5-8 watts per channel. That's plenty loud in the 20 x 10 basement room!

Good to have reserve power though!

cnh

gdb

[IMG][/img]Try a Kyocera R-851 for a very good sounding vintage receiver.Had mine since new in 1985 (?)

gdb

thsmith wrote: »

Frank Mufich is a local audio repair guy. He's done a a few repairs for me and some friends and I have bought a NAD, Luxman and now a Pioneer receiver from him.

His work is top notch, quick and reasonable price.

He gets a lot of high end equipment to repair so I am a small guy for him but he treats you like his only customer.

Any contact info for Frank's shop? I've got an SX-650 that could use some "TLC".

mhardy6647

Kyocera stuff was nice indeed, with elegant cosmetics to boot (and still rather below the radar in terms of price). I like that Yamaha CDP, too :-)

gdb

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Kyocera stuff was nice indeed, with elegant cosmetics to boot (and still rather below the radar in terms of price). I like that Yamaha CDP, too :-)

Pic is not my gear,my R-851 is minty.
You'll be happy to hear that I almost never employed the built-in EQ. ( I never really, fully understood it's controls anyway!:biggrin:)

gdb

Here's an 851 with a minor problem for low $$ I paid around $800.00 in 1985 dollars for mine IIRC.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kyocera-R-851-AM-FM-Receiver-Amplifier-/150646284889?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item231337e259

DON73

heiney9 wrote: »

I'm really talking mostly about solid state receivers of the 70's that people seem to go ga ga over.

H9

We all like our audio equipment for different reasons. My wife and I first had a Kenwood 45 watt receiver and every now and then I see that same receiver on e-bay and I can close my eyes and see the BX we bought it and the Kenwood sales rep we talked to while we were there. He gave us a demo disc with pop music on one side and classical on the other. That disc was got me hooked on classical music. We spent countless evenings listening to the Kenwood and a pair of AR2ax and never wondered if the music would sound better if we had **** receiver and speakers When we were about a month from coming home Irene made a trip to the BX and bought a Pioneer 1010 for me because she had heard me say that the price was about $100 less than in the states. I had to be careful what I talked about wanting/liking because if she thought I really wanted something I'd come home one day and find it wrapped up as a gift. Those blue lights and blackout dial remind me of the time when she was still here. The one I have now doesn't sound exactly as I remember but it has a sentimental value that my Adcoms don"t have even tho they are better amps.
I have an SA 9800 that will rival the Adcoms within it's power limitations.....and it's prettier to boot.

thsmith

gdb wrote: »

Any contact info for Frank's shop? I've got an SX-650 that could use some "TLC".

214-501-8496. Tell Frank Tracy sent you.

PSOVLSK

Very cool Tracy. Sounds like a nice, "upgraded vintage" Pioneer. I bet it will pair well with the RTA12's.

I can 2nd the recommendation on Mufich Audio. Tracy sent me there and Frank was a great guy to deal with. He'll get return business from me for sure.

mdaudioguy

heiney9 wrote: »

My comment wasn't meant to be derogatory, while it is my general opinion, I was hoping to start a discussion about the appeal to the sound of vintage receivers.

Would you rather power a set of speakers with a current model AVR, or an older receiver of the same make? It's generally believed that - with regards to the amp sections - they just don't make 'em like that anymore. At least that's what I've read over and over again. For example, Company X comes out with their new line, and the first thing someone points out is that it weighs a few pounds less than the comparable unit that it replaced... The implication being that the amp section and/or power supply has been compromised in some way. I don't know for sure...

I'm in the market for a garage set-up, and I'm definitely going vintage. I want something with classic looks, and I'm sure the sound will be good enough for the acoustical nightmare that is my garage (probably most garages...).

heiney9

Perhaps that's where my disconnect is, I haven't owned an AVR for quite sometime. I have no use for one really.

H9

schwarcw

heiney9 wrote: »

So it's not really all that vintage?

Seems like an awful lot of work for a mundane platform. Enjoy, I have never understood the attraction to vintage gear beyond perhaps the looks of an era gone by. The vintage receivers just have never sounded that good to me. Perhaps I'm spoiled and expect too much, but I have yet to hear one that did anything for me on a critical level.

Just my .02c and not trying to be a buzz-kill. My comment is more about sparking a discussion why so many people are attracted to the sound of vintage gear (mostly receivers)? I completely understand the nostalgia or some of the killer looks of these past units, but I just don't get it beyond that because I just don't understand the attraction to the performance.

I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it, sounds like a real solid unit.

H9

Some people collect vintage baseball cards, stamps, cars, guns, watches, glass, etc. No need to understand it, some folks get really into it. I have a few vintage pieces, some of it sounds better than much of the new gear that is out there. Some of it doesn't. There is a big allure with finding a beautiful looking and sounding piece for $25 at a garage sale or flea market.

It's just another part of the hobby. Maybe it doesn't interest you, but there are many who do enjoy it.

schwarcw

Oh yeah!

Tracy, that Pioneer unit is very nice. Enjoy!!:biggrin: