The Beastie -- Pioneer SX-1980 Receiver

[Socal Sam]

Check out my new to me Pioneer SX-1980. I just got it home so I haven't touched up the case or the fins but this one will eventually look pretty good. The volume knob is a little scratched so I might have to replace it but for now, it is fine.

For those of you who are not familiar with "The Beastie", the SX-1980 weighs 78 pounds and is the largest and most powerful Pioneer receiver ever. There were two production versions, one with the Sensitivity switch and one without. I understand this adjusts the amp section and compensates for humidity but I am not entirely sure. Inside, there is a huge toroid and four monster caps. The outputs are Darlington modules which are unobtanium.

The SX-1980 is a decent sounding receiver but not the best. Most Marantz and Sansui can beat the 1980 at low volumes. Above 95 dB, the big SX comes alive and opens up but by then the neighbors have called the cops. The cosmetic design is very attractive and appeals to the masses, which is a Pioneer strength. It is macho and over-sized which is a fitting match for the huge sound. For many who drooled over the SX-1980 in stereo shops, this was the Holy Grail. It is still highly collectible today.

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19801.jpg

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19802.jpg

[Mark J]

Size matters which makes this unit collectible. Nice addition to your collection.

[Elite-ist]

So, you took a bit of a drive to track this one down? Was he just tired of the behemoth and needed to free up space? Too many questions, but that's only because you got this for a smokin' deal. The SX-1980, in good condition, still fetches big coin.

Peering down through the receiver's top grille reminds me of an overhead view of an oil refinery. Lots of juice to store there! Keep us updated on your cleaning and tweaking. Congratulations on the mega-find!

Nando.

[jbrainey]

Welcome to the club. *Hi5* This BIG Pioneer has been in my stable for about 4-5 years. I lusted after one the first time I seen one in a stereo shop in 1978. It was when I purchased my first brand new Pioneer, a SX-980.
This MONSTER has been the subject of much controversy since its introduction. Some say it is overkill and others say the sound doesn't live up to its size. I agree that it really shows its pedigree at higher volumes but it's no slouch at lower levels especially when matched with HPM-100 speakers. Very few people in this hobby have ever seen one in person much less heard one or lived with one for any time. I have done A-B comparisons against my SX-1250 and I decided the SX-1980 was my daily driver.
Mine is the later/updated version and has had the power supply recapped. I suggest you do the same if it hasn't been done yet.
Congrats on your purchase and may it serve you well for years to come.

[Socal Sam]

Welcome to the club. *Hi5* This BIG Pioneer has been in my stable for about 4-5 years. I lusted after one the first time I seen one in a stereo shop in 1978. It was when I purchased my first brand new Pioneer, a SX-980.
This MONSTER has been the subject of much controversy since its introduction. Some say it is overkill and others say the sound doesn't live up to its size. I agree that it really shows its pedigree at higher volumes but it's no slouch at lower levels especially when matched with HPM-100 speakers. Very few people in this hobby have ever seen one in person much less heard one or lived with one for any time. I have done A-B comparisons against my SX-1250 and I decided the SX-1980 was my daily driver.
Mine is the later/updated version and has had the power supply recapped. I suggest you do the same if it hasn't been done yet.
Congrats on your purchase and may it serve you well for years to come.

Thanks jbrainey. Your example is in superb condition. Mine wasn't cared for but beggars cannot be choosers. True, the SX-1980 has admirers and detractors, of which I count myself among the latter. However, a SX-1980 has found a place in my collection and this example will be my backup machine. Agreed, the P.S. will need to be restored as it is a little sluggish to come out of protection.

When I owned HPM-100's, I thought the combo to be very nice. They compensated for each other nicely and I think that was on purpose. The slow amp of the big SX compensated very nicely with the bright HPM-100's. This is no coincidence as the receiver division had to tune to the Bart Locanthi designed HPM's. I no longer have any of the four pairs of HPM-100's I used to own. I still have a pair of JBL 4311 WXA's so that should be a very nice pairing.

[DolbySProject]

The SX-1980 is one of very few units that is on my "Things I Am Frightened By" list. Sometimes I fall asleep in the listening room. I am afraid an SX-1980 would devour me whole while in "la la land". Surely, it would eat my cats while the family is out; most definitely eat the mail person.

[Socal Sam]

The SX-1980 is one of very few units that is on my "Things I Am Frightened By" list. Sometimes I fall asleep in the listening room. I am afraid an SX-1980 would devour me whole while in "la la land". Surely, it would eat my cats while the family is out; most definitely eat the mail person.

LOL, well said! The SX-1980 is definitely for the BRUISER crowd!!

[Elite-ist]

I want to belong to the "Big Boys Club". All I got is an SX-1050. But, I do have a pair of HPM-100s and HPM-150s which beg for some abuse. They've been mollycoddled for most of their time.

Nando.

[Warped Bezel]

An SX-D7000 is no slouch, especially a working one. Yamaha M-80 will deafen you with one bad channel. Sansui 7070 will impress as well.

I have heard all of these yet never an SX-1980. I heard a Rotel amp also, used by the college dance DJ but I don't know which one.

[Socal Sam]

I want to belong to the "Big Boys Club". All I got is an SX-1050. But, I do have a pair of HPM-100s and HPM-150s which beg for some abuse. They've been mollycoddled for most of their time.

Nando.

The SX-1050 is a pussy cat compared to the BRUISER!

[Elite-ist]

An SX-D7000 is no slouch, especially a working one. Yamaha M-80 will deafen you with one bad channel. Sansui 7070 will impress as well.

I have heard all of these yet never an SX-1980. I heard a Rotel amp also, used by the college dance DJ but I don't know which one.

Hi Steven,

Yes, the Pioneer SX-D7000 is a contender in its class. It's not a flyweight and has looks that are quite a departure from anything else of that vintage. But, I still want to experience the Papa Bear. I doubt I would buy an SX-1980, but with the exception of only one person I know and loves his Pioneer silver-faced equipment, I would love to demo his SX-1980. I've purchased a small number of components from him, already.

Nando.

[Socal Sam]

I had the covers off for a control cleaning and I thought I would post a couple of pics. The sound is cleaner and a little more open.

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19803.jpg

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19804.jpg

[Naknut]

Sam, do you know how much the Beastie sold for when new?

[Njord Noatun]

Do you know how much the Beastie sold for when new? According to one source that I usually find reliable, US MSRP was $1,295. Of course, many buyers paid less - discounts, sales, military base sales, etc.

Incidentally, at $1,295 it was the least expensive of the half a dozen or so 200+ wpc receiver models in the marketplace back in the day: The G-33K was $1,900!

[Socal Sam]

I paired the Beastie with the Yamaha NS-1000M. Not expecting much, I am pleasantly surprised. I'm going to have to re-think where I rank the SX-1980 among the Monsters.

[Web Police]

I had the covers off for a control cleaning and I thought I would post a couple of pics. The sound is cleaner and a little more open.



Well of course it is, you did control cleaning and with the covers off if should be more open. *devil*

[Elite-ist]

Well of course it is, you did control cleaning and with the covers off if should be more open. *devil*

Thanks for clarifying that Web Police, as it makes way more sense the way you've explained it.

Sam, have you had a chance to "open" it up for some loud music, yet. I'm going to unpackage my SX-1050 this week and substitute the SX-D7000 in the bedroom system. Are you thinking there was something amiss when you first demoed a Papa Bear, and this one may be a better sounding? The capacitors appear OK in your posted photo.

Nando.

[Socal Sam]

...Sam, have you had a chance to "open" it up for some loud music, yet. I'm going to unpackage my SX-1050 this week and substitute the SX-D7000 in the bedroom system. Are you thinking there was something amiss when you first demoed a Papa Bear, and this one may be a better sounding? The capacitors appear OK in your posted photo.

Nando.

With the NS-1000M, I brought the volume up to about 10 o'clock. The SX-1980 really energizes the Yammies and get's them rocking. I'll do some audiophile comparison listening later to hear how the SX-1980 handles inner details but for now, it is just the ticket for Pink Floyd.

[Socal Sam]

I need some touch up ideas. The paint on the fins is rubbed off. Too much for a Mickey Mouse Magic Marker job. Ideas?

I touched up the chipped areas in the wood case with a stain marker and then applied some Howards. Much better now.

[Warped Bezel]

Hi Steven,

Yes, the Pioneer SX-D7000 is a contender in its class. It's not a flyweight and has looks that are quite a departure from anything else of that vintage. But, I still want to experience the Papa Bear. I doubt I would buy an SX-1980, but with the exception of only one person I know and loves his Pioneer silver-faced equipment, I would love to demo his SX-1980. I've purchased a small number of components from him, already.

Nando.

And I still want to fix my D7000. It uses the same outputs as SX-3900 but that's where the similarities pretty much end. I'm told the control on the D5000 is not the same and this is unobtainium. I think it can be rebuilt.

[Warped Bezel]

Or powdercoating.


I need some touch up ideas. The paint on the fins is rubbed off. Too much for a Mickey Mouse Magic Marker job. Ideas?

I touched up the chipped areas in the wood case with a stain marker and then applied some Howards. Much better now.

[Socal Sam]

Or powdercoating.

Hmmm. That would mean disassembling the amp modules. Probably not in the cards for me.

I wonder what a low gloss spray paint would look like?

[jbrainey]

I wouldn't apply any paint to the heat sinks. That would be like putting a jacket on them and hold in more heat. They don't get very warm at "normal" listening levels but if you crank it for too long they will warm up quite a bit. It wouldn't cook the paint off but it will put off a strong paint smell. If a magic marker won't do, try "stove black". It is made for hot surfaces and won't hinder heat dissipation. They have it where they sell wood heaters.

Speaking of heat, have you checked the DC offset and Bias yet. I am sure if the unit has never been serviced, the settings have drifted. Having these settings in spec will help it run cooler and have an audible affect on the sound.

[Socal Sam]

I wouldn't apply any paint to the heat sinks. That would be like putting a jacket on them and hold in more heat. They don't get very warm at "normal" listening levels but if you crank it for too long they will warm up quite a bit. It wouldn't cook the paint off but it will put off a strong paint smell. If a magic marker won't do, try "stove black". It is made for hot surfaces and won't hinder heat dissipation. They have it where they sell wood heaters.

Speaking of heat, have you checked the DC offset and Bias yet. I am sure if the unit has never been serviced, the settings have drifted. Having these settings in spec will help it run cooler and have an audible affect on the sound.

Good point on the paint. I'm going to try a "taggers" pen, the one with the large felt tip.

Haven't checked the bias or DC. However, the transformer and the heat sinks barely warm up.

[justin31972]

Welcome to the SX-1980 club! Mine is part of my vintage system, which is currently under construction. It will drive ESS Heil Amt 1b's. I hope they play nicely together...

[Socal Sam]

Welcome to the SX-1980 club! Mine is part of my vintage system, which is currently under construction. It will drive ESS Heil Amt 1b's. I hope they play nicely together...

Cool, another SX-1980 owner. I've been a club member for three years with my first SX-1980. Does your example have the Sensitivity switch on the back panel?

[Socal Sam]

I listened to the Beastie all morning. I ran with and without the preamp using a variable output CDP. Usually, running without the preamp gives clean sound but there was very little difference in the big SX. I actually liked the sound better with the preamp inline.

[Elite-ist]

I listened to the Beastie all morning. I ran with and without the preamp using a variable output CDP. Usually, running without the preamp gives clean sound but there was very little difference in the big SX. I actually liked the sound better with the preamp inline.

Hi Sam,

Is your other Pioneer SX-1980 in working condition? What was the story on how you came upon Beastie? I'm sure the seller had other similar aged gear, along with the receiver. Any idea which speakers he had been using with the Pioneer?

Nando.

[Socal Sam]

Hi Sam,

Is your other Pioneer SX-1980 in working condition? What was the story on how you came upon Beastie? I'm sure the seller had other similar aged gear, along with the receiver. Any idea which speakers he had been using with the Pioneer?

Nando.

Yup, the SX-1980 works fine. I was the first to call on a SX-1980 that needed a little work. We got to talking and he mentioned he had another SX-1980. So, I went over and checked them out. The fixer unit had a good amp section but the tuner was dead. It was missing the tuner knob, some small knobs, and the rear panel bumpers plus one of the heat sinks had a broken fin. The good one was reasonably priced. I would have taken the project unit but we couldn't agree on a price. He was playing them through JBL L-100's, which he was selling but I already have a pair of better 4311-WXA's.

[justin31972]

I'll check for the switch tomorrow. That thing weighs as much as a Volkswagen!

[Warped Bezel]

Here is one of it's baby brothers, SR-5010 which I got at the local auction for all of TWO BUCKS...It's a "Class G" model, has what I believe to be an original sticker "TURBO POWERED AMPLIFIER" on the volume knob. The LED meters switch between output levels and center light "Exact Tuning" with signal strength on the right. It works well although the lighted tuning indicator is off whack a little and needs adjustment. My friend wanted it for his computer sound so I'm building some small 16 ohm monitors for my early FET Panasonic mini-stereo for my reel recording setup in the living room (finally, a use for those Panasonic 16 ohm Thrusters whizzer cones)? I doubt my set is more than 10 watts per channel so it should work.

[Rat44]

You may want to check out a gun shop.
They should carry what is called Cold Bluing touch up paint.
Just another option to think about.
You may be able to match the finish.

[Socal Sam]

Here is one of it's baby brothers, SR-5010 which I got at the local auction for all of TWO BUCKS...It's a "Class G" model, has what I believe to be an original sticker "TURBO POWERED AMPLIFIER" on the volume knob. The LED meters switch between output levels and center light "Exact Tuning" with signal strength on the right. It works well although the lighted tuning indicator is off whack a little and needs adjustment. My friend wanted it for his computer sound so I'm building some small 16 ohm monitors for my early FET Panasonic mini-stereo for my reel recording setup in the living room (finally, a use for those Panasonic 16 ohm Thrusters whizzer cones)? I doubt my set is more than 10 watts per channel so it should work.

IIRC, Class G in Hitachi's denotes the use of a dual rail amplifier section. You can confirm this by looking at the main filters. If there are two pairs of different size AND different voltage ratings, you have a dual rail amp.

10 watts vs. 270 watts. That shows how over the top and unnecessary the SX-1980 is. But, what a machine.*Hi5*

[Socal Sam]

You may want to check out a gun shop.
They should carry what is called Cold Bluing touch up paint.
Just another option to think about.
You may be able to match the finish.

Thanks Rat44. I did the Magic Marker and it looks better but I think is far from permanent. I'll try Cold Bluing.

[DolbySProject]

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19803.jpg

As Olive Oil would say, "YOU BRUTE, YOU!!!"

[Socal Sam]

This is a photo of an early production SX-1980. Note the three position Sensor Gain switch is not present. This switch was added to late production models. See second photo. IMO, the late production models are the ones to get.

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19805.jpg

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp192/socalsam/sx19806.jpg