The Pioneer SX-750 (see image) is both an amplifier and a hi-fi receiver that comes with an FM/AM tuner that offers a respect-worthy power output of 50 watts and is designed in true 70's style that can be an authentic addition to the look of your space.
If you're looking for a vintage AM/FM stereo receiver that still offers high-quality performance, a range of features, and tons of retro value at an affordable price, the Pioneer SX-750 is a classic piece of gear that you might want to take into consideration. Note that this is a vintage gadget that can only be bought as a second-hand product online.
In summary, the Pioneer SX-750 is both an amplifier and a hi-fi receiver that comes with an FM/AM tuner that offers a respect-worthy power output of 50 watts and is designed in true 70's style that can be an authentic addition to the look of your space.
Let’s go have a closer look.
Design
Manufactured between 1976 and 1977, the aesthetics of the Pioneer SX-750 are a quintessential representation of an era where most hi-fi gadgets would come with a very specific look. A metal faceplate, analog VU meters, and amber lighting encased in wood. The results are a vintage-vibe lovers' dream come true.
Small caveat: On the flip side, as interesting as the back of the Pioneer SX-750 is with its maze of connections and wires (more on that later) and the protruding base is, it clearly wasn't designed with convenience in mind. As was often the case with electronics in the '70s, portability and accessibility were not this unit's strongest points. So cabling up and moving this unit around is a chore that will need extra care and attention.
That being said, this unit is very easy to clean and maintain and has a look of almost irresistible effortless elegance about it.
Color Options:
The Pioneer SX-750, in particular, was sold with both complete metal encasing or a combination of metal and wood. So depending on how lucky you get, you could go with a completely monochrome effect or the warmer hues of the metal-wood combination.
The Pioneer SX-750 (see image) was sold with both complete metal encasing or a combination of metal and wood.
Dimensions
- Width: 18.9 inches
- Height: 5.9 inches
- Depth: 14.4 inches
Weight
- 14.5 kgs or 13.7 Kgs (depending on design)
Features
Exuding 50 watts per channel, the Pioneer SX-750 kept its harmonic distortion at a remarkably low point of 0.1%. One of its unique features is the common circuit board shared by the input/output and the tuner section. This enabled the use of unshielded cables, resulting in enhanced sound quality. A feature pioneers flagship model Pioneer SX-1250 was in high demand, even though at a much higher price.
Frequency Response:
- Phono: 30 Hz – 15,000 Hz ±0,2 dB
- Aux/Tape: 10 Hz – 50,000 Hz +0 -1 dB
- Bass : +8 dB, -7 dB (at 100 Hz)
- Treble : +9 dB, -7 dB (at 10 kHz)
You may also check some Certified Products Refurbished on Pioneer’s website.
Connectivity
Considering this was a product of the ’70s, it comes with an impressive list of features. That being said, wireless connectivity is as expected (completely) absent.
One of its unique features is the common circuit board shared by the input/output and the tuner section. This enabled the use of unshielded cables, resulting in enhanced sound quality.
- Phono input
- 2 x Tape inputs
- 2 x Tape outputs
- Aux/mic inputs
- Tuning meters
- Signal meters
- FM muting
- Built-in antenna
- Tone and filter switches
- Separate Bass and Treble controls
The last two features probably deserve special mention. While not exactly the direct equivalent of an EQ, they do a great job adjusting the overall sound. The analog filters are a great plus and give you a degree of warmth digital gadgets still attempt to emulate in this day and age.
Price
The Pioneer SX-750 is used to be sold at a retail price of $400. Possible bargains you could find on online second-hand websites like eBay or Reverb can range from anything between $100-$600. The lesser the awareness of this beauty’s vintage value the seller has, the lower the price will tend to be!
Conclusion
For those analog aficionados on the lookout for an addition to their range of vintage audio products, the Pioneer SX-750 adds not just retro street-cred but genuine audio value to their collection that can result in extended listening pleasure and enjoyment. An AM/FM receiver with audio specs that give you a high quality of sound that comes as a welcome alternative to the somewhat sterile digital options of the 21st century and connectivity that still holds up as long as you are happy using cables; this is a great gadget to own.