Pioneer SX 850 (1976–1977)
A solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver from Pioneer's premium 50 series, built at the height of the high-fidelity era.
Overview
The Pioneer SX 850 is an AM/FM stereo receiver made from 1976 to 1977. It belongs to Pioneer's 50 series and sat near the top of the line at the time, though it was not the flagship. The SX-880 replaced it. The SX 850 has the warm sound typical of early solid-state Pioneers, a super-quiet phono equalizer, and strong FM selectivity and sensitivity.
Specifications
| Product type | AM/FM stereo receiver |
| Production years | 1976 to 1977 |
| Watts Per Channel | 65 watts per channel, min RMS at 8 ohms |
| Frequency response | 10Hz to 50kHz |
| Dimensions | 526.6 x 173 x 411.5mm |
| Weight | 19.1kg |
| Accessories | FM T-type antenna |
| Circuit | all-stage direct-coupled OCL circuit |
Design
The receiver uses an all-stage direct-coupled OCL circuit design. That keeps the signal path clean and gives it a warm audio character. The phono equalizer is super-quiet, and FM selectivity and sensitivity are outstanding.
Context
The SX 850 was not the top model in Pioneer's range, but it was one of their higher-end offerings in the mid-1970s. It was part of the 50 series and was later replaced by the SX-880.
Market
Units have been listed for $500, including examples sold for parts or with cosmetic flaws such as peeling wood vinyl. Some units have a channel imbalance, with one channel working properly and the other not. Restoration services typically include a full service check, cleaning of controls and switches, and recapping of the power supply board.
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Related Models
- Pioneer SR-202W (1971–1977)
- Pioneer QX-949A
- Pioneer SA-50
- Pioneer SA-8800II
- Pioneer SX-1050 (1978)
- Marantz 2226 (1974-1976)
- Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)
- Marantz 2235 (1974-1977)
- Marantz 2238B (1978-1980)
- Marantz 2250B (1978-1980)