Pioneer SX 890 (1977-1978)
The Pioneer SX 890 is a mid-range receiver from Pioneer's silver-face era. It was produced for just two years, from 1977 to 1978. It put out 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 0.3% THD. That is a solid, honest rating, typical of Pioneer's better gear of the period.
The tuning section is what set the SX 890 apart from its contemporaries. It used quartz PLL (phase-locked loop) synthesized tuning, which was more commonly found on higher-end models. That was paired with a FET front end and a 5-gang tuning capacitor for sensitive, drift-free FM reception. A dual power supply kept the amplifier channels isolated for cleaner stereo separation. The front panel had a loudness control, tape monitor, phono input, and standard tone controls. The sound is described as clean and detailed, with neutral tonal balance and excellent FM reception.
Original pricing is not documented. Today the SX 890 typically sells for $300 - $600, depending on condition and cosmetic appearance, and it earns a 7/10 collectibility rating among vintage receiver enthusiasts. Common restoration needs are replacing aging capacitors, cleaning controls and switches, replacing dial lamps, and fixing tuning mechanism wear. eBay listings show individual parts - knobs, button caps, indicator strips, and feet - so the model is still in the parts stream.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ PIONEER SX 890 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $50 Latest $20 │ │ Median $50 Trend — │ │ Low $20 Volume ~1/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $50 ┤ │ │ │. . . │ │ │ │ │ $29 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ .│ │ │ │ │ $0 ┤ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │█ █ █ █│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-03 2026-05 2026-06│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $20–$50 (median $50, based on 4 completed sales, past 12 months)
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