Pioneer SX 950 (1977–1979)
Produced from 1977 to 1979, it delivered 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.1% THD), a figure that placed it firmly in the "serious power" territory of the era. High-Fidelity (April 1976, p.4) praised the engineering of the SX-1250, the flagship of the same series.
Build quality was exceptional, even by Pioneer's standards. The SX 950 used a dual power supply, an FET front end, and a 5-gang tuning capacitor paired with a quartz PLL FM multiplex decoder. The phono stage handled both MM and MC cartridges. The cabinet got a walnut veneer finish, which gave it a furniture-grade look that matched the better separates of the day.
Known Specs
- Power output: 85 W/ch (8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.1% THD)
- Key features: Dual power supply, FET front end, 5-gang tuning capacitor, quartz PLL FM multiplex, loudness control, tape monitor, MM/MC phono stage, walnut veneer cabinet
The usual maintenance problems are aging electrolytic capacitors, dirty controls and potentiometers, failing power supply transistors, dead dial lamps, and the occasional relay problem. A fully working, properly restored unit typically trades between $600 and $1,200, depending on cosmetic condition and service history. The collectibility rating sits around 8 out of 10. It lacks flagship prestige, but it is a thoroughly respected performer.
Several things are not documented: dimensions, weight, signal-to-noise ratio, damping factor, and detailed phono stage gain and loading specs. That's common for a model whose original manuals and marketing materials are now scarce. Filling the gaps would take an original owner's manual or service document. If you have one, the Archive would welcome it.
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