Most would agree that 1978 was peak Pioneer, but even the naysayers would have to admit that the SX line is absolutely iconic. From the crystal-clear readout framed by walnut and machined aluminum, down to the mirrored bezel on each knob, the attention to detail is palpable. Those details run deep, making the SX-950 one of the most sought after vintage receivers. This example has earned a bit of character after nearly 50 years, but we've serviced it from top to bottom, and this piece is in top working order. Take home the clarity, power, and precision the 950 is known for.
- Production
- 1977-78
- Condition
- 8/10
- Serial No.
- 90816M
- Orig. MSRP
- $599
- Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Repaired phono power supply
- Repaired tuning capacitor
- Replaced lamps with LEDs
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
- Factory Specs
Type Solid State Tuner
Tuning range AM/FM
Power output 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response 15Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.1%
Damping factor 25
Input sensitivity 6.5mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (DIN), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio 75dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN), 1V (Pre out)
Speaker load impedance 4Ω (minimum)
Semiconductors 4 x FET, 4 x IC, 55 x transistors, 36 x diodes
Dimensions 20.75"W x 7"H x 16.25"D
Weight 42 lbs.
- Documentation
Pioneer SX-950 Owner's Manual
- The History of Pioneer
- Pioneer was founded by Nozomu Matsumoto in 1938 in Tokyo as a radio and speaker repair shop. In December 1953 Mr. Nozomu Matsumoto succeeded in developing the first domestic dynamic speaker made of original parts. It was named A-8 and marketed in Japan under the Pioneer brand. It later became the origin of the HiFi ...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
This distinctive package of plenty includes up-to-the-minute circuitry throughout its handsome construction, and then gives plenty of power to boot: continuous power output of 85 watts per channel min RMS at 8 ohms, from 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz with no more than 0.1% total harmonic distortion.
But big power is only one important attribute of this new receiver - you also get an FM front end that performs with outstanding stability and sensitivity, thanks to the use of a pair of dual gate MOS FETs in its RF amplifier and mixer, an advanced FM IF section that includes three 2-element ceramic filters and a large scale integrated circuit, plus a multiplex section for FM stereo broadcasts that uses the innovative and advanced phase-locked loop IC for excellent separation characteristics.
The result is a flawless kind of sound that is unmatched in tonal quality by any comparably-priced receiver now on the market, plus the radiant good looks of Pioneer design and human engineering. The SX-950 by Pioneer: Something extra everywhere.
- Stock No.
- 8139687330013
Most would agree that 1978 was peak Pioneer, but even the naysayers would have to admit that the SX line is absolutely iconic. From the crystal-clear readout framed by walnut and machined aluminum, down to the mirrored bezel on each knob, the attention to detail is palpable. Those details run deep, making the SX-950 one of the most sought after vintage receivers. This example has earned a bit of character after nearly 50 years, but we've serviced it from top to bottom, and this piece is in top working order. Take home the clarity, power, and precision the 950 is known for.
Production
1977-78
Condition
8/10
Serial No.
90816M
Orig. MSRP
$599
Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Repaired phono power supply
- Repaired tuning capacitor
- Replaced lamps with LEDs
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
Factory Specs
Type Solid State Tuner
Tuning range AM/FM
Power output 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response 15Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.1%
Damping factor 25
Input sensitivity 6.5mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (DIN), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio 75dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN), 1V (Pre out)
Speaker load impedance 4Ω (minimum)
Semiconductors 4 x FET, 4 x IC, 55 x transistors, 36 x diodes
Dimensions 20.75"W x 7"H x 16.25"D
Weight 42 lbs.
Documentation
Pioneer SX-950 Owner's Manual
The History of Pioneer
Pioneer was founded by Nozomu Matsumoto in 1938 in Tokyo as a radio and speaker repair shop. In December 1953 Mr. Nozomu Matsumoto succeeded in developing the first domestic dynamic speaker made of original parts. It was named A-8 and marketed in Japan under the Pioneer brand. It later became the origin of the HiFi ...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
This distinctive package of plenty includes up-to-the-minute circuitry throughout its handsome construction, and then gives plenty of power to boot: continuous power output of 85 watts per channel min RMS at 8 ohms, from 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz with no more than 0.1% total harmonic distortion.
But big power is only one important attribute of this new receiver - you also get an FM front end that performs with outstanding stability and sensitivity, thanks to the use of a pair of dual gate MOS FETs in its RF amplifier and mixer, an advanced FM IF section that includes three 2-element ceramic filters and a large scale integrated circuit, plus a multiplex section for FM stereo broadcasts that uses the innovative and advanced phase-locked loop IC for excellent separation characteristics.
The result is a flawless kind of sound that is unmatched in tonal quality by any comparably-priced receiver now on the market, plus the radiant good looks of Pioneer design and human engineering. The SX-950 by Pioneer: Something extra everywhere.
Stock No.
8139687330013
