Pioneer Silver Face Tuners

[cruisaire]

I have (in the recent past) temporarily owned a TX-6500 (nice one with the wooden cab), a 6500II, and a 7500. Pretty satisfied with them all (though not enough to keep me from selling them all), and still looking for something better at pulling a station in and holding it in.

Came across a TX-7800 yesterday and it seems the best of the pack by far. I used to pay a lot of attention to the tuner sites, shootouts, etc. Now, all that matters is what I hear. Tried it out tonight through my thrown together rig (the C24 and Mitsu amp). Very nice indeed.

The vinyl is shot and I'll recover with PE cherry vinyl next week. All lights are working and almost no sratches at all. The servo lock feature on the tuning is kinda cool too (seems to be touch sensitive prior to locking). A really great tuner for my tastes (read budget). Anyone else possessed this tuner now or in the past?

[SX-980]

Hi there cruisaire, a sweet tuner you have there bud. Hey is that a SX-780 or 680 I see in the very back to the right?
SX-980

[cruisaire]

Aye Aye SX-980,

That be a SX-780 bound for the 'bay in a day or two. Can't keep 'em all and I really like this tuna.

[SX-980]

How much will you be asking for and what's the condition of the unit?
SX-980

Originally posted by cruisaire
Aye Aye SX-980,

That be a SX-780 bound for the 'bay in a day or two. Can't keep 'em all and I really like this tuna.

[cruisaire]

Has anyone tried the PE vinyl for a re-cover job like this?

[SX-980]

What kind of vinyl are you talking about?
SX-980



Originally posted by cruisaire
Has anyone tried the PE vinyl for a re-cover job like this?

[cruisaire]

The rolled wood grain stuff that is somwhat like the original.

[SX-980]

The stuff from PE is great! I purchase the vinyl awhile back for my custom design and built speaker cabinets and it's great if you don't mind minus the wood grain feel to it.
SX-980



Originally posted by cruisaire
The rolled wood grain stuff that is somwhat like the original.

[cruisaire]

Pioneer TX 7800 ala cherry vinyl. My first attempt at vinyl without a TT.

[SX-980]

Nice...! Question, how much work did it take to apply, stained and varnish?
SX-980





Originally posted by cruisaire
Pioneer TX 7800 ala cherry vinyl. My first attempt at vinyl without a TT.

[cruisaire]

Oops! Guess I wasn't clear, that's vinyl not real wood veneer, varnish, or anything else. It's the rolled stuff from PE we discussed.

[SX-980]

Considering I haven't used the cherry vinyl
that looks pretty real, fool me. Nice job though cruisaire. :D
SX-980




Originally posted by cruisaire
Oops! Guess I wasn't clear, that's vinyl not real wood veneer, varnish, or anything else. It's the rolled stuff from PE we discussed.

[cruisaire]

I found that as long as the base surface is real flat, corners aren't beat up, and you have a very sharp razor blade; this really isn't too hard. Don't know if I'd want to try Large Advents or other big things, but it works great on small pieces. I wionder what the teak vinyl looks like.....

[SX-980]

Hey cruisaire, the teak looks real good, I ought to know I applied some on my custom built and design speaker cabinets. I have a pic here somewhere but very grainy taken by a cheap digital camera if anyone wishes me to post it.
SX-980



Originally posted by cruisaire
I found that as long as the base surface is real flat, corners aren't beat up, and you have a very sharp razor blade; this really isn't too hard. Don't know if I'd want to try Large Advents or other big things, but it works great on small pieces. I wionder what the teak vinyl looks like.....

[merrylander]

I have used PE vinyl on speakers and receivers, it's real heavyweight stuff. Only thing I do differently on speakers than what PE suggests, is to start with full coverage across the bottom (if speakers have bottoms) then trim the edge carefully with a sharp single edge razor blade. Wrap the cabinet and when you get back to the bottom, trim the same way. Why? because if you should want to play the speakers on their side you won't have a joint in the middle of the 'bottom' now 'side'.

Rob

[merrylander]

Here is a SX-780 in the Teak vinyl. Unlike the Cherry and Ash vinyls it is smooth.

[cruisaire]

Very nice indeed Rob! I'll try that teak on the lil' SX-650 sitting naked in my shop. A new safety edged razor blade gave me the most control (better than X-acto knife) when trimming, you too?

:D

[merrylander]

Yep, I buy those 10 packs of single edge razor blades, cheap and toss them when they get dullish.

I plan to order some of the fourth PE vinyl, just to see what it is like.

Rob

[Turbota]

About 6 months ago I just gave away a Pioneer TX-9500 II tuner in mint condition that I bought new in 79.

Gave it to a guy that really didn't even know or care what he was getting.

I feel bad for that now. I could have givin it to someone here that I am sure would have really appreciated it.

Still makes me mad what I did ... Well, it's gone now.

[oldmarantz]

Hey Guys you are very skilful with the wood I have 2 left hands with that job I' m impressed :cool: I think I prefer electronics problems :rolleyes:
Dom.

[merrylander]

Dom,

I'm the other way around, wood talks to you, electronics just swears at you.:D

Rob

[oldmarantz]

hey Rob
pretty way of seeing the things:p:

Dom.

[SX-980]

Nice job there merrylander...!!!
SX-980




Originally posted by merrylander
Here is a SX-780 in the Teak vinyl. Unlike the Cherry and Ash vinyls it is smooth.

[Thatch_Ear]

In case anyone is interested there is a pretty thorough listing and evaluation of FM tuners done by member 3moons. He has posted a link in the Reviews and Opinions Forum and there are interesting reviews of most every tuner out there, including most vintage tuners. If you own some or are thinking of getting one this is a great reference.
I have met the guy, he lists a few things you need to know about his ideas of what makes for a good tuner, the specs of the listening room, what kind of gear is used and how the eval is done. Very interesting and probably the most info on tuners in one location that there is.