No AM or FM on Pioneer SX-580

akahn

akahn

Hi Enough
Hi, folks.
I picked up an SX-580 today for my girlfriend's dorm room system (it will be paired with Mini Advents). Everything works well except for the radio, which gets absolutely nothing, AM or FM. Where should I look inside to see what's wrong? I have a schematic (not that I really know how to read a schematic), but no service manual. While we're at it, how do I take the case off? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
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akahn said:
Hi, folks.
I picked up an SX-580 today for my girlfriend's dorm room system (it will be paired with Mini Advents). Everything works well except for the radio, which gets absolutely nothing, AM or FM. Where should I look inside to see what's wrong? I have a schematic (not that I really know how to read a schematic), but no service manual. While we're at it, how do I take the case off? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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It's nice that you gave your GF a receiver...but why an SX-580? How about something a little nicer? I don't know any women who are impressed with BOTL "gifts". The SX-580, as I recall, was made in Korea at a time when that was not a good thing and runs out of power pretty quickly. At the store I worked at they were generally regarded as the worst sounding of the major BOTL receivers. The sound was very mid-rangy with no staging and no depth. If you just used it for low volume background music, it was fine, but beyond that, not very satisfying compared to the comparable Marantz, Kenwood and Sanui units.

At least move her up to an SX-780, or better yet, a real stunner like an SX-880. If you really want to knock her socks off sound-wise, get a Sansui 5000X, a TOTL unit that is very inexpensive. Avoid the non-X, earlier 5000s as they have problems that have been the subject of several posts here. Believe me, when she's delighted with her music system she'll repay you in kind! :banana:
 
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akahn said:
Hi, folks.
I picked up an SX-580 today for my girlfriend's dorm room system (it will be paired with Mini Advents). Everything works well except for the radio, which gets absolutely nothing, AM or FM. Where should I look inside to see what's wrong? I have a schematic (not that I really know how to read a schematic), but no service manual. While we're at it, how do I take the case off? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have an SX-590 (same as the 580, with a black dial) with EXACTLY the same problem. Do your "source" and or "monitor" LEDs light up? Mine do not. The amp works fine, dial lights up, power meters bounce, all inputs work, except no tuner and no source/tape monitor indication. All I can tell you is it's not a blown fuse (on mine, anyway). Good luck - I'd like to resurrect mine, too. It was great for my office - a real conversation piece for the cretins I work with.
 
My guess is that the 13 volt power supply is bust. I'd check fuses inside. Some used a fusible like/ small resistor 1 or 2 ohms at the output of the power supply, could be opened up.

X
 
I will second Punker on this one - seems a common fault with the lower Pioneers and it can cause all sorts of strange symptoms.

Rob
 
vintagestereo said:
The SX-580, as I recall, was made in Korea at a time when that was not a good thing and runs out of power pretty quickly. At the store I worked at they were generally regarded as the worst sounding of the major BOTL receivers. The sound was very mid-rangy with no staging and no depth. If you just used it for low volume background music, it was fine, but beyond that, not very satisfying compared to the comparable Marantz, Kenwood and Sanui units.
Click to expand...
And now I know why my SX-450, while it was my first "real" stereo, was in the final analysis never very satisfying! Thanx for enlightenment, VS!
Tom
 
OvenMaster said:
And now I know why my SX-450, while it was my first "real" stereo, was in the final analysis never very satisfying! Thanx for enlightenment, VS!
Tom
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As I recall, the SX-450 was built in Japan and IMHO built to a higher standard than the SX-580. It looks a bit plain, but if you open one up, what is there is QUALITY for the price range. As I recall, the SX-450s also sounded pretty good for their price range. But, in this day and age where so much great gear is available for so little, I really don't see why anyone would want to limit themselves to a BOTL-sounding unit. But, to each their own! :D
 
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Thanks, I'll check fuses and resistors near the power supply.

vintagestereo, I may hand down my Yamaha CR-620 to her if I end up getting my 9090 fixed, but keep in mind this thread was asking how to fix the SX-580, not asking for purchasing advice.
 
akahn said:
vintagestereo, I may hand down my Yamaha CR-620 to her if I end up getting my 9090 fixed, but keep in mind this thread was asking how to fix the SX-580, not asking for purchasing advice.
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I know she'll be much happier with the Yammie....and you will be too...especially after you get your 9090 fixed. It would be hard indeed to find something that sounds much better than on of those properly serviced.

I wasn't giving purchasing advise, just commenting upon the wisdom of fixing an SX-580 in the first place and then giving it to one's girlfriend. Sorry if I went off topic.
 
Sorry there guy but I have to disagree with you there on the sx-580! This little entry unit is a fine sounding little guy. It was made well as long as one took good care of it and not abuse it. I've had " Big " problems with Sansui like for and example, relay switch problem I'll never forget- model G-9000
man did I have problems up the ass with that unit back in 80' or so.
Kenwood is a little better but not much. :thumbsdn:





vintagestereo said:
It's nice that you gave your GF a receiver...but why an SX-580? How about something a little nicer? I don't know any women who are impressed with BOTL "gifts". The SX-580, as I recall, was made in Korea at a time when that was not a good thing and runs out of power pretty quickly. At the store I worked at they were generally regarded as the worst sounding of the major BOTL receivers. The sound was very mid-rangy with no staging and no depth. If you just used it for low volume background music, it was fine, but beyond that, not very satisfying compared to the comparable Marantz, Kenwood and Sanui units.

At least move her up to an SX-780, or better yet, a real stunner like an SX-880. If you really want to knock her socks off sound-wise, get a Sansui 5000X, a TOTL unit that is very inexpensive. Avoid the non-X, earlier 5000s as they have problems that have been the subject of several posts here. Believe me, when she's delighted with her music system she'll repay you in kind! :banana:
Click to expand...
 
vintagestereo said:
The SX-450 was built in Japan and IMHO built to a higher standard than the SX-580. As I recall, the SX-450s sounded pretty good for their price range. But, in this day and age where so much great gear is available for so little, I really don't see why anyone would want to limit themselves to a BOTL sounding unit. But, to each their own!
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Hey bud...that's a matter of opionin! The 450 in my hubble opinon is an ugly unit
very bare looking unit. I really don't think someone like myself who collects Pioneer gear " STARTING " at the bottom like the 580 and working his way up to the 1280 is really limiting themself to a BOTL sounding unit there guy, man - get a life!
 
Mr.Limped said:
I've had " Big " problems with Sansui like for and example, relay switch problem I'll never forget- model G-9000 man did I have problems up the ass with that unit back in 80' or so. Kenwood is a little better but not much. :thumbsdn:
Click to expand...

Dude, that's a pretty broad brush you're painting with. Which Kenwoods ar eyou talkin' about? I use a KA-900 (the SX-1050 is at Merrylander's) and it has never been to a repair shop and works wonderfully - this being an 80's unit! I also have a few other Kenwoods that are magnificent, with the only problems they have ever had being dirty switches.

I think every brand has units with flaws and some people even have problems with the TOTL stuff. Might you have come over here from the "other" board (AA)? Everyone here has their favorite brands, mine being Kenwood, some like Pioneer, Mac, Sansui...each has its own merits. To say a "Brand" sucks sorta goes against AK's ethic. :no:
 
Mr.Limped said:
Hey bud...that's a matter of opionin! The 450 in my hubble opinon is an ugly unit
very bare looking unit. I really don't think someone like myself who collects Pioneer gear " STARTING " at the bottom like the 580 and working his way up to the 1280 is really limiting themself to a BOTL sounding unit there guy, man - get a life!
Click to expand...

Heh...I have a feeling you may not be long for this board. Have fun while you're here I guess. :scratch2:
 
mg196 said:
Everyone here has their favorite brands, mine being Kenwood, some like Pioneer, Mac, Sansui...each has its own merits. To say a "Brand" sucks sorta goes against AK's ethic. :no:
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Agreed. "Sucks"? No. "Isn't preferred"? Yes. I had Pioneer in my house. I didn't think it "sucked", I just didn't prefer it.
:lurk:
Tom
 
Mr.Limped said:
Sorry there guy but I have to disagree with you there on the sx-580! This little entry unit is a fine sounding little guy. It was made well as long as one took good care of it and not abuse it. I've had " Big " problems with Sansui like for and example, relay switch problem I'll never forget- model G-9000
man did I have problems up the ass with that unit back in 80' or so.
Kenwood is a little better but not much. :thumbsdn:
Click to expand...

Mr. Limped -- I don't know if you've ever heard a Sansui 5000x, but I can -assure you if you AB'd one against an SX-580 (as I have) you'd hear a difference. Considering that either one can be had for $30.00 in today's e-Bay market (and one is a TOTL Sansui and the other is a BOTL Pioneer) I know which direction my $30.00 would go (and has gone!). I'm sorry to hear about your G-9000, but I think most here would agree that Sansuis are well made and well engineered. Currenly, Sansui-wise I only have a 9090DB and the 5000X (and, frankly, the 5000X sounds better watt for watt than the 9090DB to my ears) but I'm looking to add a G-9000, since it is one of the undisputed legends of the 70's. Just want to local unit that won't need to be shipped.

But, for a cheap stereo, the 5000X is a wonderful find. Just trying to be helpful.
 
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Dude! The 580 isn't exactlyTOTL unit but that's no reason to knock it because it's at the entry level, that to me is bashing!



mg196 said:
Dude, that's a pretty broad brush you're painting with. Which Kenwoods ar eyou talkin' about? I use a KA-900 (the SX-1050 is at Merrylander's) and it has never been to a repair shop and works wonderfully - this being an 80's unit! I also have a few other Kenwoods that are magnificent, with the only problems they have ever had being dirty switches.

I think every brand has units with flaws and some people even have problems with the TOTL stuff. Might you have come over here from the "other" board (AA)? Everyone here has their favorite brands, mine being Kenwood, some like Pioneer, Mac, Sansui...each has its own merits. To say a "Brand" sucks sorta goes against AK's ethic. :no:
Click to expand...
 
What's this excuse me! If I haven't heard Sansui 5000x get for real! duh..
who hasn't dude. the 5000x is a nice unit and have heard it I should know I use to own one till I took out to an old shed and blew it up to smitherings using m80s! Boy.....what a sight! Now if you will excuse me I need to dip myself back into the water, you know how it is with us fish.:banana:



vintagestereo said:
Mr. Limped -- I don't know if you've ever heard a Sansui 5000x, but I can -assure you if you AB'd one against an SX-580 (as I have) you'd hear a difference. Considering that either one can be had for $30.00 in today's e-Bay market (and one is a TOTL Sansui and the other is a BOTL Pioneer) I know which direction my $30.00 would go (and has gone!). I'm sorry to hear about your G-9000, but I think most here would agree that Sansuis are well made and well engineered. Currenly, Sansui-wise I only have a 9090DB and the 5000X (and, frankly, the 5000X sounds better watt for watt than the 9090DB to my ears) but I'm looking to add a G-9000, since it is one of the undisputed legends of the 70's. Just want to local unit that won't need to be shipped.

But, for a cheap stereo, the 5000X is a wonderful find. Just trying to be helpful.
Click to expand...
 
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