Pioneer SX-1010, Another READY to Go Masterpiece

[Elroy]

I used to have an SX-1010 and later I bought an SX-1250. The SX-1010 had a warmer less detailed sound- the edges were more rounded, even though the difference wasn't stark I preferred the SX-1250.

 

[EchoWars]

Hey EW I seem to remember your restored SX-1010s going for this kind of money and more. Am I right?

One went for well over $1k, but you can't count on that kind of thing.

 

[Elroy]

One went for well over $1k, but you can't count on that kind of thing.

Yeah, that was in a different economy and the SX-1010 was more "in fashion" then.

 

[w1jim]

I would really like to see this show up next to an unrestored unit and a sound comparison done. Be interesting to find out what sonic differences there are between them.

Until recently I had 2 SX-1010's; one completely stock and the other completely recapped with some PS transistors upgraded and LED's replacing the bulbs.
I compared them for a while by hooking each up to one (identical) speaker and playing them in mono. That way each should have the same signal and speaker. I found the updated one to be much crisper and detailed whereas the stock one was a bit muddier (perhaps more tube like but then I don't own any tube gear so that's just my impression). I recently sold the stock unit and am keeping the updated SX-1010 with no plans to sell it. I just have too much time, love and money in it to let it go! And of course it's a beauty.
JimB

 

[NAM JAMMER]

I have a 1250 being done now by Paul 79 and I will have seven in it not counting what I paid for amp.The four new filter caps are 40.00 a piece just there is 160.00.He is giving it a complete cap replace and going threw.He is rebuilding audio path and cleaning tunner and aligning every thing he has done a couple of Sansui's for me that are great.You can't expect him to work for nothing.I have passed my restored Sansui 8080 to my son so if it workes out and he likes this stuff I might part with my 9090db or give him this pioneer when I am done and to old to move these heavy beasts around.He was a tech in the air force so I know he could repair this stuff.If I can get him interested I might make out on this deal.He is already asking about tt's and speakers.Wish me LOL.

 

[Elroy]

That 1250 should really sing when your tech is done. That's my favorite of all the "monster receivers".

 

[Arkay]

I have a 1010 and like it very much. Unfortunately, it is a bit 'lost in the herd' much of the time. I have too many receivers and as a result, the 1010 doesn't get much play time. I don't actually want to play it too much, because all I did to it was a DeOxit cleaning, and not a full recap. So I consider it a "ticking time bomb" until I get around to recapping it. I do believe in replacing ALL the electrolytics in old amps, because they tend to age badly (i.e., dry up and eventually fail, either open or, worse, shorted), even if their capacitance still measures acceptably. I'll also clean everything, check all resistors, re-flow all solder connections, re-mount transistors (and of course, replace any bad ones, although I've had few blown ones so far), etc... I figure if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right, and I'd rather have peace of mind by doing it right once, than worry about ticking time bombs and having to go back in again, soon. But the work that guy does? I WISH my work was like that. I don't have the gear or skill/knowledge/art to align tuners, for one thing, so none of my "amateur restorations" are aligned, unless/until I farm that out. :sigh:

I think the price for that is easily within reason, given the amount and quality of work the guy has done. What did that amp sell for when new? Assuming it is pretty close to as-new now, take the original price and adjust it for inflation: how much is that? Looked at that way, I'm sure that is quite a bargain!