Pioneer SX-850 vs SA-8500/TX-9500 Combo

[ukfan4sure!]

I have a decision to make and just wanted to pose the question to the group, to sort of get a consensus.

I restored an SX-850 a couple of years ago for my son, a detailed restoration (except tuner board) to include all electrolytics, protect relay, voltage regulators, bridge diodes, and driver transistors. It sounds fantastic. A friend gave me a Euro version 5570 (a black SX-950), and my son has now naturally fell in love with the look. So, I'm restoring it for him in exchange for the SX-850 back.

Now, my issue is whether to keep the SX-850 or my current setup, an SA-8500/TX-9500 pair. The SA-8500 sounds good, but I think it lacks some of the umph of the SX-850 has, which could be due to the restoration it's received.

So, my questions are these...

1. Was the SA-8500's design based much like the SX-850's amp? Could i expect similar performance as the 850 if I restored it as well?
2. Technically speaking, is the TX-9500 a markedly better tuner than the built-in one in the SX-850? It does seem a bit quieter and more sensitive, at least mine does in comparison.
3. Which pairing do you think YOU would keep if your were in my shoes.

Thanks to all in advance!

 

[James Roark]

What a wonderful dilemma to have, I have an SX 850 that I love but I don't have experience with the SA/TX units, I can't imagine they won't be just as awesome as the SX 850 so why not update those as well, you obviously have the talent to do the technical work I'm envious of as I don't have those skills. Good luck with your project......and let us know how it turns out!