1976 $USD RRP: $900.00
Inflation adjusted $USD RRP: $3,680.00
Considered by many to be the best receiver/amplifier of the 1970s (translates best-ever – period!) the Pioneer SX-1250 was the top-of-the-line model for the 1976-1977 Pioneer Receiver range.
A product of the “Receiver Wars” no expense was spared in the design and engineering of this model and this is evident in the specifications, build quality and performance.
Over the course of the 1970s Pioneer led the trends in terms of design and engineering of audio equipment with the majority of its major competitors shamelessly copying the styling of many Pioneer models. From the blue back light model Receivers of the early to mid-seventies to pressed aluminium silver tuning dials from the mid-seventies onwards.
In terms of aesthetics the SX/50 series design was a dramatic departure from all previous silver fascia receiver designs to date with its silver pressed tuning dial and warm yellow glow and was quickly duplicated by the likes of Kenwood, Sansui, Marantz and Sanyo. Few brands such as Yamaha and Sony stuck to their guns with their own distinct styling.
In Pioneers previous 1974-1975 product range the top-of-the-line receiver the blue-lit SX-1010 had made a world first by being the first 100 Watt RMS amplifier ever released and while the other manufacturers rushed to catchup with this beast Pioneer were slowly and deliberately planning a new monster. So when the SX-1250 was released in 1976 Pioneer again broke all previous power records boasting an enormous 160 Watts RMS per channel.
To achieve this unprecedented power rating Pioneer developed the now legendary power section of the SX-1250 with completely independent power supplies, including separate power supply windings, rectifiers and smoothing capacitors for each channel, the components of which include a massive 22 pound toroidal core transformer (less susceptible to power fluctuations and less likely to create noise than laminated core transformers) and four ‘Coke Can’ size 22,000uf filter capacitors.
The amplifier section was composed of a 2-stage differential amplifier and a Darlington push-pull amplifier for the final stage. All stages are direct coupled in a pure complementary OCL circuit that includes a current mirror circuit.
This combination delivered FTC regulation measurements of 160 Watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms from 20-20KHz with no more than 0.1 THD and 200 Watts RMS per channel with 0.1 THD into 4 ohms.
The preamplifier section combines exceptional flexibility with superb sound achieved through utilising field effect transistors and CR type integrated circuits. The phono input has a 4-stage preamplifier equaliser with an RIAA correction of only +_0.3dB and a overload level of 500mV meaning no magnetic cartridge can strain the pre-amp. The designs of these sections were directly borrowed from Pioneer’s separate components.
Pioneer never manufactured a unit to match these specifications ever again and this is one of the many reasons purists believe that this model is the apex of high fidelity sound. The now legendary SX-1980 from Pioneers 1978-1980 product range used essentially the same power supply to produce 270 Watts RMS per channel while the model intended to take over from the SX-1250, the SX-1280, had downgraded its capacitors to 15,000mfd even though it was rated 20 Watts RMS higher the the SX-1250!
This receiver was meant to be the finest available then and as it turns out it remains one of the finest available to this day.
Reviews:
“This unit is a must have if you can find one. I will never part with this monster. No other receiver has ever compared.” http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/receivers/pioneer/sx-1250/prd_118733_1593crx.aspx#reviews
“NOTHING that I have ever owned or heard sounds as golden as my SX-1250 and the RT-707 reel-to-reel hooked up to it. The sound kind of reminds me of when I was a little boy and my father had purchased a monophonic tube amplifier from Radio Shack (there were only two Radio Shacks, one in Boston and one in my home town, New Haven. The SX-1250 beats that old tube amp for warmness and full-spectrum sound. It is also manufactured to outlast my life, and I am fifty! Can’t praise the sound or quality enough. Plus, it’s good looking. Beauty and brains!” http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/receivers/pioneer/sx-1250/prd_118733_1593crx.aspx#reviews
“I spent a couple years in Germany in the late 70’s. All the guys were buying monster receivers from down @ Mainz (spelling?), so I’ve listened to a lot of different models and nothing tops this 1250. It’s got a “warmth” of sound difficult to describe and aesthetics beyond compare. All my wife’s friends pity her for having to put up with this yugo sitting in her house. If you come across one you can afford, don’t let it pass you by.” http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/receivers/pioneer/sx-1250/prd_118733_1593crx.aspx#reviews
“This is hands down the best Pioneer receiver I have ever heard, the depth, clarity and power that the restoration has given it is something else, I can’t describe it, it’s something that must be heard to appreciate it. It will have a permanent place at the head of my rack, I don’t think I will ever sell it. ” http://mattsvintageaudiorepair.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/pioneer-sx-1250-score.html
Mel
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I agree with your comments regarding the SX 1250 receiver. I have one and have had it for 14 years. However, it has recently developed a problem. Maybe you can advise me on it. On the left side of the receiver, it no longer gets warm when I am playing it and only one channel now works when I play my CD player. However, when I play the FM radio, both stereo channels work. I am thinking that the capacitors on one channel has died. Last note: the sound on that channel did not die suddenly, it simply got weaker over time.
Can you advise?
Respectfully,
Mel
Wiley Dodd
·
You need to have it serviced, it may be just dirty controls. That’s what it sounds like since both channels work with the radio. You might consider a restoration I know it’s expensive but if your really into having the best sound possible that’s the way to go!
Jim
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I luckily came across sx-1250 in good condition. I would however like to have it restored/cleaned so it’ll go for decades to come. Can anyone recommend a place to have it serviced in the Chicago area?
Benjamin Tarr TheTarrMan
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Believe it or not, I found one of these in the garbage a few years ago. I just plugged it in and was blown away. . . . . literally. (I still have it and it’s not for sale.) Nothing, NOTHING compares. Anything you’ve ever read or heard about this thing is a total understatement. However, for the love of God don’t just get one to use in your apartment or it will be spending the foreseeable future with the volume knob below three clicks like mine. (Four or five if the neighbors are gone or your lucky. . . . . that’s still not even 1/4th volume.) Also you really should have stadium speakers of some sort to really let this thing lose, hahaha. (When I was a kid and had the house to myself I used to invite my friends over to watch the power meeter shake and spin)
Kevin
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Some people seem to think the Kenwood KR-9600 receiver was as good or better than the 1250 in the 70’s, what would be your opinion on that and why?
Regards,
Kevin
Michael perez
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Hi I have a pioneer receiver model sx1250 and it turns on lights up but I can’t get any sound to come out of it. Does any one have any idea what it can be. Thank you
Smithe115
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Bruce Jones
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My system consists of a Pioneer SX-1250 with a Micro-Seiki BL-51 turntable (with a Grado Prestige 1.5) through a pair of Phase Tech 8.5 speakers on channel A and a pair of Advent/1 speakers on channel B. Also in the lineup is a mid-seventies Sony reel-to-reel and a Nakamichi cassette deck. I could probably upgrade the cartridge, maybe the speakers, and I’m tempted to add a tube phono preamp to the mix; but I can’t think of another receiver (or turntable) that I’d rather have. That SX-1250 rules. It’s a beautiful thing.
james
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one of the best sounding reciver I have ever heard unmatched in power and clarity.this reciver will and always will be the best that money can buy.but not mine. for mine will never be for sale.
Tim Shannon
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Do you know anyone that repairs them? I know you get this a lot:)
Darwin Bobadilla
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You want to blow your hair back, Try 4 yes I said 4 sx1250s patched into a pioneer crossover unit as well as pioneer equalizer’s and to top
it off 2 sets yes I said 2 sets of the biggest badest set of towers on the market Cerwin vega xls 215s not only blow your hair back but straight up as well . A very understanding Wife Is A Bonus as well!
Wiley Dodd
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I concur with thisrticle I’ve had one since 76!
Kelly
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I am selling my sx-1250 pioneer receiver. It is in excellent condition and works like it did the day it was made.
Wiley Dodd
·
Kelly have you sold it yet? If not how much are you asking?
Thank You
Adrian
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Kelly have you sold it yet? I am interested, give me an email at aeleneiadrian81@gmail.com.
Thanks
Bret
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Also interested in the sx1250 Kelly.
Guessing it’s gone, but if not.
Btolan41@gmail.com
Robert Webb
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I just found out my older brother has decided his SX 1250 amp is no longer needed, after sitting in his workshop for 20 years, he kindly offered it to me, along with a turntable and speakers, not sure what brand they are but I remember them pounding out the pioneer`s massive sound back in the day, I`m wondering if I should get it serviced before using it…
bruce jones
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How’s the Pioneer SX-1250 working for you? Did you get it serviced? Your brother did you a wonderful favor, giving you that receiver. I’m listening to mine right now, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I hope you’re enjoying your system as much as I enjoy mine. Cheers!
Billy Ray
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I have one as well mine is pristine but we are saving for a car so offers accepted. ALL lights&functions work on this… a blind friend died& I got it for doing work on wifes home. Let me know I have 100% rating on e bay but dont want to get cheated by crooks….packingten@gmail.com
Del Bomberger
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Had mine recapped three years ago and now just picked up from some additional maintenance (cleaning). This is how one “feels” the music. Thought I might sell it until I heard it again. It’s staying put!
Smithk61
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Ebb
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I have one which I bought in 1978, a purchase I never regretted. It’s in perfect working condition as it was serviced a year ago by a certified electronic specialist. If anyone is interested in this powerhouse of a receiver please drop me a line to my email address. I am in Ocean County section of New Jersey. Tnx
Mark
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I have one and i cant believe how good it still sounds. I also have a tape deck and turn table and they produce a sound that you could only imagine and i have them hooked up to two pair of fisher speakers . man what a sound. And they all could be bought.
john
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I have a 1977 pioneer receive for sale
Rob
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I also have a working sx1250 for sale. Make an offer.
Charlie
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I am also selling my sx-1250 Pioneer. I am the original owner, bought new in the 70’s. I have original manual and even the original receipt.
It has been kept in mint condition and looks and sounds like it came out of the box yesterday.
I cannot deliver or send it due to my health limitations, so you would need to pick it up in the Tampa, Fl area.
If interested let me know.
Dino
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Is your 1250 still for sale?
Charlie
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Yes Dino I still have the 1250. I have not advertised it or taken any steps to sell it at this point.
I was about to put it on eBay in the next day or so, but before I do that if you are interested let me know.
Charlie
Scottfullgrabe@gmail.com
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I have an SX 1250 I’m willing to sell everything works on in perfect just like new …..if anyone is interested give me an offer. Thanks
James Patterson
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Do you still have the SX-1250 for sale. If you do can you call me at+18032604353 anytime, thanks.
Charlie
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Sorry James, but I sold it over the weekend. I am happy that it went to someone who really appreciated it and will enjoy it as much as I did. It was a great receiver! It was not so easy to let it go honestly, but I am in the process of downsizing my home. Best of Luck with landing one and hope you enjoy it.
Redd Foxx
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James,
I still have mine for sale.
I am located in Charlotte, NC.
Email me at luvhtc@gmail.com
RODNEY LAVALLE CARR
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Paid 40 bucks for it at salvation army
Wiley Dodd
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I have a sx 1250 since 1976 I purchased a just like new Sx 750 for 40 dollars at a goodwill store this past summer. I felt like I was taking advantage of them but I got over that.
Wayne
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I live in A college town on the central coast of California and when school is out for summer brake the student’s leave most everything behind. I was the lucky recipient of a SX-1250 sitting on the curb with a note saying free to a good home. This unit has been my baby ever since and I am one proud Father.
Scott
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I also have a Pioneer SX 1250 but I’m considering selling it’s in Immaculate shape everything works as it did brand new out of the box is 100% perfect I live in California I’m asking 2000.
Scott fullgrabe
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Pioneer SX 1250 that is like brand-new out-of-the-box everything works no static is absolutely perfect I’m willing to sell it if anyone is interested. Email Scottfullgrabe@gmail.com
I live in Southern California
Pamela Blanchard
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My father bought our Pioneer SX-1250 Stereophonic Receiver new in 1977. When he passed away I got the receiver and other stereo equipment. It is in excellent condition and still sounds like the day he hooked everything up. I’m going to sell it because it need just don’t listen to the system as much anymore and it needs to be owned by someone else who will love and appreciate it the way we have. If anyone is interested let me know. Pamela.
Don
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has the1250 been liquified?!
Dean J Halleck
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Hi Pamela, Do you still have your Father’s SX -1250 Receiver? Is it still for sale?
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Dean Halleck
Redd Foxx
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I am selling my pioneer sx-1250.
If anyone is interested please email me at luvhtc@gmail.com
JC
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Greetings. I have one that needs restoration here in Los Angeles. It was in storage but now I have a place and would love to get it back to primo status. Need restoration recommendations for Los Angeles. Thanks!!!
David Herron
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Im selling one. In the Everett, Washington area……
Dean J Halleck
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Hi Pamela, Do you still have your Father’s SX -1250 Receiver? Is it still for sale?
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Dean Halleck
Dean J Halleck
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Hi , I don’t have a lot of money but wood love give a PIONEER SX-1250 a good and loving home , I think that I owned one when younger, I believe it was the first stereo I ever bought.
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Dean Halleck
GARY VALENTINO
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HI.I have a sx1250 and a CTF 9191 cassette player that i am considering on selling
i live in kansas city.