And you thought glowing blue electronic devices were only a new millennium thing! Back in the 1970s Pioneer produced some stunning gear, however when piecing together a complete HiFi from their component catalogue the combined price could easily exceed that of a new car! Surprisingly in 1970s America a lot of people were happy to pay that as well!
So for the folks in the more impoverished countries like Australia who could just not afford to blow that kind dough, Pioneer put together some complete systems designed to be sold together as a package at a fraction of the price of their component gear.
The Complete Pioneer Prelude System
A friend of mine who is an accomplished jazz musician was amazed when he saw my Prelude, he had purchased the complete system back in the 1970s brand new. He had many fond memories of this unit and supplied the above picture of him and his HiFi.
This Receiver Model is not to be compared to Pioneer’s high-end QX range of Quadraphonic Receivers or their high-end SX range of Stereo Receivers. Sadly I have seen some unscrupulous sellers on eBay try to pass off these units as part of the QX range!
Budget models such as the Rondo and Prelude ranges saw many cost-saving measures taken which included the use of small transformers and the use of only a single small filter capacitor in the power supply.
That said the unit does have very good build quality, especially in the wood vinyl case, and doesn’t suffer from vinyl peel that afflicted even high models from various manufacturers in the late 70s. It looks great and would suit a small apartment or space in which huge amounts of power is not needed either as a stereo unit or as an introduction into the realms of Quadraphonica.
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Quadraphonic SQ Release
Quadraphonic Amplifiers & Receivers were not merely 4 speaker stereos, these were the original surround sound processes of the era. Quadraphonic suffered from a format war the likes of which has never been encountered since with a myriad of competing formats and devices such as reel-to-reel, 8-track and vinyl.
This model supports both Discreet (for 4 track sources) and SQ Quadraphonic for Vinyl, with SQ being one of the most available media formats. Incidentally these units can also be adapted for modern home theater use as the discreet component option allows for four independent sound channels.
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Posted In: Quadraphonic, Receivers
Craig Smith
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Hi. I have the chance to buy a complete Prelude 4000A system. The only fault is the current owner has broken off the shaft of the Mode selector pot. Is it possible to replace these?
admin Author
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Yes it is repairable in a number of ways – some easier than others mind you! The easiest is to take it to a professional that knows how to do it, I know of one who thinks it’s a breeze, though he didn’t elucidate on his methods – perhaps he considered it a trade secret!
However…
I’ve heard on audiokarma a chap who has repaired broken shafts and extended them with cut down brass pipe/tube and epoxy. This would depend on where the break occurred however. Here is a link that provides some options: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=4765251#post4765251
The easiest solution is to source the identical part IF you can get one. If you were talking about a SX or QX series you would have an easier time. You might need to get your hands on a broken down Prelude and cannibalise it.
Then there is always the option to replace it with a modern replacement, you have to find one that is the correct size with the correct number of switches – not as hard as it sounds. However sometimes you have to get a little creative mounting /fitting these.
Hope this helps!
Craig Smith
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Thanks, that link gives me something to work with.
Perry
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Any idea on how much a 4000a is worth these days?
admin Author
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Hi, It all comes down to condition, but I would not want to pay more than $100 to 150.00 for one of these. If your after a Pioneer Quadraphonic you would be better off looking into Pioneers QX Receivers.
Cheers
Alice Lovell
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Hi all. Wondering if someone can point me in the right direction? My grandmother has a vintage 1975 sound system. It’s 4 parts, 2 speakers, record player and audio system. It’s all wooden and in perfect condition. The only info I can get is on the warranty card which says pioneer FD3 which I think is just for the vinyl player. I have tried searching the web to find more information but am having no luck. I’d like to know if the item is of value but just don’t know where to start looking. Cheers