This is the kind of gear from my yesteryear! Have several of your favorite beverage, spark one up, sit back and let the analog power make those acoustic speakers vibrate the air upon your face while listening to Rory Gallagher or Elvin Bishop soloing on “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”. Telling your neighbor to pound sand when they call to complain. Scotty! Beam me back to the latter sixties - mid seventies!
You’re in the right club. Be careful you’ll have a collection before you know it. Started off with an SX-580 that I sold but took me on a wild journey. Current collection consists of Pioneer SX-580, SX-650, SX-770, Nakamichi SR-2A, SR-3A, Yamaha CR-820. That also led into a turntable collection but that another story. Great unit and it looks perfect.
Nice review. Glad you like your new to you Pioneer stereo. I just bought one on Ebay. Mine is a SX680. My understanding is that the "80 series units were made in Japan and the '50 series units were made in South Korea. I think the main difference is the '80 series have push buttons instead of the toggle switches on your unit. You are probably right that to get rid of the crackling sound you should clean the switches and knobs out. I hear DEOxit is a good product for that. After all that baby is approaching 45 years old. Enjoy.
Thanks!! Honestly, they just don’t make electronics like this anymore. It’s big, it’s clunky, but there’s a reason why it still works 45 years later! I hope you enjoy your Sx680! I was just listening to mine. Rock on!
Had the 780 I sure do miss that small powerhouse. Use to knock out my speaker breakers . I'm almost positive it was under rated as far as watts was concerned.
Swell video. I bought an SX-650 in 1977 trading up from my SX-434. Got it at Crazy Eddie in NYC and it was boss. I liked the look of this SX-650 and the two big tuning meters, moderately effective (6dB/oct) high filter, smooth effortless flywheel tuning (the pointer glides along the dial), detented tone controls, two tape loops with one way dubbing (rare in a mid priced receiver), a healthy 35wpc, positive sounding and working toggle switches, extra Aux and Mic inputs and that horizontal rear panel for easy hookups. Only caveat?? The power and speakers on the same switch, it could lead to nasty sounds as the component aged. Had my SX-650 driving two speaker pairs; Ohm model L's and EPI-100's. The SX-650 had more than enough power to achieve lease breaking levels and impress, if not annoy the neighbors.
Sweet! Oh man, the feel of this unit is worth it alone. The tuning knob is so smooth and the switches have nothing but solid feel to them. I also love the horizontal rear panel. I wish they made things like that today. Not to mention, this thing just looks really cool!
@@JohnBudnikBand- this SX-650 also had a very good FM tuner for it's price range. Still have many cassette tapes made from my SX-650. Sadly, I sold it (traded up) in 1979 to buy a Hitachi SR-804. Still my main amp today.
@@alb12345672 - small world. I grew up in Brooklyn during the 1950's/60's. I remember when they built Kings Plaza (the Verrazzano too). Too far a trip from my neighborhood of Bush Terminal. We shopped on Fulton Street or 86th Street. Had a lotta boss NYC audio shops; Tech Hifi, Harvey's, Stereo Warehouse, Audio Graveyard, Churchill, Great Sounds and Lafayette. Yup, even Macy's, Gimbels and E. J. Korvette's sold audio.
I agree that there are a ton of cheap new companies out there now and it’s hard to sift through them to find a tried and true company but hey I’m a big fan the build quality and sound quality of Klipsch. Only have a couple pieces now, definitely not cheap, but plan to fill my house with these. Klipsch has been in the game for something like 70 years and I’d say the new stuff is beyond impressive
Also the noise when the bass was turned up might be the speakers themselves might have small cracks or rips that don’t make much noise except high volume or bass, might need a recone or a time saver and just replaced. Common with older speakers just for wear and tear and the material naturally breaking down
I Had Pioneer SX 650 and I WANT ANOTHER ONE.and I Gave to Friend . There's One Thing No Other Receiver Has And Convenient Speaker And RCA Jack . the Extension Plate So Don't Have to Turn The Unit Around Only On The 1976 Pioneer SX 650
Thanks dude! That's my song "Parasites, Dear Aliens." I released it under the moniker "John Budnik Band." You can stream it on your preferred digital platform. Here's a music video I did for it: th-cam.com/video/xppR65dENnE/w-d-xo.html.
Not a silly question. The input jacks are in the back of the unit. What I love about the design is that the input jacks lay flat on the table. Check out this website to see what I mean: classicreceivers.com/pioneer-sx-650.
Thanks for the great question. Technically, yes. However, your setup might not play loud enough or handle bass frequencies at louder volumes. Mr. Powell in this forum explains it much better than I can: www.quora.com/Can-a-20w-amp-run-100w-speakers
@@JohnBudnikBand the link is good and I kind of get it. My question was about Vintage amplifiers. Many reviews say that the modest 20-40 watts were enough to drive their speakers. Question is - does the spec of 40 watts in Vintage understated and actually deliver more?
Hmmm, hard to say without knowing what their setups were. There’s a lot that goes into the setup than just the amplifier and speakers, but the room you’re playing music in, too. My speakers you see in this video are 20 watt speakers, and the SX-650 drives them really well at an output of 35 watts. However, it’s MORE than enough for my small apartment living room. In fact, too loud lol. There are tons of people that are more knowledgeable on this stuff than me. I’m no expert.
@@JohnBudnikBand how much watts your speaker are? And what is your listening distance in ft? And how much volume do you keep and how much db do you think you are getting at your listening distance.?
I know the speaker watts are 20W. My listening distance is probably and average of 5-10 feet. With the Pioneer SX-650, I never really have to crank it more than 3-4 on the dial. I would have to check the decibels, but I can I tell you that it's important to me to not over do it and hurt my hearing while spinning some vinyl. Playing in a band is bad enough.
And Keep It Don't Have Anything On Top It And Use THICK Speaker Wires Like Monster And Regularly pop The Hood Use Electric Duster . And One of Burst at Time And
Owning a piece of history is like having pride of ownership...and yes, records sound better than sterile digital compression! Ask yourself, do you want to rent stuff, or own something that will never be made that you can appreciate? There's no price for dat!
This is the kind of gear from my yesteryear! Have several of your favorite beverage, spark one up, sit back and let the analog power make those acoustic speakers vibrate the air upon your face while listening to Rory Gallagher or Elvin Bishop soloing on “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”. Telling your neighbor to pound sand when they call to complain. Scotty! Beam me back to the latter sixties - mid seventies!
An era of great rock’n’roll! Will have to look up Rory Gallagher.
The SX-650 is a nice looking and good sounding vintage receiver.
Looks like a Cadillac. Shiny.
You’re in the right club. Be careful you’ll have a collection before you know it. Started off with an SX-580 that I sold but took me on a wild journey. Current collection consists of Pioneer SX-580, SX-650, SX-770, Nakamichi SR-2A, SR-3A, Yamaha CR-820. That also led into a turntable collection but that another story.
Great unit and it looks perfect.
They’re so cool. As they say … they don’t make them like they used to!
I got one last year and it sounds great as is. I am going to put new wood veneer on it and get it re-capped ln 2023. Long live ROCK!
Congrats on finding yours! These were built to last. Mine is clear as a bell!
Nice review. Glad you like your new to you Pioneer stereo. I just bought one on Ebay. Mine is a SX680. My understanding is that the "80 series units were made in Japan and the '50 series units were made in South Korea. I think the main difference is the '80 series have push buttons instead of the toggle switches on your unit. You are probably right that to get rid of the crackling sound you should clean the switches and knobs out. I hear DEOxit is a good product for that. After all that baby is approaching 45 years old. Enjoy.
Thanks!! Honestly, they just don’t make electronics like this anymore. It’s big, it’s clunky, but there’s a reason why it still works 45 years later! I hope you enjoy your Sx680! I was just listening to mine. Rock on!
Fantastic stuff you got there... I just picked up recently and old Fisher 400 receiver... Stuff sounds so great..love vintage
They don't make 'em like they used to!
Had the 780 I sure do miss that small powerhouse. Use to knock out my speaker breakers . I'm almost positive it was under rated as far as watts was concerned.
They’re great units.
Thank you.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Swell video. I bought an SX-650 in 1977 trading up from my SX-434. Got it at Crazy Eddie in NYC and it was boss. I liked the look of this SX-650 and the two big tuning meters, moderately effective (6dB/oct) high filter, smooth effortless flywheel tuning (the pointer glides along the dial), detented tone controls, two tape loops with one way dubbing (rare in a mid priced receiver), a healthy 35wpc, positive sounding and working toggle switches, extra Aux and Mic inputs and that horizontal rear panel for easy hookups. Only caveat?? The power and speakers on the same switch, it could lead to nasty sounds as the component aged. Had my SX-650 driving two speaker pairs; Ohm model L's and EPI-100's. The SX-650 had more than enough power to achieve lease breaking levels and impress, if not annoy the neighbors.
Sweet! Oh man, the feel of this unit is worth it alone. The tuning knob is so smooth and the switches have nothing but solid feel to them. I also love the horizontal rear panel. I wish they made things like that today. Not to mention, this thing just looks really cool!
@@JohnBudnikBand- this SX-650 also had a very good FM tuner for it's price range. Still have many cassette tapes made from my SX-650. Sadly, I sold it (traded up) in 1979 to buy a Hitachi SR-804. Still my main amp today.
My parents bought an SX-750 in Macys kings plaza :lol:.I still use it with my computer as an amp.
@@alb12345672 that’s so dope!
@@alb12345672 - small world. I grew up in Brooklyn during the 1950's/60's. I remember when they built Kings Plaza (the Verrazzano too). Too far a trip from my neighborhood of Bush Terminal. We shopped on Fulton Street or 86th Street. Had a lotta boss NYC audio shops; Tech Hifi, Harvey's, Stereo Warehouse, Audio Graveyard, Churchill, Great Sounds and Lafayette. Yup, even Macy's, Gimbels and E. J. Korvette's sold audio.
That is a really cool setup!
Thanks dude! This thing will rock your socks!
i have a pioneer sx650 mated to kenwood ls407b speakers tht i purchased in 1978 and still have them. cost about a grand back then.
These are built to last!
I agree that there are a ton of cheap new companies out there now and it’s hard to sift through them to find a tried and true company but hey I’m a big fan the build quality and sound quality of Klipsch. Only have a couple pieces now, definitely not cheap, but plan to fill my house with these. Klipsch has been in the game for something like 70 years and I’d say the new stuff is beyond impressive
Also the noise when the bass was turned up might be the speakers themselves might have small cracks or rips that don’t make much noise except high volume or bass, might need a recone or a time saver and just replaced. Common with older speakers just for wear and tear and the material naturally breaking down
Klipsch is good stuff. I wouldn't turn any of it down.
True. The screens on these Pioneers don't come off as far as I can tell...
Pioneer sx 650 was most popular vintage receiver of its time competing with sansui G4700
Nice! Do you have a preference? I love my SX650, but no experience with the Sansui.
Caught me off guard w the hey there buttheads lmao
It’s actually “Bud-heads.” Like my last name :P
I Had Pioneer SX 650 and I WANT ANOTHER ONE.and I Gave to Friend . There's One Thing No Other Receiver Has And Convenient Speaker And RCA Jack . the Extension Plate So Don't Have to Turn The Unit Around Only On The 1976 Pioneer SX 650
I looooove the extension plate!
whats the band you put on at 6:19, really cool stuff
Thanks dude! That's my song "Parasites, Dear Aliens." I released it under the moniker "John Budnik Band." You can stream it on your preferred digital platform. Here's a music video I did for it: th-cam.com/video/xppR65dENnE/w-d-xo.html.
Alibaba! Good to se you!
Thanks!
Hi! Prolly a silly question, but how/where did you hook up the AUX?
Not a silly question. The input jacks are in the back of the unit. What I love about the design is that the input jacks lay flat on the table. Check out this website to see what I mean: classicreceivers.com/pioneer-sx-650.
Cool review man... What speakers are those?
I think they’re Pioneer SA 20s, I believe. 20 watts. Little underpowered but excellent for my space!
ITS A GOOD LITTLE SYSTEM, YOU WILL ENJOY IT FOR YEAR'S.
It's a great system! Love it.
IM AN AUDIOPHILE, AND PIONEER AND SANSUI ARE MY FAVORITES
This Pioneer is clear as a bell!
MY PIONEER SX1080 RECEIVER IS CLEAR AS A BELL TOO WITH LOTS OF POWER DRIVING A SET OF CERWIN VEGA DX-7s AND SANSUI SP35OOs
Can vintage 35 watt drive modern 100 watts speakers?
Thanks for the great question. Technically, yes. However, your setup might not play loud enough or handle bass frequencies at louder volumes. Mr. Powell in this forum explains it much better than I can: www.quora.com/Can-a-20w-amp-run-100w-speakers
@@JohnBudnikBand the link is good and I kind of get it. My question was about Vintage amplifiers. Many reviews say that the modest 20-40 watts were enough to drive their speakers. Question is - does the spec of 40 watts in Vintage understated and actually deliver more?
Hmmm, hard to say without knowing what their setups were. There’s a lot that goes into the setup than just the amplifier and speakers, but the room you’re playing music in, too. My speakers you see in this video are 20 watt speakers, and the SX-650 drives them really well at an output of 35 watts. However, it’s MORE than enough for my small apartment living room. In fact, too loud lol. There are tons of people that are more knowledgeable on this stuff than me. I’m no expert.
@@JohnBudnikBand how much watts your speaker are? And what is your listening distance in ft? And how much volume do you keep and how much db do you think you are getting at your listening distance.?
I know the speaker watts are 20W. My listening distance is probably and average of 5-10 feet. With the Pioneer SX-650, I never really have to crank it more than 3-4 on the dial. I would have to check the decibels, but I can I tell you that it's important to me to not over do it and hurt my hearing while spinning some vinyl. Playing in a band is bad enough.
Vintage watts are usually 10w+ more than specs...unlike BULLSHITT specs in modern audio crap...
Word up!
Yes. There is a video on YT bench testing one at 45 watts / ch.
And if you DO want modern convenience of streaming, get a Zen DAC/BT receiver and DONE! A pair of Klipshe R-50M bookshelves wouldn't hurt...
Interesting. I’ll have to look into this…
👍
Heck yeah!
And Keep It Don't Have Anything On Top It And Use THICK Speaker Wires Like Monster And Regularly pop The Hood Use Electric Duster . And One of Burst at Time And
Just picked up some contact cleaner. Do you think it’s bad to have the record player on it?
Owning a piece of history is like having pride of ownership...and yes, records sound better than sterile digital compression! Ask yourself, do you want to rent stuff, or own something that will never be made that you can appreciate? There's no price for dat!
I love the meditation putting a record on and listening to a body of work.
Ужас по звуку! Или микрофон плохой!?
*Shrug*
Could also be what you're listening through... shrug
Youngster buying 1970's. Need a pair of Cerwin Vega AT-12.
It's not my fault I was born in the wrong era! LOL My next update will be some primo speakers.