Vintage Audio - 6 SIMPLE Upgrades To Modernize Your Receiver / Pioneer SX
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- Опубликовано: 1 апр 2023
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► SHOP The Connectors
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► SHOP The BLUESOUND NODE
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► SHOP WiiM
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► Line Level Converters
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► IFI External Phono Preamp
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►SPEAKERS - KLH Kendall
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Vintage Audio - 6 Simple Upgrades To Modernize Your Receiver
Modern day HiFi equipment is full conveniences, in some way the new tech phased out vintage HIFI for things like HDMI and DSP. Before you throw out your vintage gear take a look at these simple additions that bring in everything you need from modern HIFI equipment. Today we took the Pioneer SX-880 and brought in a handful of upgrades to modernize the receiver to todays standards. 
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Let me know what your favorite piece of vintage gear is, or maybe the gear you sold or threw out and now regret! Please consider a like and subscribe as well, we are only 97,140 short of our goal! HA kidding of course but I would appreciate it, I would love to get some big giveaways going at key numbers!
My fav is my sansui au3500 18 watts per as rated but kicks the hell out of my 120 per channel kenwood
Not sure f it's my fav vintage amp as I only have one currently haha: Kenwood KA-7100 int. amp.
Great video and beautiful SX-880. Getting some of those banana plug adapters now for my vintage receiver-cheers!
Thanks! Those adapters are a cheap win for sure.
I love your Pioneer receiver! I bought my first stereo in 1975 so you can say I'm pretty vintage myself. I have two 70s receivers, a Sansui 5050 and a Marantz 2220b. Right now I am using my 1983 Harman Kardon PM-650 integrated amp in my main system. My son bought me a Sabaj A10h headphone amp for Christmas and I'm using the RCA inputs and outputs as a remote volume control in the tape monitor loop. I have a remote power switch, and use the speaker level inputs and outputs for my sub. All the convenience of new gear and I never have to get out of my grandpa recliner. LOL My other son gave me the Marantz for Christmas a few years ago so my advice is, if you want to grow your collection, have adult kids.
Hey Mike, glad you hear you are enjoying your vintage gear as well. I am quite limited in the adult kids department, 3 kids but 6 and under. My collection consists of what my Dad passed down to me and occasional Facebook marketplace and rummage sale deals. I do find I am much more willing to use gear that has the convivences like the remote, its fun to keep these vintage pieces going. Take care!
Your father and you have really taken excellent care of that unit. I am the original owner of an SX-780 that spent 15 or 20 years in its original box in between being used. It's still in very good shape and I love it. It looks and sounds great but as you mentioned, my only gripe is not having remote control. Now you have given me the idea to invest a bit of money to do an upgrade or two. Loved your video. Thanks
Right on! I actually have the boxes and paperwork as well, always nice to have.
You had me at Pioneer….typing this as I listen to my SX-3700, CS-99a combo..and yes adding a Node or WiiM to a vintage system is a total game changer. I’ve ran the table on streaming my Tidal subscription. Started with Bluetooth then an AirPlay to Apple TV Gen 3’s optical to a DAC (Schiit Modi3), plugged in my iPad to the camera adapter with a Dragonfly Red for MQA, moved to Audirvarna with my laptop and its app, then AudioEngine B-Fi. All had drawbacks. Getting the Node 2i a few years back was the sweet spot. Everything needed as you said. Was going to get a Node for office system, but tried a WiiM with the Modi3, best $90 ever spent on a system upgrade. Using Tidal Connect on both bypasses the limitations of their specific apps which are ok but limited in functionality because they are designed for multiple services.
I am glad to hear your enjoying this like I am, some people push back on adding these modern pieces to vintage but as far as I am concerned if it makes me more likely to use it it’s a win.
All great ideas! Even a stand alone Blue Tooth adapter could be employed. I have modded a few vintage receivers/integrated amps with a real "sub out" jack(s). To do so requires some knowledge of the circuitry. I just took the Tape 2 output jacks, disconnected the original signal wires and moved them to the volume control taps that go to the main power amp input! Now, if you are lucky enough to have a receiver/amp that has an output LOOP on the back, wow, you're all set! Just get 2 "Y" adapters to tap into the LOOP and feed the output to a sub that has "line in" jacks! In both cases, the master volume control controls the volume to both the main speakers and powered sub woofer!
Another solid video Matt!
I just ventured into "vintage" audio when I purchased a 1970 Sansui model 4000, right now I am listening to my local FM station on its tuner. This little old stereo is knocking my socks off when paired to my Zu Omen Dirty Weekend speakers. I tore all of my modern gear out, gone is the Parasound amp, PS Audio DAC/Preamp, even the Venus II 12th... Gone! I have $1300 invested in this right now, and that includes the WiiM mini. I personally like it better than my Node, due to the WiiM app, I have a WiiM pro on order, it will be here tomorrow so that I can hook up my trusty old Oppo player via optical. I am using the WiiM as a preamp and DAC, remote is ordered too... I'm using the same speaker connectors and ordered the speaker to RCA connectors to run my two SVS SB-3000 subs. But, this Sansui, with the Zu's, I do not need these subs. And I am actually thinking of selling the subs.
Let's talk sound... Using the WiiM mini, Apple Music and Amazon sounded meh, even the hi res or ultra, it was simply flat and dull. I went ahead and fired up both my old Qobuz and Tidal accounts... OMG! The Sansui lit up! I was blown away with the sound coming out of the Zu's. The bass, totally nuts, and it digs low too, I was shaking a cabinet in the dining room, and it was not turned up that loud, as I think the Zu's are dipping a bit below their rated 35hz. My SB-3000 subs were not in the mix, just the WiiM, Tidal, Sansui and Zu's.
The cool thing about the WiiM, and another reason I prefer it over the Node, is the included EQ, that was the game changer for me. Granted, the Sansui has everything your Pioneer does, the filters, the tone control, "PARTY" button, etc... The Equalizer in the WiiM app, that takes everything to another level. the WiiM is staying. Even the DAC in the WiiM is solid. I was comparing it to my PS Audio Gaincell, and it was difficult to tell which one was being used, it was that close with my 53 yo Sansui 4000, props to WiiM.
The sound in the midrange is very tube like, very airy, downright sexy to my ears. The same with the highs, very detailed with Tidal or Qobuz, very clean sounding with good decay and a pleasant roll off. There is a softness, I call it "analog", and it is exactly what I have been searching for. I will try the subs when I get the connectors. None of my modern gear sounded this good.
I will report back on the phone stage when I get my new Mofi StudioDeck hooked up.
Call me "addicted" to vintage! ;-)
I paid $200 for the Sansui from the original owner. He last had it serviced in 1986, and then it sat. It was a bit scratchy in the knobs and buttons, but everything worked. So I serviced it myself, just a good cleaning. I will replace the caps when I figure out which ones to purchase, or take it to a local shop. It is nice to be able to crack the case and actually work on it, and or diagnose it, and it actually came with the schematics from Sansui, I could not believe that, from the factory. How many stereo receivers that they build today will be around in 53 years with only two simple cleanings under the hood? I doubt many will be around.
My vintage Pioneer SX-1080 looks and functions perfectly with my Wiim Pro Plus, P3 50th edition Rega turntable, Elac Solano speakers and Elac Reference Series 10" subwoofer. Old blends great with the new. 👍
I agree, nice setup!
@@MattCoykendall1 Thanks
Great video I have sx 780 and love it I replaced lights with led bulbs I have them paired with klipsch rp600 bookshelf speakers
Glad to hear your enjoying the vintage gear as well
I inherited a Marantz PM-74D (circa 1988) integrated amp from my uncle when he moved out in like 1993.. been using it ever since.
Glad to hear it found its way back into regular use!
I didn't know there was a remote. I'm glad I watch to video. Thanks.
No problem 👍
Oooh I have to adopt those adaptors
Great video!
great video
I did a full restoration to my SX-780, all caps, power transistors, led upgrade, & diods, then i buried a Bluetooth adapter and a separate power supply for the lights a Bluetooth module.
Oh and changed out the old non polarized plug for grounded/polarized plug & replaced the outlets on the back with polarized versions.
What did you think of the Yamaha WXC-50?
Thanks for a great video Matt. I've often wondered if you run a high level output from a second set of speaker outs on your amp to a sub, does this halve the available power to your original speaker outs, even though the sub is only drawing a small amount of the signal? Many thanks.
Hey Alex, I have never noticed an output change myself with the B channel providing signal to the sub.
Problem I find is locating a good repair shop. Where did you send your too?
I have a Pioneer SX-980 I would like to have a restoration done on it like you did your receiver. I have had a hard time finding someone that is recommended and done this work before. Would you be willing to give me the info of the person or place that did your restoration?
I inherited a pioneer SX5 stereo receiver. I need new speakers and have no idea what to buy.
Matt, thanks for the informative video. I have a Marantz 2250B receiver that I purchased new. It still sounds good but I am not sure if I should have it restored? If so, who does a great job? Finally, did the phono stage get restored on the Pioneer and/or is it better to get a I Fi Zen added as the phono stage? Thanks
I went through a guy in Minneapolis that was reasonably priced, if you reach out to my email from description I could send you the info. You will typically always benefit from the external phono stage but some of the vintage ones were actually a lot more of a priority than many that are just sort of slapped onto new integrated amps today.
Matt, I have-not heard from you on the Minneapolis tech yet Thanks Dave@@MattCoykendall1
Price for the refurb?
Also 4 to 6 hundred is Cheap for a Starter point SX, and I call the Sound Vintage!
I have a Completely Refurbed with 5 way binding posts installed SX1280. The Sound is a Little more refined than the 880.( Not knocking your beauty) I also run the Node X!
I have a little issue with comparing the Wiim to a Node or Node X is like comparing your Pioneer Reciever to a Realistic, as Realistic had a decent performance but not even Close, sorry owned them both when they were new, as well as Marantz, Sansui and Kenwood high end.
Anyway keep up the great videos!
I paid 250, seemed very reasonable for the level of work he completed.
@MattCoykendall1 Heck of a Deal Too. My 1280 was a FewDollars more than that!
The Vintage Sound is worth it, that's what matters the Most in hopefully everyone's systems, the Sound works for the owner!
can i change the volume receiver with the wiim too?
Yes, if your streaming through the WiiM into the receiver you can control the volume.
Pioneer SX-850 Stereo Receiver (Build Date: September 1976)
Dual 1219 Turntable w/Shure V15 II Cartridge
JBL L110 (speakers A)
JBL L88 Nova (speakers B)
WiiM Pro
MCM Line Level Volume Control w/Remote
That is a great set up and mix of new and vintage! I also have a V15 I need to find a home for.
Ah, I had a Pioneer SX-780 receiver and some "house brand" Circuit City speakers I let go for just $150 total back when I was young and foolish and thought oh, I need to "upgrade" to home theater. Bad move. I sure wish I had that baby back. 45W of honest class AB power per channel, all that glass, chrome, and wood side panels with toggle switches good enough for an astronaut. Man was I stupid. 20/20 hindsight is a terrible thing.
Just imagine all the pieces like that that ended up in the landfill… have you bought any vintage gear since?
@@MattCoykendall1 after having regrets I was lucky to have a coworker selling his gear and got some great Carver stuff, a preamp, amp, and tuner, plus some AR-9 speakers all for just $500. I had the electronics all upgraded a couple years ago, and plan on either buying new speakers or if I could ever find the time, putting new capacitors in the speaker crossovers. The issue is that if those old electrolytic capacitors have changed value over the years, you could blow your tweeters or midrange drivers and no replacements are available. Love how all the Carver gear sounds. I'll never sell it.
The guy's wife got mad at him for playing music so loud it broke their living room window...So she put her foot down and made him downsize...LOL.
What's so wrong with spring type connectors? (as long as they take decent gauge wire, and work as intended)?
You're making 2 extra connections to the audio/signal path by using the amazon pin connectors and THEN connecting banana plugs to it, right? Also, such pins offer little surface area for spring clips to bite into vs stranded bare wire, which can "spread out" and provide a better/larger are for spring clips to grab, I think.
Unless you are constantly changing speakers/amps, is it really worth it? Spring connectors are direct and existed before banana plugs. As far as I have read, banana plugs were invented for studios and audio shops where you have to plug/unplug gear very often, so it is quick and easy... not because it is better/more secure.
Would love to know your thoughts. (I am not an expert).
Yeah alot of that is accurate, I myself to change equipment alot so the banana plugs are convenient for myself. The spring clips can also be limiting depending on the piece of equipment, I have ran into a few that a 16 gauge wire is the max which may be alright for many people but at the same time many of us us something larger.
@@MattCoykendall1 True re: wire gauge. I have been lucky that all the gear I have accept 14 Gauge with no problems, even some 70s amps. Well built banana connectors on speakers and amps do make a nicer aesthetic presentation for sure, and I can see the general public swayed by that, too.
Thanks for the reply, Matt.
Sorry, Matt. I don’t advocate any mods for vintage gear. The value gets destroyed. There are plenty of modern affordable receivers to meet these needs.😮
The value does not get destroyed…. Unless it was a non reversible modification…
Mods done in this video were all external. Nothing done affects the value of this receiver
Heres what i did. I have a pioneer sx780 and in the tape loop i have a BBE362NR Sonic Maximiser and a Behringer DEQ2496PRO eq. Makes such a gooood difference. My pioneer sx580 has an Alesis MEQ-230 in its tape loop also.
Good use of the gear here
@@MattCoykendall1 Thanks, i use them not in the extreme, but just so i barely notice them. The EQ i just use the parametric part of it to tame peaky ot troughy frequencies and personal taste, but they really bring the Pioneers' sound to life with 'very clean clarity' (goofy sounding saying, but true). The adjustable noise gate
in the BBE helps but the units' best thing it does is makes it so you can hear the fingering and tone of a bass guitar and the skin tone of drums a lot better. Listened to by Sennheiser HD-280 Pro 64 ohm headphones. I just need the right kick ass vintage speakers to go with. I do have Cerwin Vega VS-150's on it now, but not for sound quality, but just to annoy the people in the next county over🤭🤭. Im sure they like Painkiller by Judas Priest 🤔.☮️
i have 2 pioneer sx-880s
Nice! Both working well?
Last time plugged in. Yes. 15yrs ago. I have a 680. 4 jvcs with power meters. Onkyo. Technics quad. Al. With power meters. I even have a soundedign with power meters