When Pioneer introduced the SX-9000 in 1971, it stood among the company's top models – a large reverberation stereo receiver that was never officially sold in Europe and turns up correspondingly rarely over here. Its feature list reads remarkably for the era: a Tone Color circuit with the EQ presets Vivid, Bass, Flat and Soft indicated in the display, switchable loudness acting up to 40 dB, connections for three speaker pairs A/B/C, and a cabinet made of real wood.
Its hallmark is the reverberation function, whose effect waves visibly overlap in the display depending on the reverb level. The manufacturer intended it primarily for the microphone mixing facility with selectable channels A/B or A+B; on demand it also lends the music a touch more depth. With up to 240 watts of system power the SX-9000 plays powerfully and dynamically, with tight bass, and the generous tone control section allows fine-tuning to personal taste. Connections are provided for 2x phono, 2x aux and tape monitor A/B, plus two microphones with mixer and two headphones. The tuner is another strength: stations come in noise-free and in clean stereo.
Our unit has been restored in-house at great expense using original new parts. Fitted were, among other things, new Sanken output transistors with their component board – the last new part we were able to source – along with various electrolytic capacitors and dozens of further electronic components. All circuit boards were reworked and resoldered, adjustment potentiometers replaced, tone control pots cleaned and the lighting renewed in keeping with the original character; bias and alignment were set to factory specifications, the power supply was overhauled and a new power cable fitted. All functions have been tested and work reliably.
Cosmetically, the receiver presents in excellent condition for its age: all lettering is fully preserved, the faceplate shows no noticeable scratches and the wooden case has survived beautifully; slight patina cannot be ruled out. Included are two pairs of custom-made speaker terminals that allow the SX-9000 to be connected safely with banana plugs or bare wire. The built-in voltage selector permits operation from 110 to 240 volts; the unit ships set to 240 volts. An offer for collectors and lovers of classic audio – we are happy to demonstrate the receiver at our premises in Wuppertal.
