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Hello. I'm selling my 1977 Pioneer SX-850, 65 watts per channel in 8 ohm, stereo receiver. Capable of 85 watts per channel in 4 ohm set up. The wood case is mint. The unit is very clean, inside & out. Pots cleaned. No scratching or cutting out. All features operational except....the internal phono pre-amp is inoperative & has been since the day I acquired it. I always simply ran my turntable through an independant, tube pre-amp via the auxiliary input & it worked great. I never bothered to look into getting it repaired as I didn't need the internal pre-amp anyhow. So, if anyone out there is willing yo do the same, you will get an excellent receiver that does NOT need to be re-capped. I have moved on to a Marantz 2145 receiver & matching turntable. Selling my former turntable, too, in another post. Thanks.
Should you grab this Pioneer SX-850 for US$750? Absolutely, because that price is a strong bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$1,275 from your ground-truth database and the typical fair market range of US$800–US$850. This vintage receiver is a legitimate buying opportunity, offering 65 watts per channel, excellent frequency response, and the classic silver-face Pioneer sound that enthusiasts prize for its warmth and clarity. Its value is further enhanced by the rarity of finding one below US$1,000 in the current market, especially when many listings exceed US$1,200. While age-related issues like relay oxidation or switch contact wear can occur, the low price leaves ample room for servicing, making this a worthwhile project for anyone seeking a robust, original-owner receiver without the premium cost.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Pioneer traces its roots to 1937 in Tokyo, Japan, when founder Nozomu Matsumoto, inspired by the thrill of imported hi-fi speakers, developed the A-8 dynamic speaker and launched a radio and speaker repair shop. The business formalized as Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho in 1938, evolving into Pioneer Corporation and embodying Matsumoto's philosophy of "Move the Heart and Touch the Soul" through audio innovation.
The brand excels across diverse hi-fi categories, pioneering Japan's first headphones in 1960 with the SE-1 and the world's first component-based stereo system in 1965 via the PSC-5A. Pioneer's portfolio spans amplifiers, speakers, turntables, and DACs, alongside landmark car audio advancements like the 1975 Supertuner-equipped stereo and the 1986 in-car CD player, blending home and automotive excellence.
Today, Pioneer holds a commanding mid-to-high-tier position in the market, revered for reliable, performance-driven gear that balances premium quality with accessibility. Its vintage components attract collectors, while current offerings appeal to discerning buyers seeking robust, innovative sound reproduction without boutique excess.
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