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Pioneer Vintage SX-850 Stereo Receiver in Good conditionWorks and sounds greatFaceplate is very clean, with minor scratches. Wood cab shows light wear. Ding on back right of the right side see photo 4Original lightsCapture the golden age of hi-fi with the Pioneer SX-850. Positioned just below the legendary "Monster" receivers of the era, the SX-850 is widely considered the "sweet spot" of the Pioneer lineup. Delivering a conservative 65 watts per channel, it offers massive headroom, a legendary phono stage, and that unmistakable, warm analog sound that modern gear struggles to replicate.Powerful Output: 65WPC into 8 ohms with a high-current power supply that handles demanding speakers with ease.Dual-Transformer Design: Known for its exceptional build quality, weighing in at nearly 42 lbs of steel, copper, and walnut.Superb Phono Stage: Two dedicated Phono inputs designed for vinyl enthusiasts who want that rich, low-noise vintage playback.Comprehensive Controls: Features a 3-position tone turnover switch for Bass and Treble, plus Twin Power Meters for that classic glowing aesthetic.Timeless Aesthetic: The signature silver faceplate, weighted tuning knob, and walnut-veneered cabinet make it the centerpiece of any room.In the Milwaukee Area? Stop in our shop to inspect/demoSee our feedback and thank you for considering. All the gear we sell is packaged with great care for safe arrival in the condition advertised and backed up by our 14 day full refund policy in the event you are not happy for any reason.Local Pickup at our shop in Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee Vintage10220 W. Greenfield AveMilwaukee, WIOpen Tues-Friday 11-6Saturday 11-3
What matters here is whether you’re getting a clean, fully working receiver at a fair number. At US$1,275, this lands right on the median of the recent comparable asking prices, with the market sitting at US$1,013 for the 25th percentile and US$1,325 for the 75th, so the ask reads as fair, not a bargain or an overreach.
That makes sense for a respected vintage Pioneer: the SX-850 is valued for its strong build, warm presentation, and classic late-’70s receiver appeal, and it’s the kind of piece that rewards a careful, long-term owner. At this price, I’d mainly want confidence on originality, service history, and all controls working cleanly, because the upside is in owning a good example rather than gambling on a fixer.
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.
See all Pioneer listings on RADAR.
