Pioneer, SX-1280... Epic 70's Monster Receiver

The Pioneer SX-1280 is one of Pioneer’s true classic receivers. It came out in 1978 and took over for the SX-1250. It is rated at 185 watts per channel which was second only to the monster SX-1980’s power output in the Pioneer lineup. MSRP was around $900.00 which was a decent chunk of change in 1978 and rose to $950.00 in 1979 which was the last year of production for the 1200 series receivers.

The SX-1280 was released during a time when high-fidelity audio equipment was in high demand. It was designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and power, catering to audiophiles and music enthusiasts who sought the best audio experience. Pioneer was known for its innovative engineering and high-quality audio equipment, and the SX-1280 showcased their expertise in receiver manufacturing.

The SX-1280 is a stunning example of Pioneer’s beautiful design work from the 1970’s. The faceplate is brushed aluminum and houses a wide array of controls. The knobs, switch, and buttons are all well designed and situated in eye appealing rows. Given the number of controls the SX-1280 has it’s not surprising that the dial face and meters aren’t very large. When lit the multi colored function indicator lights and the backlit dial face and meters really give it an elegant look. The wood case only covers the front half of the stereo. The back half is filled with vents and heat sinks to dissipate the heat the SX-1280 produces. 

Power Meters – Each channel has its own power meter (0.01 W – 360W display range) with a logarithmic compression scale. These meters feature a fast response speed, and they enable you to read out the power values at an 8-ohm impedance across a power band stretching from 0.01 W up to the maximum output of the receiver.

Tuning Meter – When tuning in to an FM station, the optimum reception position is indicated when the meter pointer deflects to dead center. Check that the SIGNAL meter pointer has deflected as far to the right as possible.

Tone Controls - the SX-1280 has a plethora of tone controls beginning with its Loudness switch and including the Tone switch and its dual Bass and Treble tone controls.

Loudness Switch: Set this switch to ON when listening at a low volume. The frequency response of the human ear varies according to the listening volume, and setting this switch to the ON position compensates for hearing response by emphasizing the bass and treble.

Tone Switch: Set this switch to ON when adjusting the BASS and TREBLE controls. In the OFF position, it causes the amplifier to operate with a flat frequency response.

Twin Bass and Treble Tone Controls - Pioneer has applied its originally developed twin tone controls to the SX-1280. Along with conventional bass and treble controls, knobs are provided for adjusting the ultra-deep bass and the ultra-high treble independently. By combining the operation of the main and sub tone controls, it is possible to undertake a wide range of tone adjustments. Furthermore, there is an ON/OFF tone control switch which can be used to make the frequency response flat at a moment’s notice and to monitor the acoustics of the listening room, as well as the sound produced by the speakers and phono cartridge.

BASS Controls – 100Hz (main): This control can be used to adjust frequencies lower than 400Hz to enhance or attenuate the frequency by 10dB at 100Hz.

50Hz (sub): This control can be used to adjust frequencies lower than 200Hz which have already been adjusted with the 100Hz control, to enhance or attenuate the frequency by 5dB at 50Hz.

TREBLE Controls – 10kHz (main): This control can be used to adjust frequencies higher than 2.5kHz to enhance or attenuate the frequency by 10dB at 10kHz.

20kHz (sub): This control can be used to adjust frequencies higher than 5kHz which have already been adjusted with the 10 kHz control, to enhance or attenuate the frequency by 5dB at 20kHz.

Using only the main controls provides the same function as conventional audio tone controls. Employing the sub-controls, however, has the same effect as changing the turnover frequencies. The combined operation of both controls will produce a broad range of tone variations.

Specifications –

• Tuning range: FM, MW
• Power output: 185 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
• Frequency response: 5Hz to 80kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.03%
• Damping factor: 30
• Input sensitivity: 7.5mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
• Signal to noise ratio: 80dB (MM), 95dB (line)
• Output: 150mV (line), 1V (Pre out)
• Speaker load impedance: 4Ω (minimum)
• Semiconductors: 5 x FET, 6 x IC, 67 x transistors, 50 x diodes
• Dimensions: 556 x 186 x 461mm
• Weight: 28.7kg
• Accessories: FM T-type antenna

Hard to best this as the epitome of classic cool... can remember hearing hearing Elvis Costello's "This Year's Model" & The Rolling Stone's "Some Girls" the day my brother brought those albums home and played them through his JBL, 4311s & Micro Seiki TT... that was it for me, totally sold on some day owning my own setup and THIS PIONEER lit the fuse. Just a spectacular piece of classic audio in solid 8 condition. It has some pre-owned cool patina but no deal breakers. It's also been through our techs hands and has been serviced and brought back to spec; this is definitely one to own and is priced RIGHT!

Come demo this fine slice of Pioneer audio history here at the NEW Andover shop or purchase with every confidence via this site.

Pioneer, SX-1080 Classic 70's Receiver: $2,400 + sales tax & shipping when applicable