tfred

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.67 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Forget

Summary:
Got this reciever as a used trade-in many years ago. It was a top of the line model when it came out and the quality still shows. It has been a rock through moves, getting dropped, stored, and kids. Added an equalizer to use with ESS Heil AMT3 speakers and have not found a better set up even when I have specifically shopped for new, good equipment. The A speaker system has problems, but simply switching to the B system has solved all issues. A light on the front panel went out years ago with no effect on performance. Virtually nothing else has gone wrong with it outside of occasionally blowing dust out every 4-5 years. No other amp I have owned (about 10 of them) has held up this well with this much use. When I look at the cost of new amps I am amazed what a great unknowing purchase this one was years ago. Looking at Integra DTR 6.4 as a replacement HT amp simply for simplicity. Still hesitating because the SX 828 sounds so good to me. From Nigel Kennedy to AfroCelt and The Who to Howling Wolf the sound is great. Then again maybe I am just a little deaf. Highly recommend picking up one if you find one.

Strengths:
Quality of sound particularly with an equalizer. Never use the AM/FM. Makes CD and DVD literally jump off the speaker. Details are there that I simply do not hear on other systems. It is used in a basement home theater set up. Rigged up 5.1 with two other amps just to get the center and surrounds. The SX 828 dominated the volume. Great amp I will keep forever in some setup even if it is replaced in the HT. Manual and designs are available with a little Internet searching.

Weaknesses:
It does not do 5.1, but quad was not out when this thing was born.

Similar Products Used:
Had all types of other equipment. Most of it has moved on or been tossed out.

T P Static

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $41.00 from e-bay

Summary:
Pioneer SX828 Reciever Because I favor the sound of discrete transistors I always wanted one. Moreover since I now live in the woods the FM sensitivity of 70's analog was most appealing. The Pioneer satifys in both aspects. The power band gives a natural clarity in the lower registers, better than the mosfet. Very easy to listen toit sweet sound. I have it in my den driving two homebrew MTM speakers

Strengths:
Built like a tank, larger then typical caps in the power supply. Shielded FM section.

Weaknesses:
Weird speaker output terminals. I can live with it.

Price Paid:  $450.00 from A friend, in 1979-80

Summary:
I have been using this excellent receiver (SX-828) during the last 23 years. Many experts have told me that this is a high quality machine. I really love it. Russ and Bruce gave a perfect description of this receiver.

Strengths:
The same words already wrote by Bruce. Quality build Internal components covered with RF shielding Incredible sound Beautiful asthetics

Weaknesses:
The type of connectors for the speakers. Does anybody know where could I find these rarities? If somebody does, please send me a message to davidorea1@hotmail.com Thanks in advance.

Price Paid:  $670.00 from Frankfurt 1974

Summary:
I have bought a Pioneer SX 828 in the year 1974 (yes, you read 1974!). Price these days was 1340 DEM (approx 670 EUR), Still well functioning and now a first major repair is necessary (tuner doesn't work, most probably a short circuit). For the repair I may need a circuit (wiring) diagram, any body out there who can help me with a copy or can tell me where to get it? I'd appreciate any kind of help. Thank you! hjkordt@hotmail.com

Strengths:
long lasting receiver, I used it 29 years, one minor repair only so far.

Weaknesses:
starts loosing the knobs, simply because of age I suppose.

Similar Products Used:
never had any similar long lasting items in use.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This sk-828 was given to me because the left channel had a popping noise. I blew out all the dust and found a small heatsink rattling around inside having the ceramic screw shattered. I re-attached it using a plastic screw and the popping noise is gone. It appears to be a nice unit. My main gripe is the funky panel lights that look like a common 1/4 x 1 1/4" round fuse 8V @ .3A number IKOH. Who makes these bulbs that look like a fuse? I have been in the business for over forty years-never saw one. I am crusing the web site now looking for these silly bulbs.

Strengths:
Heavy, won't blow away in a wind storm

Weaknesses:
Replacine panel lights is a big job especially when you can't find a replacement bulb