Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Bought this thing for college in 1982 and it is still going strong and still works like new. Sound quality is outstanding. Yes, the volume is hard to set because it goes in discreet steps, not in a continuous adjustment. If you can find one on ebay for less than $20, and want some great sounding retro equipment, get it. Bought it for $250 in 1982, so I've enjoyed it for less than $10/yr. An absolute steal.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have a SX-6 and it is great. I would have never know it to only be 45 watts per channel if i would have not read it. I have two bose speakers hooked up to it and my Ipod playing through it with its aux RCA input. I have the loudest system in my fraternity house by far and the best sounding. My dad bought this receiver when he was in college and now i have it through my college days. It holds up well to make it through two generations of college parties!

Strengths -- Inputs are great, extremely low THD, tuner, durability, and weight.

Weaknesses-- push button volume, and only a 2 band EQ

Price Paid:  $7.00 from E-Bay Auction

Summary:
The Pioneer SX-6 is a 45 wpc stero receiver. These models were produced between 1981-1983, and was part of Pioneer's "Champaign/Gold" series. The receiver is computer controlled, some of the first receivers to be fully synthesized and digitally controlled. I find the SX-6 to hold up well. My particular receiver works properly and has good clarity and pretty good low end punch, for a 45 wpc receiver. After doing research on this model, it appears the SX-6 also incorporated the "non-switching amplifier" technology, normally reserved for the higher end pioneer receivers, and produces a very low thd of 0.009. I am running this receiver with other champaign/gold pioneer components from that era, and am very pleased with the performance and sound quality.

Strengths:
Durability and sound quality.

Weaknesses:
Build quality not as good as earlier pioneer models, much more plastic that breaks easily.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer SX-60 Stereo Computer Controlled Receiver

Price Paid:  $239.00 from The Federation Group

Summary:
The Pioneer SX - 6 is among is the rugged and reliable receiver I have ever encountered! ! This receiver has provided me many years of service despite the abuse of very loud house parties every other Friday or Saturday! I have totally destroyed other amps and receivers such as NAD, Carver, Kenwood, Yamaha,
Harmon and Kardon, Sony and newer "Pioneer" models! However, I can tell you from experience, that the Pioneer SX - 6 and probably the SX - 7 can take a licking and keep on ticking. "No Questions Asked" ! ! !

Strengths:
The SX - 6 and SX - 7"s sonic clarity and excellent transit response, allows it to keep pace, even with today"s demanding digital audio! This product gets a five star rating from me!

Weaknesses:
Difficult to precisely adjust the volume, due to the push-button volume controls. Also, the beautiful champagne color of the controls and other areas of the unit, tends to rub off after years repeated touching!

Price Paid:  $450.00 from AAFES Mainz Germany

Summary:
I know this is for an SX-6 and I'm giving a review for a SX-9, sorry.

Strengths:
The SX-9 receiver is a workhorse. Bought it in 1983 and have used it ever since. I have a pair of Cerwin-Vega D-2E's (10" bass/midrange and 1" tweeter) and Bose 2.2's (5" bass/midrange and 1" tweeter) hooked up to it. With these speakers I have never been able to put it over 1 watt of output at the terminals as it is so loud (98dB at 1watt at 1 meter!). The sound is crisp and clear, the reciever never seems stressed. I use it for my tape, cd and turntable listening. At 125 watts a channel and .0009% total harmonic distortion it's hard to fault it or find anything better today! For its day it was unbeatable.

Weaknesses:
The volume as said by others is something that takes practice in adjusting to your taste.