Pioneer SX-750 AM/FM Stereo Receiver Review

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The Pioneer SX-750 is a classic or vintage AM/FM stereo Pioneer receiver. In its heyday (introduced in 1976 and made through 1977), it was an upper mid-range receiver that offered excellent features and performance to match. Moreover, it wasn’t and still isn’t expensive. In this article, we will be doing a review of the Pioneer SX-750 AM/FM Stereo Receiver.

Here is the user manual: Pioneer SX-750 User Manual

Here is a summary of the Pioneer SX-750:

The Pioneer SX-750 is a stereo vintage hi-fi receiver with an FM/AM tuner and an amplifier. The device is rated at a power output of 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms (60 watts per channel into 4 ohms).

The device also comes with 300 ohm balanced and 75 ohm unbalanced connections for its FM antennae and a built-in ferrite loopstick AM antenna.

In terms of connections, it offers phono input sockets for its MM cartridge and Aux. It also includes phono input/output sockets for 2 tapes, DIN input/output socket for tape, a jack for a microphone, terminals for 2 pairs of loudspeakers, and a jack for headphones.

Specifications

Wave bands: Broadcast (BC) and FM or UHF.
Power type and voltage: Alternating Current supply (AC) / 110; 120; 220; 240 Volt
Power out: 100 W (120 W max.)
Dimensions (WHD): 480 x 150 x 365 mm / 18.9 x 5.9 x 14.4 inch
Net weight (2.2 lb = 1 kg): 14.5 kg / 31 lb 15 oz (31.938 lb)
Tuning range: FM, MW
Power output: 50 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 5mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (DIN), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 70dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line), 30mV (DIN)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω (minimum)
Semiconductors: 1 x FET, 7 x IC, 42 x transistors, 40 x diodes
Dimensions: 480 x 149 x 371mm
Weight: 13.7kg
Accessories: FM T-type antenna
Continuous Power Output (both channels driven, 20-20,000 Hz)
50 watts per channel at 8 ohms
60 watts per channel at 4 ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion (20-20,000 Hz, from Aux)
Continuous Rated Power Output : No more than 0,1%
25 watts per channel power output (8 Ω ) : no more than 0,05%
1 watt per channel power output (8 Ω ) : no more than 0,05%
Intermodulation Distortion (50 Hz :7 kHz =4:1, from Aux)
Continuous Rated Power Output : No more than 0,1%
25 watts per channel power output (8 Ω ) : no more than 0,05%
1 watt per channel power output (8 Ω ) : no more than 0,05%
Damping Factor (30 Hz – 20 kHz) : 30
Input Sensitivity/Impedance:

– Phono :  2,5 mV/50 k Ω
– MIC :  5 mV/50 k Ω
– Aux :  150 mV/50 k Ω
– Tape Play 1, 2 :  150 mV/50 k Ω

Phono Overload level (T.H.D. 0,1%): 200 mV (1 kHz)
Output Level/Impedance:

– Tape rec 1, 2 : 150 mV
– Tape Rec 2 (DIN) : 30 mV/80 k Ω

Speaker : A, B, A+B
Headphones: low impedance
Frequency Response
Phono (RIAA eq.) : 30 Hz – 15,000 Hz ±0,2 dB
Aux, Tape Play : 10 Hz – 50,000 Hz +0 -1 dB
Tone Control
Bass : +8 dB, -7 dB at 100 Hz
Treble : +9 dB, -7 dB at 10 kHz
Filter High : 6 kHz (6 dB/oct)
Loudness Contour (vol. Set at -40 dB ): +6 dB at 100 Hz, +3 dB at 10 kHz
Hum and Noise (IHF, short circuit, A network, rated power)
Phono : 70 dB
Aux, Tape : 90 dB
FM Tuner Section
Usable Sensitivity
Mono : 10,7 dBf (1,9 µV)
Stereo : 19,0 dBf (9,8 µV)
50 dB Quieting Sensitivity
Mono : 17,2 dBf (4,0 µV)
Stereo : 39,2 dBf (50 µV)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio at 65 dBf
Mono : 72 dB
Stereo : 67 dB
Distortion at 65 dBf MONO:
– 0,15% at 100 Hz
– 0,15% at 1 kHz
– 0,4% at 6 kHz
Distortion at 65 dBf STEREO:
– 0,3% at 100 Hz
– 0,3% at 1 kHz
– 0,4% at 6 kHz
Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 15,000 Hz +0,2 -2,0 dB
Capture ratio: 1,0 dB
Alternate Channel Selectivity: 80 dB
Spurious Response Ratio: 90 dB
Image Response ratio: 80 dB
IF Response Ratio: 100 dB
AM Suppression ratio: 55 dB
Muting Threshold: 14 dBf (2,8 µV)
Stereo Separation: 40 dB (1 kHz), 30 dB (30 Hz – 15 kHz)
Subcarrier product ratio: 62 dB
SCA Rejection ratio: 62 dB
Antenna Input: 300 Ω (balanced), 75 Ω (unbalanced)
300 µV/m IHF, Ferrite antenna
15 µV IHF, externa antenna
Selectivity: 35 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB
Image Rejection: 40 dB
IF Rejection: 65 dB
Antenna: built-in Ferrite loopstick antenna
Semiconductors: 42 Transistors; 40 Diodes; 7 ICs; 1 FET
Power Requirement: 120 V, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 160W, 350 W (max)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 480 x 149 x 371 mm (18-7/8″ x 5-7/8″ x 14-5/8″)
Weight (net): 13,7 kg (30 lb 2 oz)

Features

Two tape in/outputs
Duplicate switch
Phono input
Aux/mic inputs
Tone and high filter switches
FM muting
Tuning and signal meters
Two separate bass and treble controls
Dimensions – 19 x 6 x 14.5
Weight – 31.25 lbs

Design and Build Quality

The SX750 was manufactured during the heyday of silver-faced receivers. As such, they were designed with a silver faceplate, wood case, and amber lighting.

You can also get it straight silver metal or silver faceplate and wooden casing.

Here are both design choices:

SX-750 Pioneer Receiver Wood Metal

SX-750 Pioneer Receiver Metal

Power and Impedance

The SX750 comes with an inbuilt pre-amplifier, power amplifier, and tuner sections. These allow the receiver the advantage of pushing additional power for your audio system.

The receiver pushed out 50 watts per channel at 0.1% total harmonic distortion. This is the continuous power output of 50 watts per channel at a minimum.

In terms of impedance, the receiver is rated at 8 ohms, from 20 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0,1% Total Harmonic Distortion.

Sound Quality

There are some unique characteristics of the SX-750 that makes it a cool-sounding receiver.

Firstly, all the input/output terminals and circuits of the pre-amplifier/tuner sections are laid out on one large printed circuit board. This eliminates shielded input cords which enhance overall tonal quality.

In addition, the receiver offers extra sensitivity and selectivity by means of the dual-gate MOS type FET and a 4-gang variable capacitor.

Finally, the IF section uses up-to-the-minute circuits and differential amplifier ICs which ensures a high signal/noise ratio and low distortion.

Audio FM and AM Tuning

The receiver also offers FM and AM tuning capabilities. This is enabled by a dual gate MOS type FET and a 4 gang variable capacitor.

Build Quality

The SX-750 has a sturdy build, which is characteristic of Pioneer receivers. The metal and/or wooden finish make it very durable as well as easy to clean and maintain.

Price

When it was released in the 1970s, the receiver had a price tag of around $400. It’s still a fairly reasonably priced receiver and has the iconic name and look of a 1970s silver-faced receiver. Today, you can get it on eBay for anything from $200 to $600.

If it is restored, you are looking for at least $300. If you just want a working unit, you can even get one for around $150.

Pioneer SX-750 Restoration

You can easily find serviced and restored Pioneer SX-750 receivers online. You can get a serviced model for around $200. For a fully restored one, you are looking at at least $300.

Conclusion

The SX-750 is an innovative, attractive, value-packed, and efficient receiver. It’s a great option for persons looking for vintage stereo receivers at a reasonable price.

If you need Bluetooth with this device, you could get a Pioneer Bluetooth adapter or an alternative.

You can learn more by checking out our comparison of Marantz and other receivers:

Marantz vs Yamaha
Marantz vs Anthem
Marantz vs Denon
Marantz 2270 Receiver Review