SA-5200

SA-5500 II

The SA-5200 was introduced in 1973 and manufactured through 1975. As can be seen, it was a very basic integrated amp, being the least expensive stereo integamp in Pioneer's line those two years.  It was rated at 10 watts per channel.  It had an impressive frequency response of 15to 30,000 Hz at 1 watt.  For around $130, it was a great performer and bargain.

The SA-5500 II was introduced in 1977 and was Pioneer's most affordable integrated amp that year.  It was offered through 1979. It was rated at 15 watts per channel and had an industry standard frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz.  It was literally the lightweight of Pioneer's integrated amps at a mere 11.5 pounds.  It listed for $125.00.  For budding stereophiles on a budget, it was a great starter amp.

SA-5800

The SA-5800 was introduced in 1979 and was offered again in 1980.  It was designed to replace the SA-5500 II.  It was rated at 25 watts per channel and had improved specifications over the SA-5500II.  Inflation was the norm in the late 1970s and it hit the consumer electronics market as well.  Price for this amp was $200, a considerable jump from the SA-5500II's $125.00.     

SA-6500 II

 
SA-6500 II (interior right)

The SA-6500 II was the successor to the SA-6500 and introduced in 1977.  It featured increased output of 30 watts per channel.  All other specifications were practically the same.  In fact, the greatest changes were the cosmetics with slightly different arrangements of the knobs and toggle switches.  Price remained at $175.00.

TheSA-6800, introduced in 1979, was rated at 45 watts per channel with an impressive total harmonic distortion of .03% at rated output and a frequency response of 10-50k Hz at 1 watt. There was a hefty price increase with the addition of fluorescent readouts. Another was the addition of a walnut veneer-look enclosure.  The result was a very handsome piece of equipment.  List price of the SA-6800 was $300.00.  It was offered through 1981.  

SA-7100  

The SA-7100 was an early '70s integrated amp Pioneer introduced in 1973.  It was rated at 20 watts per channel and had impressive frequency response of 7 to 80,000 Hz.  Pioneer offered the SA-7100 through 1975, but had already been at work on an improved model to replace it.  Price in 1973 was just under $200 but rose fifty dollars in 1975.  

The SA-7500 appeared in 1975 and was modestly rated at 40 watts per channel.  It sold for around $300.  This integrated amp was also sold in 1976 and 1977.  It was a good seller for Pioneer having more contemporary look and reasonable pricetag.  Proof of its great build quality means many examples are available still. 

SA-7500 II

The SA-7500 II was an upgraded model of the 7500 introduced in 1977.  It had slightly more power with 45 watts per channel.  Total harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion was dramatically reduced to 0.1% respectively.  Other key specifications were also improved.  Even better news was the reduced price of $250.00.  It was a stereo lover's bargain and this model sold well for Pioneer. 

Definitive data lists the SA-7800 integrated amp was offered by Pioneer in 1979, but it may also have been on the market in 1978.  It boasted a very respectable 65 watts per channel.  Total harmonic distortion was an amazingly low. .009% at rated output--virtually non-existent. Tit was considerably more expensive than the model it replaced, with a list price of $450.00, but it featured a new fluorescent level meter which was appreciated by owners. This model was available again for 1980.

SA-8100

This model was offered in 1973 and 1974.  It was rated at 44 watts per channel in 1973 and 40 watts per channel in 1974.  It had a frequency response of 7 to 80,000 Hz.  Like the receivers in Pioneer's line of components, it featured real walnut veneer and solid walnut trim, aesthetic qualities that were important to buyers in the 1970s.  It had a list price of just under $300.00 when introduced but rose to $350.00 in 1974.

Pioneer introduced the SA-8500 in 1975.  It was right in the middle of Pioneer's integrated amp line.  It was rated at 60 watts per channel with 0.1% THD and IMD at rated power.  It was a hefty amp weighing nearly 30 pounds.  List price was $399.95, but trade-ins and dealer haggling could drop the price considerably.  It was offered again in 1976.

SA-8500 II

The SA-8500 II was introduced in 1977 and boasted an output of 80 watts per channel.  It featured very good performance specifications and was a substantial piece of equipment, measuring 16.50 inches wide, 14.75 inches deep and 6.0 inches high.  It weighed over 30 pounds and had a list price of $350.  

It can be definitively stated the high performance SA-8800 was available in 1979 and it may have been available in 1978.  THD and IMD were virtually non-existent at .005% for both specs.  It had an impressive signal to noise ratio for the phono section of 96 db.  Like other upper end integrated amps built by Pioneer in the late seventies, it featured a beautiful blue fluorescent display in place of power meters like those used on the top of the line SPEC amps.  Price for the SA-8800 was $550.00.  It was also offered in 1980.

SA-9100  

The SA-9100 was introduced by Pioneer in 1973 and was offered again in 1974.  It was Pioneer's top of the line in integrated amplifiers.  Factory specs list 65 watts per channel in 1973 and 60 watts per channel in '74.  It had an extremely broad frequency response of 7 to 80,000 Hz.   Price was just under $400 in '73 but rose to $450 in '74.

Pioneer introduced the "business class" SA-9500 integrated amplifier in 1975.  This amp was designed for serious audio applications in studios, as well as indoor and outdoor theater applications.  They were even used in concert settings.  A look at the photos tells why.  The SA-9500 was designed for heavy duty use with emphasis on ease of connections for other equipment and speakers.  And, of course, those "big kahuna" handles!  If an integrated amp could be macho, the SA-9500 fit the description.  It was conservatively rated at 80 watts per channel, but had no problem driving any kind of speakers at very loud volume.  It weighed 38 pounds and listed for just under $500.  Many buyers thought it a bargain.

SA-9500 II

This integrated amp hit the market in 1977.  It had all the connector jacks in their traditional place at the back of the amp;  the 9500 had them along the sides.  It was rated at 80 watts per channel.  The 1978 model had dramatically improved THD and IMD figures and other specification improvements, but no increase in its $450 list price.

The SA-9800 was Pioneer's most powerful integrated amp of 1979 when it was introduced, rated at 100 watts per channel.  It also featured the blue fluorescent readout and woodgrain cabinet.  It was the most expensive integ amp Pioneer had ever built as well, with a list price of $750.  That rose to nearly $800 for 1980. 

SA-9900

  The SA-9900 was brought out in 1975 as a more powerful version of the SA-9500.  It had significantly more power with 110 watts per channel but retained the same appearance and features.  The SA-9900 was offered again in 1976.  List price was $750.00.   For more photos of this great amplifier, go to: