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SX-1050
SX-1050 back
SX-1080
SX-1080 Interior
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The SX-1050 was
introduced in 1976, right beneath the top-of-the-line SX-1250. It
reflected Pioneer's new styling of matching the silver analog tuning dial with
the brushed aluminum front panel. It was capable of
pumping out 120 watts per channel. Like the SX-1250 it was beautifully finished in
walnut veneers and solid walnut trim. It had a list price of $700.00
and tipped the scales at just over 51 pounds.
Like its more powerful and expensive big
brother, the SX-1050's beauty was more than
skin-deep. The SX-1050 featured a hefty
toroidal transformer and two massive capacitors. However, Pioneer
did not center the transformer, but placed it to the left of the component
bay in the back, as can be seen in the photos. Having less
requirement for heat dissipation than the SX-1250, the SX-1050 did not get
the massive wrap-around heatsinks used on Pioneer's top-of-the-line
receiver. The SX-1050 measured 20.75 inches wide, 18.00 inches deep, and
6.75 inches high. It was available again in 1977.
In 1978, Pioneer brought out the SX-1080. This receiver
was also rated at 120 watts per channel. There were other specification improvements as well.
Total harmonic distortion was reduced from 0.100 % (SX-1050) to 0.05 %, as
just one example. Intermodulation distortion was also reduced.
Cosmetically, the greatest change was to
the stereo reception and power meters. There were now two power
meters, one for each channel, as well as the stereo signal and tuning
meters. The meter faces were changed from a white
face with black characters to a black face with white characters.
This made it easier to read the meters. The
toggle switches and push buttons were also changed slightly, but you have
to compare the two receivers side by side to catch it.
The price of the SX-1050 remained at $700
for 1977. There was no price increase for the SX-1080 when it came
out in 1978, but price finally rose in 1979 to $750.
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