Opinion: Pioneer SX-780 vs Technics SU-V2

[Retorterous]

Anybody know anything about either of these amps? Be glad for some opinions!

Which of these two amps - Pioneer SX-780 or Technics SU-V2 - do people regard more highly?

[Feanor]

Anybody know anything about either of these amps? Be glad for some opinions!

Which of these two amps - Pioneer SX-780 or Technics SU-V2 - do people regard more highly?

Both of these are mid-range models, about 40-45 watts per channel. A little info can be found for them at these links ...

SX-780 (http://www.classic-audio.com/pioneer/sx0780.html)
SU-V2 (http://www.vintagetechnics.info/integrated.htm)The former, the Pioneer, is actually a receiver, i.e. has a tuner, and is slightly older than the Technics which is an integrated amp.

Which to choose is more a matter of the condition, functional and cosmetic, of the individual units than anything else; after that, the price. All equal, I would prefer the Pioneer.

[Retorterous]

Ah thanks.

Yes - i'm leaning towards the Pioneer myself. Both are in very good condition - but the Pioneer is immaculate. I've also read that 70s Pioneer SX models have a lovely warm sound with good bass performance. Also, thanks to a Darlington power pack, they sound a lot more powerful than 45 wpc. Encouragingly, I read that, apart from power output, the SX-780s sound is not much different from the top-of-the-line SX1980 (apparently the 780 mids aren't as prominant, but with the price difference, what do you expect).

I can't find much on the Technics, but what I can find is mixed. Some swear by it, while others were relieved once they changed amps. Personal preference plays a vital role obviously.

[blackraven]

I owned a 1970's SX receiver and Technics SU-7600 integrated amp which I still have.
I still love that Technics. It has a great clean sound and puts out more power than its rated 41wpc.

When buying these older electronics just remember to check and make sure all the knobs work well and that they don't have too much oxidation, especially the volume knobs which will manifest as static when you turn the knobs or loss of volume. They can be cleaned with tuner cleaner but the oxidation usually returns.

[budgetaudio76]

I owned a 1970's SX receiver and Technics SU-7600 integrated amp which I still have.
I still love that Technics. It has a great clean sound and puts out more power than its rated 41wpc.

When buying these older electronics just remember to check and make sure all the knobs work well and that they don't have too much oxidation, especially the volume knobs which will manifest as static when you turn the knobs or loss of volume. They can be cleaned with tuner cleaner but the oxidation usually returns.


hey thanks for this post ibought a marantz pm 325 from early 80s and i heard static when changing volume. as well as the right channel giving out but still plays when volume past halfway. i wonder why.

[blackraven]

BudgetAudio, buy some tuner cleaner from radioshack along with foam Qtips and take apart the unit and pull the knobs off. Spray the tuner cleaner into the control knob contacts and clean with the Qtips till all the grime and oxydation comes off. This should fix the problem but you may need to repeat it once or twice a year.

[Retorterous]

Both of these are mid-range models, about 40-45 watts per channel. A little info can be found for them at these links ...

SX-780 (http://www.classic-audio.com/pioneer/sx0780.html)
SU-V2 (http://www.vintagetechnics.info/integrated.htm)The former, the Pioneer, is actually a receiver, i.e. has a tuner, and is slightly older than the Technics which is an integrated amp.

Which to choose is more a matter of the condition, functional and cosmetic, of the individual units than anything else; after that, the price. All equal, I would prefer the Pioneer.


Leaning towards the Pioneer SX-780 but just came across a perfect condition Sansui G7500. These are rated at 90wpc so are obvioulsy more powerful than the 45wpc Sx-780, but do you know how do they sound - are they on par or better than the Pioneers?

[blackraven]

Man, I used to love all the 70's sansui receivers. I didnt have the money back then.. They made great stuff. What year is that receiver? I'd probably go with the Sansui gear.

[Retorterous]

Man, I used to love all the 70's sansui receivers. I didnt have the money back then.. They made great stuff. What year is that receiver? I'd probably go with the Sansui gear.

It was manufactured from 1978-81. I wanted it, but postage from the US was $195 to Australia. It went for US$212 - quite reasonable i thought.

http://www.classicaudio.com/value/san/index.html