[kstuart]

The Elite Audio Repair site says "all units must be insured for at least $1,000" which makes it sound like one need not bother if one's equipment is less valuable than that.
 
Elite might mean "units worth several thousand dollars"... but if you can go in person, you will at least save the $100-$150 in shipping cost.

 

[LugBug1]

jasonb, my honest opinion (as always would be to just enjoy it. You paid $40 and it sounds like you got one hell of a deal. If it breaks, get another... ~ What have you lost? Nothing. Because the sound quality of these golden oldies is well established and you'll soon get another great amp. 
 
My first vintage amp was the Pioneer SX550 (recapped) and I thought it was the best, simply the best! But I've since bought other amps that sound better... Including another Pioneer, and they were all cheaper.   
 
For what you may pay to get it serviced (which may only be checking the caps without changing them and spraying some oxit again.. Yes I can be cynical at times) you could buy another amp.  A stand- in, or it could be a better one! 

 

 

[jasonb]

The Elite Audio Repair site says "all units must be insured for at least $1,000" which makes it sound like one need not bother if one's equipment is less valuable than that.

Elite might mean "units worth several thousand dollars"... but if you can go in person, you will at least save the $100-$150 in shipping cost.

They are no more than a half hour away, so there would be no shipping.

 

[Silent One]

I'm with LugBug1 on this. One thing that makes commenting difficult is that I cannot know (but could learn) what that particular receiver means to you. That said, I'd enjoy it and get another at a later date. Potential gold may be lying in wait. 

 

[DemonFox]

Guys I need some more help.  So I'm debating between these models all Pioneer
 
SX-680
SX-750
SX-780
SX-850
SX-950
SX-980 
 
Not really that sure about all of them but I learn more and more each day. Trying to stay under $225 so I know the 850 and up will most likely be out of my range for now so the two I'm interested in the most would have to be the 750 and 780. Has anyone had both or at least heard both or know enough to steer me into the right direction. I'll be using them with a couple of pairs of headphones and some bookshelves I've had for quite a while. 
 
 
 
Thanks,
 
 

 

[DefQon]

Look's pretty. 
 

 

[Skylab]

Guys I need some more help.  So I'm debating between these models all Pioneer

SX-680
SX-750
SX-780
SX-850

SX-950
SX-980 

Not really that sure about all of them but I learn more and more each day. Trying to stay under $225 so I know the 850 and up will most likely be out of my range for now so the two I'm interested in the most would have to be the 750 and 780. Has anyone had both or at least heard both or know enough to steer me into the right direction. I'll be using them with a couple of pairs of headphones and some bookshelves I've had for quite a while. 



Thanks,


:evil:

I have a nice 680 which is great for the size and price (was $75!). I have briefly owned the 780 and the 980. The 980 is way above all of these others - if you can possibly afford it, the 980 would be the way to go.

But generally speaking, it's all about the condition of these. Buy one that looks clean and sounds clean, and you will be in good shape.

 

[MattTCG]

I have a nice 680 which is great for the size and price (was $75!). I have briefly owned the 780 and the 980. The 980 is way above all of these others - if you can possibly afford it, the 980 would be the way to go.

But generally speaking, it's all about the condition of these. Buy one that looks clean and sounds clean, and you will be in good shape.

 
So this is to say that you put the 980 or the 950?

 

[SpeakerBox]

Second the 680.  Had one for a while and regret letting it go.

 

[DemonFox]

Guys I need some more help.  So I'm debating between these models all Pioneer

SX-680
SX-750
SX-780
SX-850

SX-950
SX-980 

Not really that sure about all of them but I learn more and more each day. Trying to stay under $225 so I know the 850 and up will most likely be out of my range for now so the two I'm interested in the most would have to be the 750 and 780. Has anyone had both or at least heard both or know enough to steer me into the right direction. I'll be using them with a couple of pairs of headphones and some bookshelves I've had for quite a while. 



Thanks,


:evil:

I have a nice 680 which is great for the size and price (was $75!). I have briefly owned the 780 and the 980. The 980 is way above all of these others - if you can possibly afford it, the 980 would be the way to go.

But generally speaking, it's all about the condition of these. Buy one that looks clean and sounds clean, and you will be in good shape.

Ok great! Good to know! I've also had my eye in the Yamaha CR-8020 and CR-1020. I've got a nice local one that I can demo 8020 but there are some nicely priced Pioneers out there too. Like you said clean and fully functional is the way to go but this is my first step into vintage so I wanna do it right! Am I right in thinking that Pioneers are known for better sound or is that just fan talk I'm hearing?


Thanks,


:evil:

 

[SpeakerBox]

The sound of the Pioneers always sounded "cleaner" than most other receivers to me.  Big fan of Sherwood, though.

 

[Shaffer]

I apologize if this was already covered, how is the HP performance with an Advent receiver?

 

[Skylab]

So this is to say that you put the 980 or the 950?

I have never heard a 950. In fact the only SX-xx50 receiver I have ever owned is the SX-1250, which is of course awesome. The xx50 and xx80 series sound very similar to me, and I prefer the look of the xx80 series.

 

[DemonFox]

  The sound of the Pioneers always sounded "cleaner" than most other receivers to me.  Big fan of Sherwood, though.

 
The Yamaha's look good on paper with tons of power and great flexibility and features so of course that's attractive. But just want to make sure I get the right one. 

 

[Meewoo]

   
The Yamaha's look good on paper with tons of power and great flexibility and features so of course that's attractive. But just want to make sure I get the right one. 

 
There is no CR-8020, could it be CR-2020?
If it's CR-2020 and you can get it for $225 for good working and cosmetic condition. Go for it. If you don't like it, I am happy to buy from you.
 
BTW, are you only interested in receiver? For $225 budget, I think you can get Pioneer SA-8x00 integrated easily (at least on ePay). If you get luck, you may get SA-9x00.