Pioneer SX-1250 Stereo Receiver (1976)

Power. Precision. Perfection.

Released in 1976 with a $900 price tag, the Pioneer SX-1250 wasn’t just a flagship receiver — it was a declaration of what was possible during the golden age of hi-fi. It distilled everything Pioneer had learned about sound engineering into a single, breathtaking piece of equipment.

Design & Build

From its brushed aluminum faceplate and warm amber glow to its solid walnut cabinet, the SX-1250 radiates craftsmanship. Every tactile element — from the faceted knobs to the satisfying weight of each switch — speaks to an era when design and engineering worked hand in hand. Nearly fifty years later, it still commands attention.

Engineering Excellence

Built at the height of the 1970s “receiver wars,” the SX-1250 was Pioneer’s answer to Marantz and Sansui: 160 watts per channel of clean, distortion-free power (THD under 0.1%), driven by a direct-coupled DC amplifier. Its dual-mono power supply — complete with a 22-lb toroidal transformer and twin 22,000 µF capacitors — delivers outstanding channel separation, transient response, and long-term stability.

Massive heat sinks keep the system cool under load, while a smart protection circuit guards against startup surges — a forward-thinking touch that preserves both the unit and your speakers.

Performance & Features

• Power Output: 160 W per channel @ 8 Ω

• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB (phono), 90 dB (aux)

• FM Tuner: Dual-gate MOSFET front end with PLL decoder for superb selectivity and stereo separation

• Phono Stage: High overload capacity (500 mV) with ±0.2 dB RIAA accuracy

• Tone Controls: Independent bass (20 Hz), mid (1 kHz), and treble (20 kHz) ±10 dB

• Weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)

A Lasting Legacy

The SX-1250 wasn’t built to follow trends — it was built to define them. Its combination of raw power, refinement, and reliability made it a centerpiece for serious listeners in the 1970s, and today it remains one of the most collectible and respected receivers ever made.

For those who value warmth, presence, and timeless design, the Pioneer SX-1250 is not just vintage gear — it’s a piece of audio history.

*IN STORE PICKUP ONLY.  SHIPPING NOT AVAILABLE*