Pioneer SX-5580

Pioneer SX-5580 Front

Wow, there’s something about the black faced receivers that makes them stand out. A few of the receiver manufacturers produced dark faced models during the mid to late 70’s.  Most were produced for the European market or for U.S. military base exchanges in Europe and Japan. Pioneer was one of the companies that did this. The “black” faced models were essentially the same as their silver faced brothers but had different model numbers. This Pioneer SX-5580 is the dark faced clone of the SX-1050 and was manufactured around 1976. Other matching models from Pioneer were:

  • SX-5530 – SX-535
  • SX-5560 – SX-750
  • SX-5570 – SX-950
  • SX-5580 – SX-1050
  • SX-5590 – SX-1250
  • SX-7730 – SX-737
  • SX-9930 – SX-939
Pioneer SX-5580 Left

This model also has a black cabinet though I’ve seen some with the standard wood cabinets as well. The SX-5580 puts out 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms with no more than 0.1% harmonic distortion. It weighs in at just over 51 pounds and is big (20 3/4″ x 6 13/16″ x 17 7/8″). As you can see here it also has two controls for bass and two controls for treble.  There is also a switch to bypass the tone controls when desired. Quite a step up from some receivers that only have one “tone” control knob.

Pioneer SX-5580 Right

Even the volume control on this receiver is impressive. It is a 32 step decibel calibrated attenuator and you can use the Muting switch to the right of the knob to reduce the volume quickly when changing tape or LP’s. The SX-5580 can handle three sets of speakers and also has two phono inputs.

Pioneer SX-5580 Back

As you can see the SX-5580 looks exactly the same as the SX-1050 on the inside. Same big round transformers. It’s a well engineered piece of equipment and was almost top of the line in its time. Of course, it just preceded the the receiver wars of the late 70’s when audio manufacturers were all trying to outdo each other with massive amounts of power output.

Pioneer SX-5580 Inside

Most black face receivers are hard to find.  The SX-5580 is no exception. It was most likely made only for the U.S. military post exchanges in Europe, especially West Germany, so not many were sold to the general public. Many collectors really like the look of these receivers as well which adds to the demand.

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35 thoughts on “Pioneer SX-5580

  1. I have a Pioneer SX 5580 purchased while stationed in Europe around 1977
    Would like to sell. Also have Nikko equalizer

    1. Hi Chuck , I just saw your post about the 5580 if you still have it I’ll take it ? I’m in Boston Big Al Thanks

  2. I’m interested in purchasing this Pioneer SX-5580 but need an honest evaluation of the condition that it’s in, and if everything is working properly. Do you also have the original box to ship it in?

    Thanks very much.

  3. I have an black faced pioneer sx5580 for sale plz contact me at+17409783461 thanks ?? if anyone’s interested .. Names Angela

        1. From about $500 to $800 depending upon condition. One sold for $760 in Nov 2019. Another sold for $550 plus $100 shipping in February of this year.

  4. I have a SX-1050 that is in excellent condition, this beast is too heavy and need someone to pick it up from my estate in CA.

  5. If you have a Pioneer sx 750, 950, 1050, 1250 1980, 5570, 5580, 5590 for sale please contact me. Text 803-569-0622 Thank you.

    1. Will;
      Hi, my name is Mike. I have a near mint Pioneer 5580 with walnut cabinet for sale. 100% operational. Modified w/light blue LED upgrade. $1,400 + Shipping/Insurance anywhere worldwide.

    2. Hello Will;
      I just did Text you concerning my sx5580 w/wood cabinet…$1,400 plus ship./Insur. your location. Please advise if still interested and if you can be reached at the listed phone number? If this goes through I’ll include my cell # for text/calls regards this offer? Please advise. Thank you. Michael Noonan (315) 341-4213

  6. I was fortunate to purchase my pioneer sx5580 at a swap meet in San Diego back in the 1990’s Payed $25.00. I’ve seen prices as high as &2,548.00 for this unit.

  7. Bought one of these for Eur. 500 from a friendly seller at Haaksbergen some 10 years ago. She was fixed, not restored however. A bill for the repair was included. looking great and a good investment, since prices for these have doubled in this period. Any old classic receiver will prove being a good investment though, even just a decent working unit.

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