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
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.
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.
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.
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. Prices are all over the place. I recently saw one sell for $860.00 in mint working condition and with a black cabinet (Nov 2012). Another sold for $495.00 in good working condition but with some wear to the cabinet and faceplate. Compare these prices with those of the SX-1050, the silver faced version, which sells for anywhere from $300.00 to $600.00.
I have a Pioneer SX 5580 purchased while stationed in Europe around 1977
Would like to sell. Also have Nikko equalizer
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
How much, and where are you located at
Hola, considera mi intención de comprar el sx 5580. Soy de Argentina. Gracias.
Did you sell your receiver
I have a pioneer sx-5570 for sale. Black face reciever in excellent working condition.
Contact me by email for your pioneer SX-5570
For sale
Still for sale ? Send me your Contact info?
Thanks
How much and where are you located at?
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.
Anyone have a black face pioneer for sale?
Yes I do SX-5580 Pioneer Stereo Receiver
Hi Larry, are you selling your sx5580 and if so how much?
Hello! May I ask how much you’re asking? How do you feel about shopping to Canada?
Still have your receiver for sale
Looking for Black faced Pioneer receiver
I have a SX-5580 Pioneer Stereo receiver Black face never used it much
Hello ! I just posted this as a reply to the wrong post—feel free to email me with your price please. I hope living in Canada is not a deterrent ? Jwp6709@gmail.com
Hi Larry , How much ? I’m looking for a 5580 I’m in Boston
I have an sx-770 I would consider selling.
I have an black faced pioneer sx5580 for sale plz contact me at+17409783461 thanks ?? if anyone’s interested .. Names Angela
Do u still have the sx 5580
I have one, how much are they worth?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mike I have been looking for one of these, do you still have it. Please let me know. tLehmann77@gmail.com
I’ll wait for your answer thank you very much.
Still have receiver
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
still have this beast
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.
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.
Looking for a Pioneer SX-5570 or SX-5580.
askbob11@yahoo.com
Hi ! i have a SX5580 from collection very nice item want to sell it.