Pioneer | Classic Receivers

Pioneer SX-3700 Front

From that slightly awkward time that lies between the fully analog and fully digital eras come the Pioneer SX-3700. It was 1980 and digital displays were just catching on and Pioneer sought to capitalize on the movement with its Fluroscan technology. The SX-3700 produces 45 watts per channel and incorporates a direct coupled amplifier design.

Pioneer SX-3700 Meter

There is a variant of the SX-3700 labelled the SX-820. Apparently it is a European version but has a black dial face and white Fluroscan. A couple other SX-3000 series receivers also had European variants in the SX-620, SX-720.

Pioneer SX-3700 Knob

The Fluroscan display shows the tuning for the AM or FM bands depending upon AM or FM selector button is pushed. The analog dial shows both FM and AM tuning as well. The power output meter is also a Fluroscan display. Pioneer utilized a 3 gang FM tuning capacitor and quartz servo lock technology to create a very good FM tuner section. The Fluroscan FM display is backed up by a quartz crystal oscillator that provides a stable time base so that the correct numbers will always be displayed for a given frequency selection. The display is also 5 digits as opposed to many other manufacturers that used only four digits. Pioneer referred to all of this as their P.D.Q. or Pioneer Digital/Quartz tuning technology.

Pioneer SX-3700 Inside

The SX-3700 was a mid range receiver and had bigger brothers in the SX-3800 and the SX-3900. But, those receivers had more complicated designs and are more difficult to work on than the SX-3700.

Pioneer SX-3700 Inputs

If you like the Fluroscan display then the Sx-3700 (or SX-3800, SX-3900 depending upon your budget) might be the way to go. They do look very nice in the dark and are a good representation of the technological shift from analog to digital. They are also very good performers and can be found for a price that is within most budgets. A fully serviced unit will sell for around $300 while the average working unit will sell for $150 to $200.

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Pioneer SX-580 Faceplate

This little Pioneer SX-580 was the bottom of the line from Pioneer around 1979. It only produces 20 watts per channel and has minimal features. Still, it’s a good little receiver for an entry level unit. It’s not going to be enough to power large speakers but for a garage or small room it could work well. I believe they retailed for about $250 when new.

Pioneer SX-580 Knobs

As you can see they have the stereotypical look of late 70’s Pioneer receivers with the silver face and white dial. Pioneer also produced the SX-590 which was essentially the same receiver only with a black dial face.

Pioneer SX-580 Dial

The SX-580is fairly small at 17.5″ x 12.5″ x 5.25″ and weighs in at just over 18 pounds. If you need a service manual you can find it at HiFiEngine.

Pioneer SX-580 Lamps

Looks good with the lights off and the dial lit doesn’t it? The white dial face and amber lighting give it a sophisticated look.

Pioneer SX-580 Inside

The Pioneer SX-580 came out just near the end of the hi fi boom in the late 1970’s. The build quality for these units was still good and their performance excellent. During the following years cost cutting measures resulted in lesser quality units.

Pioneer SX-580 Inputs

Purchasing an SX-580 isn’t going to break the bank. A lot of them were made and collectors tend to avoid entry level units so prices are pretty reasonable. If you just need a small receiver with a little power then the SX-580 might work for you. A nice and clean,m serviced unit will run about $150 with average working units running about $100.

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