This giant Technics SA-1000 receiver is one of the rarer monster receivers. You don’t see them come up for sale very often. And, while they may not be as popular as Marantz or Pioneer they still bring big bucks on the auction market. They were produced from 1977 to 1979 at the height of the receiver wars when every manufacturer was trying to outdo the rest.
The SA-1000 probably isn’t the best styled receiver from the late 70’s but it does look nice and has the distinctive Technics / Panasonic look of the time. What really got people’s attention was the performance. Are you ready for these stats? The SA-1000 put out 330 watts per channel! That’s far more then most other receivers on the market at the time. It did this with less than 0.03% total harmonic distortion. It also cost $1800.00 which, back in the 70’s, was a lot of money. And, you would need help getting it to your car as it weighs in at an astronomical 87 pounds!
It also featured:
- Triple push-pull, Darlington-connected, pure-complementary OCL power amplifier
- Four 18,000 uF filter capacitors
- 12 power-level LED’s per channel (24 total) with 3-step range selector
- SEPP phono output stage
- Phono overload of 300 mV (1 kHz, RMS)
- Switchable phono resistance and capacitance for matching cartridge characteristics
- Steep-slope (-12 dB/oct) high and low filters
- Baxandall-type bass/midrange/treble controls plus “Acoustic Control”
- Midrange control center frequency variable between 250 Hz and 5 kHz
- Two-way tape dubbing
- 26-position true attenuator volume control
- Three-fold circuit and speaker protection
- Automatic load impedance detector
- 8-gang variable tuning capacitor (5 for FM, 3 for AM)
- 4-pole MOS FET utilized in both RF and mixer stage
- Local oscillator with FET buffer amp
- 85 dB selectivity
- 19 and 38 kHz signal cancellors
- Phase locked loop IC in FM MPX section for wideband, stable stereo separation
- MPX hi-blend reduces noise on weak FM stereo signals
- Ratio detector minimizes FM distortion
- Main and remote speaker facilities
- Jacks for adding future 4-channel FM and stereo AM adaptors
- Pre-out/Main-in jacks.
The SA-1000 has a nice symmetrical layout inside with the big transformer in the middle flanked by caps on either side.
As I mentioned above the Technics SA-1000 rarely comes on the market. When they do they can sell very high prices. In May, 2023 one sold for $9,500.
Nice info. I have a non-working SA-1000 and hoping to find parts to fix it. Any suggestions? Any recommendations on repair techs in the Tampa area?
Where are you located. I know where working one is,cheap
Do you still know where one is cheap??
Thomas do you still know where that working one is for cheap?
i was wondering if you had any luck on your.i have same problem but plus i’m looking for a a couple of small items.
Anyway i thought you had some luck…but i’m from vancouver,wa.
mike fuller
Hey, Bob at Action Electronics just did a wonderful job rebuilding my 1981 Technics sa-828 It sounds amazing(again). Action is in Williamsburg Virginia at 757-229-1880. He’s been at this location doing repairs since 1972. Very good, experienced, and passionate about it. peace.
Oh, and I’m bringing him a couple more. A classic Sony and a Panasonic. I can’t wait!
correction:
I have a Technics SA 1000 for parts.
email: 33mailx@gmail.com
Do you want to sell it ? David
Technic SA1000 is a mother receiver.. and it outweigh most of the modern receiver.
NO Doubt about it !!! The SA-1000 is a stunning unit, I can recall dreaming of owning one the late ’70’s !!! The Marantz 2325 is my currently pursued item, finding them occasionally but the Price is Astronomical.
I got one for 100 bucks a few years back, I sold that,anyways a friend gave me one and was my first 2325 Marantz, loved that unit, restored many Marantz since then, had19 total, even 2 2600 units, in 2018 sold them all, maybe someday I’ll start again, too much other things going on to work on them, but if some one needed help repairing them I know a lot about them, Tech for over 45 years
Yo tengo un sa1000 technics necesita botĆ³n de volumen
Buenas leonardo quisiera saber si toda via vendes el technics sa 1000
Podria vender como refacciĆ³n o si alguien l podrĆa reparar
Hola Leonardo.
Me interesa como refacciĆ³n.
ComunĆcate,
b55bpf@gmail.com
I have a SA 1000 working condition, had it serviced and used a couple times but couldn’t find speakers to suit it ? At 330 watts it surely is a monster receiver. I would like to let it go but most people think I’m out of my mine when I asked $ 3500 ? It is in good condition a few minor scratches but all in all very good condition and works well. Right now my home unit is Sansui 8080 which is fine for my home which is not huge. My question is what is the best way to post for sale ?
Did you end up selling your unit? I also have a Technics SA-1000. Excellent cosmetic condition, but not working. I am looking for the best place to sell it, and want $2500. What are the options aside from Ebay?
Jason
Did you end up selling your SA1000? If not, you can PM me at Mthusiast@yahoo.com
Best,
Mark
I would like to buy your Technics SA 1000. Shoot me your info. David. C 615-585-0744.
do u still have the unit
Do you still have the Technics SA-1000 Amp ? David C 615-585-0744. Email scottusmcret@gmail.com
Hei Jeg er interessert i at mottakeren er i veldig god stand og i god stand jeg vil kjĆøpe Hvordan kontakte deg og hva er de ekstra defektene eller vedlikeholdet er utfĆørt og alt annet.
laimius.kurpauskas@gmail.com
Hi I am interested in the fact that the receiver is in very good condition and in good condition I want to buy. How to contact you and what are the additional defects or maintenance is carried out and everything else.
is it still for sale
contact me at 908-405-9984
Do you still have it? I will buy it for 3500.00 Send me photos. watchdog005@hotmail.com
How can the SA-1000 do 330w output when it only draws 640w from mains?
Different manufacturers have different standards of how they rate power consumption. Unlike pro amps, which have very specific and detailed ratings, it’s likely that the 640W input is not the max.
I have an SA-1000 that I’ve owned for seven years and use it along with a couple of other receivers from the era. It sounds great and I think the front face has a relatively understated simple look that uniquely contrasts with its overall size. It is definitely large and in charge. I am considering letting mine go because I just don’t use it as much anymore.
I just saw your post for the SA-1000, and was wondering what you might be asking, and where are u located. I have two sa-800s, not in use, but looking to upgrade. Also, any problems, either cosmetically or electronically? Thanks.
Hi Mike,
Sorry for the delayed reply.
Everything works on it. I had it professionally cleaned and evaluated about three years ago.
As far as price, I’m really not sure but I can say it won’t be a fire sale š.
Feel free to email me at familytruckster2008 at gmail dot com and we can talk.
Hello Peacemaker. Let me know if you still have the unit and how much you are asking. Send me a msg: aveers39@gmail.com. Thank you.
I have a Technics SA 800 in great condition I might part with. I bought it new at a Circuit City in the late 70s. I also have 4 HPM 60s I used with it that are not great looking (cabinets) but work fine ……… Not enuff for the 800 so I have a red line taped on the volume!
I have a Technics SA 800 in great condition I might part with. I bought it new at a Circuit City in the late 70s. I also have 4 HPM 60s I used with it that are not great looking (cabinets) but work fine ……… Not enuff for the 800 so I have a red line taped on the volume! wd248@aol.com
Iām in Spokane, WA 90208
Might be interested in the SA 800
Iām looking for a technics sa-1000. Anyone out there have one for sale at a reasonable price?