The Technics SA-500 is a great mid-range receiver. Not only does it perform well but it has the looks to go with it. If you’re just getting into vintage audio this is a really good receiver to start off with. They made quite a few of them so prices are reasonable. It was manufactured from late 1978 to around 1980 and puts out about 55 watts per channel. The suggested retail price at the time was $430.00.
A precursor of things to come, the SA-500’s Power Level meter is LED which you can turn on or off via the Power Display button. The signal and tuning strength meters are analog.
The balanced layout of the knobs and switches along with the white dial face make the Technics SA-500 a clean and sophisticated looking unit. The knobs are done nicely with a brushed aluminum top and sides with a polished accent line along the outer top edge. Technics also produced an SA-500A which has a black face.
If you find a used SA-500, some or all of the lamps will most likely be out. It’s worth it to replace them with new lamps because the SA-500 looks fantastic when lit up in a dark room. It uses 6.3 V 250 mA bulbs and they’re easy to replace. The equivalent LED bulb is a BA9S.
Another nice feature of the Technics SA-500 is the sliding top. The wood top panel has two small brackets that hold it in place. Once the two screws are removed the top slides off allowing access to the inside.
As I mentioned above the Technics SA-500 is a great receiver for the beginning audio enthusiast. It’s actually a great receiver for anybody. Search the net and you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone that dislikes this receiver and it’s brethren the SA-200, SA-300, SA-400, SA-700 and of course the monster SA-1000. The SA-500 fall in the middle and perfectly combines performance with aesthetics.
Hi, I found the details provided for Technics receivers quite informative. However, I have one question. What is the main difference between SA-400 and SA-500 generally. I bided for SA-400 but could not win in the last minute so thinking about biding for SA-500. I live in Canada and all such vintage are mostly in USA so getting them across the border is lots of money to spent….. I had an SA-200 and 300 but are not functioning well due to their ICs. I will appreciate your honest information and comments.
Thanks.
There are some minor differences that I know of. First, I believe the SA-500 is 55 watts per channel and the SA-400 45 watts per channel. The SA-500 also has an LED power meter which the SA-400 does not have. Both have harmonic distortion at 0.04% as well as a similar damping factor and signal to noise ratio. So, not too much of a difference between the two. If the price isn’t much higher I’d buy the SA-500.
So I think it’s only 42.9 wpc up there.
A mais importante diferença entre SA 400 e SA500 é que o SA500 utiliza transistores na saída de potência enquanto o SA400 utiliza integrado tipo STK.
The most important difference between SA 400 and SA500 is that the SA500 uses transistors at the power output while the SA400 uses integrated STK type.
Hey what kind of fuses do you get for the back I’m having trouble finding the right one
GSA 5AMP
What about the Technics SA-600 Receiver? I own one and have been using it since the 1970s. It looks much like the SA-500 what is the difference?
My SA-5360 Had more punch than my SA-500. However, the SA-500 is still a great receiver. My Pioneer SX 820 is the best of all. Pioneer SX 820 has more punch and always a treat to put on. My Sears Amp AM-4658 is always a treat to turn on also. I got a great deal on my SA-500 ( $40.00 ) Took 2 days to clean off nicotine and the switches were bad. After using over 1 tin of contact cleaner. I took to my mechanics shop and with air hose used contact spray again then used brake cleaner in switches blew out then again contact spray. Now it is like it came out of the box.
Hi, I have the Technics SA500, original owner lol. It’s in great condition. What moderately priced modern speakers can I use with it. I have old huge speakers that I want to replace, not even sure what brand they are, I have to look. Embarrassed to say they have to be from the 70’s. The last time I tried them was a few months ago but they take up so much room I really need to replace them. Thanks for any help!
Good information, but nothing on the 500-A, black face. I can use any and all information that someone may have.
I have a black faced one, what is it you need to know?
I want to know how much you want for it…lol
Estou com um SA500 está faltando os fuziveis na parte de trás, liga normalmente, mas não sai o som nas caixas. Pode ser a falta dos fuziveis ou será outro componente?
Very helpful information. I have an old Technics SA500 receiver, original owner. What moderately priced modern speakers would pair well with this receiver? Thank you.
Sony SSCS5 SPEAKER i have a Technics SA-500 with these speakers and sounds great ! bought open box form best buy for $149.99 CAD ! So good luck Amazon.ca for $278 CAD
Technics SB-T200, SB-T300
Cerwin Vega VS-80, VS-100, RE-20, RE-25.
I’ve not owned the T-500, but have had (2) Dynaco & one Carver amps with the Top Hat trans like this model of Technics. They sound better than any I’ve ever owned including Tubes. I wore out all of my mine, the closest I have now is the Nad receiver 7125 w/a AR 12in pwr sub & Polk Mon 7’s. I am a audiofile of 50 yrs, Technics Recs are hidden gems like Scott/Sherwood/Altec/ when Marantz/Pioneer/Fisher took all the glory of the 70’s. Thanks for letting me vent and give a good a good report.
I have a black face SA-500A technics receiver, this is the only board I’ve found to reference it. Any info on the 500A would be great.