Pioneer SX-980 Stereo Receiver

Custom Black Face – Professionally Restored – 1-Year Warranty

1/ About This Unit

Up for sale is a professionally restored Pioneer SX-980 AM/FM stereo receiver, one of Pioneer's substantial late-1970s receivers, rated at 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

This unit features a distinctive custom black faceplate finish while retaining the original Pioneer control layout, meters, switches, and receiver functions.

The black faceplate is a custom cosmetic finish and is not being represented as a factory-original black-face version. The receiver has been serviced, tested, and cosmetically detailed by HQaudios for dependable use in a properly matched vintage audio system.

2/ Key Highlights

• Pioneer SX-980 AM/FM stereo receiver
• Custom black faceplate finish with original control layout retained
• 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms
• Multi-Voltage Power: AC 110V / 120V / 220V / 240V, 50/60Hz
• Multi-Voltage Power: AC 110V / 120V / 220V / 240V selectable, 50/60Hz
• Direct-coupled power amplifier design
• Dual tape-monitor and tape-duplicate capability
• Separable preamplifier / power-amplifier connections
• Dual power meters and dedicated tuning meter
• Speaker A, Speaker B, or A+B operation
• Professionally restored and serviced by HQaudios
• Model-specific functions tested under real operating conditions
• 1-Year HQaudios Technical Warranty

3/ Professional Restoration & Testing

Before Restoration

When this Pioneer SX-980 arrived at HQaudios, we inspected its mechanical, electrical, operational, and cosmetic condition.

• Power supply and amplifier stages inspected
• Protection circuitry checked
• Preamplifier and tuner sections inspected
• Controls, switches, speaker terminals, and RCA connections checked
• Meters and illumination inspected
• Internal wiring and signal-path condition reviewed

During Restoration

Based on the inspection results, this SX-980 was restored according to HQaudios' technical standards while preserving the original Pioneer engineering and operating characteristics.

• Multiple specified electrolytic capacitors replaced as documented
• Documented OMRON 24V relay replaced
• Additional specified electronic components replaced as recorded in the service documentation
• Power supply, amplifier circuitry, protection system, tuner section, controls, switches, connectors, and signal path serviced as required
• Exterior professionally cleaned and detailed
• Custom black faceplate presentation completed while retaining the original Pioneer control layout and functions

After Restoration

After service, the receiver underwent comprehensive functional testing under real operating conditions.

• Amplifier output and channel balance checked
• AM/FM tuner reception and operation tested
• Protection circuitry verified
• Inputs, outputs, speaker outputs, controls, and switches tested
• Meters and illumination checked
• Extended listening test performed for sound quality and operational stability

Only after completing our final functional and listening checks was this Pioneer SX-980 approved by HQaudios and prepared for its next owner.

4/ Sound Character

The Pioneer SX-980 delivers the substantial, full-bodied presentation associated with Pioneer's larger late-1970s receivers. Its direct-coupled amplifier section provides strong bass authority, solid dynamic control, a clear midrange, and an engaging overall balance. It is well suited to rock, jazz, blues, vocals, classical recordings, and traditional two-channel vinyl-based systems.

5/ Cosmetic Condition

This unit presents in Excellent vintage cosmetic condition and features a distinctive custom black faceplate finish. The custom finish is not represented as a factory-original Pioneer black-face version.

• Faceplate / Front Panel: Custom black finish with the original Pioneer control layout, lettering, meters, switches, and functions retained.
• Knobs / Controls / Switches: Complete and well presented, with light age-related wear consistent with vintage use.
• Wood Cabinet: Presents well overall with light signs of age and previous use.
• Dial Glass / Meters / Illumination: Large tuning display and dual power meters remain visually prominent and were inspected during service.
• Rear Panel / Connections: Original rear-panel layout and speaker connections retained.

Please review all listing photos carefully, as they show the actual unit and form an important part of the cosmetic description.

6/ Specifications

• Brand: Pioneer
• Model: SX-980
• Type: AM/FM Stereo Receiver
• Power Output: 80 WPC into 8 Ohms / 100 WPC into 4 Ohms
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz
• Tuner: Built-In FM / AM Analog Tuner
• Inputs: Phono 1, Phono 2, Microphone, AUX, Tape Play 1, Tape Play 2, DIN, Power Amp In
• Speaker Outputs: A / B / A+B
• Speaker Load: 4 Ohms minimum for one speaker system; 8 Ohms or higher per system when using A+B
• Faceplate: Custom Black Faceplate
• Power Requirement: AC 110V / 120V / 220V / 240V Selectable, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: 290 Watts (Rated) / 810 Watts (Maximum)
• Dimensions: Approx. 20.71 W × 6.93 H × 17.32 D in (526 × 176 × 440 mm)
• Weight: Approx. 41.4 lbs / 18.8 kg
• Condition: Professionally Restored / Serviced / Tested
• Warranty: 1-Year HQaudios Warranty

7/ Power & Voltage

The rear-panel label confirms that this SX-980 is a multi-voltage model with selectable AC 110V / 120V / 220V / 240V, 50/60Hz operation. Rated power consumption is 290 watts.

For U.S. use: the selector should be set and verified at 120V before operation. Always confirm the rear voltage selector before connecting the receiver to AC power.

8/ Multi-Voltage Power

The rear panel of this exact Pioneer SX-980 is marked for AC 110V / 120V / 220V / 240V selectable operation, 50/60Hz, with a rated power consumption of 810 watts.

For U.S. use, the receiver can be configured for 120V / 60Hz before shipment. Buyers outside the United States should verify their local mains voltage and confirm the selector setting before powering the unit on.

9/ Video Demo & Additional Photos

Contact HQaudios for availability of an operational video, sound demonstration, or additional close-up photos of this exact unit.

10/ Suggested Pairing

The Pioneer SX-980 works well with a wide range of quality vintage speakers, including efficient 8-ohm designs from JBL, Pioneer, Klipsch, Advent, and other classic brands.

Looking to build a complete system? Contact HQaudios for compatible speakers, turntables, cassette decks, reel-to-reel decks, and package pricing when purchasing multiple items.

11/ What's Included

This sale includes one Pioneer SX-980 stereo receiver as shown in the listing photos.

Professional Packing & Shipping

This receiver weighs approximately 41.4 lbs and will be professionally packed with appropriate cushioning and reinforcement around the custom faceplate, knobs, meters, wood cabinet, chassis corners, and rear connections to help ensure safe delivery.

12/ 1-Year HQaudios Technical Warranty

We stand behind the vintage audio equipment we restore and sell. This receiver is backed by our 1-Year HQaudios Technical Warranty for qualifying electronic and functional issues under normal home use.

We also provide ongoing technical support for setup, speaker matching, turntable connection, tape operation, and general use.

Professionally Restored by HQaudios – Fully Tested – Backed by Our 1-Year Warranty.