PIONEER TX-9500 - High-End AM/FM Stereo Tuner - Pioneer's Golden Age (1975-1979)

The Pioneer TX-9500 is considered one of the best tuners ever built. Pioneer's flagship model when launched in 1975, this tuner represents the pinnacle of analog radio engineering from Pioneer's "Silver Face" era. It forms a perfect duo with the SA-9500 integrated amplifier from the same series.

On the outside, a sleek and elegant design with its characteristic illuminated dial and VU meters for signal strength and tuning. Inside, it's one of the most circuit-packed AM/FM tuners Pioneer ever built: dual-gate MOS-FETs and a 5-gang variable capacitor deliver exceptional FM sensitivity of 1.5 µV (IHF). The FM IF stage incorporates 7 integrated circuits with differential amplifiers, 4 ceramic filters (with 2 elements each), and a wide-band linear detector for 85 dB selectivity and a 1.0 dB capture ratio.

This tuner delivers near-CD quality sound according to many audiophiles: crisp highs, punchy lows, and smooth mids.

This unit is in very good condition, works perfectly, and all lamps are functional - a crucial point on these vintage tuners where dial illumination is an integral part of the unit's charm.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Analog AM/FM stereo tuner
• Manufacturer: Pioneer (Japan)
• Model: TX-9500
• Production period: 1975-1979
• Bands: FM, AM (MW)
• FM sensitivity: 1.5 µV (IHF)
• AM sensitivity: 300 µV
• FM signal-to-noise ratio: 75 dB (stereo)
• AM signal-to-noise ratio: 50 dB
• FM harmonic distortion: 0.2% (1 kHz) / 0.5% (specification)
• FM selectivity: 85 dB
• AM selectivity: 40 dB
• Capture ratio: 1.0 dB
• FM frequency response: 20 Hz - 15 kHz
• Output: 650 mV (fixed and variable)
• Semiconductors: 3 FETs, 11 ICs, 34 transistors, 23 diodes
• Antenna inputs: 75Ω and 300Ω FM, rotatable AM antenna
• Outputs: Fixed line, variable line, 4-channel MPX output
• FM de-emphasis switch
• Switchable MPX filter and muting level
• Stereo indicator
• Dimensions: 420 x 150 x 365 mm
• Weight: 9.1 kg
• All lamps functional
• Condition: Very good, works perfectly
• Cosmetic condition: Strictly as shown in photos!