This is a very fine example of the Pioneer SA-9500 from 1976. There is one small scratch on the face which is shown in the photos, (Picture #3) outside of that this is a very nice amplifier. This amp does not have any rust on the sides by the RCA connections or by the speaker connections. This is commonly seen on this model. The restoration was quite intensive and thorough. It has been cleaned of all odors that are common on vintage equipment. All of the electrolytic capacitors have been replaced with Nichicon, Panasonic and Kemet capacitors. The capacitors I used were selected based upon the requirements of the circuit. Where space permitted, Wima film capacitors have been used for the smaller value capacitors. The two large filter capacitors were replaced with Chemi-Con capacitors. The power supply and protection boards were completely rebuilt. The protection relay has been replaced with a new unit from Omron. All transistors, resistors, capacitors and diodes were replaced that showed stress from exposure to heat. The output transistors were removed, tested and installed with new mica insulators and fresh thermal transfer compound. The potentiometers have been replaced with multiturn units form Bourns. All of the controls have been cleaned and lubricated. Following the restoration, the voltage was set per the service manual. DC offset and Bias was adjusted as well. The amplifier then went through several weeks of usage to ensure that there were no gremlins lurking about. The amp was then again checked for any drift in the DC-offset and Bias. No adjustments were needed as it held steady. This amplifier has very clean and powerful sound. It also has the ability to use 100, 220 and 240v by a simple adjustment. This amplifier will be double boxed to protect it during transit with plenty of padding on all sides. Thank you for taking time to look at my amplifier. This is a quite heavy amplifier and the packaging used to protect it is reflective in the shipping cost.

The following is from Pioneer's sales literature

Pioneer believes in music. And if you do, too, you'll find a faithful friend in the new SA-9500; one of the most musically minded pre/main stereo amplifiers we've engineered.

It combines massive stereo output power with a delicacy of transparency; a rare blend in these days of lots of power at any cost.

In other words, we haven't simply beefed up the power section at the expense of the tonal quality, frequency response or other aspects so important to the sound of a high fidelity component.

The Pioneer SA-9500 does deliver an unusually large continuous power output of 80 watts per channel, min RMS at 8 ohms from 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz with no more than 0.1% total harmonic distortion, but it also ensures that even when operated at low volumes the performance retains a crisp, sparkling clarity.

The dynamic response and reliability of the SA-9500 are matched with a flexibility of use you'll rarely find in this price range. Tone control versatility, for instance: both the bass and treble sections have 3-position turnover selection and there's a tone on/off switch for "flat" response at a touch.

The 2-step high and low filters, the extra convenient tape duplicating switching system, multiple input source selection, 2-system speaker switching and much more mean first-class handling.

We believe in music. And we're sure that if you do, too, you'll believe in the all-new SA-9500.

Specifications

• Power output: 80 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
• Frequency response: 7Hz to 40kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%
• Damping factor: 30
• Input sensitivity: 6mV (mic), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
• Signal to noise ratio: 65dB (mic), 70dB (MM), 90dB (line)
• Output: 150mV (line), 2V (Pre out)
• Semiconductors: 2 x FET, 54 x transistors, 26 x diodes
• Dimensions: 420 x 165 x 403mm
• Weight: 17.2kg (38lbs)
• Accessories: connecting cord, hex wrench, jack covers
• Year: 1976