1976 Pioneer SA5300 amp

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I really expected no difference - because, with that sort of thing, I never do.
However, I swear the sound was different (and better)*

It's a difficult one to dismiss when no change is expected, and credit for mentioning it!

 

[Gray]

It's a difficult one to dismiss when no change is expected, and credit for mentioning it!

As a Spendor owner, you'll probably agree....it's hard to believe that Spendor once fitted spring clip terminals to a model.

(For the record it was the 'Prelude' which used the same drivers as their superior(?) SA2, but was otherwise built down to a £200 price - which was more than enough for me).

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

As a Spendor owner, you'll probably agree....it's hard to believe that Spendor once fitted spring clip terminals to a model.

Given that they haven't tended to produce cheap stuff, absolutely. I was a bit surprised mine are single-wired too, as bi-amping is out of the equation. Don't think I'm going to try to rectify that myself, though!

 

[nopiano]

As a Spendor owner, you'll probably agree....it's hard to believe that Spendor once fitted spring clip terminals to a model.

(For the record it was the 'Prelude' which used the same drivers as their superior(?) SA2, but was otherwise built down to a £200 price - which was more than enough for me).

A bit off topic, but all manufacturers had to consider what they could reliably source. Just as they do today. So compromise is the order of the day, and they can’t or don’t want to engage in cabinet rework each time a fresh design of connector comes into the stock room!

 

[AJM1981]

Update: a few weeks ago the initial distortion, when having a cold start got a bit worse and sustaining a bit longer.

So I decided to send it to a specialist for a price indication and revision. Good time to change the power on indicator light as well. It will take some time because getting the parts seems to be a bit more challenging compared to other years.

So, I might be miss it for a couple of weeks or months but since it is a hobby project and not in active use, it is fine 🙂

 

[AJM1981]

You should bother 😉
You can't have a nice looking amp like that with no working power indicator.
(As you were up to contact cleaning you must be up to sorting that out too).

According to the service manual, it's an 8volt, 50 milliamp filament bulb.
If you're bothered (make sure you are 👍) AND TRUST YOURSELF TO AVOID LIVE MAINS get a multimeter and look for a low AC voltage on the bulb holder.
If it's there, you just need a new bulb - if you can't find an 8v bulb, go higher rather than lower.
(An LED replacement would be better - but you'd need a type with built-in rectification to cater for the AC).

Yep, finally 🙂

Amp came back in much better technical shape.

summary of everything since I got it
-cleaned it up
- Fresh black coating has been applied to the top cover.
- changed the binding posts to modern ones
- added jumpers to the binding posts. Speaker 1 or 2 provide 4 ohm each, Speaker 1&2 together is 8 ohm.
- technical revision solved the crackling noise
- indicator light now works.

 

[Gray]

View attachment 4553

Yep, finally 🙂
- indicator light now works.

That's the highLIGHT
Excellent 👍

 

[AJM1981]

That's the highLIGHT
Excellent 👍

life's complete 😉

Without any doubt, based on what they're offering online, I would bet this SA5300 is currently one of the most complete 'as good as new' versions of the amp around. Not that bad for a "saved from the bin" amp.

 

[plastic penguin]

life's complete 😉

Without any doubt, based on what they're offering online, I would bet this SA5300 is currently one of the most complete 'as good as new' versions of the amp around. Not that bad for a "saved from the bin" amp.

Pleased you are finally enjoying your new/old amp. Result.

I've always liked vintage Pioneer amplifiers.

 

[AJM1981]

I decided to get an Arylic pre-amp and give the SA5300 amp a permanent place in use being hooked up to the Denton 85th.

 

[Stuart83]

View attachment 3612
In use for a while. Hooked up to a pair of Diamond 11.2.

I made a little bridge between the speaker 1 and 2 connectors at the back in order to leave the speaker cable as it is.

Maybe I will go for a preamp that can match my small arylic A50+ amp in terms of functionality (sub out, streamer etc).

Whoa that's a lot of plants

 

[AJM1981]

Whoa that's a lot of plants

Yes, my wife's contribution haha

 

[AJM1981]

I came across a picture of the exact same model in a wooden enclosure. It would optically fit with the Denton 85 loudspeakers. Altough on second thought, that's up for debate. I prefer it without.

I see now that it is on sale for 280.

Given the SA5300 in general is currently valued between 80 and 190 pounds max, the wooden enclosure alone is worth a good 100 pounds.