Pioneer SX-3800 – The warmth you’re craving!

There are countless theories — from appearance to nostalgia — about why so many people prefer the sound of vintage audio gear to modern designs. But I’ve always thought the answer was obvious: many listeners prefer the warmer, richer sound of 70s gear, even if it lacks the extended highs or lower distortion of modern gear. In fact, higher levels of second harmonic distortion may be part of the appeal. Put simply, 70s gear may not measure better, but for whateve reason it often sounds better to the human ear. That has been my experience, and I know many others agree.

If you are in this camp (and have been disappointed by products that received high marks from Audio Science Review), then I strongly recommend you get your hands on a Pioneer SX-3800 (or the closely similar but more powerful SX-3900). I’d put this receiver in the same category as my Harmon Kardon 430 and Marantz 2265: once you turn it on and start listening, it’s very difficult to stop because the sound is like a warm blanket that engulfs you and holds you tight. It also has the benefit of being gorgeous, with a classic silver face and blue LEDs. In short, the SX-3800 is the whole package if your looking for a lush vintage receiver.

This receiver, and its more powerful sibling, are fairly difficult to find in good condition, but don’t settle for one of the lesser models in the SX range, which don’t share their non-switching amplifier (NSA) circuit. I don’t profess to fully understand the NSA design, but Pioneer claims it controls the output transistor bias at a high speed in accordance with the level of the output signal. This is intended to prevent the output transistors from entering cut-off mode and helps eliminate higher harmonic distortion. As a result, the SX-3800 claims to deliver a continuous power output of 60 watts per channel into an 8 ohms load from 20 to 20 kHz with no more than 0.005% total harmonic distortion.

I did not confirm the claimed power or distortion levels, but I can say that SX-3800’s NSA implentation delivers an incredibly warm, rich, and textured sound, commiserate with what I’d expect from a high-end receiver from this era.

I played all the unusual suspects through this receiver, from Sarah Bareilles to the Talking Heads to Grant Green and Kenny Burrell, and it never disappointed. Each artist, regardless of genre, showcased the receiver’s impressive versatility. I was repeatedly struck by the quality of the mid-range and upper bass, particularly when listening to classic rock and jazz, and the clarity and warmth made every genre shine.

I’m always hesitant to heap too much praise on any receiver, but if you’re looking for warmth and happen to see one of these pop up, jump on it. You won’t regret it.