I have been searching the forms on how to hook up my components below Properly and see many ways of doing this and is causing some confusion for me. I have vintage Pioneer units in good condition that I would like to enjoy. I am new to this and seek sound advice on how to hook all this stuff up.
I would like to start with a clean slate and get advice from you more experienced Pioneer Hifi folks. This is what I currently have - All Pioneer silver faced from 1975- 1979/80 era):
SA-7700 – Amp (walnut veneer)
TX- 6800 – Tuner (walnut veneer)
CT-F9191 – tape deck (walnut)
SG-9500 – Graphic Equalizer
SX-680 Receiver – walnut (was in family and would like to use somehow)
PL-514- Turntable
HPM- 60 Speakers
Everything listed above is in very good shape and I really do not want to mess anything up. I found this attached diagram from an SG-9500 user manual. Can anyone clarify the following as per diagram if I were to follow the hook up as follows:
Option #1 – Copy the diagram but the real to real pictured will be replaced with my CT-F9191 (Sx-680 is out)?
Option# 2- Copy diagram BUT replace the TX-6800 tuner on diagram and use my SX-680 as a tuner instead (looks nicer) - Is this possible to do?
Option # 3- Any other suggestions from Hifi community that incorporates the SX-680 receiver without damaging anything. I'm ok leaving the TX6800 if I have too.
I researched and see the SX680 is only 30WPC and the SA7700- Amp is 60 WPC matching the HPM60 speakers that are also rated for 60 watts.
I am currently running only the SX 680 to the CT tape, PL turntable and HPM speakers only as I don’t want to push that SX receiver to much and damage it from an over heat as she can get hot when you crank it up.
Can anyone provide me some safe options on how to hook all of the above up?
Thank you kindly!
Welcome to Audiokarma!
Your Option 1 will work fine if you connect the CT-F9191 deck just like the drawing shows, instead of the R2R, to the Tape 1 loop.
Your Option 2 will work if you connect the SX-680 Tape 2 Rec jacks to the SA-7700 Tuner inputs. Tape and Tuner connections are "Line Level" connections. When you select Tuner on the SA-7700 any of the inputs you select on the SX-680 (including FM, AM, Phono, Tape 1) will be fed to the SA-7700 Tuner input. The SX-680 Volume and Tone controls will have no effect on the signals going to the SA-7700 from the SX-680. In effect the SX-680 will be acting as an Input selector only. The SX-680 Tape 2 switch position will have no effect on the signal going to the SA-7700, but the Tape 2 connections will no longer be useful on the SX-680 for a Tape deck connection..
I’d just set up the amp and tuner up with the HPM’s, and then make a separate system for the SX680, and divide the turntable and tape deck and EQ amongst them as you see fit (or get some more stuff). The 680 would make a nice bedroom/office setup with an automatic turntable, a Bluetooth receiver, and some small bookshelves.
FWIW, you’re rarely using more than a couple watts continuously (as you can tell by the power meters), and HPM’s are efficient speakers, so you’re really not running into any risks using them with a 30 watt amp vs. a 60 watt one, unless you’re listen at deafening levels. In that case, the extra 30 watts will only provide an extra 3 decibels of volume, as sound is logarithmic and requires a doubling of output power to achieve +3dB at the same distance. Extra headroom is always nice, though
The real risk, though, is running them with old capacitors. Caps dry up after 20-30 years, causing the sound to get muddier and/or release the magic smoke, so it’s probably wisest to get the amps recapped to make sure they keep singing for another 30+ years.
Welcome to Audiokarma!
Your Option 1 will work fine if you connect the CT-F9191 deck just like the drawing shows, instead of the R2R, to the Tape 1 loop.
Your Option 2 will work if you connect the SX-680 Tape 2 Rec jacks to the SA-7700 Tuner inputs. Tape and Tuner connections are "Line Level" connections. When you select Tuner on the SA-7700 any of the inputs you select on the SX-680 (including FM, AM, Phono, Tape 1) will be fed to the SA-7700 Tuner input. The SX-680 Volume and Tone controls will have no effect on the signals going to the SA-7700 from the SX-680. In effect the SX-680 will be acting as an Input selector only. The SX-680 Tape 2 switch position will have no effect on the signal going to the SA-7700, but the Tape 2 connections will no longer be useful on the SX-680 for a Tape deck connection..
Sorry for the late reply. I will give that a shot. I obtained the original SA connection manual and will trace the path. Thx for your help!
I’d just set up the amp and tuner up with the HPM’s, and then make a separate system for the SX680, and divide the turntable and tape deck and EQ amongst them as you see fit (or get some more stuff). The 680 would make a nice bedroom/office setup with an automatic turntable, a Bluetooth receiver, and some small bookshelves.
FWIW, you’re rarely using more than a couple watts continuously (as you can tell by the power meters), and HPM’s are efficient speakers, so you’re really not running into any risks using them with a 30 watt amp vs. a 60 watt one, unless you’re listen at deafening levels. In that case, the extra 30 watts will only provide an extra 3 decibels of volume, as sound is logarithmic and requires a doubling of output power to achieve +3dB at the same distance. Extra headroom is always nice, though
The real risk, though, is running them with old capacitors. Caps dry up after 20-30 years, causing the sound to get muddier and/or release the magic smoke, so it’s probably wisest to get the amps recapped to make sure they keep singing for another 30+ years.
Again thank you for the response. Regarding the caps all units above were serviced and refreshed with new caps etc. The only unit that probably hasn't but was given a look over and cleaned was the SX680. It was in family for years and it would be safe to assume that it wasn't all replaced. But i can say the SX looks brand new and works like a dream and in order. My fear (and lack of hifi knowledge) is I don't want to push the SX too much and have this in my head that I may cook it. When I play some told vinyl turn it up some- say volume 6 I can feel the back and top of unit getting hot- not sure if this is normal or not was my concern