Pioneer: SX-434

There is a wide range of Pioneer stereo receivers to satisfy the needs and demands of virtually every audio fan. One of the latest, the SX-434, is specifically designed for those who insist on low distortion but who feel that paying for power they don't need is wasteful. The SX-434 has more than enough power, yet is priced to appeal to budget-conscious music lovers. Its FM section provides an excellent 1,9 µV sensitivity (IHF), a capture ratio of 1,0 dB (IHF) selectivity of 60 dB (IHF), and superb stereo separation of more than 30 dB over a 50 to 10,000 Hz range. Advanced electronic circuitry throughout includes a low-noise FET and a frequency-linear 3-gang variable capacitor in the FM front end, exclusive IC and phase-linear ceramic filters in the FM IF section and more. The phono equalizer in the SX-434 is high-fidelity all the way, with RIAA equalization of less than ±1 dB deviation. The power amplifier circuitry is the pure complementary direct-coupled OCL type with wide response and power bandwidth. The SX-434 produces 15 W + 15 W continuous RMS power (both channels driven at 8 Ω) with harmonic distrotion of less than 0,8% over 40 to 20,000 Hz bandwidth. This is enough to drive two pairs of stereo speaker systems individually or simultaneously.

The Pioneer SX-434 features top-class FM capabilities. The low-noise FET and frequency linear 3-gang variable capacitor in the FM front end contribute to the excellent sensitivity of 1,9 µV (IHF). Improved image and spurious rejection characteristics and a high signal-t-noise ratio in performance.

FM IF Section with IC and Ceramic Filters

State-of -the -art. Techniques are also employed in the FM IF amplifier of the SX-434. phase-linear caermic filters and an advanced IC afford a high selectivity of 60 dB (IHF) and a capture ratio of 1,0 dB (IHF), figures you'd expect from a tuner or receiver in a higher price category.

FM Muting Switch

Annoying inter-station noise can be cancelled during tuning by the handy FM muting switch.

Exclusive IC-Equipped AM Section

Maximum fidelity and noise-free listening can be enjoyed in the AM band with the IC-equipped AM section of exclusive Pioneer design.

RMS Continuous Power 15 x 2

The pure-complementary direct-coupled OCL design of the power amplifier section in the SX-434 assures wide frequency response wide power bandwidth and satisfactorily low distrotion. Continuous RMS power over the 40 to 20,000 Hz frequency bandwidth (measured with both channel driven into 8 ohms loads) is a stable 15 W + 15 W with less than 0,8% harmonic distortion.

With its ample power provisions, the SX-434 drives up to two independent pairs of stereo speaker systems, one pair at atime or both together. Ideal for powering those remote speaker.

Precise RIAA Equalization

The two-stage direct-coupled NF (Negative Feedback) design of the phono equalizer in the SX-434 enables audio reproduction of records within ±1 dB deviation from the RIAA characteristic curve.

Click-Stop Tone Controls

The bass and Treble tone controls are the click-stop type for convenience in adjustment.

Other Features

The control capabilities of the SX-434 are ideal for the average hi-fi set-up; it handles a turntable, tape deck, microphone, Aux and has an output jack for stereo headphone. The provided loudness contour switch enhances frequency response at low-volume levels.

 

Specifications

Amplifier Section

Continuous Power Output

20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (both channel driven) :  12 watts + 12 watts at 8 Ω

40 Hz to 20,000 Hz (both channel drivem) : 15 watts +15 watts  at 8 Ω and 4 Ω

1 kHz (both channel drivem) : 16 watts +16 watts  at 8 Ω;  18 watts +18 watts  at 4 Ω

Harmonic Distortion: 

Continuous  power output :  less than 0,8%

1 W +1 W, power output:  less than 0,1%

Intermodulation Distortion:

Continuous  power output :  less than 0,8%

1 W +1 W, power output:  less than 0,1%

Power Bandwidth (IHF, both channel driven) :  10 Hz to 70,000 Hz (T.H.D. 0,8%)

Output

Speaker:  A, B, A + B (4 to 16 ohms)

Headphone :  4 to 16 ohms

Damping Factor:  more than 25 (1 kHz, 8 0hm)

Residual Hum and Noise:  less than 0,5 mV (8 Ω, pre & power amplifier)

Input Sensitivity/Impedance:

Phono :  2,5 mV/50 k Ω

Phono Overload Level (RMS/P-P) :  100 mV/280 mV

MIC :  10 mV/90 k Ω

AUX :  150 mV/80 k Ω

Tape PB :  150 mV/80 k Ω

Tape PB (DIN connector):  150 mV/80 k Ω

Output Level/Impedance:

Tape REC :  150 mV

Tape REC (DIN connector) :  30 mV/80 k Ω

Frequency Response

Phono (RIAA equalization) :  30 Hz to 15 kHz ±1 dB

Aux, Tape PB :  30 Hz to 25 kHz ±1 dB

Tone Control:

Bass :  +9 dB -8 dB at 100 Hz

Treble :  +5 dB -7 dB at 10 kHz

Loudness Contour :  +10 dB at 100 Hz ; +6 dB at 10 kHz

Hum and Noise (IHF, Short-Circuited A Network):

Phono :  more than 70 dB

MIC :  more than 65 dB

Tuner, AUX, Tape PB :  more than 90 dB

Fm Tuner Section

Usable Sensitivity (IHF):  1,9 µV

Capture Ratio (IHF): 1,0 dB

Selectivity (IHF):  60 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  70 dB

Image rejection:  60 dB (98 MHz)

IF Rejection:  90 dB (98 MHz)

Spurious Rejection:  75 dB

Am Suppression:  50 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

Mono :  less than 0,2 %

Stereo :  less than 0,4 %

Frequency Response

20 Hz to 15 kHz, +0,2 dB, -2,0 dB

50 Hz to 10 kHz +0,2 dB, -0,5 dB

Stereo Separation:

More than 40 dB at 1 kHz

More than 30 dB from 50 Hz to 10 kHz

Sub Carrier Suppression:  40 dB

Antenna Input:   300 Ω balanced and 75 Ω unbalanced

Muting:  On-Off

AM Tuner Section

Sensitivty:  300 µV/m (IHF, ferrite antenna); 15 µV (IHF, ext. Antenna)

Selectivity:  35 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  50 dB

Image Rejection:  40 dB

IF Rejection:  50 dB

Semiconductors:  27 Transistors; 1 FET; 3 Ics; 13 Diodes

Miscellaneous

Power:

Requirements:  110/ 120/ 130/ 220/ 240 V 50/60 Hz

Consumption:  75 watts / 110 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 140 x 347 mm (16-15/16' x 5-1/2' x 13-21/32")

Weight (net):   8,1 kg (17 lb 14 oz)