Pioneer SR-9 Stereo Reverberation Amplifier (Made in Japan)
$245.00
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Pioneer SR-9 Stereo Reverberation Amplifier (Made in Japan)
Enhance your vintage audio system with this iconic 1982-83 Pioneer SR-9 Reverberation Amplifier. A staple of the silver-face separates era, the SR-9 adds spacious, room-filling reverb effects that transform ordinary music playback into a dimensional, lifelike listening experience. This very good conditioned unit has been tested and verified working, delivering smooth, responsive reverb across all modes.
The SR-9 features Pioneer’s signature Time/Depth LED display that visually pulses in sync with the reverb decay, creating both functional feedback and aesthetic appeal. Two distinct reverb modes—Echo (0-3 second adjustable decay) and Duet (creates a layered “chorus” effect)—offer creative sound design flexibility. Multiple operating modes (Reverb On, Reverb On-Record, and Bypass) allow you to process playback, create effect-laden recordings, or switch reverb completely out of the signal path. A dedicated unswitched AC outlet (100W max) on the rear accommodates another component without requiring additional cabling.
The amplifier connects via RCA inputs for Reverb and Playback sources, with corresponding Reverb and Recording outputs on the back panel. Input sensitivity is conservative at 150 mV, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources from turntables to tape decks. The SR-9’s frequency response spans 5 Hz to 70 kHz with negligible distortion (less than 0.05% THD), and signal-to-noise performance exceeds 90 dB—exceptional specs for analog reverb processing.
Specifications:
Type: Stereo Reverberation Amplifier
Reverb Time: 0–3 seconds (Echo mode), fast-chorus style (Duet mode)
Input Sensitivity: 150 mV
Output Level: 150 mV
Frequency Response: 5 Hz–70 kHz (at 0.05% THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ~90 dB
Power Consumption: 32 W
Connections: 2 x RCA Input pairs (Reverb, Playback), 2 x RCA Output pairs (Reverb, Recording), 1 x Unswitched AC outlet
Display: LED Time/Depth Display (illuminated, pulsating)
Dimensions: (Width x Height x Depth) 420 x 99 x 336 mm (16.5 x 3.9 x 13.2 inches)
Weight: 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
This Japanese-built reverb amplifier remains a favorite among vinyl enthusiasts and analog audio purists who appreciate genuine sonic ambience. The SR-9 has been tested and is ready to deliver years of reliable, spacious reverberation to your stereo rig.
Buy with confidence and benefit from Radique’s “Bumper to Bumper” warranty and Perpetual trade back policy; asking $245.
| Weight | 11.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.5 × 17.2 × 7.9 in |
Pioneer began in Tokyo in January 1938, when Nozomu Matsumoto set up shop around the A-8 speaker he had built the year before. By the late 1970s its SX receivers were at the heart of the hi-fi power race. We carry Pioneer stereo receivers and AV receivers, CD players, cassette decks, tuners and equalizers. We've had more than 240 Pioneer listings so far, covering 140 different models. Every used Pioneer here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
Pioneer is one of our two top-selling brands of vintage amps and receivers, along with Marantz. Our five best-selling Pioneer models so far: the SX-650, SX-750, SX-580, SX-780 and SX-680, all vintage stereo receivers from the 1976 and 1978 SX families. We also offer our custom cherry cabinets for these vintage Pioneers, hand-made from all-natural Ottawa Valley cherry, and we've upgraded dozens of Pioneers with them so far.
The Pioneer story, 1938 to today
Nozomu Matsumoto developed the A-8 speaker in 1937, and in January 1938 he set up Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho in Tokyo. "Pioneer" was first the name of that speaker. Some histories give 1936 in Osaka as the start, but Pioneer dates itself to January 1938 in Tokyo. The company was incorporated in 1947 and renamed Pioneer Electronic Corporation in 1961.
Stereo and the US. In 1962 Pioneer introduced the PSC-5A, which it calls the first stereo with separate speaker cabinets, and its first PL turntables. Pioneer Electronics U.S.A. was founded in New York in 1966.
The power race. After a 1974 US Federal Trade Commission rule tightened how amplifier power was rated, receiver makers competed on watts. Pioneer's SX-1250 of 1976 was rated at 160 watts per channel, and the SX-1980 of 1978 to 1980 at 270.
CD and Elite. The P-D1 of 1982 was Pioneer's first CD player, and Elite-branded components were on sale by 1985.
Today. Pioneer sold its home audio business to Onkyo in 2015, keeping its car and DJ businesses, and Pioneer-branded home theatre gear was later made under licence. In December 2025 CarUX, part of Taiwan's Innolux, completed its purchase of Pioneer Corporation, which now focuses on in-car products.
Which Pioneer is which?
Early-1970s SX receivers: models such as the SX-424 to SX-828, rated at about 15 to 50 watts per channel.
The 1976 "x50" SX receivers: from the SX-450 at 15 watts per channel up to the SX-1250 at 160. Our best-selling SX-650 and SX-750 come from this family.
The 1978 "x80" SX receivers: including the SX-580, SX-680 and SX-780 we sell most, up to the SX-1980 flagship with quartz-lock tuning, which weighs more than 35 kg.
Spec and Exclusive separates: higher-end amplifiers such as the Spec-1 preamplifier (1976 to 1980) and the Exclusive C3/M3 pair (1974).
Elite: Pioneer's upper line from the mid-1980s, for example the PD-9010X CD player.
PL turntables, CT cassette decks and CD players: PL turntables from 1962, such as the PL-12 and the linear-tracking PL-L1; CT decks such as the three-head CT-F1000; and CD players from the 1982 P-D1 to magazine-loading changers such as the PD-M6.
Buying used Pioneer: what to check
Controls and switches. Crackle when you turn a control or work a switch usually means dirt, and restorers clean every pot and switch.
Capacitors. Electrolytic capacitors in 1970s receivers are often past their best, and full restorations replace them.
Big SX models. Owners and restorers report heat stress on the power-supply board of large receivers such as the SX-1250. Ask what has been done.
Relay, lamps and bias. The protection relay is a common replacement, dial lamps burn out and are often converted to LED, and restorers set the bias and DC offset.
Cassette decks. Check the heads, fast-forward and rewind, Dolby and every button. Belts age even when the deck looks perfect.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
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