The Pioneer SX-1250 is a legendary classic, an extremely powerful stereo receiver for its time and more muscular than some of today’s receivers. This is a coveted vintage Pioneer stereo receiver that even now is highly sought after by collectors and can cost you by the thousands. For such a remarkable stereo receiver, you will definitely need equally impressive matching speakers so that they can sound their absolute best.
If we include today’s modern speakers, there will be a whole list of potential loudspeakers to choose from. This is why we need to learn more about the sonic characteristics and strengths of the Pioneer SX-1250. With more details and information, we will then be able to find the right speakers to pair with this classic stereo receiver. We will also be listing out the best matching speakers to go for later so please continue to read on.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Pioneer SX-1250
The Pioneer SX-1250 is a very powerful receiver with 160 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and with plenty of reserves to handle music peaks. It can also manage speakers with 4 Ohms load impedance. The frequency response is quite impressive for a vintage receiver, it is from 20Hz to 20kHz. With these specs, it shows that the Pioneer SX-1250 can handle most speakers with ease which is great and does open up a lot of options for us. Without looking at the specs, just the size and weight of the SX-1250 alone already show a telltale sign that it is packed with plenty of power and muscles.
It is wide and bulky, you definitely need to provide some room for it. Along with the vintage and high-profile look of the Pioneer SX-1250 will sure stand out in your listening room. Probably will outshine the speakers pairing with it, aesthetically this Pioneer stereo receiver will look great with vintage speakers but will be visually mismatched when paired with most modern speakers. What is truly more important will still be the Pioneer SX-1250 sonic prowess and performance, whether can it still stand its ground even after so many decades have passed.
The warm-sounding nature of the Pioneer SX-1250 is quite apparent the moment you start listening to it, the SX-1250 sounds even warmer than most of the other Pioneer stereo receivers. This is good news for turntable users as the Pioneer SX-1250 sounds beautiful when playing vinyl. The warmth produced by this stereo receiver can probably beat some tube amplifiers which is simply amazing. The sound reproduction is rich and smooth, not to mention, there is clarity as well.
No wonder so many audiophiles fell deeply in love with the Pioneer SX-1250, there is that lovely weight and musical presence which are pleasing to the ears. Furthermore, it has the power to drive your speakers to high volumes and the treble still sounds sweet, never sounding cringe, allowing us to enjoy our favorite tunes for hours. Even if you really crank up the volume, it will still be music to your ears but your neighbors will probably be at your doorsteps. You can hear the passion in the music presentation with clean dynamics and the scale of the sound is exceptional as well. The bass reproduction is solid and tight, dugs deep into the bass extension too.
It is definitely worth the investment to have your Pioneer SX-1250 serviced every now and then, for the sound quality that this classic stereo receiver possesses is simply outstanding and musical. It certainly can compete with modern-day receivers without a doubt and will be an ideal choice for turntable users. To nitpick, the size and weight can be a bummer. We have the necessary details, so without further ado, we will be listing the best speakers to match with the Pioneer SX-1250 classic stereo receiver. The pricing of the speakers will not really be a factor since the price point of SX-1250 can vary by quite a lot and due to this, it is difficult to keep it near to the Pioneer receiver’s price range.
Pioneer SX-1250 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 160 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (RMS), 200 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%
- Minimum Speaker Load Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Inputs: 2 Play/Tape inputs, 2 Phono inputs, 1 MIC input, 1 AUX input
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 Pre-out, 2 Tape REC outputs
- Dimensions: 556mm x 186.5mm x 464.5mm (21.9″ x 7.3″ x 18.3″)
- Weight: 29.2kg (64.4lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Pioneer SX-1250
The Pioneer HPM 150 is probably the very best speaker to match with your Pioneer SX-1250 as it is made by the same company and at about the same period, they should share similar sonic signatures which will help them work seamlessly together and bring the best out from each other. The stereo imaging of the Pioneer HPM 150 is impeccable and you can play them at high volumes without worrying they will sound too harsh or hard. It may be easy on the ears but these Pioneer vintage speakers have that beautiful sound quality that engages you. The Pioneer HPM 150 are solid performers and definitely a worthy match to your SX-1250.
The Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV is the modern successor of one of the most iconic loudspeakers that were ever made. With newer and better drivers, not to mention, modern-day craftsmanship but still has all the strengths from its legendary predecessor. Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV is definitely a worthy match to partner up with your beloved Pioneer SX-1250 stereo receiver. With the high efficiency of the Heresy IV coupled with the high power outputs of the SX-1250, you are going to rock your listening room at loud volumes, filled with energy and lively performance. You should really hear them out.
More Info at Amazon – Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV
Another amazing modern classic will be the JBL L100, it has the vintage look and sonic performance to match with your Pioneer SX-1250. The classic Pioneer stereo receiver has the power to drive the L100 speakers with ease and really make them sing. The dynamics of the JBL L100 will help provide a more energetic musical performance, entertaining you right from the start, and what’s even more impressive, that there will be plenty of insights to boot. A massive amount of musical details are revealed but never sounding clinical. Furthermore, the bass performance of the JBL L100 is powerful and agile. Also able to produce very deep bass with ease.
More Details at Amazon – Deer Creek Audio Steel Speaker Stands for JBL L100
If you really like warm-sounding bookshelf speakers that match well with your Pioneer SX-1250 then the Wharfedale Denton 85 will be a superb choice for you. The SX-1250 stereo receiver can effortlessly drive the Denton 85 standmounters. They may be smooth and pleasing to the ears but these bookshelf speakers can be quite analytical and pull out subtle musical nuances. Aesthetically, the Wharfedale Denton 85 matches really well with the Pioneer SX-1250, and furthermore, they are modestly priced which makes them even more attractive. They also pack some weight and authority when it comes to bass reproduction.
More Info at Amazon – Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary
Looking for a pair of remarkable floor-standing speakers that have an energetic performance and are affordably priced, then perhaps the Dali Oberon 5 will be the ideal choice for you. These are an entertaining pair of floor-standing speakers that is expressive and has a fantastic rhythm which makes you want to tap your toes whenever you listen to the Oberon 5. There are also pretty revealing but don’t sound analytical nor clinical. One of their greatest strengths will be how well they produce the vocals, it is full of energy and emotions. Pair them with your Pioneer SX-1250 stereo receiver and you have a sound system that entertains you for hours on end.
More Info at Amazon – Dali Oberon 5 – Dark Walnut (Pair)
The GoldenEar Triton Three+ is for listeners who want deep bass performance as this pair of floor-standing speakers are integrated with an active subwoofer each, enabling them to hit as low as 21Hz. For such full-range speakers, the GoldenEar Triton Three+ are sanely priced and your Pioneer SX-1250 is powerful enough to drive them. These floor-standers are suitable for home theater use as well and will be fantastic for bass fanatics. The soundstage is very wide and has depth, the bass performance is rhythmically tight. The overall sound reproduction is also very detailed which makes the GoldenEar Triton Three+ a fantastic all-rounder that can handle most music genres and will be an excellent match with the Pioneer SX-1250.
To Sum It Up
The Pioneer SX-1250 is certainly one of the very best stereo receivers that are ever made, the durability and the sound quality still hold their own even to this day. It definitely deserves to be paired with the finest and the listed speakers here are some of the best matching ones you can go for. These speakers are worth your time and effort to have a listen, see if you like the sound quality they are producing. You can start by filtering the listed speakers by price and choose the ones that fit your budget. It will be terrific if you could audition these speakers in your own listening room as this would give you a more accurate result.
